Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms (SOI-EN003)

Card:  SOI-EN003
Card Name:  Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  10
Type:  Fiend/Effect
ATK:  4000
DEF:  4000

Card Text:
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.  This card cannot be Special Summoned except by Tributing 3 Fiend-Type monsters.  Each time your opponent Normal Summons a monster(s), Special Summon 1 "Phantasm Token" (Fiend-Type/Dark/Level 1/ATK 1000/DEF 1000).  This token cannot declare an attack.  Once per turn, by Tributing 1 monster, this card gains ATK equal to that monster's original ATK, until the End Phase.

Personal Comment:
One of the three Sacred Beasts specifically created to go up against the 3 Egyptian God Cards (the counter to Obelisk The Tormentor), Raviel is an absolute powerhouse.  Tributing the 3 Fiend-Type monsters to get him on the playing field can be challenging but not impossible.  However, the effort is well worth it.  He comes stacked with 4000 ATK and 4000 DEF.  In addition, whenever your opponent Normal Summons a monster you get to Special Summon a "Phantasm Token" on your side.  This in turn can be Tributed to increase Raviel's ATK to 5000 ATK until the End Phase.  Why so much power in one card?  It's because you will need all of it to challenge a monster like Obelisk The Tormentor.  Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms is the epitome of power in a monster card.  If you can get him on the playing field you can expect a quick victory to follow.  Lets compare Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms versus Obelisk The Tormentor...

Summoning:
Raviel - Tribute 3 Fiend-Type monsters
Obelisk - Tribute 3 monsters (no specification on type)
Winner - Obelisk

Stats:
Raviel - 4000 ATK, 4000 DEF
Obelisk - 4000 ATK, 4000 DEF
Winner - Push

Effect:
Raviel - Tribute a monster to increase ATK
Obelisk - Tribute 2 monsters to destroy all monsters your opponent controls
Winner - Push (whoever activates the effect first will win)

Misc:
Obelisk can be Normal Summoned (it can't be negated) or Special Summoned.  Also, Obelisk cannot be targeted by Spells, Traps, Spell/Trap effects, or Effect Monster effects.  Huge advantage over Raviel.

Overall Winner: Obelisk

Rulings For This Card:
- You can tribute face-down Fiend monsters to summon Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms.
- Tributing 1 monster is a cost to activate this card's Ignition Effect.
- You cannot tribute this card to activate its own effect.
- A "Phantasm Token" cannot be forced to attack with a card effect.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 9/10
Power - 9/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 8/10
Overall Score - 8.25/10