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Ask the Wizard.... Ads from the Past... Game of the Month: Mario 8 Japan Report.... PC Classics: Winged Warrior.. Portable Mayhem... RPG Corner: Mario RPG .. Sport Bits... Tips n Tricks... Unknown World XV... Yu-gi-oh! Deck Profile: Quantal.. Game Over.... Coming Soon...

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Welcome to December! Another month, another bunch of articles and reviews for your liking. Be sure to visit our page www.retrogaminglife.com and let use know what you want to see in future issues. The year is over and we have a bunch of new goals ahead of us. In this issue though, you will find a lot of bootlegs that require a second look as well as new ones that seem to be getting attention to this day. We also take a look at Super Mario RPG and have a bunch of endings for more games. Finally, we have even more new ads for you and a bunch of tips for your favorite games. There is also a new deck profile as always and more! Check it out and happy holidays!

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Ask the Wizard Here we ask our fellow gamers to ask questions to the wizard! He knows everything! If you have any questions you would like for him to answer, let us know! Best Memory Card? I know it’s past their prime but the PS1 had a big arsenal of PS1 memory cards. I was wondering which brand is the way to go as I heard horro stories of saves games just disappearing! Help! -Bowser Jr. 231 The way to go and I can’t express this enough is with the original Sony brand. The third party brands offer a lot but there are some risks involved in them so beware. Nothin like the original. 4

Anime to RPG I would like to know some old school RPGs that are based on anime series. I know there are RPGs with anime characters in it, but don’t know if they are actually based on a series. Any advice? -Otaku 209 There are a couple of RPGs based on anime series. First that comes to mind is Magic Knight Reyearth for the Sega Saturn. There are also some for the SNES like Ranma 1/2 and even Slayers. You will need to get reproductions for those are they are not USA releases. Finally, don’t let the lack of having a series made after them be a deal breaker. A lot of games become anime series thanks to their video game debut. THANK YOU! 4 REAL! I just want to thank you guys for the big code section from last issue. I found a lot of info for some of my games! -Trickster20 No problem! Check this issue out for more! 5

Here are some more wonderful ads to look at. Maybe some of these will help you discover new games to play from the past. Check them out before they’re all gone, enjoy!

A new ally has appeared!

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The more the merrier I say!

CD Quality! Count me in!

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I feel your pain my friend

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I think one is asking the other if theirs is working!

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I wonder who’s eye is this?

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wow! Hello handsome! rawr!

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T

his is a game we have talked about in the past especially in our first Issue since it’s quite peculiar. It was only a matter of time before we had an issue with the bootleg part of the games in it. Can’t really say much more about this game, but we are here to review it one last time before slapping the door on it. Not really, there is more about this game than you might realize. Lets take a look! The game is your typical side scroller that plays great and has great graphics and sound. The game is originally from the Don Doko Don series which had two entries, both for the Famicom. The first game was actually a game that plays like Bubble Bobble which if you ask anyone, it’s a classic. The series took a turn when it turned into an adventure style game which changed things around from the first game. It was a welcomed entry and was mildly successful in Japan. This is where Mario 8 comes in. Since the Mario games were so popular, it was only a matter of time before fake copies would come out into the market. After making bootlegs of the first three entries to death, the boogleg creators started to get a little more fancy and lazy at the same time. This is where the large array of Mario games comes in. This one is called 8 for a

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reason. After part three, there have been multiple entries of the various games. They continued from 4 till 16 or so. It’s unclear how many of them actually are because there are some that have been released in other countries like Russia with different numbers. Overall, it’s a very confusing ordeal. This month’s Unknown Bootleg will have tons of info about these games. Furthermore, speaking of this game in particular, it plays amazing.

I really believe that the Mario sprites added to it make it more playable and relateable sincew you have mushrooms attacking you and what not. This could have easily been another case of Doki Doki Panic in the USA. It sucks this game wasn’t made by Nintendo, but Taito did a great job with it. The game contains power ups with your hammer weapon as well as icons you collect in order to increment your health. The game is balanced and can be challenging at some points of the game especially the level 4 boss! The music is fantastic and the graphics are superb. This game really showed what the Famicom was capable of. A very colorful adventure with Mario hacked right into it. If you ever have the chance to play this game, do it! It’s available in cart but you can also just try it for free using emulation. It’s a win win experience for you. Overal, this game will be something you will go back to just because the side scrolling aspect of it is so satisfying. If you don’t like Mario, just get the original Called Don Doko Don 2. You’ll have fun regardless.

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Japan Report

This month we have a very awesome

series called Daiku no Gensan although we refer to it as Hammerin Harry. The game was never released in the USA until its PSP release but we totally missed their Famicom, Gameboy, and SNES releases. That’s a shame, since the game is so much fun. The first game for the Famicom is pretty fun and simple. The main goal is for you to get through the stages. The main character has a hammer which can be powered up to do different things. YOu also have boss battles and what not. The game is your simple platform with a hammering twist! I gotta say, the game does offer a lot of replayability and it’s a lot of fun overall. The learning curve is very good as you aren’t punished for failing to beat a level. Don’t get frustrated as you’ll need some patience to get through it. The game being released in 1990 for the Famicom, was a big deal as the Famicome was already waving goodbye to the gaming generation with the Super Famicom on its way. I believe that’s why the game never made it to the NES although it had a European release.

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Moving on, the Super Famicom version was released in 1993 but that’s not before a sequel came out for the Famicom in 1992. As you can tell, the Famicom was still quite popular and games were still being made for it even after the Super Famicom was out. Of course, this is another title that would never make it to the USA. Good thing we have a way to import these wonderful games.

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urthermore, the Super Famicom version was an improvement to the game in various ways. The game was just a lot of fun already and it become more of that with improved graphics and sound. The gameplay was left almost intact although there were a few additions like vehicles and what not. It was everything that you needed from an upgraded version. This would be the third in the series although a Gameboy version of the series was released but that one just feels more like the first and second games put into a portable device. A lot of series got their games out like that for portable devices so it was very common to see that. Even with all the improvements, the charm was barely missed so you should try this out regardless.

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PC Classics: This is Winged Warrior which was released by Dataware back in the late 90s. I was able to run into this game back when I first got internet back in the AOL days. The game was cute and simple and even though I only played the demo, I wanted more. This was the first ever game that I played from a download online that I actually purchased! It wasn’t much to be honest, only 9.98 for it and it was worth it if you ask me. The game plays like a traditional turn-based RPG. It sort of reminded me of Dragon Warrior, as well as Final Fantasy. This game has a very old school feel into it. You feel you are almost playing a game for the good old classic NES. That is where this game gets its charm. 16

This game also offers a soundtrack that’s simple and fun. The sounds are also simple and good. The turn base gameplay does deliver a very fun experience. The game does lack in one major department, its length! This game is so short, you’ll finish it within 10-20 minutes of it. That is a pure shame but not to worry, the creator of this series also released two other games in the series. I am not sure about the length of those other two games but I’m sure they are longer than this one. I recommend you at least try a demo of this game. I’m sure I was not the only one to play this game back when AOL was all the craze. It was a different time that’s for sure.

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Super

Mario

Advance

This is the first in a long line up of remakes for the portable handheld. It plays well and feels like a remake with added voices. If you have never played the original or SNES entry, then try this one for sure. Great game!

F-zero

(GBA)

This is a very good entry in the series that took the game to the portable world. It plays a lot like the SNES game and everything feels intact. You get new race tracks and new music and more. F-zero fans need this one.

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(GBA)

Ghouls

and

Ghosts

(GBC)

This is an OK port of this tough game. Lets just say, the game being portable makes it even harder to get through, but you are welcomed to try. The game is ok but tougher than ever before! You have been warned!

Halley

Wars

(Game

Gear)

The game Halley Wars is one of the very few shoot em ups for the handheld console. The game does remind me of games like Star Soldier which was a very early NES/Famicom shoot em up. Nevertheless, the game does play real well but it’is nothing amazing. The game has decent sound and does offer a very decent difficulty level. This one is a very unusual game for a Game Gear library, but I’am glad there is at least one that was released in the USA. I recommend it as it’is a fun experience and quite affordable. I will be sure to explore the handheld more and find more of these hidden gems.

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We have a special treat for you this month. It’s none other than the legendary Super Mario RPG for the SNES. This game defined the Mario series and even though Squaresoft and Nintendo didn’t participated in another Mario RPG style game, this opened the doors to a new series that would be called Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi. The game was something that well overdue. Mario was already into the racing world with Super Mario Kart, so it was only a matter of time for him and his friends to explore other worlds. The RPG world seems like a good fit, and it was. The game introduced you to many memorable characters such as Mallow and Geno. Sadly, this would be their only playable appearance in a video game as of now so people still remembers greatly. But enough of a history lesson, lets take a look at why you should play and own this gem! Lets start with the gameplay as it’s probably the most important aspect to any video game. The game plays in a turn-based combat style game in which your party of three take turns in attacking. This is very traditional and works well in the game. It’s a lot of fun especially the moves from 20

each character. The game offers multiple ways to play it as you can change your team members. Of course, you must always keep Mario in your team as he is the main character of the story. I found that using Bowser can be lots of fun. You can also play as Princes Peach and she freaking rocks! It really is up to you! Other than that, the game comes with lots of interesting challenges and mini games. They are quite fun and adds more to the game. The graphics of the games are pretty good although they seem to be dated. They have that look of Donkey Kong Country that just doesn’t age well. They still look pretty good and believe me when I say, you won’t get confused at what you are looking at. Overall, graphics will not affect the fun you have while playing this game. The sound is amazing. The wonderful memorable scores you will hear in this game is pretty high. You have to play this game in high volume to enjoy them! One thing that lacks in this game is the length. This game is pretty short, also the characters can only go to the max level of 30 which means you can only grind to that level. That’s all fine regardless as it won’t take much fun out of the game. I highly recommend this game in your collection. If you have never played it, then definitely do so as you won’t be disappointed.

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This is the sequel to the first Ken Griffey Jr game for the same console. The game tries to improve from the first entry of the series as any other game coming after their predecessor attempts to. Ken Griffey was a major hit with baseball fans in the mid 90s so it was only natural for a new entry to be released. The game was developed by Rare and released in 1996. This means that the SNES was already on its way out. The graphics of the game look somewhat like Donkey Kong Country and that would make sense since it was developed by Rare. Sadly, the gameplay does not deliver and the game over all feels like a down grade from the first entry. The controls can be slugish although I think they did that on purpose when you are controlling sucky batters but I could be wrong. The graphics do deliver a good view, but the gameplay falls short from satisfying to mediocre.

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This is the classic entry for the NES called Kung Fu. As simple as it may sound, this game does require you to time your attacks in order to defeat your foes. The game consists of five floors (levels) which you must pursue in order to save your darling Sylvia from Mr X. I know it all sounds very cliche, but it does work for a simple NES title. The game plays quite simple and fun. You jump with UP and move with directional pad. Punch is A and Kick is B. You will be kicking more than punching. Note that you will get more points for punching but it does offer less range than the kick. Overall, the game is your traditional pick up and play that won’t take hours to beat nor will it keep you entertained for that long. It’s fun just like that!

This is Track & Field for the NES. If you are looking for a button masher than look no further. This game is best played with a friend. The CPU is usually an asshole so I don’t recommend that unless you are really really good at the game. The graphics are nice and the games can be quite fun. Although the game is not deep, you can definitely put hours of fun into it especially with lots of friends around. This is a very decent entry by the old Konami and definitely worth a shot.

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Super Mario Land 2 (Gameboy) Easy Mode: Press SELECT on the pipe screen

Shining Force (Genesis)

Misc. Codes: Controll All Opponents (JP Version Only) -When the battle begins quickly tap A, B, C, Up, A, C, A, B, A Fight Any Battle (JP Version Only) - Hold: Start on 2P then reset the system. Let go of Start and hold: A+C on 2P. Select continue and wait until the girl says good luck. At that instant hold: A on 1P while continuing to hold: A+C on 2P. Name Characters (Must have completed game first) -Start a new game and go to the Name Your Character screen. Put the cursor on end and hold: Start+A+B+C on 2P while holding: Start+A+C on 1P. You will see another character. Continue this until to name all characters or until you please.

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Shining Force (Genesis)

Sound Test: Beat the game, allow the ending to completely finish and the game to reset. The sound test is opened by loading a saved game or starting a new one, and entering the code while the screen fades to black after Simone stops talking.

Shining Force II (Genesis)

Secret Configuration Mode While the Sega logo is on screen enter the following: Battle Select: Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Right, Down, Left, B, C, B, C, B, C Secret Configuration Mode: Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Right, Down, Left, Up, B Secret Configuration Mode 2: Up, Down, Up, B, C, Right, Left, Up, Down, Up, B, C, Right, Left

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B.O.B.(Genesis)

Various Cheats: Everything Maxed Out: At the title screen, simply press B on controller 2 to max out your lives and ammo. Infinite Lives and Weapons: At the ''Foley High Tech Systems'' screen press A+B+C simultaneously on Controller 2

Various Passwords: 672451 Anciena 1 272578 Anciena 2 652074 Anciena 3 265648 Anciena 4 462893 Anciena 5 583172 Anciena 6 743690 Anciena 7 171058 Goth 2 950745 Goth 3 472149 Goth 4 743690 Ultraworld 1 103928 Ultraworld 2 144895 Ultraworld 3 775092 Ultraworld 4 481376 Ultraworld 5

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B.O.B.(Genesis)

Maniac Mansion (NES)

Secret Messages: While playing, press at the same time A + B + Select + Start to get up to 50 different secret messages.

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Dragonstrike (NES)

Sound Test: Press Up, Down, Left and Right at the very first title screen. If done right, you'll be taken to the sound test screen.

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons: Dragonstrike(NES)

FKHHMF Level 02 (Bronze) KHVJMG Level 02 (Gold) PLPKMK Level 02 (Silver) FMHMRB Level 03 (Bronze) KHVNRD Level 03 (Gold) PLPKRF Level 03 (Silver) FKHMFD Level 04 (Bronze) KHVNFH Level 04 (Gold) PLPKFG Level 04 (Silver) FKHMKJ Level 05 (Bronze) KHVNKC Level 05 (Gold) PLPKKB Level 05 (Silver) FMHMDG Level 06 (Bronze) KHVNDJ Level 06 (Gold) PLPKDK Level 06 (Silver) FMHMJB Level 07 (Bronze) MLLHJF Level 07 (Gold) PLPHJK Level 07 (Silver) FMHMSD Level 08 (Bronze) KHVNSB Level 08 (Gold) PLPHSH Level 08 (Silver) FMHMGH Level 09 (Bronze) MXVNGJ Level 09 (Gold) PLPHGD Level 09 (Silver) FMHMLC Level 10 (Bronze) KHVHLG Level 10 (Gold) PLPHLJ Level 10 (Silver) FMHMVF Level 11 (Bronze) KHVHVJ Level 11 (Gold) PLPHVG Level 11 (Silver) FKHMMR Level 12 (Bronze) KHVHMR Level 12 (Gold) PLPHMT Level 12 (Silver) FKHMRM Level 13 - Astral Plane (Bronze) KHVHRM Level 13 - Astral Plane (Gold) PLPHRP Level 13 - Astral Plane (Silver) FKHMPQ Level 14 - Abyss (Bronze) KHVHPQ Level 14 - Abyss (Gold) PLPHPS Level 14 - Abyss (Silver)

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Battle of Olympus (NES)

Maxed Passwords: These passwords are so named because they give you the maximum number of lives, olives, skins, and all items. All bosses are also classified as having been defeated, and the Attica Child is rescued. X0Cd7k FkbCgRm d0rAyD 4XMq9NM Arcadia f0KV!6 tsDqYJe l8zIKr S9kSnls Argolis j0GR3g BgX8kVq Zyn609 8TQm5Zc Attica P0aFlM 7cTaI3u VOD245 CPUi1VM Crete r0upRY JIfG6tC BaPkOn W5oOjxc Hades H0SNt? VUryQB0 NG5wiT qn64P7s Laconia L0OJx2 po9mcNi h4vEuH 0bIuDRc Peloponnesus 50e3hI 3YPWM7y RK9?eX mr28TB6 Phrygia T0WBpw RQnuUF4 JC1smP ujA0LJ6 Phthia 10i7dE lE5iAxG 7WLgSj a1sKftM Tartarus 1 D0mxZA hA1eE!K 3SHcWf ezwGb3c Tartarus 2 90q!Vc NMjK2p8 FeToqL yfEyHFs Tartarus 3

Battle of Olympus (NES)

More Passwords: zALtRX QiMPnLA 2enrbl H1z7P!Q 01 Sandals and 1st Ambrosia 3u2Lz7 0IqxFFa SAFNlr tZlvBnv 02 Above + Harp and 2nd Ambrosia U6EU2e ZrFmOyp h18Sqw SimIaIg 03 Above + Staff of Fennel smxX9p CUeNpJ8 0cZ3Re gMwCUii04 Above + Red Sword zEfS4k fxDoMsj b36Ukz VhNr7bf 05 Above + Flask, Ocarina, and 3rd Ambrosia 7!9Gu2 zFv622P HNooIv XXDxBPw 06 Above + Key and 1st Nymph 63VW8o DVfMoI9 1dY2Yd ZVZfygz07 Above + Blue Sword and 2nd Nymph qLVHVb UmITjnc UCDOmP u9tLes!08 Above + Bracelet FYgzx1 wCsvHrg Y8HKiT qrwGb3K 09 Above + Fire Shield and 3rd Nymph 6!8SQW RjNOmKB 3fmrzC 5WFz0Ukk 10 Everything (+ Moonbeam) zJzFDZ THaJtdO MKHKSj a1kSX!o 11 Final Level sck9ry X4x2ujY rkVqoN whCMe6V Start with all items

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Deadly Towers (NES)

Passwords: EE1KBK.TTT Best attack & defense items, 50 ludder, magic key, Rubas' lair unlocked, all 7 towers still accessible, enemies & shops at beginning level, 86 max HP. FE1K10.TDK Extra Items EF1KDK.KTX Final Password O51O1MYILJ Max HP is 300 54DK1P4WC4 Ready to fight Rubas (w/ Double Shot) .AZODKNXTJ Ready to fight Rubas (w/ Parallel Shot) GDXHDPMM10 Start off with 5 bells, Hyper boots, all defensive items, and all attack items. O51O1MNOLB Start with Normal Sword and max HP of 300

Bomberman 64 (N64)

Eggy in all Stages: To make a artificial Eggy just go to a stage where the screen freezes when catching something or pressing a switch, go for one remote bomb and before you press the switch or catch something set a remote bomb, and move it one centimeter before you get the thing or press it.Then,explode the bomb and immediately get or press the thing to make a artificial eggy.

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The Unknown World of Bootlegs Part XV Marios… So here we are going to talk about the different Mario hacks that have been released for the Famicom. We have to break this into multiple parts so be sure to check out the next issue for the continuation of this wonderful compilation. Anyways, enjoy the Mario hacks! There are a bunch of them!

Super

Mario

IV

The first game we are going to take a look at is Super Mario 4. As i have mentioned before, this is a hack of Armadillo that was never released in the NES over the States. The game does play similiar to Super Mario except you use an Armadillo to play through the game. As usual, the sprite has been changed to one of Mario! The gameplay is a little slow which is something a Mario game is not although it’s not as fast as Sonic. The game is actually fun regardless. I mean, you can tell this game was just rushed and wasn’t even edited properly in order to pass it as a Mario game. It is kinda silly to play it and it makes you want to play it with the original character rather than a messed up mario. At least they used the sprite of Mario 3 which is the best one in the NES series. Overall, just a fun play through.

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Super

Mario

VI

This is another game that was pretty lazy in the hacking department. It seems they were just looking for any fun side scroller to rip off and honestly, why even bother? You are better off playing the original which is Tiny Toons! The game is fun, but again, it just feels weird controlling Mario instead of Bugs..

Super

Mario

VII

This one is mostly called Super Mario 7 although it also goes by Grand Dad which is so weird but a lot of gamers out there remember this one because of the name itself. This is a hack of the Flintstones which is another fun side scroller for the NES. This is also another lazy sprite change which has the sprite from Lottery Mario on the cover and the head of Fred is changed to Mario. That’s it! Very lazy work indeed!

To

be

continued…

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Deck Profile: Quantum Have you ever been fan of the power rangers? Well, this crazy card game decided to release a deck based on these wonderful heroes but of course, in their own wicked yu-gi-oh! formula. The game consists of a very deadly combo in which you join your rangers in order to bring out the big monster ranger that’s pretty much unstopable. If you get this big boss monster out, then you pretty much have game. Don’t believe me? Well, it is pretty hard to believe but overall you will have fun building this deck especially if you want to surprise your opponent in a one turn transformation!

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Monsters: 21 Super Quantum Red Layer: 3 Super Quantum Fairy Alpha: 3 Super Quantum Blue Layer: 3 Super Quantum Green Layer: 3 Volcanic Shell: 3 Perfomage Trick Clown: 2 Perfomage Hat Tricker: 1 Star Drawing: 1 Gem-Knight Alexandrite: 1 Gem-Knight Garnet: 1

Spell: 17 Super Quantal Mech Ship Magnacarrier: 3 Feast of the Wild LV5: 1 Terraforming: 3 Mystical Space Typhoon: 2 Brilliant Fusion: 2 Instant Fusion: 1 Emergency Teleport: 1 Upstart Goblin: 1 Foolish Burial: 1 One for One: 1 Soul Charge: 1

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Traps: 2 Treacherous Trap Hole: 1 Vanity’s Emptiness: 1

Extra Deck: 15 Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus: 2 Super Quantal Mech Beast Grampulse: 2 Super Quantal Mech beast Magnaliger: 2 Super Quantal Mech Beast Aeroboros: 2 Gem-Knight seraphinite: 1 Elder Entity Norden: 1 Number 52: Diamond Crab King: 1 Gagaga Cowboy: 1 Number 101: Silent Honor ARK: 1 Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon: 1 Abyss Dweller: 1

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Other Recommendations! If you control 3 or more "Super Quantum" monsters with different names: Shuffle all cards on your opponent's field into the Deck, then your opponent Special Summons 1 monster from their Extra Deck, ignoring its Summoning conditions. You can banish this card and 1 "Super Quantal Fairy Alphan" from your Graveyard; activate 1 "Super Quantal Mech Ship Magnacarrier" directly from your Deck. The card above has not yet been released in the States but it’s available in the OG game in Japan.

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Another set of endings. Keep them requests coming! We are here to show you some pretty bad ass endings as well as some obscure ones. Definitely check it out!

M Bison

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See ya next month!

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