Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Duel Academy

"One step backward but not too bad."

I like this game but it took a step backward. I preferred TSC and ROD even though these games didn't play like a the traditional card game. At least you got a rpg style game which is better than Duel after Duel after Duel. However this game is the best so far for straight up dueling. The banned list a little annoying but the AI is better than all those other games.

Moving on

Gameplay 8/10
I took off 2 points for not having the RPG style elements of the two previous games. The game is good overall. It has new puzzle duels , capabilities for multiple decks, and Dueling tests. This gives it the feel your actually in the duel academy. The Card base is the largest so far. The game also has random events that add a little bit to what can get repetitive. the duel test have 3 sections a written exam which test your card knowledge of fusions, atk power, effects, spells, and traps. Then the timed duel in which you must solve a puzzle. Then the practical duel which you must accomplish a certain task to earn points. these tasks include using spells, traps, doing battle, Ritual summoning fusion summoning and more.

Sound 7/10
The sound is good quality and changes occasionally during the duel. I usually play with sound off though so I don't give much mind to this. The sound has no major problems. But, it can get repetitive after a good while playing the game.

Graphics 9/10
Well the only thing I can say for the graphics in a card is there not hard to mess up. I'm still waiting for monster sprites though. that would be nice and could earn a 10. however this similar to all previous games, you have you basic cards on a field. The character animations are very good. Occasionally in a duel the people your dueling burst on screen and have a little window were there getting hit from a direct attack or hitting you with a good move.

Over all I give it a 8/10

Buy or rent? Well if your a Duelist buy it for the cards. If not then you probably wouldn't like this game. So i'd say buy!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/20/06