Just seeing XX-Saber Gottoms in the advert for the Leo Duel School was enough to tell viewers that they were in for a treat.
What about seeing a duelist who focuses on Fusions, for the first time since GX!
The appearance of Duelists using fan favorite archetypes, such as Constellars, Gem-Knights, and X-Sabers, later joined by the new yet popular Yosenju and Prophecy cards.
In episode 10, Yaiba Synchro Summons for the first time since 5D's!
Even if you don't like Synchros or Xyzs, it's nice to know that they're still here.
Wait, was that a D-WHEELER!?
A Ritual Duelist is set to make an appearance!
Meaning this is the FIRST series to have all the different types of summoning being focused on.
Like any series, duels where older cards, even briefly, get the spotlight, if only momentarily as materials, such as the Battleguards in episode 1 and Panther Warrior in episode 40 are enough to make older fans smile in nostalgia.
Yuzu's De-Fusion combo in episode 43 made many GX fans happy.note Although, it was already featured in Duel Monsters, notably against Noah.
Certain duels easily become this for various reasons. Examples include:
Yuya vs Reiji in episode 12/13 for Reiji showing he is capable of Fusion, Synchro and Xyz and later for being the first Pendulum vs Pendulum duel.
Yuya vs Gongenzaka in episodes 25/26 for both characters being able how many badass levels they gained, particularly Yuya using a Pendulum effect to perform a Fusion summon.
Sora vs Kurosaki in episodes 33/34 for being an awesome duel while also dropping several plot details for audiences in-universe and out.
Yuto vs Yugo in episode 37 for showing explicitly the Berserk mode and Yugo showing of his dragon.
Yuya vs Sora in episode 49 for both duelists performing amazing plays.
Yuya vs Reiji in episodes 50/51 for Yuya showing how much he has grown, making this duel a more even fight than before.
Yuya vs Yoko in episodes 52/53 because the protagonist's mother is dueling. The fandom practically exploded when they saw her bike.
Yuzu and Yugo vs Duel chasers in episodes 54/55 because it's the first episodes in the Synchro Dimension and it's a Riding Duel!
Yugo vs Sawatari in episode 72, less because fans expect the duel to be epic and hard to determine a winner, but for the fact it is probably going to be hilarious.
Then it was revealed to be quite a good, close, and intense match with sizeable plot building. So, double yay.
Kurosaki vs Dennis in episodes 74-75, it was an intense match with an explosive ending and the return of characters Yuri, Yuto, Sora and the appearance of the long awaited Ruri
Kurosaki vs Crow in episode 81. It's the kind of archetype conflict people can only dream of.
Yuya vs Crow for the return of Berserk Yuya and Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon
The fandom rejoices when one of Yuya or Yuzu's dimensional counterparts appears. Like when Yugo appeared in episode 37 and 46. Serena appearing in episode 40, Yuri's appearance in episode 46 and Rin's appearance in episode 54 even if its a flashback. And Ruri's appearance in episode 75
The announcement about the reappearance of Jack and Crow in the next arc has caused a lot of hype. Jack Atlas appearing in the 3rd opening in particular got the hype rolling.
Crow saved Yuya & co on a motorcycle! AWESOME!
Episode 54 has caused this reaction due to the high quality animation, the many callbacks to 5D's including the opening replacing the Action duel section with a Riding duel section. And a lot of plot development.
The brief cameos of Mukuro Enjou and Yeager are this for some, particularly with the wide range of beloved one-shot characters who could follow them.
Divine cameos! And he's getting his ass kicked!
10 episodes after jumping to the Synchro dimension, the writers have promised that in episode 64 Yuya will FINALLY partake in a Riding Duel!
And his opponent: JACK ATLAS!
Hell, EVERYONE is participating in a Riding Duel, except Reiji.
Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon appears in the show, pleasantly surprising the fanbase who thought the card had been passed over.
A more subtle, and far more unexpected one, was the use of Monster Reborn in the same duel.
Episode 75 preview reveals Sora is back, which probably means we'll be getting back to the war-plot.
Episode 75: The audience finally gets to see RURI!
Opening 4 and Ending 4 was very loved due to the fact we see all eight of the counterparts in one scene, a few scenes of the Bracelet Girls interacting, and pictures of the three Resistance members napping together.
Episode 82: Crow and Kurosaki became nakama. And it is adorable.
Episode 85: Yuri has arrived in the Synchro Dimension.
Episode 87: The preview shows that Yuya, Yugo and Yuri are going to go berserk.
Yuri's deck archetype is finally revealed. Predator Plants.
After what many consider to be Arc Fatigue in the form of the Synchro Dimension, outside sources reveal The Lancers travelling to the Xyz Dimension and meeting both Asuka Tenjoin and Kaito Tenjo.
AndEdo Phoenix!
Did JACK ATLAS just DOUBLE-TUNE?! and feature a cameo by The Crimson Dragon!?.
Galaxy-Eyes makes a glorious return in the form of Cipher Dragon, and boy does it kick ass.
The Duelist using them might be pure Nightmare Fuel, but how about the effing GLADIATOR BEASTS making an anime appearance? And unlike the Ancient Gears, which were mainly new cards, the Gladiator Beasts seem to be largely old favorites like Gyzaurus and Laquiri.
