Posts Tagged ‘Naruto Cards’

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Economizing Naruto Decks: Why Some Cards Just Don’t Fit

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO posted on August 14th, 2010 by JR

In some cases, you may find a card from the Naruto collectible card game that has no real special ability. On cards such as these, the area that would define an effect is left blank. That is not, of course, to say they’re useless. However, it’s usually a good idea to try to make each card serve some sort of dual purpose.

For instance, a player made need a particularly strong stat-laden card. If that card also has some kind of special ability that gives it a purpose beyond simply being a brute, it becomes more valuable in the deck. Since they are only a limited number of cards that can be in a deck at any time, this sort of economy might become important.

Just for the sake of an example, let’s use the Raido Namiashi (N-099) card. It’s a very early card, but it serves to illustrate this concept very well. Namiashi has no effect; he simply acts as a Shinobi in place. His 4/2 3/1 stats aren’t necessarily bad, but he has no special effect beyond being defined as a special jonin.

As an interesting aside, the Naruto CCG wiki points out that Namiashi can translate as “walking peace.” Likewise, Raido can mean “following blindly.”

Since the stats of a card might be so great that the card is an absolute necessity, it’s not a good idea to simply eliminate a card based on the lack of a special ability. Likewise, a certain card might possess an attribute, as opposed to an ability, that’s useful.

Otherwise though, it may be useful to ‘economize’ a deck. In fact, this way of thinking can be applied to other aspects of deck building. Because some abilities aren’t compatible with certain decks, ninja that possess them might be put to better use elsewhere.

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Cheesecake: The Funny Side of the Naruto CCG

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO posted on August 11th, 2010 by JR

The Naruto Lineage of the Legends series has some pretty funny card names, but where do I even start with Cheesecake (J-316)? That certainly has to be the silliest jutsu card name ever. However, that’s not even the extent of it. The Cheesecake Jutsu is exactly what you might think it is. The creators of the Naruto CCG didn’t pull any punches with this one, and the artwork for the card even features a character in a nurse’s costume.

The effect neutralizes male ninja based on the flip of a coin by way of attractive imagery, as the name suggests. If the coin lands heads, the power factor is reduced to 0/0. Should it land tails for a specific Shinobi, then that ninja reverts to injured status. This in and of itself is oftentimes a useful form of attack, especially if a Shinboi team vastly outweighs your own. Of course, you need to have a squad in play that is from the leaf village to use this card.

Despite the inherent humor, the card is really quite useful. The actual cost to trade for it or purchase it isn’t very high either, making it an easy addition to those who would like to play it. That is, if you can get over the fact of what the card is.

To be honest, the connection to Naruto’s centerfold jutsu maneuvers might actually increase the appeal of this card for some collectors. Likewise, the fact that it’s a useful lighting card has probably also raised it’s demand. However, to be honest, I’ve always felt a bit odd about playing cards like this.

Think about the after party. When it comes to discussing your awesome tactics, who’s going to get more respect: the player that says something like “I used a killer Shadow Possession Jutsu move!” or the player that says “Ehh…I won with cheesecake”? Then again, I’d certainly hate to be on the loosing side of that latter transaction!

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The Price of the Disaster of the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO posted on August 8th, 2010 by JR

I recently saw an article that brought up the Disaster of the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit (M-005) super rare card, and how it does relatively little for a card that is worth as much as it is. At its going rate of over $40, one can hardly say it’s usually worth it. To its credit though, Disaster of the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit does have some very nice artwork.

The fact that it targets every ninja and doles out a single damage point might gear it towards what is often called an Area of Effect attack strategy. That is, to say that it causes damage over multiple targets. However, this is paid for by the fact that the damage being done is so paltry. This doesn’t mean it’s useless by any means. In fact, it can fit into properly constructed strategies quite well. However, it is hard to build one as such.


I remember an older computer game called “Stars!” that allowed a player to create various starships for use in battle. One of the various weapons that could be attached wreaked havoc all over the place and cost very little to produce, but only ever dealt out one tick of damage. Therefore, it fit well into mass production tactics very well. A more expensive fleet could have been overrun with them.

The Disaster of the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit card would do very well in such a scenario. In fact, multiples would dominate in many scenarios. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get more than one of these cards when you consider their super rare status. Therefore, it may be best to reserve this one for the collector’s display. I think just about everyone can admit that they have a few cards that are largely for display. Perhaps that’s one of the most of the most enjoyable parts about collecting.

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Bandai’s New Releases: Hiruko and the Puppet Master Jutsu

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO, News posted on July 26th, 2010 by JR

Bandai continues to roll out new Naruto Trading Card previews, and Friday saw the release of Hiruko (N-945) and Puppet Master Jutsu (J-738). Both of these cards come from the new “Fangs of the Snake” Set 18 series that Bandai has been trying to develop some hype for, and they actually both look like they’re going to be rather successful.

It seems that all of these new cards have exciting artwork, and these two cards are no different. The Puppet Master Jutsu artwork looks as though it’s taken directly from the Naruto anime, while the Hiruko art looks to be an interesting throw back to some of the earliest days of the game. In either case, they’ll be welcome additions to discerning collectors of game pieces.

Of course, I haven’t had the honor of play testing either card. However, it seems that Puppet Master Jutsu is going to be a card to fulfill the increasingly wide gap of mid-range ability pieces. It’s entrance cost of four or more places it at neither extreme of the entrance spectrum. It seems to be a balanced card that will be at home in a number of scenarios.

This is in sharp contrast to Hiroku, however. As a Jonin Akatsuki ninja, Hiroku is a surge card that will be used to transfer another card back into an opponent’s hand. Perhaps the most interesting thing, however, is the fact that it was designed for use with the Puppet Master Jutsu card. Hiroku is a puppet master, and his seemingly reckless style stands in conflict with the balanced card-drawing techniques that the new jutsu encourages you to use.

This sort of difference should certainly lead to an interesting playing style. Perhaps the disparity between them will create a certain amount of confusion in your opponent’s game, and then they can be taken out with an easy surge.

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Sasuke Uchiha Strikes Back!

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO, News posted on July 22nd, 2010 by JR

Bandai announced another of its Naruto Target 6 card previews, and this time the card features Sasuke Uchiha (PR-055). This new Sasuke car features him as a Sound ninja, which many players probably won’t have a large volume of in their current collections as it is. Some fans will probably love it just for the fact that it features Uchiha in his rogue ninja period, but the fact that he possesses the Sharingan Eye should certainly add to the appeal.

However, any deck that fits this card will have to be one that leans towards Chidori enabled shinobi. The card has the capability to draw out any other card you find that includes Chidori in its name, and therefore, it can certainly be used to feed a team of like ninja. This certainly makes it appear like a purpose built card, though one or two Chidori cards stacked into an otherwise normal deck would work equally as well.

This could make it useful as a card to sit into a sideboard. Being having it in the sideboard with two or three Chidori cards and another Chidori shinobi, a player could have a decent team for fighting certain opponents. Of course, it can then easily be removed when facing other opponents that are known to have ways of taking down these sorts of shinobi. I’ve certainly seen some interesting ways of tearing through teams, even when armed with the Sharigan Eye.

You can see previews for many of Bandai’s other new cards, including the previous Saskura Haruno (PR-057) card at the Naruto Featured Card forum on their website. Interestingly enough, it actually seems like Bandai is using facebook to preview some of its new sets. For instance, the other new Sasuke Uchiha card had a preview allegedly taken from that social networking site.

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Bandai’s New Release: Sakura Haruno

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO, News posted on July 20th, 2010 by JR

Yesterday, Bandai announced the third card from the new Naruto Target exclusive pack. This new Sakura Haruno card has the kunoichi acting as a medical ninja, thus reflecting her role in the Naruto: Shippuden saga. With a strong growth attribute, the card could probably be used in a number of playing styles, but seemingly would lend itself to expansionist tactics. With the right playing combination, a set like this could be able to take on even the strongest shinobi.

An expansion player might be able to link this new Sakura card to a number of others in their deck. Since so many medical ninja tactics involve having one team used for offense, and another for healing, it seems that a cagey player could develop a team around Sakura. Though the card seems relatively strong, it may actually be advantageous to place her in a team with stronger ninja.

Since she’s a growth card, she may take a turn or two to become developed. Therefore, she may need a guardian card to protect her during this growth phase. However, once Sakura is fully built up, she’ll probably be able to restore whole teams of shinobi. This can create a conveyor belt of ninja stopping to be healed before rushing back into battle, creating a no-win situation for an opponent.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to play test these tactics at the moment. Until the card is released, I’m only able to speculate on how it might work. I generally think those are pretty decent assumptions on the card, but one can never be too certain without having tried them out in a game.

Bandai is expected to release more views of preview cards by Wednesday, July 21st. Perhaps these next cards will be fitting with the Sakura Haruno one, and maybe able to act as her escorts.

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Ways to Dominate with the Disguise Jutsu (J-018) Card

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO posted on July 16th, 2010 by JR

I was honestly surprised that they made this a foil card when it was first released, but the Naruto Path to Hokage series Disguise Jutsu (J-018) card is actually relatively rare. The effect isn’t bad either: neither team ends up taking damage when the Disguise Jutsu card has been played. On one hand, it does feature a child, but it’s important to remember something about them in Naruto: even the smallest of warriors has a chance at being the greatest.

In this way, the Naruto collectible trading card game follows the manga, and this is a point that can’t be repeated enough. So many people associate very young characters with weakness, and this makes it all the more satisfying to defeat them with such cards. Nevertheless, that’s not the only reason to play the Disguise Jutsu card.

Disguise Jutsu Naruto Trading Card

There are numerous ways to set up a proper defensive stance for a Shinobi team after playing this card has stalled a round. Likewise, it can be used to quickly duck out of a situation that wasn’t predicted. What if you had, say, three developed ninja in a squad that was suddenly facing an attack by a more expendable team? This is an oft-used tactic to eliminate a player’s most connected cards.

By playing a Disguise Jutsu card, this can be avoided, and though the expendable team won’t take any damage, they can easily be dealt with in the next round of combat. For that matter, in many cases the team that was saved by playing the card can dispatch the opposing squad. This is certainly invaluable for those times where you only have one card in a deck, and it’s about to be destroyed.

The Disguise Jutsu card usually isn’t too expensive, so it may be ideal for a one-on-one trade. Perhaps it can be exchanged for another relatively rare foil card.

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Are the Fuma Clan Cards the Key to a Lightening Infused Deck?

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO posted on June 18th, 2010 by JR

I’m going to recommend that more people take a look at Sasame Fuma (N-296.)

Okay, I’ll probably take some heat for this. Some people probably don’t even remember who Sasame Fuma was, in the manga. For that matter, some people are probably laughing as they read this.

However, the card fills a gap that other cards usually won’t. Allowing you to dump out an unnecessary chakra, while taking up another Fuma Clan ninja is in fact quite useful if implemented with the right deck.

Assuming that you actually have another Fuma Clan ninja card to play, this is a great way to implement another lightening-attributed card. Some people complain about their own inability to deploy this attribute, so if you work Sasame Fuma (N-296) with Arashi Fuma (N-303), you’ll be able to work in more of this attribute. For some players, just doing this is enough to be happy, since they’re playing a new attribute.

However, some players don’t want to simply play lightening type cards for the sake of playing them. They’ll play the occasional Sasuke variant, but beyond this, they won’t touch the element. If this is actually part of a strategy, then that’s fine, but the only strategies that this really works along side are those involving mono-attribute decks. If you’re honestly avoiding lightening cards because you feel that there aren’t sufficient ones out there, as many players have do, then you’re missing out on quite a few things.

In fact, I’ve seldom seen a mono-attribute done in lightening. The Fuma Clan might be the foot in the door for some people to set one up, though, since the Sasame and Arashi combination might be enough to jumpstart an assault team. Considering that triples of Arashi teamed with two Sasame cards would speed up this offensive line, it probably isn’t that bad that bad of an investment to make in your next trade.

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What is a Sidedeck?

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO posted on June 11th, 2010 by JR

Previously I had mentioned a Naruto CCG sidedeck, and now is probably a good time to describe the ins and outs of building this crucial tournament tool. As has been said so many times before, a player must have a deck with forty cards. Of course, it is wholly illegal to swap cards during a match. However, most rules permit them to have a sidedeck of ten cards that can be changed between matches, and thus allow them to have some variety in their play. This can be especially useful if there are certain utility cards that one needs for a certain match, but would be a hindrance in another.

Say you have an opponent playing a large number of jutsu or mission cards. Depending on what you know they will play, or have a feeling they’ll play, there may be some cards that are needed to specifically combat these kinds of players. This is especially true with some mono-type decks. You’ll definitely have a need to keep changing out some cards to fight against these sorts of opponents.

However, it should be remembered that a sidedeck may only have ten cards according to tournament regulations. Therefore, it’s important to pick cards wisely. It may be quite tempting to simply grab a number of cards that are perceived to be powerful and throw them into the sidedeck. I am guilty of this myself, but it’s quite ill advised. If you don’t give ample thought to the opponents you will be facing, you probably will not have sufficient material to garner that win. Couple this with the fact that most times a sidedeck will be needed involve difficult matches.

Of course, usually not is stopping you from employing one in run of the mill play. In fact, it might be encouraged since you’ll probably have a strong base to start with, and this sort of thing can only help that out.

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Great Forest Jutsu: Work Around Its Shortcomings to Dominate

Huzzah! An article about NARUTO posted on June 5th, 2010 by JR

The Wood Style: Great Forest Jutsu (J-633) is a super rare card that lives up to its gold foil design. Targeting one ninja that is opposing the user of the jutsu, it is an excellent way to remove a card from play. Moreover, it’s essentially the boomerang of the Naruto Collectible Card Game since after having placed the enemy shinobi back in the opponent’s hand, this jutsu returns to your own.

This is an obvious boon, and one that can easily be played even by a rank beginner. Of course, an advanced player who understands what jutsu types are used by their opponent can better select a target if there are several equal ninja to attack. However, this matters very little at the level of play that many beginners engage at anyways.

As Superman taught us, every great power has a weakness, and the Wood Style: Great Forest Jutsu card is not the end-all that one might wish it were. The card requires that the ninja who uses it be blessed with the tree combat attribute. This severely limits who can use it. However, any player with The First Hokage probably knows how important this card is to their success. It may actually be interesting to have an entire Tree attributed deck for use. I’ve seen this theoretically done on the Internet, but I’ve never actually come across anyone in person who owns one.

There are several other wood jutsu cards, such as the Wood Clone and Four Pillars Prison that require this same combat attribute. These cards usually have quite amazing powers, and are thus carefully limited by this decision. That’s not to say Bandai made something up for the purpose of game mechanics; in the world of Masashi Kishimoto’s manga the Wood Style Jutsu maneuvers are restricted to a small group of users.

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