Machina Gearframe starts out fairly normal: a Level 4 Earth/Machine with 1800 ATK and 0 DEF.  It can access Machina support, Earth support, and Machine support.  It can be dropped into play and swing for decent damage.  It is very weak in defense position, but that’s really the only dud stat and being a Machine is good compensation.

 

Now add in a useful theme supporting effect: when Machina Gearframe is Normal summoned, you get to search your deck for a Machina monster and add it to your hand.  The only restriction is it can’t search out itself (Konami has learned from Elemental Hero Stratos).  That cements itself as a must in Machina decks.  It seems simple: get a good beatstick and a great search card.

 

Yet there is one other part to this card, and it shows Konami is also learning when it comes to Union monsters: this is one!  Instead of starting out as a Union Monster, saddling it with low stats and maybe giving it a great effect, they start with a good deck specific Monster and tack it on at the end.  Once per turn you can equip this card to or remove it from another Machine monster.  If the monster it is equipped to would be destroyed, Machina Gearframe is destroyed instead.  Until now, I considered Heavy Mech Support Platform to be one of the best Union monsters: while small it was insurance for your best Machine monster.  Adding a solid body to it is very tempting, and gives Machina Gearframe reason to show up in just about any Machine deck.

 

Ratings

 

Traditional: 1.5/5

 

Advanced: 4/5