Vortex Gaming

· Samurai Japan Selection Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 have newly arrived.
· In this video, we will thoroughly analyze the tier list for players from Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.
· Tier evaluations are conducted based on the following criteria.

Tier	Criteria
S	Essential for core orders, best value in this selection
A	Usable for left-handed/right-handed devotees or as a relief pitcher
B	Consider for use only in pure teams
C	Not used even in pure teams

· Wakabayashi: Evaluated as C tier because there are many stronger catchers like Sakakura, Mori, and Hita.
· Sakamoto: C tier for the same reason as Wakabayashi.
· Kozono: C tier because Arai and Eto are starting third basemen for Hiroshima.
· Kanemaru: While there's hope for future growth, currently C tier.

· Kikuchi (MLB): His pitch types haven't changed much, and his stats are similar. The combination of high-speed slider and slider is strong, but despite the addition of a two-seamer, the change in movement isn't significant, placing him in B tier.
· Takahashi: Can be utilized as a 4th-5th starter for a pure Chunichi team, placing him in the latter half of B tier.
· Sumida: Evaluated as stronger than Kikuchi Yusei. With a lucky circle changeup, good control, 'Tie Pinch' special ability, and significant movement, he's a definite starter for pure teams.
· Miyagi: Similar to Sumida, usable in pure teams, possessing 'Kire', 'Control', and 'Tie Pinch' special abilities.
· Ito Hiromi: Has many pitch types like Masla, slider, and cut, so he's not overwhelmingly strong, but can be used as a 5th starter for pure teams. His special abilities are 'Nobi', 'Kirikae', and 'Control'.
· Okamoto: Although A tier was considered due to his 'Artist' special ability, the existing 'Netsuki Okamoto' or 'Honda' with B defense are stronger. In 12-team orders, 'Nori' is available, so he's evaluated as B tier.

· Maki: Can be used as a second baseman for a pure Yokohama team, and is also good as a pinch hitter. With 'Power Hitter' and 'Super Wide Angle' special abilities, he's a strong player for right-handed devotees.
· Kondo: Has excellent left field defensive aptitude, defensive aggressiveness, and speed. With 'Super Avehi' and 'Wide Angle' special abilities, he's a player worthy of a left-handed devotee order. If Kanemoto, Matsui, or Tsutsugo are not available, he can be used as a starter.
· Matsumoto Yuki: In real-time, the combination of natural shoot and straight is powerful, and he also possesses sinking split and split. Usable in pure teams, and useful for 12-team orders when relief pitchers are lacking. Since sinking split has the potential to become stronger after the grand opening, it's recommended to acquire him.
· Murakami: Powerful with 'Arch-type Batting' and 'Wide Angle' special abilities. While inheriting from the existing 'Netsuki version' or a Murakami capable of Power S is not recommended, he shows top-tier strength in this selection.

· Shohei Ohtani: The best player in this Vol. 1 selection. His power has increased compared to the 'Special Edition' Ohtani, and he possesses 'Super Artist', 'Wide Angle Batting', and 'Intimidation' special abilities.
· However, the 'Special Edition' Ohtani's ball speed reduction effect from 'Best Pitch' is very powerful, so if you already have the 'Special Edition' Ohtani, there's no need to acquire this Ohtani.

· Nakamura: C tier for the same reason as Wakabayashi and Sakamoto.
· Ose: Although his special abilities are strong, he's judged as C tier because it's difficult to utilize him in actual games with only 3 pitch types.
· Shuto: If used as a pinch runner, B tier could be considered, but factoring in his batting ability, he's C tier. Even in pure teams, there are many better center fielders like Hirose, so his utility is low.

· Genda: The existing Genda, capable of S defense, is the strongest. While this Genda is good as a defensive player, the previous Genda is stronger for pure teams, placing him in the latter half of B tier.
· Kitayama: His pitch types are ordinary, but his special abilities are very strong. He can be utilized when pure teams lack relief pitchers, placing him in the latter half of B tier.
· Fujihira: Capable of 'split luck' play, receiving a similar evaluation to Kitayama. His evaluation may vary depending on the individual.
· Morishita: Satoteru is available as a right fielder for pure teams, and if you're a right-handed devotee, he can be included in the order. Among the players in this selection, he's in the latter half of B tier.
· Taneichi: Can be utilized as a 4th-5th starter for a pure Lotte team. His forkball has significant movement, and his special abilities are strong.
· Sugano (MLB): The existing Sugano from previous selections is evaluated as stronger. His original pitch changed to a two-seamer, and the quality of his pitch types is not good, making his strong special abilities difficult to utilize. If the rotation of his sinking split is closer to a split, there's potential for use.
· Sotani: His slurve has significant movement, and the combination of sinking first and two-seam first is very powerful. He's a definite starter for a pure Orix team, receiving a higher evaluation than Sugano.
· Yoshida Masataka: Changed from 'Artist' to 'Line Drive', and his defensive arm strength has significantly decreased. His left field aptitude also decreased by -6 compared to the World Star version. While he has the 'Ave Hitter' special ability, the existing 'Ave Hitter' or 'Artist' Yoshida is stronger for a pure Orix team, making his utility low. If 'Ave Hitter' doesn't activate, 'Artist' is stronger.
· Suzuki Seiya: It's a shame his 'Power Hitter' ability hasn't changed. His power increased by +6 compared to the World Star version, but his defense decreased by -20, making it D54. This is even lower than the current Ohtani. While his special abilities 'Super Power Hitter' and 'Chance' are strong, the World Star Suzuki Seiya is evaluated as stronger.

· Satoteru: The strongest right fielder for a pure Hanshin team, and can definitely be included in a left-handed devotee order. There are rumors that the 'Artist' special ability will be added next year, but seeing that Suzuki Seiya hasn't changed, it might be difficult.
· Makihara: His left field aptitude has been added compared to the Best 9 version, increasing his utility. If you're a left-handed devotee and Iwamura is not available, he's a definite player for the order. His versatility is higher than Satoteru, placing him at the top of A tier.

· Yoshinobu Yamamoto: His pitch types have changed; high-speed shoot and slow curve fork are gone, but sinking split has been added. He also gained relief aptitude, and his straight fastball increased from B to A. 'Nobi' has been added as a special ability.
· There's a possibility he'll enter the core starting order, and even if it's difficult to use him as a starter, he'll show a powerful performance like Hirai if he appears as a reliever.
· He is the best player among Vol. 2 players, and across both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Yoshinobu is evaluated as better than Ohtani.

· If you're wondering which gacha to pull between Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, we recommend Vol. 2.
· Although there are many A-tier players in Vol. 1, existing series are stronger, or players like Matsumoto and Kondo are likely to appear with similar abilities next season.
· It's uncertain if Yoshinobu from Vol. 2 will appear with these abilities again in the future, so if you're deliberating, it's better to pull Vol. 2.