Stand Alone Complex

 

Pokémon [17]

3 — Yveltal EX — XY (79/146)
2 — Malamar EX — Phantom Forces (115/119)
2 — Darkrai EX — Dark Explorers (63/108)

2 — Sableye — Dark Explorers (62/108)

2 — Malamar — Ancient Origins (46/98)
2 — Malamar — XY (77/146)
4 — Inkay — XY (74/146)

Trainers [27]

1 — Computer Search — Boundaries Crossed (137/149)
4 — Hypnotoxic Laser — Plasma Storm (123/135)

1 — N — Noble Victories (101/101)
1 — Skyla — BREAKpoint (122/122)
1 — Xerosic — Phantom Forces (119/119)
1 — Giovanni's Scheme — BREAKthrough (162/162)
1 — Pokémon Center Lady — Flashfire (105/106)
2 — Lysandre — Flashfire (104/106)
3 — Professor Birch's Observations — Primal Clash (159/160)
3 — Professor Juniper — Plasma Freeze (116/116)

1 — Shadow Circle — XY (126/146)
3 — Virbank City Gym — Plasma Storm (126/135)

2 — Trick Coin — Phantom Forces (108/119)
3 — Head Ringer — Phantom Forces (97/119)

Energy [16]

4 — Dangerous Energy — Ancient Origins (82/98)
4 — Double Colorless Energy
8 — Darkness Energy

Epilogue

This one is for all the hardcore Ghost in the Shell fans. Stand Alone Complex is an intensely combative deck with a strategy that involves overwhelming the opponent in hard tactics. The core of this deck begins with the diverse Supporter array—representing the members of Section 9—alongside some of the most prominent Ghost in the Shell characters ever.

From left to right, we have the Individual Eleven, the Chief Aramaki, the Laughing Man, Sano (the undercover assassin), Batou, the Major (at ease and in action)—and lastly Borma (the explosives specialist). Altogether, they make a very diverse array of Supporters, yet the combination aims to take full advantage of the tactical potential provided by one very special card in particular.

Our lady of the evening is none other than {Upside-down Evolution} Inkay, who's ability is a tribute to the HentaiKey game released back in the day featuring Batou & Motoko. The edge of this card is sure to put the pressure on 100%. With [Confuse Wave] leaving our opponent's Active confused, we can hit them with a Hypnotoxic Laser first, and begin to rack up the damage from Virbank City Gym. On our next turn, {Upside-down Evolution} enables us to instantly evolve Inkay into Malamar, freeing up the resource dependency that traditionally coincides with Stage 1 Pokémon, and thus effectively helping to enable a more tactical spread of Supporters.

From there we have two options between Malamar, each of which specifically suit positions where we either inherently possess the high ground—or we do not.

In positions where the high ground is ours, we can evolve to [Entangling Control] Malamar, and use its second attack to sweetly recycle our tactical content from the discard pile, while our opponent is at their disadvantage. We can also use [Entangling Control] from there to further manipulate their Active Pokémon and quickly flush out anything threats that they might suddenly drop on the bench.

In positions where we face an uphill battle, we can reach for [Mental Panic] Malamar instead, and attempt to put our opponent at a very distinct disadvantage with the combination of effects between Virbank City Gym, Confusion, and [Mental Panic]. This combination of tactical effects will force our opponent to flip two successful coins just to attack, and rack up 120 damage on their Active Pokémon between the full course of our turn and theirs (potentially turning the tides completely).

Finishing things up, Darkrai and Sableye provide us with the backup tactics, Yveltal provides the raw power—while Malamar provides a little of both—along with symbolizing that unforgettable moment where the Major answers the sex question popped on her by saying,

"You care to find out?"

Definitely a sweet finish to all that we have here.

If anything—the only way to finish at all.