Yu-Gi-Oh! is a Japanese manga series created by Kazuki Takahashi and centers around a youth named Yugi Mutou, who along with his friends take part in the card battling game of Duel Monsters.
The manga proved to be so successful that it spawned multiple anime series and even a trading card game which saw enormous success upon its release. It has since developed into various media incarnations, including the Tag Force series of games on the PSP.
Although the franchise has spawned 56 games, our main focus will be on finding the best Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force game.
5. Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Tag Force 2
| Developer | Konami |
| Release Date | 18 September 2007 |
| Platforms | PSP |
Known as Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX Tag Force 2 in Japan, it centers around the gameplay dynamics of the card game. The player can choose one of the characters made popular in the anime, as a partner and proceeds to build a deck of 40 to 60 cards from a pool of over 2800 cards.
Various modes are available, including Tag Duel and Mini Games. Dueling solo is also an option with partners pairing up in the Tag Duel mode.
UMD recognition is also a feature included that allows access to Slifer the Sky Dragon, Obelisk the Tormentor, and The Winged Dragon of Ra.
The game has been criticized for being too complex, with only die-hard fans able to relate to the gameplay on offer. The storyline is also incidental to the card battles that form the core component of the game and can be quite convoluted in its presentation.
In the end, this is a game for fans who have some knowledge of how the card game works, whereas everyone else would have to slog through learning the rules before being able to fully enjoy the gameplay experience.
4. Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Tag Force 3
| Developer | Konami |
| Release Date | 27 November 2008 |
| Platforms | PSP |
The last game in the GX series is set in Duel Academy of the fourth season of the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! GX. The game mechanics are similar to the previous titles in the series, where the player can choose to partner with one of the characters from the anime.
It does expand on the cards on offer, with 3501 playable cards available. The Destiny Draw system from the previous game remains and the UMD Recognition aspect will unlock a whole host of extras including new cards, a new storyline and access to Bastion Misawa as a partner from the outset.
The game has its flaws with a minor lag during the opponent’s turn and selecting Jaden’s alter ego causes the game to crash, as the developers never got around to completing his game data before launch.
There are some bugs with monster summons that cause unintended effects with some spelling errors mixed in as well. Overall its one for the fans and expands on previous titles in the series.
3. Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s: Tag Force 4
| Developer | Konami |
| Release Date | 17 September 2009 |
| Platforms | PSP |
The fourth installment of the Tag Force series uses the Official Card Game Master Rules and the March 2009 Banlist.
Partner hands are no longer available at all times and while Destiny Draw makes a return, the player has an option to engage Partner Synchro, which allows them to see their partner’s hand and choose the first move.
The option to store up to 200 Deck recipes is also available. UMD Recognition unlocks rare cards and booster packs. There are a total of 4063 playable cards on offer.
A few errors regarding summons exist, like Flamvell Firedog being Special Summoned from the Graveyard, whereas it is actually summoned from your deck. There is also a glitch that that makes a second glowing deck appear during a Destiny Draw, but disappears after the move is completed.
Viewing cards in the Graveyard displays an error where all the cards share the same name as the first card, this is a minor bug and doesn’t affect gameplay too badly.
2. Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s: Tag Force 5
| Developer | Konami |
| Release Date | 16 September 2010 |
| Platforms | PSP |
This would be the last game in the series to receive an international release and a data install function exists to eliminate load times.
Some animated sequences from the previous game have carried over like Majestic Star Dragon, Infernity Doom Dragon, Tech Genus Blade Runner, and Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity.
Connecting with the PlayStation Network is supported, the Destiny Draw system is retained, and there is also a new mini game on offer. UMD Recognition unlocks new cards, characters and storylines.
There is some confusion with the rules applied, with some card effects being displayed differently and spelling errors abound once again.
Some card animations do not load properly and glitches occur when filling up character Hearts. Still a solid entry into the series and fans will have plenty to do with the more than 4700 cards on offer.
1. Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s: Tag Force 6
| Developer | Konami |
| Release Date | 22 September 2011 |
| Platforms | PSP |
This installment in the franchise is our top pick for the best Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force game. From the outset, the game gives you the option of importing Deck Recipes from the previous game and a bonus of 2000 DP x Player’s Duelist Level.
The previous animations have been retained with the addition of a few new ones and of course, Destiny Draw is back. UMD Recognition unlocks new characters and rare cards. Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s: Tag Force 6 also includes promotional cards and a staggering 5311 playable cards.
Random animated sequence errors still occur during gameplay, most notably in summon phases and the Photo Gallery. The bugs are far and few between with this being the most polished game in the series.
A few interesting points to note is that a digital version of the game launched on the PlayStation Store with playability across the PSP and PS Vita consoles. The game did not receive an international release and Konami discontinued support and ended availability of the PlayStation store version on 31 March 2017.