My Hopes and Expectations for YU-GI-OH! MASTER DUEL
At the end of 2020, Konami announced that they’re currently working on a new digital game for Yu-Gi-Oh! that is currently called Master Duel. Since then we have not heard anything else about this title, but we do know that it will use the Master Rules and be digital “similar to Duel Links.” That being said, I’ve been watching a few content creators talk about what they expect to see and hope to see from the title and I thought I would offer my two cents.
First, I want to talk about what I expect to see from Master Duel. This title was probably developed after seeing how ill-equipped Yu-Gi-Oh! is for a virtual scene in the age of COVID-19. I kind of expect this to be nothing more than Duel Links but with Master Rules instead of Speed Duels. In that case, I would expect it to have all the same features as Duel Links and start us off with cards from the early days of the TCG as they gradually add more cards to get it closer to the current meta.
So, what do I hope we’ll see in the game? A lot. I don’t expect all or any of these to be implemented, but I would love it if they did. One thing that I want them to utilize are the card passwords and/or implement passwords for packs a la Pokémon TCG. This would be a way to reward duelists for purchasing physical products as they could use a code to unlock a pack or card in-game. I know using the card passwords is less likely since it’s easy to just use the internet to unlock the best cards, but it is something I miss from old Yu-Gi-Oh! video games.
Another feature that I want is the implementation of older ban lists. Not everyone likes playing the current meta of Yu-Gi-Oh! and some want to travel back in time. That’s why series like History of Yu-Gi-Oh! and The Progression Series are doing so well on YouTube. I think Konami would get a lot of good will if they did this and isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Once again, this is a feature that has existed in previous Yu-Gi-Oh! video games.
Third, let’s improve card acquisition. In Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution, you just have to keep buying packs until you eventually get all the cards sometimes forcing you to waste thousands upon thousands of your in-game currency. What do I propose? Well, Duel Links actually has a decent system where if you go through a whole pack you’ll get a set number of copies per card and you can reset the box if you need more of the higher rarities. Another thing that would help with this that I think would be cool is to implement trading. Yu-Gi-Oh! is supposed to be a trading card game after all. At the very least, let us copy Duel Links and be able to recycle our 4th+ copies of cards for in-game resources instead of just having 20 copies of Ojama Yellow doing nothing in our collection.
Fourth, have different formats. I already touched lightly on this with the use of older ban lists, but there’s more to it. Have 2v2 be included, drafting, and Pegasus Challenge modes to start, but be able and willing to implement more ideas, maybe even asking the community for ideas. I think a new mode with Deck Masters like in the anime would be a lot of fun. Speed Duels won’t be included, but maybe Rush Duels? I know nothing about Rush Duels except that a fair number of people want them brought over, so I’m not even sure if that would be feasible or not.
The final point I want to talk about is accessibility in a few meanings. Master Duel should have plenty of accessibility options available for players including screen readers and more. It should also be accessible to duelists. I think the best route here would be to copy Duel Links and launch on PC and mobile devices. Konami could maybe consider doing console launches but they would have to ensure that it is cross-play and cross-progression. I also think the price should be free. Yes, there will be micro-transactions, but as long as all cards are available in-game without the need for paying (and without having ridiculous barriers to reach without paying) then micro-transactions can be fine. Being free will also help the game serve as a free tutorial to get people interested in the digital and physical products. If the digital version costs money to play then you’re probably not getting too many new players. What are your hopes for Master Duel?
Via: Beyond the Duel