Carddass Hyper Battle

Carddass Hyper Battle (カードダスハイパーバトル, Kādodasu haipā batoru^?) is a collectible card game published by Bandai from 1999 to 2002, encompassing several different Shonen Jump properties. Initially launched on Hoshin Engi, it soon expanded into a tie-in for the Toei One Piece anime, becoming the series' very first trading cards.

Due to its popularity, One Piece soon became the primary focus, with characters and plot elements being adapted up to the early Arabasta Arc before the game was discontinued for the more elaborate One Piece Card Game (2002).

Overview

As the name indicates, the cards were mainly distributed through Bandai's Carddass machines, in randomized four-packs. These were occasionally supplemented with dedicated starter and booster sets in hobby shops and other stores.

The first One Piece cards began releasing in late 1999, closely following the anime's premiere. The cards' design remained uniform through their entire run, with illustrations mostly using anime screenshots and concept art.

Rules

The game is a standard two-player battle game, in which players build decks and take turns sending character cards—in combination with various support cards—against one another. Each battle is won by whichever player can total the highest power value with their cards (and associated effects), and deducts one Life point from the loser. The first to reach zero loses the match.

As the game expanded into new lines and mechanics, Bandai established several different formats of varying complexity. These are detailed below.

Starter Rules

The simplest format, Starter Rules (スタートルール^?) restrict the game to Character cards only, with life-count and deck sizes left entirely to the players' discretion.

EX Rules

An intermediate format, EX Rules (エックスルール^?) expand the Starter Rules to include Twist cards, and standardize decks at 30 cards.

Grand Rules

The most advanced format, Grand Rules (グランドルール^?) expand the EX Rules to include Field cards, standardizing life at 5 Points. It also establishes separate Attack and Defense positions for cards during battle.

Complete Listing

Overall, Carddass Hyper Battle released eighteen sets for One Piece: ten standard sets, five starter "Grand Box" sets, and three booster packs.

Tie-Ins

As was common at the time, Carddass Hyper Battle was heavily cross-promoted with contemporary video games. While said games would frequently include add-ons and virtual galleries for the cards (and even include a detailed rulebook in strategy guides), unique promotional cards were made for nearly every game up to Grand Battle! 2.

In addition, the line released promotional cards for every theatrical film up to Chopper's Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals.

External Links

• Juggernauts TCG Catalog (Japanese, detailing game rules)
• One Piece Collection (French fan-site, with details and galleries on virtually every set Bandai has printed)