Igniting Passion: The X Project Takes Flight

      The first weekend of the X project event has left an indelible mark on our community, sparking excitement and enthusiasm among players, commentators, and viewers alike. The electric atmosphere on stream, coupled with the thrill of competition, has set the stage for something truly special.

      As we embarked on this groundbreaking journey, we sought to create more than just an event – we aimed to forge a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and shared purpose. And judging by the overwhelming response, we're well on our way.

      To gain deeper insights into the X project's impact, we sat down with our esteemed guest commentator, Ayumu, a veteran of the Battle Spirit and Battle Spirit Saga community and a driving force behind its growth. With his unique perspective and infectious passion, Ayumu shares his thoughts on the X project, its potential, and what makes this community truly remarkable.

Let's dive into our exclusive interview with Ayumu and uncover his inspiring thoughts on:

The first thing we asked Ayumu was what was your overall impression of the tournament: What stood out, and what surprised you? "The Purple/Yellow deck used by Magillanica Lou of the Coreknights in the first game was definitely one of the highlights of the day. He has fully showcased the capability of Cost 2 rush, serving as a good example of how the deck performs at an optimal level, and its dominance over the opposing deck was a pleasure to watch. On the other hand, the NERV deck towards the end of the stream surprised me the most. I had never considered it being a viable deck, as that is the consensus towards starter decks, but even if it was under a best-of-1 setting, the NERV deck had performed well with skillful maneuver."

Who impressed you the most, and why? "My favorite player from the stream has to be Cee. We met each other fin the launch event, and her skills on controlling with a White deck have always impressed me ever since. Her ability was clearly fleshed out in the stream as well, with how she managed to stand back on her feet while being at one life. If the NERV deck did not have a life burn effect, she might have won the game already."

"Following the previous answer, my most favourite match during the day was probably the last game, Cee vs Dave. I am genuinely impressed with how well the NERV deck has functioned. The game itself was definitely intense because the tide was going back and forth. Dave looked like he had oppressed Cee with his full attack, but that gave Cee enough cores to build up a wall, which prevented any further advance from Dave. Of course, at that time, the viewers would not know, but as a commentator, it put me on the edge of the seat because I knew of Dave’s strategy via his deck list, so the ticking bomb situation for Cee made me wonder how the game would develop."

"To be honest, I think the project might have more potential if it were to build on a more popular TCG, but of course, on the other hand, one could argue that similar things were already done by other people on the other TCGs, so the impact of X Project would not be as big. In theory, Battle Spirits Saga works as a decent candidate for such a project, as its very existence is designed to be competitive, and not much legacy has been built upon it yet, which means that the X Project has little to no competition towards being successful. Of course, as a veteran player from the Japanese game, I would have my bias, but I genuinely think that Battle Spirits Saga has some of the best game mechanics that can allow in-depth tactics, as well as minimizing the luck factor. At the very least, the X Project has a decent impact to the current player base of Battle Spirits Saga. With its unique tournament system and prizing, and not to mention the cheap, if not free, entry cost, both casual and competitive players are given more chances to test their deck-building and practical skills. If done well, events from X Project may very well overrun the official events. In the future, when enough funding is secured, either through the extensive planning of Battlecore, or a collective effort from the community, maybe in-person events can be considered as well, just like the 65-people Italian booster box event."

"As one of the most active judges, I think it would be nice if everyone in the community can familiarise themself with the comprehensive rules and FAQs. Granted, those documents are not the most detailed or clear, but I think it would provide a basic understanding when a discussion occurs, which, well… occurs very often. Also, learning the rules well also allows better ideas when it comes to deckbuilding, since you can explore loopholes to create surprising lists. The Colosseum Golem + Lilith combo is one of such examples, and I am looking forward to seeing more insane ideas from the community."

"I think it would bring in some fresh perspectives of how TCGs can be played, though I cannot think of how exactly. However, the format which the X Project is going to take on reminds me of the Extreme League from Japanese Battle Spirits, and I could clearly remember the excitement I felt watching their games, and the expectations I had on their performances. These are all feelings which I hope Csports can convey. It displays the pinnacle of competitive TCGs, setting its games as an example of how well a player can do, a lesson to those who want to play better in the TCGs."

      As we celebrate this milestone, we're reminded that it's not just about the project – it's about the people who make it thrive. Our community deserves more than just a platform; they deserve a home where they can connect, grow, and shine. A place where lively players, engaging events, and competitive tournaments ignite the passion within.

      I've had the privilege of witnessing the Battle Spirit Saga community flourish since its inception, and I'm still energized by the infectious enthusiasm of our members. The innovative spirit of our Csports Guardians, the unwavering dedication of our players, and the unrelenting positivity that drives us forward – it's a testament to the power of community.

      As I look to the future, I'm filled with excitement and gratitude. This project is more than just a success story; it's a beacon of what's possible when people come together, united by a shared passion.

      Thank you to each and every one of you who has made this journey possible. Here's to many more victories, triumphs, and unforgettable moments together.