General description:
Well it's fairly obvious that a big reason this card is popular is because of the character's enormous fan-base (I too am a fan ^^). He's a turn 4 6/3 5/2. Sounds good so far. But then you may read his ability.
(Fanatical Adorer)
This Ninja is put in play in injured status.
If you have either or both "Orochimaru" or "Kabuto Yakushi" in play when this ninja is put in play, you can heal this ninja at the end of the turn.
Wait...so why is he super rare again?
Uses:
Despite the first appearance of his ability, he's actually quite playable. A lot of people play (even in decks that aren't water) Kabuto Yakushi (Withdrawl). Reunion with a Former Teacher got a little too annoying. Kabuto is a turn 2 which can give you the ability to toss your opponent's in-play permanent mission at the cost of him bouncing to the top of your deck. Well if you manage to keep him in play for 2 turns, you get a 6/3 Ninja with access to some pretty good combos.
Not only that, but since the release of Quest for Power Sound decks are seeing A LOT more play. In fact they're becoming a bit overplayed down here.
Not only does he have access to his character specific jutsu, but he can be searched out by the mission card "The Sound Ninja 5"
Strategies and game play:
The basic strategy Kimimaro is incorporated into is the Sound deck. Loaded with super rare copies (usually) of the Sound 4, and then Kimimaro, and cards like "Four Black Mists Formation", "Four Flames Formation", "The Sound Ninja 5", and strong water cards like "Dosu" and "Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu".
Combos with other cards:
Other than the obvious combos, one combo will likely see quite a bit of play with the introduction of Battle of Destiny.
Sand Cacoon to get "Gaara of the Desert (Possessed Mode)" out, most likely by bouncing Tragic Name Gaara. Then, while having Kimimaro and Possessed Mode teamed up, Possessed Mode can use "Wind Style: Air Bullets" (From Eternal Rivalry) and Kimimaro can use Digital Shrapnel. For two wind you can injure every healthy ninja on the opposing team with Air Bullets, and then for two water you can discard every injured ninja on the opposing team. Four chakra and you just took down their best team.
Ways to counteract it:
While Kimimaro can be a really good card, he defanitely has his weakspots. He comes out injured, can you say "Paper Bomb"? Or what about "8 Trigrams"? Jutsu that don't specifically target ninja battling against your team are best, just in case your opponent is paranoid about sending their newly injured ninja out. My favorite to use (though it's not the cheapest) is "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu from Path to Hokage. Any ninja can use it, so they don't have to be Jounin. For two fire and 1 of anything you can give a damage to one ninja. They attack, you chump block, give up the chakra and kill their Kimimaro.
Strengths/Pros:
- Turn 4
- No handcost
- Awesome Stats
- Sound ninja
- Searchable
- Access to great combos
- Kabuto (Withdrawl) so you don't have to wait until turn 5 for him to be healed.
Weaknesses/Cons:
- At one point, with or without Kabuto, he will be injured.
- Harder to get because of his fan-base
Variations:
Currently there are no variations. However, there will be a new Kimimaro in the next set (Battle of Destiny). He will obviously have a different effect though.
Artwork and aesthetics:
I love the artwork. I think it looks great, and it accuratley describes his ability.
Overall rating:
Overall I'd give this card an 8/10
Please, gimme feedback! Tell me what you thought of the review! ^^
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