Greetings! It’s been an exciting week in the DBZ TCG world, and the metagame continues to shift in interesting directions. Aside from the launch of dbztcg.com, you’ll also want to watch for the new CRD, upcoming Organized Play announcements, and perhaps even the first pieces of information about upcoming releases. It’s an exciting time to be a fan of the game! Now, let’s hear from the readers:

“How long will set one be in print?

Attention ALL Dragonball Z players: the West Coast is having its first big event! A 1k in Lancaster, CA at Bases Cards and Comics! Sunday, March 29th at noon!”

-Jose D. from California

Set one is still available from stores and distributors; how long will ultimately depend on demand. Recently, more retailers have begun carrying the game. Check your local Target or Walgreens!

“Will the foil pattern change with each set? It would make for an interesting looking collection.”

-Saki D.

Much like the old DBZ CCG, you’ll most likely see a new foil pattern each set. Foil patterns will also continue to apply to all rarities, which I think is one of the coolest things about the new game. Some of the old favorites may come back too. Hmm, I wonder if the Androids Saga pattern would be popular . . .

“Where can we find an FAQ for the rulings on some new cards. For instance when I go up to lvl 4 Tenshinhan in the middle of combat is my next attack used twice or do I need to wait until next combat for the effect to take place?”

-Tristan

The newly updated CRD will incorporate Heroes & Villains cards, and it will be posted shortly. For Tenshinhan – Smug, you are solely checking for the first attack played from your hand each combat. For example, you might use the Power of Tenshinhan – Prepared to gain 6 anger. Then, you could play an attack from your hand on Level 4, and his Power would apply.

 “I was just curious on how the Panini crew was looking at balancing between survival victory, and special MPPV/Dragon Ball victory?”

-Joseph R. from Kentucky

MPPV and Dragon Ball Victory are important components of the game, though they do take a bit longer to flesh themselves out. For the most part, Survival Victory will be the “default” strategy, but MPPV and DBV need to provide key checks in a healthy environment. For example, slower control decks should face the threat of MPPV, and overly aggressive “suicide” decks should have to account for DBV. Moving forward, you’ll see the options for MPPV/DBV expand, but always in a way that promotes interactive gameplay.

That’s all for this week, thanks to the many who wrote in. If you’d like your question or comment addressed here, message dbz@paniniamerica.net with “MAILBAG” in the title. Please include your name and location, and send any rules questions to the same address. As always, we’ll close with the question of the week:

Heroes & Villains has been out for three weeks – what’s your take on the best deck in the format?