Greetings! The Mailbag is back with another weekend update, and many of you wrote in with questions about The Movie Collection. I know everyone is eager for details, and we’ll continuing releasing new information leading up to the late June release. In the meantime, let’s get to the questions:
I am sure you have gotten a bunch of this question, but for the Movie Collection set are we not going to see any hero MPs?
Blake E. from Illinois
All of the MPs in The Movie Collection will have the Villain alignment. The current MP pool has seven Heroes and five Villains, so the Villains will pull ahead a bit next set. Generally we’ll look to have a pretty even split of MP alignments.
I was overjoyed to find that my favorite game ever is back in business, and I’m ready to get back to it. In Retro Z my favorite deck was Speed Ball Out, what’s the most similar strategy in this game?
Joshua K. from Ohio
In an effort to promote more interactive gameplay, you won’t find a lot of cards that support a Dragon Ball Victory based on stasis. However, the increasing card pool will give DBV decks a chance to start creeping into the metagame. Even right now, you can check out a Namekian deck or something in Blue/Villain. Villains have access to Face Smash, and Blue Trick is the only Styled effect that captures a Dragon Ball.
In the previous two sets all allies/personality’s where either a common or a uncommon. Are there gonna be rare allies/personalities in future sets, like the old DBZ game?
Klaas from Holland
I think there has been a significant amount of interest in higher rarity MPs. It might not change in the next set, but moving forward I think it’s likely that you’ll see some Rare MPs or Allies. Hmm, I wonder if there would be interest in Ultra Rare MPs. . .
I love playing the game for its back and forth aspects, and creativity, but my favorite character is rather obscure, only appearing in one movie. That character being Tapion – is there even a sliver of a chance that he may be a personality?
Nathan H.
It’s safe to say that any heavily featured movie character is a likely MP candidate. If Dr. Wheelo can get his own MP set, Tapion certainly can!
That’s all for this week, and thanks to everyone for your messages. You can have your question or comment addressed here by e-mailing dbz@paniniamerica.net with MAILBAG in the title. Use the same address for any rules questions, and feel free to write in with any topic that you’d like to have addressed. As always, I’ll finish things up with the question of the week:
What are your thoughts on Ultra Rare MPs?
Panini Games 
I would love an ultra rare mp it can be strong and we won’t have everyone and there mom playing it
LikeLike
And that right there is the problem. The playing field should be even with folks having equal access to personalities. Sure you can argue that everyone had equal access to cards such as SS3 Goku in Score Z. However not everyone has $100-$200 to drop on those cards. If you make personalities UR’s then the people with money to blow are going to have the unfair advantage
SSG Goku and SDCC Krillin are good examples. I’ve been to a couple events and have read reports of others. Those two are overplayed right now. That’s not even getting into the fact that SDCC Krillin should be the same as Starter Krillin. After all H&V Saiyan Outrage has been declared to match it’s promo version. Why not Krillin? It doesn’t make sense. However that’s another debate for another day.
Ultimately I feel that UR personalities and exclusive promos are detrimental to the game. You’ve got SSG Goku pushing the $200 mark in the secondary market now. If Panini makes UR personality cards then ultimately it’s not going to be something that will get many people to buy more boxes. Instead people will simply hit up a place such as Miniature Exchange and just buy the damn thing.
Honestly if Panini if seriously going to consider rare and UR personality cards then they should simply go the route of alternate art. Make the card look absolutely amazing when compared to the normal one. If there was one thing that annoyed me about Score Z it was the fact that some personality cards were an absolute pain to get if you didn’t have the disposable income to pick them up on the secondary market.
LikeLike
Everyone and their mom should have easy access to every character, because everyone and their mom should be allowed to play the character they love. If a hardcore Goku/Vegeta fan finds out that they can’t play their favorite character because they don’t want to spend $40-120 on the secondary market or take their chances at buying a whole lot of boxes to get them, it will just turn fans away from the game and prevent new players from joining.
LikeLike
This was exactly my problem with Score Z. Being young I could never play my two faves, Vegeta and Goku (yes in that order), because their MPs were damn near impossible to get and WAY too expensive. I am so very happy with PanZ that I have a Goku deck now and it was totally feasible to get. I even had Sean Schemmel sign my Level 4 :3
LikeLike
Are you seriously asking them to switch to pay-to-win?
LikeLike
The recent 1k is a prime example of Godku and his worth do not equal a win.
LikeLike
I don’t think it would be good to have UR personalities unless you make UR 1/box+
After buying a box or two I always end up with so many copies of personalities and allies that it could fill 1/4 of the packs.
I think it would be much better for the game if the personalities were ALL uncommon. That would promote trading among players as well as not flooding collectors with piles of allies that will never be used.
LikeLike
I have to Agree with you 100% but I think Rare MP’s would be ok or at lest make the Level 5’s Rare if they decide to go this route but UR MP’s is a bad idea imo. I could see a set of Beerus runing 1000$ for all 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 cards……
LikeLike
NO!!!! We DON’T want Ultra Rare MPs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ultra Rare MPs are a bad idea, with the current 1 of 2 ultras in 1 of every 2 boxes it gets to a point where instead of actually buying boxes and maybe getting the UR, You’re just buying the UR off a second hand market. Also if it were to happen the MP that would have the UR, the common or UC variant might be useless either by having a missing rank due to it being a high rarity or if it was an alt rank then the common/uncommon might not ever be used.
LikeLike
Please, no UR Personalities.
LikeLike
Personally I think UR personalities would be a great idea. Any other game has necessary ultra rares to collect and mostly play with. Get the idea from the old Z, use alternate levels as the ultras so they are not that necessary, but are needed to build a viable deck. For example in the next set assuming we have starters and move on with the story…have alternate MPs of existing characters and the better the ability the higher the rarity. I collected the old game and I was shocked at how powerful piccolo level 5 or goku level or gotenks level 3 were. I agree it would add to the secondary market but it would also see an increase in pack sales as long as the ratio was kept 1:2. I say do not be afraid to try new ideas or even copy some. Ive played magic the gathering for years and from experience some of the best cards are harder to pull. I say go with it!!!
LikeLike
… If yamcha doesn’t show up soon i’m gonna revolt! #wewantyamcha!
LikeLike
I’m okay with having UR Personalites so long as they are just alternate art versions of other personalities and not actually functionally different from normal personalities. I feel like the imbalance in power level between a UR Personality and a Rare Personality would be a large enough difference that it would shift the balance of play and make it very unfun for those who don’t want to spend a TON of money to be able to play competitively once OP has been rolled out. That being said, if the UR drop rate was at LEAST one per box, rather than one per two or three boxes, then this may be a feasible idea, maybe.
LikeLike
I am ok with an Ultra Rare MP level on one condition: it is not used to complete an MP set.
My example: set 4 (which is a starter deck set) releases a new Goku 1-4 MP in starter decks. One of set 5’s ultra rates is a Goku level 4 that has a different power/power level than the previous set. Heck, it doesn’t matter what level it is, as long as it doesn’t complete a new, unreleased set where that character’s only level 4 (for example) is an ultra rare (like vegeta level 5, there are no other vegeta level 5).
LikeLike
I think it’s a smart move for them to have better ultra rares that people want to get, like an mp. It drives sales. I stopped buying set 2 only after a few boxes bc the ultras were so easy to pull, nobody wants them, and they don’t have hardly any value. Whereas on the other hand I’m still buying set 1 boxes every time I find one bc I still need the ultras from that set, everyone wants them, and they are actually worth buying a box for the chance to get one. I get where everyone is coming from but if the mp was balanced or just was a prettier version of an existing mp, I’d be okay with that too.
LikeLike
I’d much rather have URs be a super cool MP than a playable card I need to find 3 copies. Finding just one UR level 4 seems a bit easier than 3 Spheres… and besides, it’ll look cool and have the feel of a UR.
LikeLike
yes i agree i wouldn’t want UR personalities, but make all personalities uncommon instead of common. then it would promote trading a bit more and wouldn’t have so many excess allies.
LikeLike
The ONLY way I can see an UR personality being good is if it was merely an alt design. Kinda like promo vegeta. Exact same card, just different design. Maybe, and I repeat MAYBE, give them higher power levels. But having a constant, game-long UR class ability? Broken.
LikeLike
Please God no UR MPs. One of the best things about this game imo is the ability to easily play as your favorite character. Really don’t want to have to go on eBay just to get more personalities, the comic con guys are annoying enough.
LikeLike
I like the idea of UR MPs, but on one condition. I feel level 5 personalities would be the perfect opportunity to implement URs. Level 5 personalities would be a powerful way to defend against pesky MPPV decks and provide power to characters lower on the totem pole. I believe making these cards URs will make them more desirable and rare enough to make you feel special for being lucky enough to pull one.
LikeLike
No UR personalities. That being said, maybe reprint SSG Goku as a UR could help solve his availability problem without destroying his value.
LikeLike
I say yes to ultra rare personalities
LikeLike
An UR MP level is a great idea as long as it is a variant of an lower rarity level. The SDCC goku level one for example, a card like that could easily slide into the UR spot without making Goku, unplayable as a whole.
LikeLike
I say yes to rare and ultra rare personalities and i agree to make other personalities in packs uncommon
LikeLike
Please, please do not bring in UR Main Personalities. Main Personalities should all be of equal rarity and balance, otherwise the competitive crowd will just be limited to those who can afford to run the UR, extra powerful personality. People should never be prevented from playing a character that they love simply because of finances/lucky pulls.
LikeLike
I don’t think there’s as much interest in UR mains as you think. There are probably a few loud players who would love the privilege of paying a lot of money to be better than the rest of us, or to play something exclusive and rare for some kind of ego boost. But it would be a slap in the face to the fandom. For example, I’m a dedicated Vegeta fan. If there were a Vegeta I couldn’t play just because I don’t have hundreds of dollars to invest in boxes or the secondary market, I would feel like the game was shuffling me to the side. You need to support your fans without a lot of disposable income too. Anything else is classism. I love what you’re doing so far. Please don’t ruin it.
LikeLike
UR MP’s are not something I would like to see. I remember how long I tried to get a Trunks LV5 and when I finally could get it I only had a few months left of use ability for what I wanted. Save the UR slots for strong cards as you have been for Heroes and Villains that way they are more useable. Not everyone is going to want or need a Goku LV5 like they need Heroic or Villainous Energy Spheres.
LikeLike
The only way an Ultra rare personality MIGHT be fun or cool is if it’s an alternate level of a character in the game already (ex: alternate lvl 4 Vegeta where he has a different ability and higher power level.) But having one of the levels of personality be ultra rare would be frustrating and the game would then become a pay for power game as the only way someone could reasonably get the card is by buying it as a very expensive single. Right now ultra rares are good but not staples, so while they are useful and fun to have they are not required to build a deck.
LikeLike
I would love getting an ultra rare mp. I hope it would be an alternate of a starter personality, it would need to be at least a stage 4 with maybe a slight change to the PUR and/or the ability.
LikeLike
I definitely agree with the majority on the case of UR personalities. Pay to Win is definitely something that turns me away from most CCGs. I’m willing to buy boxes of cards but the moment those URs become mandatory is the moment I lose interest.
UR Main Personalities should be Alt Art only. Make them look awesome, though. Not just a cool picture, but make the entire card just scream AWESOME. I’m taking full art with the Name Plates, Text Boxes, and Power Stage Boxes being completely custom for that character. Alternatively, you could make the UR Personalities “retro” (or alternatively create a “Retro Rare” where the card design is more reminiscent of ScoreZ’s design. Things like this would still be in high demand because people like having cards that stand out, but would functionally be the same as the more obtainable versions so anyone could play the deck.
The trick is to make Ultra Rare cards DESIRABLE without making them MANDATORY. For the record, I think Convention exclusives should be the same way. Desirable but not mandatory. Becoming Pay to Win is not something this game wants or needs.
LikeLike
No no, for the love of cheese no!
If you want to promote trading and more sales at most make a MP rare, but UR MP are what drove me insane about score dbz.
I do kinda agree that if you were to do it make it a reprint of cards like SS God goku, but even then that makes this game even more of a pay to win game. People want to play as the personality they like, and shouldn’t have to spend the cost of a box of cards to get just one card to complete a MP set.
LikeLike
I believe based on my thoughts as to set 4 for UR MPs would be introducing lvl 5 MPs. Or alternative MP lvl 1s or so on with different attacks or powers. Like similar to promo krillin. I want a form 3 frieza for example or perhaps lvl 2 trunks super sayian. But limiting a MP to UR status requires u to have all 4 lvl MPs. So if lvl 4 for example is UR. U can’t play a newly introduced character.
Just my thoughts.
LikeLike
U cant play a newly introduced character Unless u have the UR MP. *
LikeLike
I say yes to UR MP only if its a higher stage like only having a level 5 if that is introduced later like the old DBZ.
LikeLike
$30 for a card that you only need “one of” makes this game pay to win? This is a TCG and in order for Panini to make money some of the cards that you can pull out of packs have to be worth a decent amount of money. Otherwise no one buys packs… I don’t see any logical argument to deny MP levels as an option. The idea of needing it in order to play as a certain character doesn’t follow, because that MP can have alternative levels to choose from that aren’t UR. If you are arguing that you want to play the MP at a competitive level and the UR might be needed for certain competitive decks than I don’t think you understand how expensive this game already is at a competitive level. $30 for a MP level UR is the least of your worries. Making powerful freestyle cards that can be used in any deck depending on your hero or villain alignment is a much more expensive endeavor.
Staredowns are absolutely necessary in every villain deck and a play set costs $30 or more. One UR MP level wouldn’t even be necessary to play 95% of competitive decks available. If you don’t have Staredown then you aren’t playing the game at a competitive level to begin with. The same goes for Confrontations. Some players have hinted at the fact that no other UR printed up this point is needed to play this game competitively. This isn’t accurate. The vast majority of URs are staples in many competitive decks already.
So far all of the URs (with the exception of maybe Heroic Assistance) will see more play than a single UR MP level for any random MP. More play = higher cost of the card. Also, higher availability = lower cost of the card. This is exactly why the new URs are worth less than the URs in set 1. They are limit 2 per deck and you pull the one you want at a 1:4 ratio. In set 1 the ratio of the UR card you want was 1:12 and spheres aren’t limited.
LikeLike
When was the last time an UR went for 30? On the secondary market URs go for 45-145. If that is what it takes to play the character you like, that’s not ok.
LikeLike
All these poor people complaining about UR personalities is pretty funny. I’m joking of course…you aren’t poor…just not willing to spend the money on awesome cards. hash tag 1st world problems.
LikeLike
I think UR personalities are fine. Much easier to get 1 of each UR then 3 of each. As long as they are different(no Alternate Art) and not absurdly overpowered(obviously they need to be good for people to want to get them). If you can’t afford to get them, just use proxies for local play. I like the idea of alternate levels for characters who already have an MP set(like Gohan 1 that searches out an ally), I don’t want level 5. MPPV is a viable win option and sure be available to all decks(they gave you Wallbreaker, what else do you need).
I would also like just 1-4 of a single personality, like Bills(he’s too awesome to be anything less than a UR).
LikeLike
I know I’m just shouting into the wind; but UR MP’s should just be foil/alt art variants. I hated UR mp’s in Score Z, I’ll like them less now since I’ve got a family to support, limiting me to the amount of product I can buy in hopes to get a UR.
LikeLike
UR personalities can be cool. They should be set up though so that there is a regular version of the MP card (starter or uncommon) and then a stronger ultra rare version of the card. For instance, a basic level 2 personality could have a PUR of 3, but the ultra rare version can have a PUR of 4 and a completely different power and/or power level than its less rare counterpart. This would still allow people to play their favorite characters, but also promote booster sales in players’ hopes of getting the UR personality and collecting powerful cards. However, the UR personalities should not be ridiculously overpowered as to make the game not fun. That’s my two cents in this matter.
LikeLike
Honestly, I think the best way to do UR personality cards would be as alternate Lv4s for each starter MP in the set. Each character would have the normal Lv1-4 set in the starters, and also an alternate UR Lv4 with the same stages/PUR but a different power. The crucial element would be to not make the UR’s power BETTER then the starter LV4, merely different. That way, someone who gets the UR has new deck opportunities opened up to them, but isn’t over-advantaged in a pay-to-win sense. Of course, if there was going to be a UR LV4 for every starter MP in a set then the URs overall would need to become easier to find, probably 1 in 24 packs. Result – URs are easier to find, but each individual UR is harder to find.
On another note, regarding the card at the top – does anyone else think Vegeta’s Quickness Drill was nerfed a little too hard in the transition to Quickness Drill? I understand toning down the original, but I’d like to see the card from your hand get Rejuvenated instead of discarded. Would be especially nice in a Saiyan deck.
LikeLike
See, I am all for an UR MP’s maybe even a level 5 that may alter something about the game or even a level 4 that is….hopefully not too OP. But it’s the UR ratio that scares me, because you can easily make a lot of people mad and make someone spend over a 100 dollars to get one (if they were so dermanned to pull one in a box and not just buy a single). I just don’t think it is a good thing for a game to have an UR that is worth a box and a half. I am two boxes in now and nothing. The way I see it, it should be (maybe not a good idea) 1UR per-box and UR MP’s ever other box, or ( I think the best idea) ONLY UR MP’s in that set. Meaning that if there are 4 UR in set 4 that are all of them are MP’s of level 4 (or 3’s or 2’s I don’t think level 1’s should be made). NO LVL-4 Goku in a set that has 3 other UR’s at the rate of 0.5:1 and that Goku being the only UR MP. Making the others seaming to be so over common that finding a Goku would feel like you just caught a leprechaun and a unicorn robing a bank on the moon!!!!!!!
I think the feeling this game gives you if you are able to get an UR is quite fun. Its like something not many others have to use in a real deck. A fun thing to explore would be some set of rules for mid to high OP events that dictate how many, what options of UR’s,or if any UR’s you can use in that event. The cool think about that is you cant just be a wallet warrior to use UR’s you have to earn the right to use it. But something like that needs to be done with care to still be accessible for all and be a level playing field. Ultimately that may not be a good thing for the game. One day personalty I would like to see a TCG or CCG create and support multiple game modes or formats (not block format witch I see coming in all games at some point). I wonder if this DBZ could have a really good doubles format.
LikeLike