Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Duel Stories

"Erm... are you sure this was based off of the right game?"

Yes, this game is named Yu-Gi-Oh. But don't let that fool you. This is most definitely not the same game.

Sound: 5/5

It's the GBC. It doesn't hurt my ears, and is longer than 2 measures, so it gets full points.

Graphics: 5/5

Same as with the sound. I don't expect fine art. It doesn't hurt my eyes, and I can see what is happening (not that I want to), so it's fine.

Controls: 7/10

There are a few annoyances editing your deck, but they are fine otherwise.

Gameplay: 8/30

This is what kills it. When you play this, forget all you know about the game. It is completely different.

First off, there is a type advantage system similar to the Pokemon one. But in Pokemon, it is much, much better. In this game, type advantage is absolute. That means that one of the first duelists in the game can topple my Summoned Skull with 1 really weak monster, as long as they have the right type.

Second, you get really bad cards at the beginning of the game. And you are not allowed to use better ones until you get a certain "Duelist level". And even then, you can only have so many decent cards until your "Deck capacity" fills up and you aren't allowed to put in more.

Third, there is the card construction system. Normally, you get bad monsters from it, but occasionally you get 4-star monsters with 2000 attack and 2500 defense. That is hardly fair.

Fourth, the stupid AI. They will attack any card you put facedown with any monster that has more than 0 attack points. Yes, even if you have a Blue Eyes out on the field. And every opponent is completely incapable of strategy past "Attack enemy. Defend if enemy too strong."

Fifth, the magic and trap cards. Except for field and equip cards, you get 1 slot, and traps put in it disappear randomly. Then, when your trap is triggered, the game will have second thoughts and do nothing. If it sounds bad... well, that's because it is.

Sixth, the rules.

Nope, you are not allowed to put really strong monsters in your deck at the beginning of the game! Now fight a monster that has no type weakness and 3700 attack points as your fifth opponent! Oh, and you can't have more than 1 of broken cards in your deck! Now fight the "final" boss that has 3 Jirai Gumo (who in this game, have no effect), and 3 Change of Hearts (which in this game, steal your monster forever)!

Overall, this does not hold true to the card game. It stinks anyway though.

Rent or buy

If you can find it, it'll be cheap, so just buy it, have a laugh, and use it as a firestarter. This is another one of those games that is so bad, it's funny, which saves it from getting a 1.

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 11/28/05