Last year marked a significant milestone for Yu-Gi-Oh! fans as the game celebrated its 25th anniversary, a fact that likely left longtime followers feeling a touch older overnight. In response to this quarter-century milestone, Konami has rolled out a special collection titled Yu-Gi-Oh! The Early Days Collection to honor the beloved card game’s legacy. This collection, which brings together about 14 games from the franchise’s origins, includes titles from platforms like the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. As a dedicated Yu-Gi-Oh! player myself, I couldn’t resist delving into this nostalgic bundle. Although I hadn’t previously experienced all the games on offer, I recalled some being more focused on captivating anime viewers than hardcore card enthusiasts. In retrospect, my instincts were correct, but the final impression wasn’t as jolting as anticipated. Revisiting these classic games might just scratch an itch for the curious, and for the series’ true fans, there’s a hidden charm waiting to be uncovered—though it might take some patience.
Let’s dive into the essentials. This collection boasts 14 complete Yu-Gi-Oh! games launched between 1998 and 2005. It starts with games on the original Game Boy that debuted solely in Japan but are now fully localized in English for the first time. The collection extends to include the Game Boy Advance’s world championship series, which aimed to replicate realistic dueling experiences and even features some unexpected experiments. At first glance, the sheer quantity of games appears impressive, though there are a few caveats. The initial Game Boy titles are primarily incremental updates, refining the card game and adapting new rules during its development phase. For example, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters II: Dark Duel Stories introduces new rules and cards to rebalance gameplay, whereas the Western adaptation called Dark Duel Stories (Japan’s Duel Monsters 4) merely adds a single trap card zone. It’s certainly intriguing to witness how swiftly the game evolved, influenced by both technological constraints and the card game’s burgeoning popularity in Japan. However, experienced players might find these games rather interchangeable, noting how user interfaces and user experiences improved over time. Personally, after a few matches, I quickly shifted my focus to the more user-friendly games within the collection.
Among the surprises was Duel Monsters 3, an intriguing title previously exclusive to Japan. It takes inspiration from the Monster World arc where Yugi’s pals are transformed into monsters within a tabletop roleplaying game, almost like a stripped-down version of Fire Emblem. Each monster possesses unique attack patterns and benefits from field positions and proximity to allies. This twist makes every battle feel like solving a compact puzzle. When determining attack outcomes, two ten-sided dice are rolled, adding a layer of chance that is even employed during boss sequences. This innovative yet uncomplicated system sets it apart from other games in the collection. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Dungeon Dice Monsters and Destiny Board Traveler, which attempt to infuse a boardgame-like feel into Yu-Gi-Oh!. Dungeon Dice Monsters digitalizes the less remembered spin-off game, pitting two players on an isometric board where they maneuver cubes to attack their foe’s dice master. In theory, it’s a winning concept, yet without even rudimentary tutorials, players are left grappling with a dense manual until the mechanics stick. My enthusiasm waned as I wrestled with some frustrating aspects of the collection: while you can access game manuals easily, they reset to the first page every time you open them again—a challenge for complex games like Dungeon Dice Monsters. Moreover, the distinctive monster type chart found in early games and RPGs adds confusion, as types that don’t exist in the card game, such as ‘dreams’ and ‘shadow’, can abruptly end a battle. Though you can rewind gameplay for one minute at any time, there isn’t a fast-forward option. This absence is noticeable in GBA duel simulators where the CPU takes its time deliberating moves.
Discussing online support, or rather the lack of it, is also crucial. Only Duel Monsters 4 allows for online duels and card trading, making it a peculiar choice since it was originally Japan-exclusive. Even more puzzling is that this game includes cheat menus to unlock cards and circumvent duelist point restrictions. Had Duel Monsters 4 not been split into three versions (specific to Yugi, Kaiba, and Joey), things could’ve been different. Although it is possible to duel between versions, there’s little motivation to do so. Incorporating online features for more popular games like Stairway to the Destined Duel or even World Tournament 2004 might have captivated seasoned players. This could be revised in the future, but for now, the online component feels like a missed opportunity, offering little incentive for fans eager to revisit the collection.
Another odd decision is the inclusion of Duel Monsters 6: Expert 2. This GBA title is reputedly one of the series’ most popular entries during Yu-Gi-Oh!’s peak in Japan. Although it fits logically, it remains untranslated—entirely in Japanese. While a case could be made that this game inspired the Western-released Stairway to the Destined Duel with adaptations for the English trading card game, its standalone presence in full Japanese feels awkward. Other games in the collection allow you to select language options, but this one is in its category, making its untranslated state even more perplexing.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection embodies dual aspects of nostalgia and missed opportunities. It’s undeniably fascinating to stroll through Yu-Gi-Oh!’s lesser-known history before it transformed into a streamlined card game following numerous animated series or duel simulators. However, despite an impressive scope, the overall polish and attention to detail are lackluster. Often, it seems like a half-hearted anniversary offering, with quality-of-life enhancements falling short. Navigating some games without frequent manual checks feels daunting, and leaving one title in Japanese stands out as a strange misstep. Additionally, there’s a lack of supplementary artwork, concepts, or design notes, which could have enriched the experience for die-hard Yu-Gi-Oh! enthusiasts. While certain entries like The Sacred Cards, Duel Monsters 3, The Eternal Duelist Soul, and 7 Trials to Glory shine, many others feel like minor tweaks or deviate significantly from the traditional card game experience. This collection is an intriguing relic, albeit one that demonstrates limited appreciation for its historical roots.
Who would enjoy Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days? For those yearning for an old-school Yu-Gi-Oh! experience, there’s potential to find joy here. Although the sheer number of games is sizable, they may not captivate players for long. I found myself gravitating back to a few for quick fun. However, tinkering with deck strategies eventually bored me through the later GBA titles. Playing with friends sounds appealing, yet with only one game supporting online play, recommending this to even the most fervent Yu-Gi-Oh! devotees is challenging. Setting aside high expectations and approaching the collection with an adventurous spirit, especially for its quirkier entries, can still be delightful. Be prepared, though: by the end, you might just feel relieved to leave those early days behind.
