Yu-Gi-Oh!

Created by Toei Animation off the manga of the name name by Kazuki Takahasi, this Yu-Gi-Oh! Likely isn't the one you remember, if of course like me you grew up with the classic Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, its pseudo-successor / revamp which was to launch a few years later in 2000. Originally starting that newer more recognizable version of the series, I eventually got very bored during mid-3rd season and decided to switch to this series instead. Again we follow the similar tale of Yugi, a freshman in highschool who solves his grandfather's millennium puzzle and unlocks the spirit of the shadow games within. Unlike the other, we focus much more on games generally, rather than the custom card game we all know, created for and marketed by that later show. Only a single season, we meet a lot of familiar characters and end up in similar locations. There's some surprising swearing, at least in the subbed version I was watching, which caught me off guard, but otherwise is generally the same kind of tamer kids anime. All in all, much like He-Man's predecessor Blackstar, as soon as some cartoon execs realized they could use a show as marketing material they decided to rebuild an existing trademark from the ground up as essentially promotional material. That said its something I fell for hard as a kid, I spent way too much of my parents money on Yugioh cards, and again still have so much nostalgia for now that I can't help but love it a little bit. Unless you've already watched other Yugioh series to death then certainly check this out, but probably wouldn't generally recommend, and honestly I don't think I'd recommend any other Yugioh save for the first couple season of Duel Monsters generally. Its fine, was fun, but nothing great.

The Yu-Gi-Oh anime adaptation from 1998 that isn't well known is way different then what people know about Yu-Gi-Oh. This series has a way darker tone and instead of being only a card anime it actually has different games that Yami make (even though it also has the famous duel monster) that are made from the victim's sin. The lore is decent, but the way it was executed made it look cliche and stupid (like the really irritating power of friendship thing that we are tired to see). The characters are so so, Miho is just a girl who is too innocent made for fan service and comic relief, Anzu is the girl that is cold but friendly and has some lore involving her atleast, Honda is the second comic relief in love with Miho who just see him as a friend, Kaiba is the main villain who has a past story to not make him just a villain, Yumi is the typical innocent boy who is 100% good but has a dark side which is Yami (the best character by far) and Jonouchi which is comic relief with some completely forgotten lore.

The only thing that makes me want to rewatch it is Yami to be honest, his games are all so cool and explore the personalities of each victim.

Yu-Gi-Oh! (1998) has carried on more than kansas iconic song wayward son, oh on means of how much the story development is. I try to pick apart this show but it's somehow that good actually. 1998 is seamlessly one of those years where movies, shows, content, etc. Cannot age well, although upscale this shows more and this is on rotten tomatoes. I've ignored some of the, oh it's so dark, yet proving to me on saying this show berserks, with platinum rating, including fans critics and people around the world alike making this show very of it's manga adaption only so making it more popular than calling it a abandon show. Honestly I think it's good, but i'll accept other peoples opinions. Besides this proves dragon ball's long story arcs with no development sucks! Yu-Gi-Oh! (1998) oh hell to the yes!

I watched the popular 2000s series before watching this one, so it was a bit of a shock. This series feels like it has a lot more variety of games and stories. For that reason, it is less focused and has less overall arcs. At the same time, it is a bit more grounded and the characters are less cheesy. Viewed as a prototype of the main series, it is interesting and strange.

"Yu-Gi-Oh!" is a thrilling anime that takes us on a captivating journey into the world of card dueling and ancient mysteries. The voice acting is both intense and heartfelt, making Yugi and his friends feel like lifelong companions. The film editing keeps the duels fast-paced and suspenseful, although the repetitiveness of certain episodes may be seen as a weakness. The music adds an extra layer of excitement, enhancing the intensity of the battles. The show's strength lies in its message of strategy, friendship, and the importance of believing in oneself. While the cinematography isn't groundbreaking, it effectively captures the energy and strategy involved in each duel. With an 8/10 rating, "Yu-Gi-Oh!" is a beloved classic that continues to enchant fans with its dueling magic, offering a thrilling ride filled with heart and strategy.