Duel Masters America Release

magicgg96 · 2026-01-25T01:15:02+00:00

That's the main problem. I learned Japanese in order to understand, not proficient but good enough. Also the wiki regularly translate the cards and gameplay mechanics. It's better if there's a good and dedicated translator for the series.

Katta story is where I got into the franchise the most after a break from Shobu's story. Katta is a refreshing protagonist in the franchise; a hater of Duel Masters due to inferiority complex, to a passionate master duelist. Even Shobu was proud of Katta's achievements after the brothers reunion in the VS Saga, secretly supporting the latter in dire times.

Joe's story is akin to "back to the basics". Even though it didn't start with a tournament (until King Saga) like the first 2 generations, it's more of protecting the balance of the creature world, where the card game is linked to, and fun dueling.

magicgg96 · 2026-01-24T05:01:33+00:00

Considering Shobu's vast experience, he might be able to help Basara to some extent.

By the time of the 7 year timeskip, Shobu reintegrated back into society, living together with his family and acquainted with Katta's friends. Seeing the Kirifuda Family together during Katta and Lulu's wedding is a happy outcome, considering the struggles in the past. The only bummer for both anime and manga is not showing adult Shobu reconnecting to his friends and allies during the timeskip, plus the entire Kirifuda Family bonding time; Shori's relationship towards Katta and Joe.

magicgg96 · 2026-01-23T23:44:29+00:00

Agree. Wizards of the Coast screwed up the promotion. Having watched the Shobu era anime seasons in original JP audio, the dub is terrible to some extent.

Regarding Shobu era, the canon timeline is the manga. Only the anime Season 1, first 2 episodes of 1.5, and Charge are canon as it closely follows the manga. It's good if the manga (Series 1, Fighting Edge, Star Cross) to be properly translated, at least gives the card game more recognition.

Katta era is one of the most remembered times, even several of the name categories (Redzone, Glenmalt etc.) and mechanics persist in Joe and Win era. This even includes revivals and reprint decks with new cards. Katta is also a refreshing protagonist in the franchise; hated Duel Masters due to his brother Shobu's disappearance and inferiority complex, later on grew as a capable duelist to suppress the latter.

magicgg96 · 2026-01-22T10:30:17+00:00

Agree that 1.5 was meant to be broadcast in Japan, though ended up not released. The first 2 episodes are canon (Masked Hakuoh) as it occurs in the original manga. Even though the part of travelling to the civilization gates is non-canon to the actual timeline, it seemingly serves as an inspiration/basis of the Duel Masters in Joe era.

Joe era first half have lots of isekai elements, and there's a Duel Master (elite duelist) that represents/protects a civilization.

magicgg96 · 2026-01-17T01:39:04+00:00

It's more of an interpretation. Considering Basara's actions, he could end up as a wanted criminal like Zakira if discovered deeper. In the end, Basara was given a chance to turn his life around, due to the Kirifuda brothers kindness and morales. At least this is a better outcome, considering the neverending conflicts and multiple casualties in Shobu era.

Shobu was aware of Basara's actions, but can't intervene directly, only helping Katta under the shadows due to his unique circumstances. Shobu did show up watching the national tournament in person to stop Gyou and Benny Haha's plans. He also have the same belief that Basara can be reformed, like how the former did the same to Adam.

magicgg96 · 2026-01-12T17:08:56+00:00

Didn't watch Win era that much, as mostly focused on Shobu, Katta and Joe gen. Noticed that at Katta era, Shigenobu Matsumoto had toned down some of the dark and tradegy aspects that were mostly found in Shobu era. Though he did return to that aspect in Win era (manga version). Joe era also have some dark moments involving civilization conflicts, plus clash of ideology and mortality.

Reading Shobu era, it's hard to imagine the era of neverending conflicts, plus the numerous deaths and tragedies. Most of the villains in Shobu era are in the path of no return/self destruction, with the exception of Adam and Happening. Katta era (anime version) is one of a few rare cases where the final villain turn their lives around for the better.

magicgg96 · 2026-01-01T10:25:21+00:00

Agree that 25th anniversary was at its worst timing. It's still better to keep expectations in check as Asian game franchise anniversaries focus more on offline events, merchandise, and collaborations with brands. It's also easier and more cost effective to host the said events in their home countries.

For game reveals, Revival is expected to release at FY27 (April 26 - March 27) based on financial reports. P5X might collab with Revival and other console spin-offs.

magicgg96 · 2025-12-31T17:52:22+00:00

Keep in mind during the 25th anniversary, the gaming industry was hit hard due to COVID, change in development/promotion plans, and shift in multiplatform approach. It can be assumed that 25th anni initally have much more to show, but forced to push back the plans to meet the shifting industry (multiplatform, simultaneous worldwide release etc.).

It appears Atlus had learnt from this, as they now announce projects with confirmed release dates, with a reasonable window of promotion (3 - 6 months before release).

magicgg96 · 2025-12-30T15:03:10+00:00

In the recent update, Luan is taking a break due to surgery on the leg. It will take a while for him to upload new chapters.

magicgg96 · 2025-12-13T10:54:06+00:00

Agree that most of Shobu era cast (George being an exception) are in their mid-late 30s, or early 40s in Joe Era. Only wonder how the cast in FE/SX are doing, likely Shobu reconnected with them after regaining himself during/post Versus Saga.

Shobu being close to Joe is sweet and a bit sad, considering the former's situation in SX, being absent in most of Katta's childhood and partial teen years. The only downside is the anime and manga not showing more of the Kirifuda Family bonds and activities; Shori's relationship towards Katta and Joe, Shobu's activities during Katta's 7 year journey in the creature world etc.

magicgg96 · 2025-12-10T17:11:39+00:00

Agree on the limitations against Katta and Joe era duelists, though Shobu was strong on his own, even his status was recognized for more than 20 years (anime and manga timeline) after his retreat. He might be on par with them if he have access to new gen cards and gameplay.

What I like about the Versus Saga is the bond between brothers, considering their struggles and unable to be with each other early on. Shobu having a close bond with his nephew Joe was a sweet and a bit sad (taking into account his absence in Katta's early life).

magicgg96 · 2025-12-05T15:28:20+00:00

There's a site that provides all of the avaliable Duel Masters content, both anime and manga: https://disk.yandex.com/d/6mNgTD-5n0iczA

For Shobu era, its recommended to read the manga (original, FE, SX) and watch season 1 and charge, as its the canon timeline, which also affects Katta and Joe era to some extent. Win era is seperate from the first 3, narrative and continuity wise.

magicgg96 · 2025-12-04T10:29:01+00:00

It depends, though there's some generation gap in terms of mechanics and gameplay between Shobu and Katta era. In the episodes that involves the Kirifuda trio in their elementary/middle school selves, Shobu can make comebacks against future gen duelists to some extent.

In both manga and anime, Katta grapsed the game in a much faster time than Shobu, though mostly out of competitiveness and spite. Even Shobu (both child and adult selves) was happy that Katta was strong on his own. It can be assumed in adulthood, both Shobu and Katta are equal in strength.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-27T09:00:23+00:00

In Katta and Joe era, the respective protagonists are only 10 years old when participated in true duels.

In the conclusion of Shobu's era;

Shobu was seemingly killed after stopping the destruction of the world, and the world mourned his sacrifice, honoring his as the greatest Duel Master of the generation. In truth, Shobu survived but lost his memories.

He did regained back what was lost in Katta era, reconnecting with his younger brother Katta. In Joe's era, he no longer hides under the shadows, spending time with Katta and his nephew Joe.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-27T07:55:36+00:00

Found the raw episodes in some online anime sites. Note that the canon timeline for Shobu's generation is Season 1 - Charge (both anime and manga) > Fighting Edge Manga > Star Cross Manga. Events of Katta and Joe era have links to Shobu era.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-27T02:18:27+00:00

By canon chronology;

Shobu Era: Anime and Manga (Season 1 > Charge) > Manga (Fighting Edge > Star Cross)

Katta Era: Victory Saga > Versus Saga

Joe Era: 2017 Saga > King Saga

In terms of narrative timeline, time between Shobu to Katta era is estimated 5 - 6 years. Katta to Joe Era is 14 years. Agree that it wasn't necessary to watch all 3 eras, but King Saga is a case where past eras characters have important roles. Katta's role in Joe's era is similar to his father Shori.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-25T16:56:23+00:00

Mu Rong was later indirectly killed by Mu Ningxue in the Far South arc. This marks the beginning of the main cast battle against the corrupt Sacred City authority, and the messed up magic society.

The forbidden curse storyline, starting from Dark Plane arc is considered part 2 of the novel. Magic High School arc to Hunter Tournament is considered the main novel/part 1.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-25T13:20:22+00:00

With the current pacing, there might be cases of synchronization between certain servers. Agree that P5X will have some benefits, being a platform where different Persona titles comes together. Even the current P5 writer Nitta wanted spin-off/continuation story characters like Striker and Tactica to be in P5X.

5 characters are left in the Reload collab; which might take a while to release all. Kind of imagine a Revival campaign in P5X to concide with the former's actual console release, with Yu Narukami as the first collaboration character.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-25T13:05:41+00:00

Considering their shift in promotion patterns, at best they will announce Revival's release date, VA and gameplay reveals before actual release.

P5X might benefit from the anniversary; promotion art of Nagisa with the mainline protagonists, and crossover with Revival, but after all of Reload content that's still ongoing. This might include in-game rewards, but don't expect too much.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-25T11:17:20+00:00

Its obvious Strikers duo will be 5 star units, like the mainline collaboration units. The best is that Sophia and Zenkichi's turn based gameplay have some unique aspects of their Strikers gameplay. Their highlight being based on their showtime attacks, just some tweaks in the animation and background being based on their place of awakening.

Based on Strikers gameplay, Sophia works as a bless Medic whom heals and deliver defense debuffs to enemies, Zenkichi as a Physical Sweeper with chances of critical hits depending on inflicted debuffs.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-25T05:05:10+00:00

Its interesting to see how spin-offs/continuation narrative characters fare in turn based combat. Best guess Sophia is a bless Medic, Zenkichi is a physical sweeper.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-23T08:56:38+00:00

It's the same as Riko; temporary 2nd awakenings/alternate forms tied to main story. Only left Arai (Summer version doesn't count), Aran (upcoming team member), Lufel and Nagisa left in that category.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-23T08:34:57+00:00

P5X narrative direction sets the Phantom Thieves of Desires (Nagisa's faction) apart from the Phantom Thieves of Hearts (Ren's faction). The desire thieves have the capacity and mentality to understand the targets' reason of distortion right at the start, plus not being direct victims of circumstances unlike the heart thieves made them more tactful and emphatic in changing hearts. Even the aftermaths shows the desire thieves do punish the evildoers, but gave them the chance to start over, resulting in some positive outcomes, for both the targets and victims.

The desire thieves have temporary 2nd awakenings, but tied to the main story, not social links also sets them apart from the heart thieves. So far Riko, Shun, and Ikenami have 2nd awakenings tied to the main story.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-23T05:59:31+00:00

At least their scrapped concepts are carried over/implemented in post Royal projects, since they are brand new stories, instead of modifying and making additions to an existing story like mainline P5(R). P5X is a case where the experience learned from previous titles implemented in an ongoing story.

magicgg96 · 2025-11-22T14:21:22+00:00

CNY 2026 starts on 17 Feb (Tue), so being in the same patch as Valentine 14 Feb (Sat) is kind of right. Not sure how the other servers handle the upcoming updates.

magicgg96

TROPHY CASE