Blackwing – Gofu the Vague Shadow

I can’t remember a time when a card was preemptively hit by the restricted list before now, so I guess Blackwing – Gofu the Vague Shadow is the first. Gofu will be restricted in the OCG starting April 1, and for obvious reason. His strength in the Zelda format at 3 would have been unrivaled.

We start a week of looking at cards that have been heavily discussed since the reveal of link monsters by reviewing the card players have talked about the most. Gofu was the perfect storm of effects that no other card could duplicate. Since it was recently confirmed that link monsters could be summoned using tokens (if possible), that meant Gofu was a monster that created three instant material and didn’t even use up your normal summon. Also, by converting the two tokens into link 1 monsters (such as Link Spider), you could have 3 effect monsters on the field for the cost of 1 card special summoned from your hand. That kind of effect was highlighted quickly by savvy players, and people began snatching up copies left and right in preparation.

“Hold up,” said Konami. “We need to sell new cards.” So Gofu is restricted in Japan, and depending on how the format changes, I expect it to be restricted or banned in the TCG as well. Judging by the new cards we’ve seen so far, it’s hard to imagine Gofu not being incredibly splashable and maybe even a staple until it’s banned. The fact of the matter is that once link summoning really gets its legs, the highly prized maneuvers will include swarming the field with monsters of any kind for as little cost as possible, including tokens. Other cards people have talked about, such as Cosmic Compass just as an example, certainly hold promise when they were once considered afterthoughts, but no card currently compares to Gofu when it comes to ease of use.

I fully expect Gofu to be splashed into every deck that hopes to use the new link monsters (as opposed to players who want to go back in time with the game slow-down and use old archetypes). Whether or not he’s truly as busted as people expect will depend on how generic or specific the link monsters’ summoning conditions are. Missus Radiant can’t use him, but Decode and Gaia can. But the fact that Konami preemptively restricted him is sign enough that he should be incredibly good.

Advanced: 4/5

Future Potential: 5/5

Hello Pojo Fans,
 
Blackwing - Gofu the Vague Shadow is a Blackwing that, while popular at the start, doesn't have much usefulness outside the archetype, and even that is lacking.
 
Special Summon a Level 5 monster when you have no monsters? Sounds good to me. Opening move of the game and you have Gofu on the field, already in good standing. You get 2 “Vague Shadow Tokens” when Special Summoned from the hand (because if it was any time it was Special Summoned it would be broken). The tokens are essentially walls, as they aren't able to be tributed, or used within a Synchro Summon. You can still banish them via effects like Gofu, but the real benefit of this card is its Special Summon ability and being a Level 5 Tuner.
 
Within Blackwings, not being able to Icarus one of the tokens is a real negative. The Synchro potential with Gofu is great, and it is searchable, but does it deserve a slot in Blackwings? Any other deck? I'm not sure. You want a card to be balanced or overpowering in your favor, and Gofu may not be either.
 
Advanced-2/5
Art-3/5
 
Until Next Time

Monday
 
Welcome to Retro Week, opening with an old Blackwing favorite.  Gofu does a lot, as illustrated by its massive amount of text.  First noteworthy thing of this card, it's a Tuner.  While, in itself, not significant, being a Level 5 Tuner is.  Higher level Tuners (above Level 4) aren't incredibly common in the game.  You also note this card can only be Special Summoned, and only from the Hand.  It also produces (or can anyway) two Tokens, which you're likely going to remove, along with this card, to produce at least, a Level 7 Blackwing Synchro.  Said Synchro has to come from your Graveyard, so this can be a handy mid or late game play.  Additionally, said Synchro also becomes a Tuner, which can also further benefit you.  It's a great piece in the Blackwing Deck, for any of you using one.  
 
Rating:  3.75/5 
Art:  4.5/5