Card Parody #3: Gemini Spark!
Created Date: 08 Feb
What is this used for?
As you could probably tell by the name, this card has great synergy with the Gemini subtype in Yu-Gi-Oh!. Geminis are known for being Normal monsters on the field and in the Graveyard, who typically have to be Normal Summoned once again while on the field to gain extra effect(s). Here are some examples below that are available in Duel Links:
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From left to right, they can (i) destroy 1 targeted monster on the field, (ii) become a Tuner, and (iii) destroy 1 targeted card, respectively. By being combined with Supervise, they can easily pull off great combos without being re-Normal Summoned:
 | You might think that Gemini Spark tributing the monster would defeat the purpose of getting its effect, right? Well, Supervise would bring it right back for later, so the monster is not wasted! The monster can get tributed to destroy 1 card, and then Supervise triggers in the Graveyard to Special Summon the monster right back. If you activate Gemini Spark when your turn starts, you can still Normal Summon and trigger the Gemini monster's effect too! |
What if we did this?
Normally, we'd try not to change the meaning of the card, and just make it more wordy for the purposes of parody, but this time let's see what would happen if we just moved a few words around!
Original: Tribute 1 face-up Level 4 Gemini monster, then target 1 card on the field; destroy it, and if you do, draw 1 card. | Edited: Target 1 face-up Level 4 Gemini monster you control; tribute it, and if you do, destroy 1 card on the field, then draw 1 card. |
Actually, it seems similar, but this edit makes the card potentially broken! Here are the differences:
- The original made you tribute as a Cost. Once you do so, you can't take it back if the activation of this card is negated. That makes it balanced, because you could potentially just tribute for nothing.
The edited one has a targeting effect that is simultaneous with the destruction effect, and you don't have to tribute unless you successfully target your monster. - The original is worded so that if your Gemini could miss timing after being sent to the Graveyard, it will (the "then" does it).
The edited version would still make your Gemini miss timing (again, the "then"), but it would also make the opponent's card miss timing (if possible). - The original targets your opponent's card, and therefore commits to one particular card they control, so if the target leaves the field, Gemini Spark won't let you draw 1 card.
The edited version targets your own card, but does not target the opponent's card, so if your opponent doesn't chain to remove your monster or flip it face-down, you would be free to choose which card to destroy after the effects resolve, and you immediately get to draw 1 card too!
Closing remarks
As you can see, just by moving a few words around, the way this card interacts with others is totally different! This card is currently not Forbidden or Limited at all, and while this edit would likely not change that, it would probably see a lot more play as a result (especially since it would not target your opponent's card, and you wouldn't have to tribute for nothing)!