Get Your Game On
There’s no other animated series out there that’s managed to make a children’s card game seem as epic as this one. Many may have tried, but when it comes to intricate monster designs, crazy hair styles and the undefeatable power of friendship, Yugi and company have them all at zero life-points. After all, can you honestly say those hacks over at Duel Masters have anything as majestic as a Blue Eyes White Dragon?
While there have been countless duels over the course of the franchise, we’ll only be looking at the original series here, so don’t count on anything from GX or 5Ds showing up here!
Fair warning, there are SPOILERS AHEAD!
#3: Yugi vs. Joey
One of the few times the anime managed to create a genuine and powerful emotional impact, this unexpected rematch between Joey and Yugi wasn’t so much filled with comradery as it was heartbreak and despair. After being brainwashed by Marik, Joey is turned into an unwilling puppet who almost manages to duel his best friend to death. Thankfully, he manages to break free at the last second, saving Yugi from meeting a watery grave.
#2: Yugi vs. Atem
The final duel of the series, and it certainly wasn’t a disappointment. In order for the Pharaoh to finally find peace, Yugi has to let go of their bond and defeat him in one last duel. This is no small feat, since Atem is armed with the Three Egyptian Gods as well as the rest of the deck that managed to defeat every major antagonist the series has ever known. Still, thanks to a cool head and some genius moves of his own, Yugi manages to pull off one hell of all comeback and defeat the true King of Games, allowing him to return to his own time. Now that’s how you go out on a high note.
#1: Yugi vs. Kaiba
The mother of rematches, one that fittingly takes place inside a coliseum. As the Battle City Finals rage on, Kaiba and Yugi once again clash for the mantle of king. Everything you could want in a duel is on full display here: the rivalry, the puns, Blue Eyes White Dragon galore and even a clash of God cards. Seeing Kaiba come within a breath of winning was certainly a refreshing sight, but not as glorious as the look on his face when Yugi pulled a last second upset by sending all of his dragons to the graveyard. That’s got to sting.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Yu-Gi-Oh! Monsters!
