Konami is revealing the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection, featuring 14 games, including previously Japan-exclusive titles and nostalgic classics from the early 2000s. Developed by Digital Eclipse, the compilation includes Yu-Gi-Oh! Monster Capsule GB, Dungeon Dice Monsters, and Destiny Board Traveler. Players can look forward to online duels and a unique rewind feature. Digital pre-orders will soon be available on Steam, with physical copies priced at €59.99, set for release on February 27, 2025.
Unveiling the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection
In recent months, Konami has been gradually disclosing the titles that will feature in the highly anticipated Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection. This compilation includes a variety of games previously unavailable outside Japan, alongside classic titles that nostalgic players fondly remember from the early 2000s. As of this week, the total number of included games has expanded to 14, with the development work entrusted to Digital Eclipse, known for their expertise in reviving vintage content, including the recent Tetris Forever.
A Diverse Range of Titles
The compilation promises more than just card games. Among the featured titles is Yu-Gi-Oh! Monster Capsule GB, which is inspired by the iconic showdown against Yami Bakura from the Monster World arc, with Seto Kaiba stepping into the role of the antagonist. Fans will also enjoy the chance to revisit Yu-Gi-Oh! Dungeon Dice Monsters, where players can engage in the beloved dice monster duels (DDM) for countless hours of entertainment. Additionally, the unique Yu-Gi-Oh! Destiny Board Traveler will be included, a mix of board games and cards that, while not universally praised, offers an intriguing addition to the collection.
Interestingly, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 6: Expert 2 will be part of the compilation, but only in its Japanese version, alongside the internationally released Yu-Gi-Oh! Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel, which features some modifications. Players can also look forward to revisiting the exceptional Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship Tournament 2004 and the equally impressive Yu-Gi-Oh! Day of the Duelist: World Championship Tournament 2005.
Looking ahead, fans hope that future compilations will include games from home consoles and PC, as there are many hidden gems within the franchise, particularly from the main series. Titles like Forbidden Memories and The Duelist of the Roses, as well as The Falsebound Kingdom, come to mind, although emulating these would require significant effort.
At launch, only one game will feature online duels, with plans for others to receive updates later. This decision raises questions about the timing of the compilation’s release. A unique rewind feature will allow players to fast-forward or rewind during gameplay, although it’s yet to be seen how this will be realistically implemented, as canceling actions mid-duel could potentially lead to unfair advantages. Players will also benefit from the ability to save their progress at any time and access a digital gallery showcasing scans of vintage box art and manuals. Furthermore, fans are eager to see a European version of The Eternal Duelist Soul that isn’t merely an import.
Digital pre-orders for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection are expected to become available on Steam soon, according to the press release. However, collectors may prefer to reserve a physical copy through Amazon, priced at €59.99, ahead of its release on February 27, 2025.