Unlucky 7's

The number 7 is generally considered a lucky number. In deed, even in this game Level 7 Monsters often possess explosive effects. Dark Armed Dragon, Gorz the Emissary of Darkness, Machina Fortress...all these cards are considered among most powerful in the game. But when it comes to Synchro Monsters, Level 7's seem to be following a trend that the newer sets only seems to confirm my suspicions of.

What's the problem? Well, Level 7's have several factors that limit their usability. 

Most playable Synchros possess levels between 6-8. Since Level 4 monsters are the most commonly played Level and since the available Synchros for Levels 6 and 8 tend to have more usable effects, Level 7's aren't summoned as often as the others.

Now are exceptions to this. Blackwing decks can spam Armor Master after Armor Master, Debris Dragon makes summoning Black Rose Dragon a cinch, and even Rescue Cat makes bringing out double Arcanite Magicians a feasible move. However all these monsters share one problem: splashability.

Let's look at a list of popular Level 7 Synchros:

Ancient Fairy Dragon

Arcanite Magician

Black Rose Dragon

Blackwing Armor Master

Dark Strike Fighter

Power Tool Dragon

Power Tool Dragon and Ancient Fairy Dragon, while not require any specific summoning conditions, need specialized decks to take advantage of their effects. Arcanite Magician requires a Spellcaster Non-Tuner whereas Blackwing Armor Master requires a Blackwing Tuner. Dark Strike Fighter is banned and Black Rose Dragon is limited.

Now compare those with the commonly played Level 6's and Level 8's:

Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier

Colossal Fighter

Goyo Guardian

Red Dragon Archfiend

Stardust Dragon

Thought Ruler Archfiend

See the difference? None of the cards in the second list have any summoning restrictions and only the Level 6's are limited. It's like Konami decided to dump all the limitations onto the Level 7's.

Don't get me wrong. Level 7 Monsters have great effects, but their restrictions and often sub-par stats can be a major let down. Here's to hoping Konami will release more generic Level 7's in the near future.

Remember players, the game ends with you.