What is: Machidramon EX

If you're an old school Digimon card fan, you're no doubt excited to be getting your hands on the upcoming Special EX-01 booster set in the next few months. Featuring a set of all-new cards with classic Digimon art, the set has promised to leave us nerds filled with that sweet sweet hit of nostalgia. What we didn't expect was (one of my personal favorite Digimon) Machinedramon to get a new card so cool that it singlehandedly shakes up the meta. Without further ado, let's dive into breaking down another key deck. What is: Machinedramon EX?

For starters, what does the card itself do? Machinedramon is a black level 6 Digimon that costs 12 to play and can Digivolve from a red or black Digimon for a cost of 3 memory. Straightforward so far? Well, here's where it gets interesting. [On Play] Machinedramon's player has the option of attaching up to five different [Cyborg] trait Digimon from their hand or trash to Machinedramon. Not only does this give our boss Digimon here access to the versatility of almost any inheritable ability we can think of... it also gives Machinedramon extra lives with its [All Turns] When this Digimon would be deleted, you may trash 2 level 5 Digimon cards in this Digimon's digivolution cards to prevent this Digimon from being deleted. As if that wasn't quite enough, we also can't get around the extra lives by reducing its DP thanks to its [All Turns] ability which prevents any DP loss to Machinedramon. The cherry on top of all of this? Remember that huge play cost of 12? ...well that's not going to be a problem either because {When Played] Machinedramon is going to gain you 1 memory for each card [Cyborg] Digimon you placed underneath it, bring that cost down to an effective 7 memory; WAAAY cheaper than any other level 6, despite all the extra power its packing.

As you can imagine, this card is going to be an absolute monster when it hits the table. But instead of diving into every possible scenario where a 7 drop unkillable level 6 might help you out (I'm sure your imagination can think of a few spots), this article is going to take a look at all the Digimon we have so far that carry the [Cyborg] trait. Let's dive in and find out just how many options Machinedramon EX will really have. 

For starters. There are a huge number of Digimon with the [Cyborg] trait (67 I believe, with 9 more coming in BT-07), this list is going to focus purely on ones that have inheritable abilities that can be passed along to Machinedramon by the time of EX-01's release, or Digimon that will make for good support in a Machinedramon EX deck. 

MetalGreymon ST1-09
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] When this Digimon is blocked, gain 3 memory.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Red Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Deterring your opponent from blocking when the Digimon you're attacking with is an absolute best is a good idea, making the old starter deck MetalGreymon a reasonably solid choice!

Megadramon ST5-11
Inherited Effect: [Blocker] (When an opponent's Digimon attacks, you may suspend this Digimon to force the opponent to attack it instead). 
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Black Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Coming out of starter deck 5, we have Megadramon. Give your Machinedramon [Blocker] and your ultimate, immortal monster of a Digimon is now the ultimate wall. Take this card with you.

MetalGreymon BT1-114
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] This Digimon gets +3000 DP.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Red Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Always scary to have a Digimon with a natural 3 security checks on the board, even if it does cost you a bit of memory.

WarGrowlmon BT2-017
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] While there are 5 or more cards in your opponent's trash, this Digimon gets +1000 DP.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Red Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
While +1000 DP doesn't hurt... honestly you'll soon see there are better choices for a DP boot. 

RizeGreymon BT2-038
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] While you have 3 or more yellow Tamers in play, this Digimon gains (This Digimon checks 1 additional security card).
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives.
Honestly, you're not likely to be running many yellow cards, let alone tamers. I'd pass on this one. 

MetalTyrannomon BT2-046
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] When this Digimon deletes one of your opponent's level 6 or higher Digimon in battle, unsuspend this Digimon.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives.
Now here is something that might make it worth splashing in a Digimon that isn't red or black. Gaining an unsuspect means opponents will have to think twice before attacking with their level 6s when you have a DP boosted Machinedramon on your board. 

MetalGreymon BT2-063
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] While this Digimon has [Reboot], it gains (This Digimon checks 1 additional security card).
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Black Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Security attack +1 is always a solid choice. Especially when you can easily pass [Reboot] onto Machinedramon with a different evolution source.

Rapidmon BT3-052
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] This card gets +1000 DP for each of your opponent's suspended Digimon.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives.
In the right setting, this is the largest DP boost available to Machinedramon. Although the inconsistency and its green coloring might still not make Rapidmon your best choice.

RizeGreymon BT4-017
Inherited Effect: [When Attacking] If you have a Tamer in play, 1 of your opponent's Digimon gets -2000 DP for the turn.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Red Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
For any deck wanting to run tamers, this is the Greymon for you! A level 5 Digimon that stands on its own with its useful [Digi-Burst] effect and passes along a useful inheritable. 

MachGaogamon BT4-032
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] While you have a Tamer in play, this Digimon gets +2000 DP.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machindramon's extra lives.
While yes, +2000 DP is nice, we have a better way of getting it. Tamer decks should be running the RizeGreymon mentioned above instead anyways. Plus blue isn't a helpful color to us. I'd pass here. 

WarGrowlmon BT4-046
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] While you have 3 or fewer security cards, this Digimon gets +1000 DP.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives.
WarGrowlmon, but yellow this time. Honestly, we have no control over our security unless you've invented the first Machinedramon/yellow hybrid. This Digimon is worth skipping over.

MetalGreymon: Alterous Mode BT5-015
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] When this Digimon has [Omnimon] or [Greymon] in its name (other than [DoruGreymon], [BurningGreymon], [DexDoruGreymon]), it gets +2000 DP.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Red Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Machinedramon sure does have a lot of things, but you know what it doesn't have? Greymon in its name. Pass

ZeigGreymon BT5-017
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] When this Digimon attacks with, it can also attack your opponent's unsuspended Digimon.
Now, this is an interesting tech. While it doesn't really help Machinedramon (we don't currently have a good way to give Machinedramon [Blitz]), it does have the option of existing as an alternate level 6 (assuming you've run red level 5s). Personally, it's not my favorite tech option, but I do wonder if someone more clever than me might be able to make it work. 

MetalGarurumon BT5-031
Inherited Effect: [When Attacking] [Once Per Turn] Gain 1 memory.
Sure, as a level 6 it doesn't help trigger Machinedramon's extra lives itself, but if those other 4 [Cyborg] Digimon do, you're going to be attacking with Machinedramon anyways. Who doesn't want some free memory for attacking every turn? A solid tech, despite the 'wrong' color.

BlackMachGaogamon BT5-068
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] While this Digimon has [Reboot], it gets +2000 DP.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Black Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
With the ability to put [Reboot] on Machinedramon easily, and the convenient color match, I think no one would fault you for running a copy or two of this Digimon.

BlackWarGrowlmon BT5-079
Inherited Effect: [When Attacking] [Once Per Turn] You may delete 1 of your other Digimon to unsuspend this Digimon.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives.
Now, I understand that we don't spawn a huge number of sacrificial Digimon with this deck, and maybe I'm just biased by my love of purple cards, but unsuspending to attack again with the absolute unit that is Machinedramon sounds pretty sweet. I'm honestly shocked that I don't see 1 or 2 of this card splashed into more Machinedramon EX decks. After all, for just 3 memory we have another rookie on board who is otherwise worthless once its [On Play] effects have finished resolving.

Megadramon BT6-013
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] This Digimon gets +2000 DP. 
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Red (and black) Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Now here is a card an aggressive player does not want to miss. You like attacking with your massive big, scary, near-immortal Machinedramon, Well now it's even bigger. 10/10.

Gigadramon BT6-061
Inherited Effect: [Opponent's Turn] This Digimon gets +2000 DP.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Black (and red) Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Did Megadramon catch your attention just now? We'll here is its counterpart to make your Machinedramon outfitted with a source that gives it [Blocker] an even bigger shield. Outfit it with [Reboot] as well to both attack and block each turn. Just like Megadramon, this is a 10/10 include.

Volcanomon BT6-062
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] While your opponent has an unsuspended Digimon in play, this Digimon gains [Security Attack+1] (This Digimon checks 1 additional security card).
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Black Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
While it doesn't give you that extra security attack in every situation, it certainly will go off often enough to make a difference. Since all of the Digimon added to Machinedramon need to be different, Volcanomon is going to be your way of getting Machinedramon up to 3 security checks per attack. Plus just having this source out will make your opponent think twice about ending ther turn by playing an unsuspended Digimon. Not to mention I just love Volcanomon. BIG BANG VOICE! LETS GO!

Megadramon EX1-007
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] While this Digimon has [Machine] in its traits, it gains [Security Attack+1] (This Digimon checks 1 additional security card).
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Red Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Well, we've arrived at the EX-01 Digimon who were literally made to be Machinedramon support. If you're a [Machine], you know.. like Machinedramon, you get [Security Attck+1]. This is a no-brainer. Bring Megardamon EX with you. 

MetalGreymon EX1-008
Inherited Effect: [Your Turn] While this Digimon has [Machine] or [Dragonkin] in its traits, it gains [Piercing] (When this Digimon attacks and deletes an opponent's Digimon and survives the battle, it performs any security checks it normally would).
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Red Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Once agan, this card was made for Machindramon. Tear through your enemy's suspended Digimon and security at the same time. 11/10, put this card in your deck.

Andromon EX1-048
Inherited Effect: [Opponent's Turn] While this Digimon has [Machine] in its traits, it gains [Blocker] (When an opponent's Digimon attacks, you may suspend this Digimon to force the opponent to attack it instead).
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Black Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
We've talked a lot about ways to make your Machinedramon the ultimate blocker. Well, here's another way to do that. He also comes with a useful [When Digivolving] skill, in case you've gone that route. It's very simple, you do want to run multiple copies of Andromon. 

MetalTyrannomon EX1-049
Inherited Effect: [Opponent's Turn] While this Digimon has [Machine] in its traits, it gains [Reboot] (Unsuspend this Digimon during your opponent's unsuspend phase).
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Black Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Do you want your Machinedramon to both attack and block? The answer is yes. 

MetalMamemon EX1-050
Inherited Effect: [When Attacking] While this Digimon has [Machine] in its traits, delete 1 of your opponent's Digimon with a Play Cost of 5 or less.
A level 5 Digimon that triggers Machinedramon's extra lives. Black Digimon allowing for evolution into Machinedramon if needed.
Deleting your opponent's low powered Digimon on every attack is a strong move when you know you're going to be attacking every turn anyways.  

Hargrumon EX1-045
Inherited Effect: (none)
Sure, this Digimon probably isn't able to be added as an evolution source for Machinedramon, but you'd be foolish not to run at least a few of them anyways. [On Play] You may trash 1 Digimon card with [Machine] or [Cyborg] in its traits in your hand to draw 2 cards from your deck. So we fill our trash with sources for Machinedramon and draw not once, but twice!? 12/10, if not 13!

Guardromon EX1-047
Inherited Effect: [When Attacking] You may trash 1 Digimon card with [Machine] or [Cyborg] in its traits in your hand to (Draw 2 cards from your deck).
For every reason Hagurumon is great, Guardromon is even better! Just like Hagurumon, it isn't a [Cyborg] and cant be played from the trash as one of Machinedramon's evolution sources. But it fills our trash with other sources the same way Hagurumon does and is our stable blocker. Guardromon is sure to not disappoint.