We had a short break but we’re back in Preview Season. As we saw from the Fall schedule, this will be a continued thing in DBSTCG. Pretty much product every month or so. We’re onto Series 4…which doesn’t have a name yet for some odd reason. Structure Deck has a name though, that’s nice. Anyway, FINALLY we have a Piccolo Leader after basically having one promised since Set 1. Not only that, we have two! Will he live up to the hype? Let’s find out.

The Guardian of Namekians

Piccolo Jr./Piccolo Jr. Evil Reborn

The first Piccolo we see is actually Piccolo from back in the original Dragon Ball for its final Tournament Arc. You know, back when he was evil. Which I think is pretty cool, this period in his character often gets overlooked for the hero he becomes.

As for his abilities, front side…we’ve seen it so many times I’m running out of meh things to say. I’ll say I’m less mad at it, just because Tournament of Power made it more of a coveted ability…but it’s still a pretty lazy copy/paste in my honest opinion.

As for his Awakened Side, it’s pretty solid. Easy, constant removal is always a boon in this game. It doesn’t hit everything possible like other, similar Leaders but it hits plenty. You can easily play removal to take out the stragglers like Perfect Force Cell. Also gets him a pump, which is a nice bonus. With the way his skill works as well, this makes him the most generic Untap 2 Awaken Green Leader that we have. Vegito really needs Chain Attack/Zen-Oh to work properly and U7 Goku…I don’t think I have to say anything on that. This may indeed become quite relevant. Ultimately I like the Leader.

Indomitable Link Son Gohan

Probably the biggest revelation from the SD, at least to me, is that the Universe Archetypes will continue to get support in normal sets. This is a pretty huge deal (be sure to get all your ToP stuff asap…just saying). Gohan is the first we see for U7 and the downside is that he’s yet ANOTHER 3 Drop…come on. However, he’s essentially Ganos with much better Traits. This is actually pretty damn great not only for U7, but just a useful card in general. U7 struggled heavily with having removal, this helps a little bit. Any deck that Ganos would’ve gotten used in, Gohan definitely will in his stead. Searchable removal as well on 3 and only requires 1 Green Devotion. A great utility card.

Indomitable Link Piccolo

Hey, a 2 Drop U7, that’s always good. He searches for a 3 Drop or Less Gohan. There’s actually a lot of good choices…all at 3 ironically enough. Unleashed Ultimate Gohan is always a solid 3, Focused Mind Son Gohan for U7 decks, the above Gohan for removal. U7 decks focused around Focused Mind (pun not intended) definitely will use Piccolo, and other decks could maybe tech him. Obviously just gets better as we get more targets.

King Piccolo, Lord of Terror

King Piccolo is back and in an interesting way. He introduces the new Keyword for the Set, as we always need new ones. He introduces “Bond”. Essentially, you have as many Battle Cards as the Bond asks for and you get to unlock an ability. In this case, he’s “Bond 3 Namekian” meaning he needs 3 Namekian Battle Cards on the board for his ability. Now in most cases, it would count the Bond card itself but because King Piccolo’s ability is from the hand, it doesn’t for him. He needs 3 Namekian BCs on board prior. In this case, to make him a 3 Drop. This is very necessary as King Piccolo is a relatively subpar card otherwise. 5 Cost/25K Double Strike is par for the course but his removal is subpar, ESPECIALLY for Green. At 3 Cost though he’s definitely fantastic. You want to play him for as cheap as possible, whenever possible. I imagine though that decks that can easily deal with Namekian weenies will be…problematic. But he does reward Bond pretty well, which is what you want a headliner for a Structure Deck to do.

Namekian Bond Saonel

Another Bond 3 Namekian, in this case it DOES count himself though meaning you’ll only need two other Namekians in play when you board him. What you get is somewhat of a repurposed Tien. The goal is to shoot things and Self-Awaken. In some parts, he’s certainly better. You can choose up to 2 Life to take, and you get all that life to your hand. Tien you will always lose at least 1 Life to the ether and it’s always at least 2. Tien’s upside obviously is you can do it as much as you want in one turn, where Saonel is only once and only when he’s played. Saonel is much more useful later in the game since he’s not an absurdly expensive combo card, but Tien can be played for 2 due to that early on. And of course, Tien doesn’t have pre-requisites in order to be used where Saonel needs the Bond active. For Namekians though, Saonel is pretty good and has enough advantages to not leave you out in the cold.

Series 4

Piccolo/Piccolo, Kami’s Successor

Finally, the Piccolo Leader who’s art we’ve seen since Galactic Battle promotion. Right off the back, we once again have the generic Untap 2 Awaken. As his Awakened Side is Bond centric, that’s fine. Midrange decks like the Untap 2. Also, he’s a Universe 7 Leader. He doesn’t take special advantage of that, but having the Trait can always become relevant in the future.

As mentioned, his Awakened side is all about Bond. If you have 2 Namekians out, he’s a permanent Crit attacker. My issue is that this is sort of contradictory to his front side that can’t become Critical. It’s not a huge deal though, it’s mostly just a nice bonus. He also pumps a Namekian when he swings, another nice bonus. Nothing game-breaking on either of his abilities, but both are quite solid to help rip an extra card or two out of the opponent’s hand. Just a good solid Leader for Namekians.

Lord Slug/Lord Slug, Gigantified

Hey, Slug has also arrived. Most people though only really know Slug for causing the first appearance of the Super Saiyan Transformation (or at least a false version of it that lasted about 10 seconds…tantalizing). His front side should look AWFULLY familiar. It’s literally Galactic Battle Vegeta’s Front Side ability. Last I checked, still a pretty damn good ability. Crit pressure early is strong, self-awaken is strong.

Where he separates himself is on his Awakened side. Where Vegeta only really used his Awakened Side ability to add one more card to hand for a final push (and thus really only once), Slug is all about continuing straining the opponent’s hand. It’s similar to Broly and Kale in the sense that you’re ripping a card out of both you and your opponent’s hand. He doesn’t come with the ability to dodge it either. However I’d wager it’s still far better for a couple of reasons. One, his front side synergizes far better than the previous two as from the beginning of the game he’s keeping the opponent’s hand size down. Two, on his Awakened Side he doesn’t need to actually attack to use that ability. Also, between his own support and Green in general, there are certainly a few ways to take advantage of his forced discard. I really like Slug’s design. The only reason he likely won’t end up the Namekian Leader of choice, is that you’ll really want to use Slug’s Army with him and they aren’t Namekians. May make things too cluttered but we’ll see.

Newfound Power Son Gohan

… … …Seriously? Bandai just gave Green their own Saiyan Cabba…and made it Critical instead of Double Strike. For quite a few decks, that’s just outright better. One of the problems Saiyan Cabba had, despite being a good Self-Awaken tool, was that there were quite a few decks that didn’t want to help the opponent along to his own Awaken that quickly. Gohan never has that issue. While he doesn’t have that “Win Out of Nowhere” quality that Saiyan Cabba can have…he’s just fantastic in most other aspects in the game. This will be a 4-of staple in pretty much every Green deck now until the end of time. Also, Veggie Package…loves this. Went from a 16 card package to 20, while adding another 1-drop. Card is just absolutely insane, especially when backed up by a Critical Leader Beater.

Power Barrier Piccolo

Hello Gale Strike Vegeta but on a Namekian. It would’ve been really nice if he were also U7 and/or a God, but not necessary. Ultimately he’s there to help guarantee Bonds a lot more safely. For what Namekians are trying to do this is pretty helpful. Not much else to say, unless we get an Evolve Piccolo SR which we could.

Reign of Terror King Piccolo

King Piccolo is back again, and has some similar beats to Trunks, Creator of the Future or Inherited Will Super Saiyan Son Goku. Mainly you’re swinging with him and then dumping him to board another Battle Card and continue. Now based on the cards we already have…he’s not particularly that good. You really only want to get Piccolo, the Strategist with him which is okay at best. Now the main thing is that we’re likely gonna get a Piccolo SR in this set so that’s where his potential may lie. For now, he’s okay. Later he could be a huge bomb that can end the game.

Gift of Power Guru

A pretty nifty 1 Drop for Namekians and Green in general. It’s essentially a reverse Planet M-2. Not as utilitarian, as you don’t get to do things like kill weenies but the upside is much better. You have a body on board to use for comboing when need be, you can stack Girus, and your card keeps the pump for the turn so Dual Attackers have a field day. His only downside is that he doesn’t inherently give any card advantage like most used 1 Drops in the game. I think his upsides can ultimately make up for it though, I really like the card.

Nail, the Namekian Ace

Basically we have a Namekian, but yet generic version of Sister Attack Kale. Instead of needing another Universe 6, Nail only needs another Battle Card period (since he includes himself). Namekians love the card. The question is will he be used elsewhere. The answer is…maybe? I could see him getting potential tech over Bundle. Biggest issue of course is he’s a two drop that’s not part of the Veggie Package so chances are he’ll be limited to Namekian decks.

Kami, the Watcher

Okay, Kami is a bit tricky to evaluate. He’s a tale of two cards. Sometimes he’s a really inefficient Bundle of Curiosity Son Goku, and other times he’s a beefier Energy Boosted Majin Buu. You need to have 2 other Namekians out to make him a 1 Drop (he doesn’t count himself for this one). On one hand I wonder if he’s worth the hassle for a slightly better cantrip, but on the other hand Namekians really enjoy having cheap Namekian cantrips to keep the Bond going. He’ll see play for Namekians, definitely nowhere else. Could be replaced later if we get better cheap Namekians.

Kindhearted Namekian Dende

Typical Archetype Cantrip that we’ve been getting for a while, this time for Namekians. Just as important as most of them, solid card.

Popo, Guardian’s Aide

Now this is an interesting card. Popo is essentially just a free miller for Green Leaders. It helps set up Over Realm for Green Leaders I guess. My main guess though is that Green is getting far more Drop Area support (we do get at least one this set as we’ll see) which can help towards. I don’t know if he’ll be used now, but keep him in mind. I can see him becoming a player later. Too bad it requires a Green Leader though, Trunks would’ve really liked him.

Namekian Duo Saonel

Another 5 Life Super Combo, this time for Namekian Leaders. I guess this won’t just be a Tournament of Power thing. Not much to say, will be the Super Combo of choice for them.

Namekian Duo Pirina

Now this is an interesting card. Another big early Crit attacker, this time solely for Namekians. 20K Crit Swing (or even 25 with Guru backing him up) is pretty damn strong on 2. The interesting part is the cycle he has to do it, but it requires you put the card under Pirina rather than just dump it from hand. It’s legitimately odd, unless we get Namekians that grant abilities when that happens ala Majin Buu. It’s even more odd when you consider Green seemingly going out of its way this set to put more cards into the Drop Area, so Pirina is definitely an outlier. It’s a good card for Namekians, just…mildly confusing design is all.

Lord Slug, Young Again

Now we see at least one of the Drop Area support cards in this set, and this one is quite solid. More than solid actually. A Bond 2 Slug’s Army, but because his ability is a Put in Play ability, he only needs another Slug’s Army in play. Obviously, not too tough to achieve and the payoff is very worth it. If you have a Slug’s Army Leader (so literally just Lord Slug) you get to revive a 3 drop or Less Slug’s Army and Untap 1? That’s absolutely strong. We love Battle Cards that untap energy. We love when they do other things in the process. Instead of drawing, we get a free Battle Card essentially. Often that’s just better. Slug’s only downside is that he doesn’t contain an offensive Keyword but the ability is strong enough that he’s still worth it. Great card for Slug.

Lord Slug, Returned to Form

A Slug’s Army searcher, and it can even search itself if you ever wanted to do that. Not much to say, good card for Slug.

Adonic Warrior Angila

Now this card is absolutely fantastic for Slug. He starts out as a typical 3 Drop 15K Crit attacker, which is already solid for Slug but then his Bond ability is just absurd. If you have just another Slug’s Army on board he also turns into Energy Attack Gotenks. This becomes an INSANE pressure card at every phase of the game. Gotenks’ problem was that he wasn’t all that great early since the opponent could always just get that card back after taking the hit. It was late where Gotenks did work. Angila with Crit means the opponent not only isn’t getting his card back, he’ll lose another in the process. Also, he doesn’t require a Leader Swing to get the discard! Though with Crit you’ll probably just Leader swing anyway but sometimes something else may require your more immediate attention and in that respect, Angila is still strong. Absolutely absurd card for Lord Slug and will make for a great Hand Pressure/Destruction deck.

Head Honcho Medamatcha

Well…I didn’t need a sound sleep tonight or anything, this art is just weird. Anyway, basically Medamatcha is essentially a cheaper Terror Scythe Goku Black for Lord Slug. You get one less token. Unfortunately I don’t believe the token has the Slug’s Army trait, which would’ve been fantastic. So it’s just combo value for later, ala Goku Black though at least Goku Black could swing himself, Medamatcha is stuck at 10K. It’s an okay card, will see play to ensure Bond but not for much else.

Dark Vassal Tambourine

So basically Quick Rush Trunks for Green, but without the upsides of being a Saiyan and being Trunks: GT. Maybe sees play in Lord Slug. But can’t underestimate a cheap Critical Attacker, especially with Green getting a ton this set.

Dark Vassal Cymbal

Skip!

Dark Vassal Drum

Skip again!

Special Beam Cannon

Well this is an interesting card. This is essentially the Super Combo 16, but just for Piccolo. The upsides are that it’s essentially a random discard for the opponent which might as well say “Always hit their Super Combo”. The downsides though are that it requires an energy, where 16 is obviously free, and it only buffs Piccolo. This card would’ve been pretty busted for Slug but it’s fine for Piccolo. It can really potentially disrupt an opponent’s strategy. I can see it getting play.

Planet Namek

Kind of similar to Big Gete Star. You are essentially cycling a card to get a Namekian from the deck. The hope is that you hit a 2 Drop so you make out with a surplus of Energy. Again, the discard makes me wonder if we’re going to get more Drop Area support with that Piccolo SR. I think this card will end up being a pass though, just because Namekians will have a ton of 1 Drops already to choose from and this one isn’t as valuable. Maybe it’ll go in as a tech choice? We’ll see.

Sacrifice

The last card shown today and in my opinion, probably the best card shown today. Remember how frustrating it was (and still is) to deal with Mecha-Frieza where you’d swing while he’s tapped out and he still gets the Counter? While you don’t have the upsides of the Counter you’d be using, this card is essentially that ability on all your Namekians. A free counter when tapped out that also helps Self-Awaken. One of Green’s big problems was the necessity of it tapping out a lot, which left the color in pretty tight spots defensively. So for Namekians, who are especially tempo/midrange based and need to tap out a fair bit, this is a GOD SEND. It’s not like Green has the pick of the litter in Negates either so they lose out on nothing in the process. Card is just stupid good, though maybe slightly less good in Slug who already Self-Awakens just fine but it’s still immensely strong. If you have a Namekian Leader, this is a 4-of without question. It’s never dead…unless you’re at 1 Life.

Final Thoughts:

I thought it was a solid preview day. Nothing immensely broken, but nothing disappointing either. I enjoyed a good majority of the cards previewed. I am intrigued to see how the Piccolo SR will ultimately pull all of this together.

Until Next Time, Keep Fighting Because If You Don’t, Who Will?