Hello, this is Rio from the Hobby Japan FFTCG Development Team. This week’s Card of the Week—where we introduce new cards from the upcoming Booster Pack “Gunslinger in the Abyss” releasing on August 8th—will be brought to you by yours truly.
This week, I will be introducing Joshua [26-009L]. In FINAL FANTASY XVI, he worked to support the people around him and the world whilst doing his duty as the Dominant of the Phoenix. In FFTCG, he will demonstrate his strength just as he did in the game. This week, I will introduce how Joshua is represented within the card game.
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Joshua [26-009L] is a 3CP Fire element forward with 5000 power. He has the Keyword Ability “Priming” and an Auto Ability. It’s a new-illustrated artwork by Kazuya Takahashi, similar to Jill [26-034L] introduced during the first Card of the Week! Joshua’s soft and delicate facial expression and gentle yet strong aura is very charming. This card is great not only as a card, but also as an illustration you’ll want to admire.
I’ll introduce him now, alongside some compatible cards.
First Ability: Keyword Ability Priming “Phoenix (XVI)”
The first ability is Priming “Phoenix (XVI).”
In FINAL FANTASY XVI, Joshua is depicted as the dominant whom the strength of the Phoenix Eikon resides within. Priming into the Phoenix [XVI] enables you to enjoy a mechanic reminiscent of the video game.
Combinations with Preexisting Cards:
Joshua [26-009L]—being a 3CP Fire element Forward—is compatible with a wide variety of cards.
One example is as combination with Mont Leonis [22-113L].
When Mont Leonis [22-113L] enters the field, if you control five or more Fire Backups, you can place onto the field 1 Fire Forward of cost 3 or less and 1 Fire Forward of cost 5 or less.
Furthermore, the placed Forwards gain Haste, allowing you to make some exciting plays by placing Joshua.
When Joshua [26-009L] primes into Phoenix [XVI], the Haste ability is passed on, allowing the primed Phoenix [XVI] to attack right away!
This is quite an exciting development, and if he primes specifically to Phoenix (XVI) [24-016R], the field will likely amp up before you know it.
Joshua also pairs well with support cards such as Magissa [12-017H].
She meets the condition as a 3CP Fire Forward and synergizes well with Joshua, who performs well whenever he enters the field.
Although Joshua has a modest demeanor, he is very reliable at building up momentum for an attack. It’s incredible when cards have their moment to shine depending on what other cards you combine them with, right? I think this is the kind of card that creates moments that make you glad to have him in your deck.
Second Ability: An Auto Ability that’s useful in a deck with many Job Eikon cards.
Next, we will examine his Auto Ability.
His Auto Ability deals 2000 damage to an opponent’s Forward for each Job Eikon in your Break Zone and/or each Job Eikon you own that has been removed from the game.
The key point of this ability is that it also counts Job Eikons that have been removed from the game. Therefore, even if a primed Eikon is removed from the game due to the “Priming” rule, it will still count towards increasing the damage.
This ability may seem insignificant in the early stages of the game, but as things progress, the number of Job Eikons removed from the game increases rapidly, leading to unimaginable damage towards the late stages.
This ability is even more effective in decks that use many Forwards with Priming and Job Eikon. Depending on the combination, it can play an important role and become a dependable card.
Overall, I think this is a reliable ability that quietly but surely increases your firepower.
Wrap-up:
- A 3CP, Fire element Forward with 5000 power
- First Ability: Keyword Ability Priming Phoenix (XVI)
- Second Ability: An Auto Ability that is effective in decks with many Job Eikon cards
What did you think of Joshua [26-009L]? He has abilities that can lead to increased firepower, and he’ll surely make you start thinking of all the ways you’ll want to try him out!
He is also highly compatible with Priming focused decks. He gets the job done despite his cute appearance, and that contrast makes him a card you can’t help but want to use (but your opponents will wish you didn’t!).
We hope you’ll let him shine in countless situations!