Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal

Yuma Tsukumo is a loud, enthusiastic kid who wants to be a top duelist but keeps falling short. His life changes when Astral, a calm being from another world, appears with large gaps in his memory. The two form an odd partnership: Astral knows advanced dueling concepts but needs Yuma's help to restore lost memories, while Yuma needs Astral's guidance to sharpen his skills. Together they take part in high-stakes duels, meet rivals and allies, and chase clues about Astral's past, all while learning how trust and teamwork can turn a chaotic underdog into a real contender.

Released in 2011 as the next TV entry in the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, Zexal was created by Shin Yoshida alongside series originator Kazuki Takahashi. The show blends comedy and action with anime-style duels aimed at younger viewers, and it features a prominent Japanese voice cast led by Tasuku Hatanaka as Yuma.

Critical and fan response has been mixed to positive, reflected in a modest vote average of 7.3 out of 10 from viewer polls. People tend to praise the show's energetic tone, colorful character designs, and fast-paced duel choreography, while some longtime franchise fans note its lighter, more kid-focused approach compared with earlier series.

Zexal helped introduce a new generation to Yu-Gi-Oh!, contributing memorable rivalries and characters like Yuma and Shark that turned into franchise staples. The series supported new merchandise, tie-in card sets, and many kids' first experience of competitive dueling on screen, keeping the brand visible in the market and on tournament tables.

While it didn't rack up high-profile industry awards, Zexal built a steady, enthusiastic fanbase and sustained the franchise's presence on television and in the trading card world. Its mix of humor, action, and serialized mystery kept younger viewers engaged and helped maintain Yu-Gi-Oh!'s commercial momentum during the 2010s.