Friends and I considering to start playing

[R_Dominguez]

Hey y'all, I just have a few questions relating to the game that I hope you can answer.

What's the health of the game? Are there people quitting, or is the game growing more as the months go on?
What is the cost of packs and booster boxes, in relation to the cost of decks? i.e., how expensive is a "top deck" if you were to buy nothing but singles for it, or are there multiple top decks that you could build if you just bought multiple booster boxes of product?
Are there, or will there be a banned/restricted list. Does there need to be banned cards? What's unbalanced?
How many sets have been releases, and what's the "cost of entry" to enter this game without anybody around you having any cards to let you borrow or have?

And Finally, what's the best deck? if there is one, that is.

Thanks in advance to anybody answering the questions. We like the show, and support for the game is picking up here in Idaho, so myself along with 3-4 other people were considering starting into the game.

[Underbheit Henchman]

Well let's see if I can answer a few of your concerns.

What's the health of the game?
There are a few people who think that the game is going to slow down a bit now that the filler has reached America, I however think that the promotion by bandai in an attempt to recruit new players is going to outweigh that. We have a pretty big fan base. Locally (northern california) our biggest obstacle has been trying to organize people. We know that lots of people buy packs, either for collection or to play at home, and in comparison the number of people coming to tournaments is somewhat sad. We're hoping to turn that around as I'm always asking friends that watch the show to try out the game as well.

Are there people quitting, or is the game growing more as the months go on?
Growing.

What is the cost of packs and booster boxes, in relation to the cost of decks?
Packs 3.50 - 5 depending on how much the hobby shops markup the prices.
Booster Boxes are 24 packs, usually 60-80 for the newer sets and as low as 50 for older sets.
Starter Decks are 10.99 give or take a buck.
Top Decks... It's hard to say with the last tournament we had since the top deck list hasn't been released yet. I'd say 50-60 tops?

Are there, or will there be a banned/restricted list. Does there need to be banned cards? What's unbalanced?
It remains to be seen whether or not there will be a ban list. Everyone is pretty much in agreement that there shouldn't be a ban list and for this game Bandai listens to the players opinions from what I've seen.
The one card people are calling for a ban of is Gaara [Tragic Name]. It was a Tin Promo card from 2 sets ago. In combination with 2 commons that came in Eternal Rivalry it's proven to be a early game powerhouse.

How many sets have been releases, and what's the "cost of entry" to enter this game without anybody around you having any cards to let you borrow or have?
There are 8 sets with the 9th set to be released in May. The 9th set is supposed to be largely a reprint set of the first 5 as well as a lot of newer cards. I forget the distribution of old to new but it's pretty good.
Entrance cost of a tournament varies. I'd say you could probably make a fairly decent deck with a couple starters and a few booster packs from Eternal Rivalry. I'd say that's about 30 bucks?

And Finally, what's the best deck? if there is one, that is.
There isn't one. Our last big tournament reported 8 different decks in the top 8. Something I've never seen in YGO.

[R_Dominguez]

Thanks for the reply! It was really helpful. I think we're gonna do it, but I want me some Gaaras in that case. :D

[Underbheit Henchman]

well you might. but if the majority have their way you won't need to.

[maker of swords]

Thanks for the reply! It was really helpful. I think we're gonna do it, but I want me some Gaaras in that case. :D

and good luck on getting the garras as well because i belive all the tins were sold out a long time ago and the people who have them are using them.

[Underbheit Henchman]

I have 3, in my collection, never being used by anyone ever in life. ^_^ I'm just gunna sit back and watch em get banned and drop in value.

[maker of swords]

I have 3, in my collection, never being used by anyone ever in life. ^_^ I'm just gunna sit back and watch em get banned and drop in value.

well it still should be kindof hard to get the garras