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The First Hogake on Naruto

Approaching Wind Set Overview
January 5 , 2009
 

I want to start to write a series of Naruto articles for Pojo about various things, so I’ll start off with the latest release of Approaching Wind, which came out during the latter end of November in 2008. I’ll start off with a breakdown of each element and how it got support or did not get support.

Fire: Fire always gets a push of some sort when it doesn’t need any help.
Itachi the infamous Super Rare is in high demand since he’s moved down to the turn 5 slot and now has ambush. His effect is awesome as well. The Sasuke from the starter deck is also highly popular amongst players using Chain Lightning, which is the newest deck in the meta. Fire also got support with Symbol of the Proud Clan and a new Akamaru to go with Kiba. Overall, fire got a push that it did not need, which makes Fire still a top tier deck in the meta.

Water: This time around water did not get a huge push compared to that of Lineage of the Legends. They got a Kisame with Ambush and is Super Rare, but is still outclassed by Chakra Eater Sword from The Chosen. Super Rare wise they got a new Zabuza who is half way decent and a horrible Kabuto that will not see play. Water got a new turn 0 in Zaku, who is subpar at best. New versions of the Sound 4 were included along with the other sound ninja who are all subpar and should not see play in a competitive meta. Mission wise, all they got was Vision of the Future which is nice, but it’s also a turn 4 mission where you get to search out a card. Jutsu wise, water did not get anything it needed to move up any higher than it did last set. I suppose they did get a turn 6 Orochimaru with Ambush which is remotely good in Mono Water.

Earth: Earth hasn’t seen any support in a long time. It seems like the whole element has been left in the dark since Over 9000 became dominant. Earth got a new Choji who I think is good because he gives added chakra when he is sent out to attack. Earth got a decent ninja in Karenbana who is turn 4 and has ambush. Too bad she costs 1 to get into play. Earth also got a temporary turn
5 ninja to hang with until the big bad boys of Akatsuki come out in the next set[Zetsu and Deidara]. Jutsu and Mission wise, Earth got nothing remotely useful.

Wind: Similar to Earth, Wind got hardly anything to push itself back to the top again. Ever since Over 9000 took a dive in the back burner, Wind hasn’t seen too much in good cards coming out. The 50 card deck hurt Gaara[Immense Power]. Wind should hopefully get a push to the top during the next releases.

Lightning: In my opinion, this set pushed Lightning to where it needed to go.
Lightning got some great new ninja, some cool Jutsu and some decent missions.
Ninja wise, Lightning got Sumaru a great turn 0 ninja with 3 combat and is really fun to play with. Lightning also got a turn 5 ninja that is Jonin and has constant 3 Support in Natsuhi. The new Naruto Uzumaki Super Rare is solid, but is outclassed by Naruto[Overflowing Chakra] in terms of stats and abilities. Lightning also got a really nice Naruto and Gamabunta Platoon that won’t see play due to Naruto[Overflowing Chakra] being in the meta. Jutsu and Mission wise, Lightning got a huge push in two areas. Explosion of the Rasengan is a great new Jutsu that Jiraiya, the Fourth, and Naruto with Clone Status can use. The card moves an opponent’s ninja to the bottom of the deck.

The whole Prince deck has evolved in the set with Moonlight Rasengan and the new Naruto and the Prince clients. Taijutsu with Rock Lee and Might Guy got a push with some new Jutsu and Mission in Hot Blooded Tuition, Double Dynamic Entry, and The Eight Inner Gates. Rock Lee theme decks will see some play, but by no means are they top tier.

As the year came to a close, Chain Lightning is the top dog with Mono Fire always hovering around in the near distance because of all the Fire support that every set gives fire. Approaching Wind was a decent set if you are a Fire or Lightning player. If you’re playing Wind, Earth, or Water, my recommendation is to wait for the next set as Earth and Wind get a push. I just hope water gets more support overall.

Until next time,

The First Hokage