Zexal is reminiscent of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters in that the main character (in this case Yuma) must help restore the memories of his partner (Astral). While Zexal does manage to have many good things going for it, it completely disregards what has continually improved in each series: characters.

It taught me to not judge a book by its cover, so I kept an open mind towards Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal. Coupled with strong characters and a great storyline, 5D's is easily my favourite of the series. Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's pushed the envelope with its outrageous concept (Riding Duels) and it succeeded. Each iteration managed to improve upon it's predecessors, while still keeping things 'fresh'.

I've always been a big fan of the Yu-Gi-Oh! series. Bombarded by these revelations, Yuuma, alongside Astral, must defend the world from the upcoming threats that loom over Heartland City-regardless of any divine intervention that may occur. However, he is also not the only one looking for them. The bewildered Yuuma soon learns that his memories have been divided into 100 'Number Cards,' all of which he must retrieve. Using the key to open it, Yuuma is greeted by an alien by the name of Astral-a being only he can see. In a sudden turn of events, Yuuma's key repairs itself, and the 'Door of Destiny'' appears before him.

Retaining one half of the key, Yuuma begins a duel with Shark, but soon realizes that his inexperienced skills are no match for him. But when the school bully, Ryouga 'Shark' Kamishiro, splits the key given to him by his father into two pieces, he inadvertently sets Yuuma on a collision course with his dream. In the bustling and futuristic city of Heartland, a young boy named Yuuma Tsukumo has a dream that everyone his age wants to achieve-earning the title of the greatest duelist! Sadly, due to his lackluster dueling skills, this dream is far from achievable.

List of yu gi oh zexal episodes