When a black knight’s spear parts the heavens, the legend shall rise again.
[AUTO](VC) Limit Break 4 (This ability is active if you have four or more damage):[Counter Blast (2) & Choose three of your «Gold Paladin» rear-guards, and retire them] At the beginning of the close step of the battle that this unit attacked a vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, [Stand] this unit, and this unit loses “Twin Drive!!” until end of turn.
[CONT](VC):If you have a card named “Black Dragon Knight, Vortimer” in your soul, this unit gets [Power]+1000.
Spectral Duke Dragon was Ren’s replacement for Shadow Paladins as it has a similar playstyle as Phantom Blaster Dragon. Ren played the golden dragon to crush Aichi in a one sided match. It is Gold Paladin’s one and only ride chain. He is the most intimidating Gold Paladin units with its dark appearance in the game. Fans of the card are hoping Bushiroad will revive it in a Legion, G-Unit, or a unit with Generation Break.
Spectral Duke Dragon’s Limit Break costs two counter blasts and retires three rear guards to stand Spectral Duke Dragon after he attacks a vanguard. This ability is very contradictory to Gold Paladins’ theme to superior call units to gain advantage and gain power by being surrounded by allies. He is the bad boy in the clan. His Limit Break is clearly the deck’s finishing play. The extra attack can add pressure during the turn you perform a Break Ride and when you are able to build his power with Triggers.
However, Spectral Duke Dragon’s Limit Break’s cost is extremely high especially for a skill that removes Twin Drive. At lease it is able to retain to get one drive check. The Limit Break gives up too many resources for a single attack. You can minimize the cost of retiring three units by playing units to superior call units to the field. There are not many units to help the cause because you need units with skills without a cost to use Spectral Duke Dragon’s skill twice. Break ride on top of Steel Spear Liberator, Bleoberis to gain the additional power, and importantly superior call the top two units from the deck.
Overall, Spectral Duke Dragon has not aged well. He is very lackluster compared to more recent Gold Paladin decks. He really needs new support to help pay for his skill. Bushiroad can easily revive him in a Legion with a skill to remove his Limit Break’s cost, but retains the loss of Twin Drive for the second attack. There is plenty of hope for fans to get the new support that they need for their decks. Many classic cards and decks have received upgrades in every G booster set. Keep hope alive for Spectral Duke Dragon!
Card Rating: 2 out of 5
