Progression Series

[Truffle Shuffle 37]

Yup, I'm jumping on the bandwagon. For this workshop, we'll be making cards that feel like they belong to each set released over the TCG's history from Legend of Blue-Eyes White Dragon all the way to the present day one card at a time. How this works:

1: Each post designs a card that lines up with what existed in the TCG set following the post before it. For example, we'll start with Legend of Blue-Eyes which is followed by Metal Raiders, then Spell Ruler and so on.
2: You can only use card types and options that existed at the time of that set's release, for example, no Synchro monsters before 2008, etc. It'll be up to you to push the envelope however far you think you can while keeping within the options and themes of the set you're posting for.
3: After you post your card, you'll end your post with a prompt of the following set in order that the next poster needs to make a card for, and if you feel like it, post any links or information about the set the next poster can use for inspiration and guidelines.
4: For an extra challenge, try to make cards that extend the usefulness or relevance of the card posted before yours and see just how far we can carry an older card through the ages.
5: Also to shake things up, you are allowed to temporarily break away from the next set in the TCG's history and make a card that would instead appear in something like a structure deck or tournament pack released in between, in case you don't quite want to tackle the very next booster set in your post yet.

That's about it. So to start us off, the first poster will make a card that would fit into the first TCG set, Legend of Blue-Eyes White Dragon. This limits your options significantly but hopefully will be a good jumping off point. Normal Spell and Trap Cards, Field Spells, Equip Spells, Continuous Traps, Normal Monsters, and Flip-Effect Monsters. You have precedent to make regular Effect Monsters since Exodia was one, but it's up to you how far you want to push that envelope or keep Exodia feeling special for the first set. Good luck!

[Summer Darj 292]

Actually, the LOB is a strong set because it introduced the power Spells Raigeki, Dark Hole, Monster Reborn and Pot of Greed, the latter to this day remaining banned.
Anyway, for this set I would go for something among the lines of:

Shadow Repelling Arrow
Normal Trap
Target 1 Set card on the field; return it to the hand.


Next set is Metal Raiders.

 

[Truffle Shuffle 37]

I like it. Let's try to play off of the previous card's effect, I hope this wouldn't be too out of place in Metal Raiders:

Repulsive Archer

DARK | Warrior/Effect
ATK 900 | DEF 1200
If this card is returned from the field to your hand: Destroy 1 face-up card your opponent controls.

 

The next set is Magic Ruler/Spell Ruler, which introduces Ritual Spells, Ritual Monsters, Quick-Play Spell Cards and Toon Monsters. If you were inclined to make a ritual monster you can certainly make a ritual spell card with it in the same post.