I've just watched the first 18 episodes of Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal. Now if you are a seasoned duelist or have been following the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise at least since they started airing 5Ds here in the states, then don't watch this show. If you're just starting out and are still learning, watch this show.
This generation is even further into the future within the city of Heartland. Yeah that's right, no more Domino City. The main character is the middle school boy Yuma Tsukumo who is a complete fool. He really has no talent for anything so he is always pushing himself in everything without much success. The same applies for his dueling skills, he has none. Always on the losing end he suddenly unlocks a forbidden door for the promise of power. Instead he is given Astral, a ghost who isn't really a ghost, but is haunting Yuma like Sai from Hikaru no Go. Just like Sai, Astral is an expert in the game the main character plays and is always telling him how to play.
The graphics of this series aren't anything special except for the new breed of monsters, Exceed Monsters, showcased in the show. The storyline is downright poor and overly simple at times as this version is geared toward a younger audience. The first five or so episodes spend half their time explaining the rules of the game for the viewer. Which I wouldn't mind, if I didn't already know how to play. At the end of each episode is a duelist question of the day. This little quiz further helps and new players understand the functions of the different cards and the rules of the game.
I do like the opening and ending song of this series and the new Exceed monsters are very interesting. The new summoning method, conditions, and the limitations of their abilities are interesting and prevent them from being overpowered. As a duelist myself I can appreciate this. I have more fun playing against unique duelists and their own strategies then facing the same super powered monster time and time again.