Ranked #678

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's

Edited this entire review. I'm watching this subbed and I recommend you do the same. I've seen a few episodes of the dub and they've completely butchered it.

It's that time again: when one Yugioh series comes to an end and we get a fresh start with new characters. Comparing to it's past series, 5D's definitely takes on a more mature feeling. Not just because the characters are older and more serious, but not everything is a ray of sunshine for our protagonist this time around if you catch my drift. ;]

Story - Well, the story was a bit different. It is set many years into the future so we can't expect any recurring appearances from any GX or DM characters. So far the story has had three major arcs. The early episodes really introduce the characters and the new way of dueling which is called a "Riding Duel". However, when the second arc (the Dark Signer arc) begins, the show gets much more dark and much more exciting. The third arc is still underway so I can't comment on it thus far.

We still have this obsession with Dragons in the Yugioh franchise for some odd reason, this time being the "Crimson Dragon". You've got your general bad guy who plans on using some ancient power by using special people known as "Signers". Weird, eh? It takes a little while for the plot to begin, but we do get to see some background on our main character, Yusei, and his relationship with our so-called "Kaiba" of this Yugioh series, Jack Atlas, in the meantime. Like I said, it takes on a more mature plot, but it still is a kid's show.

Sound - The sound isn't that bad. The sound of a bike motor revving can get annoying, but I guess that's something you'll have to get used to when watching 5Ds. The OP and ED themes aren't that bad either.

Art/Animation - I'd say the art was pretty good this time. Technology is a wonderful thing, isn't it?

Enjoyment - To be completely honest, I hated this show at first. My initial thoughts were somewhere along the lines of "What the hell?!" When you watched the original DM, you loved it (if you didn't, you probably wouldn't be reading this review and if you haven't watched the original series but would like to watch this one, you should check out the prequels first [you don't need to, though]). When you watched GX, you were a little taken back by the new characters, but in the end it still was decent (give or take). But this...this new concept they came up with...it's just insane (at first). DM focused on tribute summons, GX on Fusions, and this time we get Synchro monsters. Initially, it's just a no, but you get used to it and it really fleshes out as a show and the rules changes (more like additional rules) are great! They don't ride bikes for every duel I might add! The one thing that I'd have to complain about is how they always make the main character (this time around his name is Yusei) duel soooo much while other awesome characters (coughAKIcough) don't get to duel as much, and if they do they don't do as well as Yusei. But it's still very enjoyable.

Overall, 5Ds isn't that bad after adjusting to it. Just get ready for a bunch of bikes, new rules, and an interesting bunch of characters. Keep an open mind and enjoy. :P read more

When Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX began airing, I thought that it was going to follow in the footsteps of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters. That was not the case. However, I feel that Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's brings back what everyone loved about the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, and a few extra things along with it.

Story:
The story of this series is far more fast-paced and exciting that either of it's two predecessors. If even one episode is missed, it feels as though you've missed a lot. Almost every, if not, every episode ends with a cliffhanger. The plot is amazing. It still has the ancient-themed story, just like the original Yu-Gi-Oh!, but it intertwines with the present-day atmosphere of Neo Domino City. The story is no longer Duel Monsters-centered as Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX was. The name "Duel Monsters" is barely even mentioned. The story and dealings of the characters are once again the main point of the anime. Duels are like gun combat or swordfights are in other anime series. It is merely a way of combat in the series. The story is one of Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's greatest assets.

Animation:
The art in this show is amazing. Every character has their own look and style reflecting their personality. The D-Wheels (called Duel Runners in the dub) are always something to look forward to seeing. There is also a lot of CG animation, especially when it comes to Riding Duels (called Turbo Duels in the dub) and monsters, especially Stardust and Red Demon's dragons.

Sound:
The music in this series fits it so nicely. The music sets up the atmosphere for every scene so accurately. The opening and ending themes are among my favorite songs. The noises for the D-Wheels does not sound like a conventional motorbike, or a motorbike at all. All the D-Wheel sounds are completely brand new and sound nothing like real motorcycles. Even Security sirens sound nothing like their real-world counterparts.

Character:
The characters in this series are phenomenal. Yusei is completely different from both Yugi and Judai. His life is not like theirs as he grew-up in the ghetto known as Satellite in poverty along with his friends. Jack is like Seto Kaiba in terms of personality and pride. However, he is not as cold-hearted as Kaiba as he quickly has a change of heart towards Yusei and his friends. The supporting characters are not annoying at all and viewers will quickly warm-up to them. All the characters are well developed.

Enjoyment:
This show is far more enjoyable than it's two predecessors. As I said before, every episode ends on a cliffhanger. The plot is great and intriguing. There are many things to look forward to every episode.

Overall:
This is the best Yu-Gi-Oh! series yet, and one of the best television series I have ever seen. Everything about it is so great. If it wasn't evident in it's two predecessors, then it sure is in Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's that the Yu-Gi-Oh! series is not meant for children like it's American dub. The plot is so much darker and the characters are rarely happy, unless they are about to cause pain to their adversaries. Mr. Takahashi makes his target audience, teens and young adults, clear in this series. It is this tone that makes this show great. I'm sure that it will only get better as the plot expands. This is definately a must-watch series. read more