Last year marked the 25th anniversary of Yu-Gi-Oh!, a milestone that undoubtedly made both players and long-time fans pause and reflect on the passage of time. To keep the celebratory spirit alive, Konami rolled out more festivities in honor of this ‘Quarter Century’ of the card game we all know and enjoy. As part of the tribute, they launched Yu-Gi-Oh! The Early Days Collection, a videogame compilation featuring about 14 games from the card game’s early years. It spans platforms like the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. As an enthusiast of the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game, I approached this collection with a mix of nostalgia and skepticism. The faint memories I had of these games suggested they were more about capturing the anime’s allure than faithfully translating the card game experience. And, sure enough, that impression turned out to be spot on. Yet, for those dedicated to the franchise, there’s an undeniable charm hidden within this retro package—if you’re willing to search for it.
Let’s tackle the obvious first: this collection boasts 14 authentic Yu-Gi-Oh! games that were released between 1998 and 2005. From the original DMG Game Boy games that were Japan-exclusive, now making their English debut, to the Game Boy Advance World Championship series that aimed to simulate battles as closely as possible, there’s a lot to unpack. While the sheer volume of games is impressive, there are quite a few intricacies to consider. The early Game Boy iterations are essentially stepping stones in the card game’s evolution, with Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters II: Dark Duel Stories merely introducing new cards and rules for deck balance. In the West, Dark Duel Stories (known as Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4 in Japan) added just a single zone for trap cards. It’s fascinating to witness the rapid evolution of game design and card mechanics within the constraints of budding hardware and a growing card game craze in Japan. However, playing these titles back-to-back can feel repetitive for many. For me, observing the progression in UI and UX elements was intriguing, but often, after a single match, I found myself seeking out more easily approachable games in the collection.
Duel Monsters 3 was the real surprise. Previously available only in Japan, this game follows the Monster World arc, where Yugi’s friends are turned into monsters, trapped in a tabletop roleplaying scenario. The antagonists take on the role of Dungeon Masters. Unlike the other games, this title involves no trading cards. It’s akin to a simplified version of strategy games, where you place monsters on a grid. Each monster’s attack pattern can be influenced by its position and proximity to allies. This setup transforms battles into puzzle-like challenges. A pair of D10 dice are used to determine attack success, with outcomes affecting hit or miss probabilities. The dice even dictate random enemy encounters during boss segments. In contrast, Dungeon Dice Monsters and Destiny Board Traveler take the game in a boardgame direction. Dungeon Dice Monsters attempts to capture a forgotten spin-off, involving players using cubes on an isometric grid to create paths and attack opponents. While conceptually intriguing, the absence of tutorials leaves one grappling with a cumbersome manual until the game mechanics become intuitive. This is just one of the obstacles this collection throws at you. The user experience isn’t terrible, but there are noticeable gaps. The manuals reset to the first page every time you open them, which is particularly frustrating in rule-heavy games like Dungeon Dice Monsters. Similarly, the unique type chart in earlier games further complicates things, featuring types not present in the original card game, such as ‘dreams’ and ‘shadow.’ Although you can rewind gameplay for up to a minute, there’s no fast-forward option, which would have been useful for the CPU-heavy duel simulator titles on the GBA.
One of the biggest letdowns is the online support, or lack thereof. Only Duel Monsters 4 allows for duels against others and card trading. It’s perplexing that this functionality is limited to a title that was only available in Japan. Even more odd is the presence of cheat menus across games to bypass card acquisition and duelist point limitations. Because Duel Monsters 4 has three different versions (Yugi, Kaiba, and Joey’s decks), inter-version dueling is possible but lacks incentive. It would have been more intriguing to see online multiplayer for games like Stairway to the Destined Duel or even World Tournament 2004, favored by long-time fans. Perhaps it will come in a future update, but presently, the online feature feels like an afterthought that does little to sway potential buyers.
Among the odd choices is the inclusion of Duel Monsters 6: Expert 2. Apparently, this GBA game was a hit during Yu-Gi-Oh!’s peak in Japan, making its presence justified. Yet, unlike its translated counterparts, this remains only in Japanese. While it has a Western counterpart in Stairway to the Destined Duel, its existence as a separate, untranslated entry is baffling. All other formerly Japanese-exclusive games are presented with language options, but this stands alone, leaving one scratching their head.
In essence, the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection is a glimpse into the brand’s quirky history before it cemented itself in the modern card game market. While the vast array of games is impressive, the execution lacks the polish and attention necessary for a throwback of this caliber. With missing quality of life improvements, challenging gameplay mechanics that require frequent manual consulting, a Japanese-only game entry, and limited online options, the collection seems half-hearted at times. Additional content like concept art or design documents could have further enriched the experience for devoted fans. Gems like The Sacred Cards, Duel Monsters 3, and The Eternal Duelist Soul stand out, but many titles feel like mere steps in the series’ iterative journey or diverge completely from the traditional card gameplay approach. It serves as a historical piece, yet it surprisingly lacks the care and passion for the past it seeks to honor.
So, who would find joy in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days collection? Those yearning to revisit the good old days of Yu-Gi-Oh! might find some moments of nostalgia. On paper, the collection’s size entices, but ultimately, the games may struggle to maintain your interest. I found myself occasionally dipping back into a few for short spurts of gameplay. However, building decks and devising strategies for slightly modified card games wore off as I navigated the later GBA titles. Though it could have provided shared enjoyment with friends, the singular online-supported game diminishes its appeal even for ardent Yu-Gi-Oh! fans. Still, going into the experience with an open mind, especially with some of the more atypical titles, might offer its own brands of fun. Just be ready to appreciate having moved on from those simpler days by the end.
