When Yu-Gi-Oh Sevens was first announced, several fans were annoyed that the original Duel Monsters anime would not be receiving a reboot to celebrate the Twentieth Anniversary. Instead, another spin off series was born, only this time it was used to promote a new spin off game. Instead of new extra deck monsters. It looked like a complete train wreck of an idea.
I was fully prepared to tear this series apart and mock it all the way through after hearing about the backlash. But when I finally started watching the show, a strange feeling of joy came over me. The nostalgia of tribute summoning from classic Duel Monsters. Only now the satisfaction has been altered into adrenaline. The new Rush Duel anime is really entertaining to watch. I can safely say that after watching the entirety of the first season without getting bored, I think this may be one of the best monster tamer anime's I've ever watched.
By allowing players to draw multiple cards and normal summon every card in their hand. The monster variety remains fresh throughout the entire duel. Not only that, but it also allows adds spotlight an underrated dueling style I rarely see these days. It takes me back to the days when I was first learning how to duel.
The plot is also very enjoyable, Yuga Ohdo is tired of the old Duel Monsters formula, so he hacks into an ancient system to create Rush Duels. But because the company despises change, Goha Enterprises wishes to erase Rush Duels from existence. Targeting Yuga and his friends at every turn.
What I really like about Yuga is that, he's like a reverse Maxamillion Pegasus. He's a game creator who doesn't wish to destroy the old system, but rather create a new path for people to take. His main goal isn't even to become a master duelist, but he knows that in order to defend the game he loves, he has to become strong to keep building that road.
His friends are also very likable. I thought they were all going to be generic clones of past protagonists, especially with the designs of Luke and Gavin. But they're all very likable. Luke is egotistical, but in a very goofy and quirky way. Gavin is a student council control freak who has to deal with friends who constantly break the rules. And Romin is an inspiring rockstar who's learning to discover her secret passion for dueling.
Even the side characters are likable. They feel naturally apart of the story and like to come back every now and then to aid the heroes, while also showing off a new boss monster or two. Best of all, the animation allows these simple design characters to be incredibly expressive and move in very hilarious ways. While I will agree the hair animation looks off, the animation itself has a lot of care behind it, despite the simple designs of the characters.
This show may have a simple plot, but it keeps me interest with its creative duels and its natural comedy, while moving at a constant pace. Without a trace of annoying filler to be found. This is actually what I wanted from Yu-Gi-Oh Gx. A show with a relatable setting, decent comedy, and clean dueling action. Where that show succeeded was with its "relatable school setting" theme. Where it failed was when it tried to be dark and intense like the original.
So I'm happy to say, this new direction was unexpectedly enjoyable. I am sick and tired of these new Yu-Gi-Oh shows that try to act all epic, with underwhelming climaxes, endless filler, and forced comedy. Unlike those past shows, Yu-Gi-Oh Sevens knows what it wants to be and knows how to keeps its entertaining elements fresh. Check it out and get ready for the rush.
