Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force

"Konami's finally got the perfect formula."

Once again, Konami has revealed it's newest installation in the Yu Gi Oh series, and to say the least, it is definitely a success. Where previous Yu Gi Oh games have failed, this one compensates, partially due to the exquisite graphics, and partially to the huge selection of cards in the game. But, it doesn't stop there. New features have been added to this game that make it the best Yu Gi Oh game to date, by far. The newest installment of the series starts off at Duel Academy, home of Jaden Yuki of the new, Yu Gi Oh: GX series airing on Cartoon Network. Unlike some of the other Yu Gi Oh games, this one actually has a plot. While weak, it still allows tons of freedom, but we'll get to that in time. Needless to say, if you are a fan, you should definitely pick this up. Sporting over 2000 cards, tons of opponents and the ever-so infinite replay value that Yu Gi Oh games have always had, this game definitely stands up to the rest.

Graphics: 10/10

What can I say? This games makes full use of the PSP's graphic engine, and brings the characters and cards to life. While the normal outdoor map is drawn in a "chibi' styling, the characters are still easily recognizable. If you played Nightmare Troubadour and hated the trouble of finding duelists using the touch-screen map, you're in for a surprise. This game allows you to walk around in a 3rd person point of view, making the game into a certainly feasible RPG, or as RPG-like as Yu Gi Oh games get. On the outside map, characters are still pretty well drawn, as well as features, however once you get to the actual duel, the game's graphics really shine. In this game, cards are very, very easily recognizable. The PSP's screen makes it easy to see pictures on cards, and: get this. During duels, when facing main characters, their key monsters will have special summoning and attacking animations. For example, when Jaden summons Flame Wingman, or Zane summons Cyber End Dragon, a special animation plays, really brining the game to life. All in all, the graphics of this particular installment have definitely improved, eye candy for your day-to-day Yu Gi Oh fan.

Sound 9/10

I don't really have a problem with the sound. To say the least, it's not all that great, but in the same sense, it's not all that bad. In such, one major dissappointment of this game is that the voiceovers are taken out. Yes, yes it can be a bit irritating, but if you really have a problem, it takes no more effort then turning the PSP's sound off and cranking up your iPod. While voiceovers really could've been used, it's nothing to cry about. During duels, an interesting little ditty will play depending on the situation. If you're evenly matched, a mellow tune will play in the background. When you're winning, it transitions to an upbeat one, and when you're losing, it turns dark and foreboding. Overall, not too bad for a PSP game.

Gameplay: 10/10

If I could score this game's gameplay above a 10, I'd probably give it something in the upper 20's. If you're a Yu Gi Oh fan: you're buying a game that will last a lifetime. Honestly, this game just takes Yu GI Oh to a different level. The game takes on a bit of an RPG approach, and now you can talk to main characters from the anime, and interact with them in kind. The plot flows mainly like so. You are a student that has just come to Duel Academy. You have 92 days to get a partner for the Tag Force tournament coming up soon. There's much more, but I won't spoil the game for all of your readers. Although I was originally turned off by the prospect of having a time limit, it really is no bother at all. Once you beat the game, you can go back and replay all three parts, and it really just never gets old. The days move very slowly, and if you're focued on just getting DP for buying packs, you can just go to Free Duel mode. For me, this was the highlight of the entire game. Personally, I love having the freedom to duel however much as you want, whenever you want. This game implements a free duel mode, where you can select modes of play (e.g: single, tag, special rules), and allows you to duel your opponent(s) outside of the actual story mode. Not only is this a great way to rack up loads of DP, it also adds an infinite replay value.

Rent or Buy? Buy

Replayable? Definitely.

Overall: 10/10 Get this game if you're a fan, or if you just happen to like the TCG or previous games. You will not be dissappointed.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/06