Difference between revisions of "Masked HERO"

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{{Infobox archetype
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{{Infobox archseries
| image   = Masked Heroes.jpg
+
| cut_from_names = true
| caption = [[Jaden Yuki (manga)|Jaden]] with "[[Masked HERO Acid]]" and "[[Masked HERO Dark Law]]" as they prepare a [[Double Attack (mechanic)|Double Attack]].
+
| image         = Mat-Judge-HERO.png
| ja_name = {{Ruby|M・HERO|マスクドヒーロー}}
+
| caption       = From left to right: "[[Masked HERO Dark Law]]", "[[Masked HERO Koga]]", "[[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]]", "[[Masked HERO Divine Wind]]" and "[[Contrast HERO Chaos]]"
| romaji = Masukudo Hīrō
+
| ja_name       = {{Ruby|M・HERO|マスクドヒーロー}}
| ja_manga = {{Ruby|M|マスクド}}・{{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}}
+
| romaji         = Masukudo Hīrō
| jp_manga2 = {{Ruby|M|マスクド}}・{{Ruby|H|ヒーロー}}
+
| ja_manga       = {{Ruby|M|マスクド}}・{{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}}
| de_name = Maskierter HELD
+
| jp_manga2     = {{Ruby|M|マスクド}}・{{Ruby|H|ヒーロー}}
| ko_name =  마스크드 히어로
+
| fr_name        = HÉROS Masqué
| pt_name = HERÓI Mascarado
+
| de_name       = Maskierter HELD
| ko_romanized = Maseukeudeu Hieoro
+
| it_name        = EROE Mascherato
| fr_name = HÉROS Masqué
+
| ko_name       =  마스크드 히어로
| es_name = HEROE Enmascarado
+
| ko_romanized   = Maseukeudeu Hieoro
| it_name = EROE Mascherato
+
| pt_name        = HERÓI Mascarado
| sets    =  
+
| es_name       = HEROE Enmascarado
 +
| tcg            =
 +
* [[Generation Force]]
 +
* [[Premium Collection Tin]]
 +
* [[Duelist League 14]]
 +
* [[Astral Pack One]]
 +
* [[HERO Strike Structure Deck]]
 +
* [[Premium Gold: Return of the Bling]]
 +
* [[Astral Pack Eight]]
 +
* [[Premium Gold: Infinite Gold]]
 +
* [[OTS Tournament Pack 1]]
 +
* [[Weekly Shonen Jump October 2016 membership promotional card]]
 +
* [[Raging Tempest: Special Edition]]
 +
* [[Duelist Saga]]
 +
* [[Legendary Hero Decks]]
 +
* [[Toon Chaos]]
 +
* [[Ghosts From the Past (set)|Ghosts From the Past]]
 +
* [[25th Anniversary Rarity Collection]]
 +
| ocg            =
 
* [[Premium Pack 13]]
 
* [[Premium Pack 13]]
* [[Generation Force]]
+
* [[Jump Festa 2012 - Promotion Pack A]]
 +
* [[Jump Festa 2012 - Promotion Pack B]]
 
* [[Premium Pack 14]]
 
* [[Premium Pack 14]]
* [[2012 Premium Collection Tin]]
 
 
* [[Structure Deck: HERO's Strike]]
 
* [[Structure Deck: HERO's Strike]]
 
* [[Premium Pack 17]]
 
* [[Premium Pack 17]]
 
* [[20th Legendary Collection]]
 
* [[20th Legendary Collection]]
| manga  =  
+
* [[20th Anniversary Pack 2nd Wave]]
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (manga)|Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]
+
* [[Tournament Pack 2018 Vol.2]]
 +
* [[LINK VRAINS Pack 2]]
 +
* [[Rarity Collection Quarter Century Edition]]
 +
| korea          =
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.6]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.7]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.10]]
 +
* [[Premium Pack Vol.11]]
 +
| manga          = [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (manga)|Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
"'''Masked HERO'''" ({{Ruby|M・HERO|マスクドヒーロー}} ''Masukudo Hīrō'' in Japan, written as {{Ruby|M|マスクド}}・{{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}} or {{Ruby|M|マスクド}}・{{Ruby|H|ヒーロー}} in the Japanese manga) is a "[[HERO]]" sub-[[archetype]] used by [[Jaden Yuki (manga)|Jaden Yuki]] in the [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (manga)|''Yu-Gi-Oh! GX'' manga]]. Jaden started using this archetype after the tournament to [[Duel]] the [[Zane Truesdale (manga)|Kaiser]], when he decided to build an "all-his Deck", which would eventually grow into his ultimate Deck (since the "[[Elemental HERO]]" monsters he used previously were from [[Koyo Hibiki]]'s Deck).
  
"'''Masked HERO'''" ({{Ruby|M・HERO|マスクドヒーロー}} ''Masukudo Hīrō'' in Japan, written as {{Ruby|M|マスクド}}・{{Ruby|HERO|ヒーロー}} or {{Ruby|M|マスクド}}・{{Ruby|H|ヒーロー}} in the Japanese manga) is a "[[HERO]]" sub-[[archetype]] used by [[Jaden Yuki (manga)|Jaden Yuki]] in the [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (manga)|''Yu-Gi-Oh! GX'' manga]]. Jaden started using these "HEROes" after the tournament to [[Duel]] the [[Zane Truesdale (manga)|Kaiser]], when he decided to build an "all-his Deck", which would eventually grow into his ultimate Deck (since the "[[Elemental HERO]]es" he used previously were [[Koyo Hibiki]]'s Deck).
+
The [[Transformation Summon]] method is utilized by this archetype.
  
The "Masked HEROes" are currently the only [[Monster Card|monsters]] to be able to perform [[Transformation Summon]]s.
+
==Design==
 
+
While the "[[Elemental HERO]]" archetype is said to be based off of American superheroes, it can also be assumed that the "Masked HERO" archetype is a salute to Japanese ''[[wikipedia:Kamen Rider|Kamen Rider]]'' heroes. In addition to "Kamen" meaning "Masked", there are several similarities between the two, such the recurring "form changing" and transformations of Kamen Riders. The Double Attacks are also similar to the original Kamen Riders' (1 and 2) "Rider Double" techniques.
 
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable"
+
! Attribute
! [[Attribute]] || "Masked HERO LV 6" Fusion Monster || "Masked HERO LV 8" Fusion Monster
+
! Main Deck Monster
|-
+
! Level 6 Fusion Monster
|| [[WATER]] || [[Masked HERO Vapor]]  || [[Masked HERO Acid]]
+
! Level 8 Fusion Monster
 
|-
 
|-
|| [[EARTH]] || Unknown || [[Masked HERO Dian]]
+
| {{Attribute|WIND|size=24}}
 +
| [[Masked Hero Gust|Gust]]
 +
| [[Masked HERO Blast|Blast]]
 +
| [[Masked HERO Divine Wind|Divine Wind]]
 
|-
 
|-
|| [[FIRE]] || [[Masked HERO Goka]] || Unknown
+
| {{Attribute|WATER|size=24}}
 +
| [[Masked Hero Fountain|Fountain]]
 +
| [[Masked HERO Vapor|Vapor]]
 +
| [[Masked HERO Acid|Acid]]
 
|-
 
|-
|| [[WIND]] || [[Masked HERO Blast]] || [[Masked HERO Divine Wind]]  
+
| {{Attribute|FIRE|size=24}}
 +
| [[Masked Hero Inferno|Inferno]]
 +
| [[Masked HERO Goka|Goka]]
 +
| -
 
|-
 
|-
|| [[DARK]] || [[Masked HERO Dark Law]] || [[Masked HERO Anki]]
+
| {{Attribute|EARTH|size=24}}
 +
| [[Masked Hero Bassols|Bassols]]
 +
| -
 +
| [[Masked HERO Dian|Dian]]
 
|-
 
|-
|| [[LIGHT]] || Unknown || [[Masked HERO Koga]]
+
| {{Attribute|LIGHT|size=24}}
 +
| [[Masked Hero Ray|Ray]]
 +
| -
 +
| [[Masked HERO Koga|Koga]]
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| {{Attribute|DARK|size=24}}
 +
| [[Masked Hero Dusk Crow|Dusk Crow]]
 +
| [[Masked HERO Dark Law|Dark Law]]
 +
| [[Masked HERO Anki|Anki]]
 
|}
 
|}
 +
{{-}}
  
==Design==
+
==Playing style==
While the "[[Elemental HERO]]" archetype is said to be based off of American superheroes, it can also be assumed that the "Masked HERO" archetype is a salute to Japanese [[wikipedia:Kamen Rider|Kamen Rider]] heroes. In addition to "Kamen" meaning "Masked", there are several similarities between the two, such the recurring "form changing" and transformations of Kamen Riders. The Double Attacks are also similar to the original Kamen Riders' (1 and 2) "Rider Double" techniques.
+
The "Masked HERO" archetype centers on the "[[Change]]" archetype of [[Quick-Play Spell Card|Quick-Play Spells]], mainly "[[Mask Change]]", "[[Mask Change II]]" and "[[Form Change]]", which can "transform" a monster into a "Masked HERO" Fusion Monster, sending the monster on the field to the Graveyard (or returning it to the Extra Deck in the case of "Form Change") and [[Special Summon]]ing the "Masked HERO" from the [[Extra Deck]] (rather than [[Fusion Summon]]ing like most [[Fusion Monster]]s do).
 
 
==Playing Style==
 
Rather than [[Fusion Summon]]ing like most [[Fusion Monster]]s do, "Masked HEROes" use cards like "[[Mask Change]]" to [[Special Summon]] themselves from the [[Extra Deck]]. In the [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (manga)|manga]], [[Chazz Princeton (manga)|Chazz Princeton]] was amazed seeing how the "Masked HEROes" could use the same effect of "Fusion" using one single [[Fusion Material Monster|material]] rather than 2 or more.
 
 
 
This archetype favors a fairly straight-forward [[Beatdown]] strategy. Their "transforming" cards being [[Quick-Play Spell Card]]s allows them to be transformed at any time, including during the [[Battle Phase]], for multiple [[attack]]s, or in response to an opponent's [[Card effect|effect]] or attack.
 
 
 
While in the manga "Masked HEROes" are an independent archetype, in the ''[[TCG]]''/''[[OCG]]'' they were revamped to be a general "[[HERO]]" support, making them [[Splashable]] options for any "HERO" Deck (though they essentially work well only with the "[[Elemental HERO]]es", due to their varied [[Attribute]]s). "[[Mask Change II]]" takes this even further by allowing "Masked HEROes" to be splashable in any Deck, as long as one can handle the increased [[cost]] and Extra Deck real estate.
 
  
An efficient build can consist of running a few Elemental HEROes that help you conduct fusion summons (Like [[Elemental HERO Blazeman]] and [[Elemental Hero Woodsman]]) to fusion summon [[Elemental HERO Absolute Zero]] ([[King of the Swamp]] help this even further) which has 2 advantages: can be fusion summoned using even Masked Heroes, and when combined with Mask Change or Form Change, lets you get a WATER or high leveled Masked HERO while destroying your opponents' monsters.
+
In the manga, "Masked HERO" is an independent archetype featuring its own Main Deck monsters. In the ''[[TCG]]''/''[[OCG]]'' however, they do not have any Main Deck monsters, and the "Change" Quick-Play Spells, which only worked on "Masked HERO" Main Deck monsters in the manga, were revamped to generally support "[[HERO]]" monsters. All "Masked HERO" Fusion Monsters [[No Fusion Materials|do not list]] any [[Fusion Material]]s and share the condition that they must be Special Summoned by "Mask Change" (though "Mask Change II" and "Form Change" treats their effect's Special Summon as it were done with "Mask Change"). Due to the lack of Main Deck monsters, the archetype has no de-facto "playing style", and instead primarily served as boss monsters for other "HERO" decks, such as "[[Elemental HERO]]" or "[[Destiny HERO]]" decks, or even a cross-archetypal "HERO" archetypal deck. The most important support for the archetype's monsters is "[[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]]", who can search out "Change" Spells when Special Summoned.
  
{{Decklist|Recommended Cards<ref>http://ygorganization.com/ocg-05192015-ocg-japan-and-china-decklists/</ref>
+
The "Masked HERO" Fusion Monsters all have a variety of battle-related, protective and/or disruptive effects. "[[Masked HERO Acid]]" and "[[Masked HERO Blast]]" can answer against Spell/[[Trap Card|Trap]] heavy boards. "[[Masked HERO Koga]]" and "[[Masked HERO Goka]]" serve as attacking beatsticks, "[[Masked HERO Divine Wind]]" and "[[Masked HERO Vapor]]" have protection to prevent themselves from being destroyed, while "[[Masked HERO Anki]]" and "[[Masked HERO Dian]]" (and "Divine Wind") can net card advantage for the user if they destroy a monster by battle. However, the most prominent member of the archetype is "[[Masked HERO Dark Law]]", having an oppressive one-sided "[[Macro Cosmos]]"-like effect while also punishing the opponent's searches by randomly banishing one card from their hand if they do so. Its [[DARK]]-Attribute makes it widely compatible with the entire DARK "HERO" arsennal including all "Destiny HEROs", all "[[Vision HERO]]s" and "Shadow Mist" (whom searches a "Change" card upon its Special Summon and can also be used as the target of the said card to Summon "Dark Law", netting additional advantage if done during the subsequent turn).
|effect monsters =
 
*[[Elemental HERO Bubbleman]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Heat]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Ocean]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Sparkman]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Stratos]](In Traditional Format only)
 
*[[Elemental HERO Wildheart]]
 
*[[Phantom Magician]]
 
*[[Summoner Monk]]
 
|fusion monsters =
 
*[[Contrast HERO Chaos]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Acid]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Dark Law]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Dian]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Divine Wind]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Goka]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Koga]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Vapor]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Absolute Zero]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Escuridao]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Gaia]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Great Tornado]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Nova Master]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO The Shining]]
 
|spells =
 
<!--This is not an exact Decklist. Please do not add multiples or staples.-->
 
*[[Advance Draw]]
 
*[[Mask Change]]
 
*[[Mask Change II]]
 
*[[E - Emergency Call]]
 
*[[Form Change]]
 
*[[Mask Charge]]
 
*[[Miracle Fusion]]
 
*[[Quick Booster]]
 
*[[Reinforcement of the Army]]
 
*[[The Warrior Returning Alive]]
 
|traps =
 
<!--This is not an exact Decklist. Please do not add multiples or staples.-->
 
*[[Imperial Custom]]
 
*[[Safe Zone]]
 
}}
 
  
==Official Deck==
+
"[[Mask Change II]]" takes the splashability of "Masked HERO" monsters one step further, by allowing any monster with a [[Level]] to "transform" into a "Masked HERO" monster. Netherless, some "Masked HERO" monsters still depend on "HERO" monsters to make use of their effects. Besides "Shadow Mist", "Masked HERO" also benefits from the following "Change" support cards: "[[Mask Charge]]", which can recur a "HERO" monster and a "Change" Quick-Play Spell from the GY, and "[[Xtra HERO Wonder Driver]]", which Sets a "Change" Quick-Play Spells from the GY whenever a "HERO" monster is Normal or Special Summoned to a zone it points to, which combos very well with "Form Change".
{{Decklist|Masked HERO Official Tournament Deck (4th Place)<ref>http://ygorganization.com/ocg-05192015-ocg-japan-and-china-decklists/</ref>
 
|effect monsters =
 
*[[Elemental HERO Bubbleman]] x2
 
*[[Elemental HERO Ocean]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Neos Alius]] x2
 
*[[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]] x3
 
*[[Elemental HERO Stratos]]
 
*[[Neo-Spacian Grand Mole]]
 
*[[Summoner Monk]]
 
|fusion monsters =
 
*[[Contrast HERO Chaos]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Absolute Zero]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Great Tornado]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Acid]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Dark Law]] x2
 
*[[Masked HERO Dian]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Divine Wind]] x2
 
*[[Masked HERO Goka]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Koga]]
 
*[[Masked HERO Vapor]]
 
|xyz monsters =
 
*[[Number 10: Illumiknight]]
 
*[[Number 80: Rhapsody in Berserk]]
 
*[[Number 103: Ragnazero]]
 
|spells =
 
*[[A Hero Lives]] x3
 
*[[Dark Hole]]
 
*[[E - Emergency Call]] x3
 
*[[Mask Change]] x3
 
*[[Mask Change II]] x3
 
*[[Miracle Fusion]] x2
 
*[[Monster Reborn]]
 
*[[Mystical Space Typhoon]] x2
 
*[[Pot of Duality]]
 
*[[Reinforcement of the Army]]
 
|traps =
 
*[[Bottomless Trap Hole]] x2
 
*[[Call of the Haunted]]
 
*[[Compulsory Evacuation Device]] x3
 
*[[Solemn Judgment]]
 
}}
 
  
{{Decklist|Masked Hero Local Tournament Deck (3rd Place)<ref>http://ygorganization.com/ocg-05192015-ocg-japan-and-china-decklists/</ref>
+
===Recommended cards===
 +
{{Decklist|Recommended cards
 
|effect monsters =
 
|effect monsters =
*[[Armageddon Knight]]
+
* [[Elemental HERO Blazeman]]
*[[Blackwing - Zephyros the Elite]]
+
* [[Elemental HERO Honest Neos]]
*[[Elemental HERO Bubbleman]] x2
+
* [[Elemental HERO Liquid Soldier]]
*[[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]] x2
+
* [[Elemental HERO Ocean]]
*[[Elemental HERO Stratos]]
+
* [[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]]
*[[Goblindbergh]]
+
* [[Elemental HERO Solid Soldier]]
*[[Tin Goldfish]] x3
+
* [[Elemental HERO Stratos]]
 +
* [[Vision HERO Faris]]
 +
* [[Vision HERO Increase]]
 +
* [[Vision HERO Vyon]]
 
|fusion monsters =
 
|fusion monsters =
*[[Elder Entity Norden]]
+
* [[Contrast HERO Chaos]]
*[[Masked HERO Acid]]
+
* [[Masked HERO Acid]]
*[[Masked HERO Anki]]
+
* [[Masked HERO Anki]]
*[[Masked HERO Dark Law]] x2
+
* [[Masked HERO Blast]]
|xyz monsters =
+
* [[Masked HERO Dark Law]]
*[[Abyss Dweller]]
+
* [[Masked HERO Dian]]
*[[Castel, the Skyblaster Musketeer]]
+
* [[Masked HERO Divine Wind]]
*[[Constellar Pleiades]]
+
* [[Masked HERO Goka]]
*[[Cyber Dragon Infinity]]
+
* [[Masked HERO Koga]]
*[[Cyber Dragon Nova]]
+
* [[Masked HERO Vapor]]
*[[Number 16: Shock Master]]
+
* [[Mudragon of the Swamp]] (with "Instant Fusion")
*[[Number 39: Utopia]]
+
* [[Elemental HERO Absolute Zero]]
*[[Number S39: Utopia the Lightning]]
+
* [[Elemental HERO Escuridao]]
*[[Stellarknight Constellar Diamond]]
+
* [[Elemental HERO Gaia]]
*[[Tellarknight Ptolemaeus]]
+
* [[Elemental HERO Great Tornado]]
|spells =
+
* [[Elemental HERO Nova Master]]
*[[A Hero Lives]] x3
+
* [[Elemental HERO Sunrise]]
*[[Book of Moon]]
+
* [[Elemental HERO The Shining]]
*[[E - Emergency Call]] x3
+
* [[Wake Up Your Elemental HERO]]
*[[Forbidden Lance]]
+
|link monsters =
*[[Harpie's Feather Duster]]
+
* [[Xtra HERO Wonder Driver]]
*[[Instant Fusion]]
+
|normal spells =
*[[Mask Change]] x2
+
* [[Mask Charge]]
*[[Monster Reborn]]
+
* [[E - Emergency Call]]
*[[Mystical Space Typhoon]] x2
+
* [[EN Shuffle]]
*[[Reinforcement of the Army]]
+
* [[Miracle Fusion]]
*[[Soul Charge]]
+
* [[Instant Fusion]]
|traps =
+
* [[Polymerization]]
*[[Breakthrough Skill]] x2
+
* [[Reinforcement of the Army]]
*[[Call of the Haunted]] x3
+
* [[The Warrior Returning Alive]]
*[[Fiendish Chain]]
+
| quick-play spells =
*[[Ring of Destruction]]
+
* [[Form Change]]
*[[Solemn Judgment]]
+
* [[Mask Change]]
*[[Solemn Warning]]
+
* [[Mask Change II]]
*[[Vanity's Emptiness]]
+
* [[Super Polymerization]]
 +
| normal traps =
 +
* [[Favorite Contact]]
 
}}
 
}}
 
+
{{Archseries navbox}}
{{Decklist|Masked Hero Local Tournament Side Deck<ref>http://ygorganization.com/ocg-05192015-ocg-japan-and-china-decklists/</ref>
+
{{Archseries navbox (manga)}}
|effect monsters =
+
{{Archseries navbox (Duel Links)}}
*[[Elemental HERO Blazeman]]
 
*[[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist]]
 
*[[Maxx "C"]]
 
|xyz monsters =
 
*[[Evilswarm Exciton Knight]]
 
|spells =
 
*[[Foolish Burial]]
 
*[[Forbidden Lance]] x2
 
*[[Mask Change]]
 
*[[Mystical Space Typhoon]]
 
|traps =
 
*[[Anti-Spell Fragrance]] x3
 
*[[Oasis of Dragon Souls]]
 
*[[Mischief of the Yokai]] x2
 
}}
 
==References==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
 
{{HERO}}
 
{{HERO}}
{{HERO (manga)}}
 
<br />
 
{{Six Attributes}}
 
 
 
[[Category:TCG and OCG archetypes]]
 
[[Category:TCG and OCG archetypes]]

Latest revision as of 06:29, 24 January 2024

Masked HERO
From left to right: "Masked HERO Dark Law", "Masked HERO Koga", "Elemental HERO Shadow Mist", "Masked HERO Divine Wind" and "Contrast HERO Chaos"
Japanese
  • M・HEROマスクドヒーロー
  • M・HERO (base)
  • マスクドヒーロー (ruby)
  • Masukudo Hīrō (romanized)
  • マスクドHEROヒーロー (manga)
  • M・HERO (base)
  • マスクド・ヒーロー (ruby)
French
  • HÉROS Masqué
German
  • Maskierter HELD
Italian
  • EROE Mascherato
Korean
  • 마스크드 히어로
  • Maseukeudeu Hieoro (romanized)
Portuguese
  • HERÓI Mascarado
Spanish
  • HEROE Enmascarado
Sets
TCG
OCG
Korean
Manga appearances
Lists

"Masked HERO" (M・HEROマスクドヒーロー Masukudo Hīrō in Japan, written as マスクドHEROヒーロー or マスクドヒーロー in the Japanese manga) is a "HERO" sub-archetype used by Jaden Yuki in the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX manga. Jaden started using this archetype after the tournament to Duel the Kaiser, when he decided to build an "all-his Deck", which would eventually grow into his ultimate Deck (since the "Elemental HERO" monsters he used previously were from Koyo Hibiki's Deck).

The Transformation Summon method is utilized by this archetype.

Design[edit]

While the "Elemental HERO" archetype is said to be based off of American superheroes, it can also be assumed that the "Masked HERO" archetype is a salute to Japanese Kamen Rider heroes. In addition to "Kamen" meaning "Masked", there are several similarities between the two, such the recurring "form changing" and transformations of Kamen Riders. The Double Attacks are also similar to the original Kamen Riders' (1 and 2) "Rider Double" techniques.

Attribute Main Deck Monster Level 6 Fusion Monster Level 8 Fusion Monster
WIND WIND.svg Gust Blast Divine Wind
WATER WATER.svg Fountain Vapor Acid
FIRE FIRE.svg Inferno Goka -
EARTH EARTH.svg Bassols - Dian
LIGHT LIGHT.svg Ray - Koga
DARK DARK.svg Dusk Crow Dark Law Anki

Playing style[edit]

The "Masked HERO" archetype centers on the "Change" archetype of Quick-Play Spells, mainly "Mask Change", "Mask Change II" and "Form Change", which can "transform" a monster into a "Masked HERO" Fusion Monster, sending the monster on the field to the Graveyard (or returning it to the Extra Deck in the case of "Form Change") and Special Summoning the "Masked HERO" from the Extra Deck (rather than Fusion Summoning like most Fusion Monsters do).

In the manga, "Masked HERO" is an independent archetype featuring its own Main Deck monsters. In the TCG/OCG however, they do not have any Main Deck monsters, and the "Change" Quick-Play Spells, which only worked on "Masked HERO" Main Deck monsters in the manga, were revamped to generally support "HERO" monsters. All "Masked HERO" Fusion Monsters do not list any Fusion Materials and share the condition that they must be Special Summoned by "Mask Change" (though "Mask Change II" and "Form Change" treats their effect's Special Summon as it were done with "Mask Change"). Due to the lack of Main Deck monsters, the archetype has no de-facto "playing style", and instead primarily served as boss monsters for other "HERO" decks, such as "Elemental HERO" or "Destiny HERO" decks, or even a cross-archetypal "HERO" archetypal deck. The most important support for the archetype's monsters is "Elemental HERO Shadow Mist", who can search out "Change" Spells when Special Summoned.

The "Masked HERO" Fusion Monsters all have a variety of battle-related, protective and/or disruptive effects. "Masked HERO Acid" and "Masked HERO Blast" can answer against Spell/Trap heavy boards. "Masked HERO Koga" and "Masked HERO Goka" serve as attacking beatsticks, "Masked HERO Divine Wind" and "Masked HERO Vapor" have protection to prevent themselves from being destroyed, while "Masked HERO Anki" and "Masked HERO Dian" (and "Divine Wind") can net card advantage for the user if they destroy a monster by battle. However, the most prominent member of the archetype is "Masked HERO Dark Law", having an oppressive one-sided "Macro Cosmos"-like effect while also punishing the opponent's searches by randomly banishing one card from their hand if they do so. Its DARK-Attribute makes it widely compatible with the entire DARK "HERO" arsennal including all "Destiny HEROs", all "Vision HEROs" and "Shadow Mist" (whom searches a "Change" card upon its Special Summon and can also be used as the target of the said card to Summon "Dark Law", netting additional advantage if done during the subsequent turn).

"Mask Change II" takes the splashability of "Masked HERO" monsters one step further, by allowing any monster with a Level to "transform" into a "Masked HERO" monster. Netherless, some "Masked HERO" monsters still depend on "HERO" monsters to make use of their effects. Besides "Shadow Mist", "Masked HERO" also benefits from the following "Change" support cards: "Mask Charge", which can recur a "HERO" monster and a "Change" Quick-Play Spell from the GY, and "Xtra HERO Wonder Driver", which Sets a "Change" Quick-Play Spells from the GY whenever a "HERO" monster is Normal or Special Summoned to a zone it points to, which combos very well with "Form Change".

Recommended cards[edit]