It’s not often that you’ll find a product for a card game that doesn’t split the fanbase in two. It happens with most card sets, and even the sleeves come under scrutiny.
However, Bandai seems to have achieved the unthinkable with the release of the Bandai Card Games Fest Playmat and for this review, I can’t wait to tell you all about it
First impressions
Whether you’re a fan of Nami, looking for a new playmat or excited to add the alternate art Zeus card to your yellow decks; this product has everything going for it.
It’s not often that you’ll find a product for a card game that doesn’t split the fanbase in two. It happens with most card sets, and even the sleeves come under scrutiny.
However, Bandai seems to have achieved the unthinkable with the release of the Bandai Card Games Fest Playmat and for this review, I can’t wait to tell you all about it
First impressions
Whether you’re a fan of Nami, looking for a new playmat or excited to add the alternate art Zeus card to your yellow decks; this product has everything going for it.
Originally sold at the Bandai Card Games Fest as a limited run, Bandai have released it as a premium product to allow players that could attend the event to have another chance to pick it up.
And to make it even sweeter, the product is exactly the same as it was at the events, and comes with both the playmat and a stunning alt art version of Zeus that displays the same art that’s featured on the playmat. And with this card being played in so many yellow decks at the moment, it’s a must have for collectors and players alike.
But hold on, we all know Nami, the Straw Hat treasure fiend; but who is this adorable cloud accompanying her?
Well, fans of the anime and manga will recognise our floating friend as Zeus. Once a captive of Big Mom on Whole Cake Island, he now bonded to Nami’s weather staff and unleashes his power at her command. Although I have to say, he quickly loses the adorable look when he’s angry!
Worth the berries?
The thing that makes this playmat stand out from all the other One Piece accessories that are available, is the fact it’s so different from the Oda’s art style. Instead, Kusunoki Harui, who’s art has featured on previous cards, has had the pleasure of bringing this promo art to life.
It plays with the dream like portrayal of Nami and Zeus, relaxed, in different outfits than we’re used to seeing. The style is a lot softer than we’re used to and the cropped version for the card art still includes all the characters and detail. Plus, you’ve just got to love Zeus in his very fashionable hat.
It’s also worth noting that now this product has been out for a while, it has quickly become a sought after collectors piece, meaning that the card can collect a pretty penny. But isn't the real value the card you play on the playmat along the way?
As with all of the Bandai playmats, they are fantastic quality with bright printed colours that don’t run. They withstand heavy transporting and play and can be machine washed on a gentle cycle if they need a freshen up.
Although there are plenty of custom playmats available, I always buy branded playmats for the quality, durability and art; as it can’t be faulted in any way.
Final thoughts
Is this product worth the Berries, or is it a trap set by the World Government?
So there we have it! If you can manage to get the playmat and card for a price even remotely close to retail, then it’s worth grabbing hold of and never letting go. Thankfully I managed to get one when it was released, and it’s quickly become one of my favourite playmats to showcase during my games.
