Black Rose Dragon (CSOC-EN039)

Card:  CSOC-EN039
Card Name:  Black Rose Dragon
Attribute:  Fire
Level/Rank:  7
Type:  Dragon/Synchro/Effect
ATK:  2400
DEF:  1800

Card Text:
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned, you can destroy all cards on the field.  Once per turn, you can remove from play 1 Plant-Type monster from your Graveyard to change 1 monster your opponent controls to face-up Attack Position, and reduce its ATK to 0 until the End Phase.

Personal Comment:
Due to the non-restriction on the Synchro Summoning requirement (no specification of a plant monster), it isn't mandatory that you play Black Rose Dragon in a plant deck.  The ability to easily bring this dragon out and utilize the first part of the card's effect is a game changer when you are being overwhelmed by your opponent.  Once Synchro Summoned you get to clear the entire field of all cards.  But there's a catch.  If you decide to activate this effect Black Rose Dragon is also destroyed in the process (notice how the card text says "destroy all cards on the field").  That one downside shouldn't take away from how important this effect is when a duel isn't going in your favor.  While it isn't imperative to run Black Rose Dragon in a plant deck exclusively, having some plant monsters in the Graveyard to activate the second part of the effect would be a huge added bonus.  Simply put, some of the most powerful monsters in the game don't stand a change once they are switched to attack position and their ATK is reduced to 0.  So where does the full force of the 2400 attack go once you destroy their monster?  Yep, directly against your opponent's life points.  Easy to summon, capable of being played in most decks, game changing first effect, game changing second effect...what else do you expect from one of the best Synchro Monster card available?

Just to clarify.  It isn't madatory to use Black Rose Dragon in a plant deck...but it is mandatory to have Black Rose Dragon in any plant deck.  Understand the difference and you will understand how powerful this card can be.

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

Royal Firestorm Guards (GLAS-EN087)



Card:  GLAS-EN087
Card Name:  Royal Firestorm Guards
Attribute:  Fire
Level/Rank:  4
Type:  Pyro/Effect
ATK:  1700
DEF:  1200

Card Text:
When this card is Normal Summoned, select 4 Pyro-Type monsters in your Graveyard.  Return those cards to the Deck, then draw 2 cards.

Personal Comment:
Personally, I don't know of anybody who runs a specialized Pyro deck.  But if you're one of the few who does then this card is absolutely essential.  It's all in the numbers.  Once Royal Firestorm Guards is Normal Summoned your deck is +2 and your hand is +2 (4 from the Graveyard to your deck minus 2 from the deck to your hand).  In addition, Royal Firestorm Guards does not get discarded or removed when the effect activates so there is no cost to you.  This is a great card that very few people get to utilize.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 7/10
Power - 7/10
Easy To Play - 8/10
Collectable - 6/10
Overall Score - 7/10