TCG Review] The classic "The Miracle of the Zone" has been reprinted with +α! A thorough introduction to a thick-boned TCG that will not fade away even if you play it now!

Kaibutsu Monogatari" was released by Namco (now Namco Bandai Entertainment) in 1988 for the Family Computer, and its sequel, "Dai Kaibutsu Monogatari" was released by Hudson in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Both of these titles should be nostalgic for game lovers in their 30s and 40s.

This time, we would like to introduce a reprint of the TCG (trading card game) "The Miracle of the Zone" ("MOZ"), which was released at that time based on the "Tale of the Shell Beast" motif, "The Miracle of the Zone: Griffwal Edition Structure BOX"!

This is a TCG title with a solid strategy appeal that is sure to appeal to fans of the "Tale of the Shell Beast" series as well as to advanced TCG players.

What is "MOZ" in the first place?

MOZ" is a TCG released by Amada Printing and Processing (now Ensky) in 1998, about 25 years ago. Some of you may know MOZ from the Game Boy software of the same name and the comic "Summoner King Lex" serialized in "Comic Bonbon".

In 1998, the TCG was still in its infancy in Japan. The world's first TCG, "Magic: The Gathering," was imported and sold in 1994, and the first domestically produced TCG, "Pokemon Card Game," was released in 1996 and "Yu-Gi-Oh Official Card Game: Duel Monsters," in 1999. The TCG industry in Japan was just beginning to take off.

Incidentally, I was a junior high school student at the time, and I was hooked on the "Monster Collection TCG. I knew that "MOZ" existed, but I couldn't afford to spend my allowance on multiple TCGs as a junior high school student.

MOZ" was later renewed as its successor, "Miracle V Master," and was marketed until 2002. The "MOZ" series was developed for about 5 years, and this reprinted "The Miracle of the Zone: Griffwar Arc Structure Box" contains the cards from the first "MOZ" series, the "Griffwar Arc".

Here are the contents of the set!

Here is the appearance of the box. It is enclosed in a special strage box.

List of contents and the complete set

As for the contents of this box, 209 cards were selected from the previously released cards of the Griffoir Arc, and 5 new cards were added for this reissue, for a total of 214 cards enclosed in the box.

This edition contains 55 cards (5 cards of Summoner + 50 cards of Summoner and other cards) in one deck, so you can create multiple decks with a single box, or prepare two boxes and play against each other with your ideal deck. The reprinted version alone offers a wide range of fun.

In addition, the package contains cards listing combos, a special playmat, a special sleeve to protect the cards, and a rulebook and a comic booklet.

The playmat is specially made, and this one sheet can cover your opponent's as well. Made of polyester, it feels great against the skin.

Card compatibility and combos make the difference between success and failure.

The first thing that struck me when reviewing this product was that, although simpler than other TCGs released around the same time, the rules are quite unique.

The basic rule is to create a combination of 3 Summoner cards for each of your Summoner cards, plus 1 Help card and 1 Special card each for a maximum of 6 cards, and compete on the basis of total card power. The game is a fun game in which players play their cards while watching how their opponents will respond, such as increasing their power with special effects or nullifying their opponents' special effects.

The victory points, which increase or decrease depending on the outcome of each match, are added up for each game, and the first player to score 50 points wins, which is a victory condition not found in other TCGs. Furthermore, there is the concept of "combos," which multiply victory points depending on the combination of cards, making it fun to build up a hand of cards just like playing cards in poker or mahjong.

However, the deck-building rules and game flow are a bit complicated, and there are many points that cannot be memorized in a single session. In that case, you should refer to the included booklet, "Game Guide," or if the booklet is too small to read, you can find a digital version of the same manual on Premium Bandai's product introduction page.

The author's favorite summoner card is this "Babu. Babu is a level 2 summoner, which makes it easy to include in a deck, and the summoner's attributes are "earth and shell," which makes it easy to use and target combos. Above all, it becomes very powerful when placed with the dedicated help card "Boomerang," so it should be used as a set as much as possible.

It is amazing to see how wide a variety of TCGs have been developed since 1998. I was frankly surprised to learn that a TCG with such a wide range of playability had been developed since 1998.

The highlight of this year's reprinting is the new cards that were added to the game. The help cards and special cards in particular have powerful special effects that can be used as counters to the essential cards of the time, so even players who have played "MOZ" in the past will be able to develop a different kind of strategy.

Now is the time to enjoy a fresh new experience for beginners and veterans alike!

The TCG industry is becoming more and more active in 2022-2023, with many new TCGs being released and long-established TCGs celebrating their 15th and 30th anniversaries, and we are very happy that a classic TCG from 25 years ago has been reprinted and can be played again at this time.

There are many elements that feel new and fresh in today's world of TCG titles with a variety of attractions, and there are plenty of points that will make even veterans who have played TCGs for decades wow, not to mention beginners who have not yet had much contact with TCGs. I felt that this is a title that I would like players with a hundred years of experience to try.

The Structure Box alone contains a complete set of cards, so players can enjoy building decks without worrying about the inclusion rate of cards. If you have a friend who plays with you, it will be fun to discuss the special effects and combos with him or her.

The second reprinted "The Miracle of the Zone: Glyphwar Arc Special Booster Box" is currently available for pre-order, which can be used in combination with cards from the "The Miracle of the Zone: Glyphwar Arc Structure Box" to further expand the range of deck construction. until February 4, 2024).

The "Structure BOX" is currently no longer available, but the "Special Booster BOX" can be played by itself. The cards are mainly based on characters from the comic book version of "Summoner King Lex," so the world view of "MOZ" will be expanded. We hope you will check it out as well.

In addition, 10 winners will be selected in a drawing from among those who purchase "The Miracle of the Zone: Glyphwar Arc Special Booster Box" to win a "The Miracle of the Zone: Glyphwar Arc Structure Box". If you missed out on the chance to buy it, why not take this last chance?

Product Information

The Miracle of the Zone: Glyphwar Arc Special Booster Box

Manufacturer: Bandai

Retail price: 11,000 yen (including tax)

Pre-order end: February 4, 2024 23:00

Delivery date: Scheduled to ship in May 2024

The second boxed product of "The Tale of the Great Shellfish The Miracle of the Zone" is finally here! Includes 152 cards from the Grifwar Arc! It also includes several new cards!

In addition, this product contains several Kira cards! This set also includes "The Devil's Deed" as a Kira card!

<Set Contents

152 cards

Combo card (1)

1 card for placement explanation

1 Worldview card

2 game guides

1 Strage box

<Product materials

Strage box: PP

<Age range

Ages 15 and up

<Size> Card: 63mm x 88mm

Cards: 63mm x 88mm

Game guide: 419mm x 296mm

Strage box: 168mm x 77mm x 106mm

<Production area

Japan

<Notes

*Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

*The design and product images shown are under development and may differ from the actual product.

Product specifications and shipping dates are subject to change without notice. Please understand in advance.

*Orders will be closed when the prepared quantity is reached. If we receive a large number of requests, we may adjust the number of items available and sell them again. Please understand this in advance.

Please note that this product may be sold in some overseas regions.

The cards included in this product are not the same design as cards from the past.