Summary
It’s nothing new to seeYu-Gi-Oh!referenced in pop culture. However, did you know that Yu-Gi-Oh! takes plenty of inspiration from other media as well? There are entire archetypes that are based on popular movies, folklore, and even literature. While some of these references are pretty well known, others require a bit of digging into the card game’s thousands of entries.
From galaxies far far away to some of the most terrifying creatures that defy all logic, Yu-Gi-Oh! knows how to slip in a good reference. So here are some cards that take their inspiration from some of your favorite pop culture icons.
10The Kaijus
Godzilla And Other Japanese Monsters
It’s the king of the monsters. The Kaijus are all inspired by the legendary movie monsters from Japanese cinema. You’ve got your Godzilla and MechaGodzilla stand-ins as well as the three-headed dragon that can control thunder like Ghidora.
The Kaijus don’t just take inspiration from Godzilla. They also dip their toes into the world of Gamera. Just one look at Gameciel and it clicks. Even themechanics of the archetyperevolves around getting these titans to fight one another in one-on-one combat.
9Kozmo
The Force Is Strong With This Archetype
If the Kozmo cards look a little familiar, you’ll need to search your feelings. Deep down you know they are Star Wars references. You’ve got monsters using lightsabers, cheeky little droids, and even giant mechs that terrorize the field like it’s Hoth.
Some cards capture more than just the design of the Star Wars series. They also recreate iconic moments such as the Duel of Fates and the arrival of the droids on Tatooine. Even if you’re not playing these cards, their theming makes them worth collecting.
8Inzektor
The Rangers Are Here
Inzektors are incredibly easy to assemble together. In fact, they form a complete unit. These monsters are based on all the popular ranger-type heroes from Kamen Rider to Power Rangers. Especially since Kamen Rider himself is a beetle.
Like every ranger team, the Inzektors have a uniting theme that ties the squad together. This is why they are all named after different insects such as hornets, dragonflies, and earwigs. With their insect motif and the ability to unite together in battle, this archetype is perfect for those sudden duels in the rock quarry.
7Super Quantum
Voltron In Yu-Gi-Oh!
Voltron is an iconic staple of the Sci-Fi genre. These are a group of massive robots shaped like animals that can band together to form a powerful robot. This robot can sometimes also have a massive name just to show how cool it is.
Super Quantum takes this concept and applies it to Yu-Gi-Oh!. There are multiple Mech Beasts that get additional effects when they have their pilot as material. Then, they can come together to form Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus.
6Cryptids
Now You See Them, Now You Don’t
Pop culture will often reference the mysterious cryptids that supposedly inhabit the world. Creatures like Bigfoot, Loch Ness, and the Mothman are always claimed to have been seen but with no actual confirmation. The Cryptids take full advantage of this trope.
These are the Danger! monsters that inhabit a mysterious island. Each one is inspired by a different real-world cryptid. Like their elusive counterparts, your opponent only gets a peek at them in your hand before they go back into hiding among the other cards.
5The Entities
H.P Lovecraft Inspired Abominations
When H.P Lovecraft meets Yu-Gi-Oh!, you know the monsters are going to turn out creepy. Not only do these cards have a distinct art style, but they depict various creatures fromthe Lovecraft mythoswith a few tweaks to the names.
You’ve got Old Entity Cthugua, Outer Entity Nyarla, and Outer Entity Azathot just to name a few monsters. The archetype even includes a mysterious artifact called the Forbidden Trapezohedron that can Summon the cosmic horrors directly from the extra deck if you meet the conditions.
4Fortune Lady
A Clamp Inspired Archetype
The Fortune Lady cards all have sneaky little references that you might notice if you’re familiar with CLAMP’s designs and naming convention. Some of CLAMP’s signature titles are Cardcaptor Sakura and Magic Knight Rayearth.
If you go back to the Fortune Lady’s original release in the OCG, you’ll notice that their names are slight nods to Sakura’s elemental clow cards. One example of this is how Fortune Lady Water in the OCG is named Fortune Lady Watery. This falls in line with Sakura’s clow card, The Watery.
3The Ashened
Prepare To Die
The Ashened archetype takes direct inspiration from two different sources. In terms of setting, the card’s story features a city engulfed in flames and magma much like Pompeii. However, the card designs look like they come straight fromthe Dark Souls series.
You’ve got fading embers, warriors in intricate armor, and a massive dragon that threatens to destroy all creation . All the monsters are simply reliving that eternal cycle of destruction and their fight against Vaydos. Their souls are bonded to the burning city.
2The Aliens
Extraterrestrials Straight From The Movies
When you think of some of the more popular alien encounters in pop culture, you might think of the crop circles from Signs, the little grey aliens that whisk you away in the night, or an Alien Xenomorph. The Alien archetype is full of these references.
From Alien Overlord to Alien Grey, these beings arrive on the field to spread their influence across the board. This means A-Counters that seep into your opponent’s monsters and allow you to take control of them or even blow them up from within.
1Runicks
Classic RPG Action
The Runicks are known for their ability to stun their opponent and get rid of their entire deck. However, the Runick Quick-Play Spells all have similar art that depicts various first-person RPG moments. If you’re familiar with games like Skyrim or Oblivion, then you’ll instantly be able to recognize the poses.
You see the world through the characters' eyes. Each Quick-Play Spell has them wielding some sort of fantasy weapon or casting a spell to save the day. From melting ice to fighting massive monsters, Runicks are an excellent nod to the fantasy RPG genre.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game
The Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) allows kids, teenagers, and adults of all ages to relive the exciting Duels that take place in the animated Yu-Gi-Oh! series. In the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, players use the cards they’ve collected to construct Decks consisting of 40 to 60 cards. Then, they use their Decks to face off against opponents in a game of strategy, luck, and skill.
