
In the beginning, when I started playing Duel Masters for the first time, its straightforward nature took me aback. Essentially, it’s merely a digital version of a card game. You do get to set your duelist name, but beyond that, it’s essentially about viewing your cards and those of your opponents. There isn’t much narrative involved; it’s primarily about engaging in multiple duels against the same few opponents until you manage to defeat them enough times to advance to the next level. In contrast to today’s games that are filled with more, more, and more—more expansive worlds, more collectibles for influencers and gamers to pursue, and more ways to outshine others on Steam—it was captivating to be reminded of a time when gaming was simpler, offering pure enjoyment from the basic pleasure of playing a game rather than the compulsion to amass trophies and achievements.