Beast King Barbaros

Barbaros is truly a beast. It’s been around for so long, and rarely has it seen any use, especially once Skill Drain got restricted, but I’ve always liked this card’s potential, and I still do. The fact that he remains a level 8 when summoning him without tribute is really great. And his second ability is just one of those nice additional effects that could become great one day with the proper conditions. (Scapeghost anyone?)

I truly believe this card’s potential has solely been hampered by his type. Nearly all beast-warriors released are level 4 or lower. From Gladiator Beasts to X-Sabers to Fire Fists to Lunalights – nearly all useable beast-warrior support has been low lowel! In fact, if you look at the available beast-warriors level 5 or higher, it’s an embarrassment. And Beast King Barbaros has great potential for XYZ in the extra deck, but it’s never found the necessary support.

So for fellow fans of Barbaros out there, stick it out. This card is as good as he sounds. He’s just been waiting for the right time to assume his throne. He has all the ability in the world, and once he gets some proper support, he’ll finally be the king he was meant to be.

Advanced: 2/5

Future Potential: 4/5

There are way easier ways to get a Level 8 monster to the field. Beast King Barbaros is a Level 8 Earth Beast-Warrior type monster with 3000 Atk and 1200 Def. 3000 Atk is good, but the only effects this guy has get him to the field for zero or 3 tributes. For no tributes, he becomes 1900 Atk. For 2 tributes or some kind of Special Summon, he is regular Barbaros with 3000 Atk. For 3 Tributes, he is regular Barbaros with 3000 Atk who activated an effect to destroy all cards the opponent controls. Non-targeted destruction is good, but the cost requires a lot of effort. That effort isn't really worth it in most decks, and the ability doesn't warrant building a deck around Beast King Barbaros. 
 
Score: 2/5 3000 Atk under Skill Drain. 
Art: 3/5 A lance should mean piercing ability. 
 
-WarlockBlitz