The Mortal Ambition collector rares have been revealed, and you will want to chase these. I hope my preorder unearths one, but I am never so lucky. The set releases on October 11th. It is a little too late for preorders, but you can probably pick product up from your LGS at launch. You can also pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player, but I would wait til after launch for the prices to stabilize a bit. I’m hoping there is enough demand for a second printing because this set is going to be fantastic for folks trying to pick up the game for the first time.
If you’re looking for unique sleeves or deck boxes to keep your cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
I was sent a free copy of Realm of Ink to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.
Red is a talented swords woman who finds herself traversing through the pages of books in her search for the elusive Fox Demon. Her path is not an easy one. Creatures hunt her relentlessly, and although she has help from powerful spirits, it might not always be enough. Make your way through the worlds, collect new abilities, weapons, and characters, and unveil the truth about your existence. Do you have what it takes?
Gameplay
Red must fight her way through the different stages of a world to clear it. Players start each run with a random ink. Inks give Red special abilities to help her on her run. There are 22 inks that can be enhanced or swapped at random intervals of a run. In typical roguelike fashion, players will unlock random passive buffs. Runs in Realm of Ink are very RNG-reliant, but it seemed pretty fair for the most part.
Eventually, players will unlock new forms and weapons to swap between future runs. These forms and weapons are selected before a run, and each has a unique playstyle. These forms combined with the game’s RNG ensure that no two runs are ever the same, and give the game its replayability.
Does it work on the Steam Deck?
Realm of Ink has a fantastic Steam Deck port. I actually preferred the Steam Deck experience because of how good it felt to play on the couch. It doesn’t need any tinkering to get it to work, the game looks great at the aspect ratio, the words are easy to read, and the game is responsive. While playing Realm of Ink gives players a deeper appreciation for the art, they aren’t losing much playing on the Steam Deck. If you’re looking for a solid game to play on the go with good mechanics, a decent story, and fantastic flavor, check out Realm of Ink!
Review
I’ve been excited for Realm of Ink since I played the initial demo. I had my issues the first time around, but the developers have been hard at work to make it all better. The game has been so much fun, and I can tell there is work being put into it for future updates.
I was first drawn to this game because the art is phenomenal. The art only got better the deeper I got into the game. I love the game’s flavor and style. When it comes to the mechanics, the game is solid. The game is easy to learn, but there are enough nuances to keep things technical and interesting. While there were a few runs where the RNG wasn’t in my favor, it was relatively fair. What I liked most about Realm of Ink is that the grind doesn’t feel so bad. Most games in the genre have a grind that starts to feel repetitive and stale. Progression in those games feels slowed by a soul-crushing level grind. The progression in Realm of Ink felt like it was limited by my skill. The better I got at the combat mechanics, even with the less ideal inks, the less the grind became. Even when there was a grind, it didn’t feel bad because I was having fun.
The game is still in early access, and there will be some roughness, but not enough to discourage new players from jumping right in. The developers have been working tirelessly and listening actively to the community, I am sure Realm of Ink will only get better moving forward.
If you enjoy action roguelikes or are looking for a new game to sink some time into, check out Realm of Ink. It is a beautiful game with fun mechanics that is worth every cent at full price.
You can pick up your copy of Realm of Ink on Steam for only $16.99. There is a fantastic demo available if you don’t believe me.
The Mortal Ambition set list is live, and the art is just as good as I expected. There is a good amount of valuable reprints, new powerful cards I am desperate to try, and some fantastic CSRs to collect. Make sure you always support your LGS, but you can always pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player through my affiliate link. I would wait for release for pricing to stabilize though.
I was sent a free copy of The Nameless: Slay Dragon to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.
The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a choose your own adventure style RPG game out now on Steam.
You watched your village burn after a vicious dragon attack when you were too young to defend yourself. You spent the rest of your time training, preparing for the day when you can take your revenge. Now with a few years of training under your belt, you set off to become a royal knight and slay some dragons. This is no easy task. The road is full of bloodthirsty monsters who will tear you down mercilessly if you aren’t prepared. Gather your party, buy the best gear, and set off on an unforgettable adventure. Do you have what it takes to defeat a dragon?
Gameplay
The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a unique choose-your-own adventure game with interesting exploration, combat, and skill check mechanics. Players progress through the story through a series of nodes. Nodes let players mine for resources and progress the story, but they can also trigger skill checks and combat. The player can and should plan how to approach their adventure, but some events will be unavoidable. Players are always a bad skill check away from a total party kill.
The Nameless features an interesting crafting mechanic. Players can farm nodes for materials for potions, weapons, and gear, but farming increases a character’s fatigue. The more fatigued a character is, the higher the chances are they will fail a skill check. This creates an interesting dynamic where players have to balance between crafting and exploring or risk burning out early.
Combat in this game is what you would expect from your typical RPG. Players choose the party actions at the start of each round, but the party always acts together. The initiative is determined by passing skill checks. I liked this system because it made planning my turns easy and it felt less RNG reliant.
Combat can be unforgiving if players aren’t prepared. While the player does have some freedom in how they approach the story, there is always a chance of running into an impossible enemy or scenario. This game will kill its players at early levels for choosing the wrong node or failing a skill check. Choose wisely.
Does it Work on the Steam Deck?
The Nameless: Slay Dragon is my favorite game for the Steam Deck. It not only runs great, but it is also the perfect portable experience. This is a chill game you can play anywhere, especially on the couch when you’re just trying to relax. The text is legible on the aspect ratio, and the gameplay is involved enough to be engaging without requiring too much skill and precision. If you’re looking for a unique and fun RPG for your Steam Deck collection, you can’t got wrong with this one.
Review
I love this unique RPG. It has great art, a good story, and interesting mechanics. I love the choose-your-own-adventure feel of the game and the challenge of the dungeons. Exploring the dungeon was fun because there was always that lingering fear that the next turn would spell the end of the party.
The Nameless: Slay Dragon does have a grind that can get a little repetitive at times. The combat system does a good enough job of keeping things moving, but there will be some times when you will have to repeat encounters to level up skills and abilities mindlessly. I found the grind therapeutic, but it isn’t going to be for everyone.
The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a fantastic addition to any collection. It is a great RPG with a fun twist and some solid replayability. This is easily one of my favorite games of the year, and it can easily become one of yours too.
I was sent a free copy of Viel of Shadowsto review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
Viel of Shadowsis a top-down, action-adventure out now on Steam.
Sirene wakes up in a strange forest without her memories. As she tries to make sense of her situation, she is attacked savagely by monsters. Luckily, she is handy with a bow. Now Sirene must fight her way through the forest, collect her memories, and hopefully find a way out. What will her journey uncover? Will she ever get out?
Gameplay
Players control Sirene on her journey to collect her memories. To do so, players must fight their way through seemingly endless waves of monsters. Combat in this game is a top-down twin-stick shooter where death isn’t permanent. As a result, players will grind out the same encounters for levels until they are strong enough to venture deeper into the forest.
When a player levels, they get an experience point to spend on permanent stat boosts, buffs, and abilities. Players can choose from three paths: Damage, Agility, and Precision. Each path feels unique, and players have the freedom to find a path that works best for their playstyle. I am sure there is a correct way to build Sirene, but I liked throwing everything into precision. I’ll definitely be trying the other paths in future playthroughs.
What makes Viel of Shadows is the ever encroaching darkness that follows Sirene. As time passes, the edges of the screen will close in on a player until Sirene is consumed by darkness. The darkness limits a payers field of vision and hinders their effectiveness in combat. A player can mitigate this effect through potions or orbs from random drops. While there is no real time limit to a run, this effect creates the right amount of pressure to keep things tense and exciting.
Does it Work on the Steam Deck?
Yes, and it is a fantastic port. The game runs great, looks fine, and the controls feel good. While the aim with my Uhuru Gaming Mouse (or any mouse) was far superior, it was nice to be able to sit back and play something casually. I did notice dying more on the Steam Deck than on PC, but that felt like a skill issue. If you’re looking for games for your Steam Deck, Viel of Shadows is a great option.
Review
I got to try an early demo of Viel of Shadows, and I’ve been excited about the game ever since. The game has a great aesthetic with fantastic pixel art and flavor. The gameplay is repetitive by design, but it doesn’t matter because the game is so much fun. Combat in this game feels smooth, and the leveling system is satisfying. There is a bit of a grind, but it isn’t soul-crushing. I found the repetition soothing and enjoyed watching my progress through the forest. The game is a great casual title with engaging enough gameplay to be worth the money.
You can pick up Viel of Shadows on Steam for only $7.99, and there is a demo available if you don’t believe me.
After a successful initial campaign, the developers behind Paragon: Monsters and Mayhemdecided to cancel the campaign and relaunch it with better goals. Those who backed the initial campaign have been compensated, and the developers have been working diligently with their growing community to make sure the game launches at its best state.
If you aren’t part of the official Discord, you should join today. It is the best place to stay up to date on all the news, meet other members of the community, and even help with playtesting There is always something going on whether it is a casual chat with the creator or a competative draft tournament on TTS, like the one happening this Saturday (10/5/2024).
The Kickstarter is live and has already blown well past its target. Make sure you go back the project to unlock some sweet exclusives. Although the team seems motivated and trustworthy, there is always risk when backing a Kickstarter. Use your discretion.
What is Paragon: Monsters and Mayhem?
Paragon: Monsters and Mayhemis a tactical TCG coming to Kickstarter. Players control powerful Paragon who control an army of monsters as they fight for supremacy. The game features interesting mechanics, movement, and beautiful art. I am a huge fan of the mana and health system.
How to play
The developers have a fantastic tutorial up on their YouTube:
As a gracious gift to the community, the developers have released a VIP Pass for a limited time. For only $1, backers at the $10 tier or higher will receive an additional six founder edition booster packs. Limit one per customer.
This is a fantastic deal for anyone trying to buy into the game as a collector or player. You can purchase your VIP Pass directly from the Paragon TCG website. Please note that the pass will only be honored if the campaign is successful, otherwise, backers will receive a full refund. Since the game was fully backed the first time, I doubt there will be any issues this time around.
Impressions
Paragon: Monsters & Mayhemis an interesting enough game. It has beautiful art, a fun gameplay loop, and a growing passionate community. If you are still unsure about backing the project, there are a couple of ways to try the game for free.
If you have Tabletop Simulator, the official Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem module gets regular support and is a fantastic place to start. Not only are there regular official events held through TTS by the developers, but you are sure to find other passionate fans ready for a game on Discord.
If you don’t have TTS, the developers have print-n-play proxies of the starter kits ready for anyone wanting to hop into a physical game. There are four different decks you can download and try, make sure you try them all.
I can’t wait to see where this game goes, until then, make sure you back Paragon: Monsters and Mayhem on Kickstarter.
I was sent a free copy of NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters is a unique autobattler out now on Steam.
Fill your backpack full of powerful monsters and face off against other determined trainers to be the best. In this game, true power comes from creative inventory management and some good RNG. Can you find the perfect combination to climb the ranks, or will you end your career as another nameless trainer? Grab your bag and find out.
Gameplay
NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters is Backpack Hero mixed with Pokemon Stadium. All battles in NeoDuel are against other players who are also making their climb on the leaderboard.
Players begin each run with a random assortment of monsters and items, and a limited amount of slots to arrange them in. Slots can be purchased in random shapes at random intervals. The game’s main challenge is inventory management.
Each creature and item interacts with each other in unique ways. Players must find ways to combine their resources effectively in a confined space that is not only efficient but must also maximize its synergy. Monsters and items sometimes combine to become more powerful, buff certain elements or creatures, or generate valuable resources during a battle. Players will find themselves constantly rearranging their bags and their contents to keep up with the race to the top. While the battle is conducted automatically, the work required to win consistently makes NeoDuel an engaging experience.
Does it work on the Steam Deck?
Yes, but the experience is a little clunky. It isn’t unplayable, but it can be a frustrating experience at times. When moving or arranging monsters in the backpack, the joystick feels too slow. It was useful when I had to rotate items, but most of the time I was dragging items over through the touch screen. The touchscreen controls are fine, but the aspect ratio makes it hard to select items that are bunched too close together. God help you if you have to rearrange the whole bag. NeoDuel is a fine Steam Deck game if you’re picking it up to play casually here and there, but I wouldn’t choose it over playing on PC.
Review
I loved NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters, and recommend it to anyone looking for a casual game. that is still plenty engaging. The game features unique mechanics, engaging gameplay, and a fun and cozy aesthetic. While I understand inventory management, may not sound like the most exciting gameplay loop, you will lose a couple of days obsessing over organizing this inventory.
I am sure there are guides out there with the optimal build paths, but I recommend you go into this game blind. My favorite part of this game was discovering different combinations and climbing higher each time.
The game can feel a bit repetitive at times. Combat is always the same, and players will start to gravitate towards the same kinds of combinations. I found the repetition soothing, and players can speed up the animation so they can focus on inventory management. You’ll definitely get $12 worth of fun from this game, but a couple of expansions with new monsters and strategies wouldn’t hurt.
If you’re looking for a fun casual game you can pull up any time, NeoDuel should be on your list. It has great art, fun gamplay, and interesting mechanics.
You can pick up NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters on Steam for $11.99.
I was sent a free copy of Shadows of Doubt to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
Shadows of Doubt is a unique open world detective on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation.
You are a detective in a bustling and chaotic city tasked with restoring peace to its crime-ridden streets. Use your elite detective skills to gather clues, chase criminals, interrogate suspects, and solve crimes. In this town, you can use whatever means to catch the perpetrator. Will you play by the rules and do everything by the book, or will you break the rules that need to get things done?
Gameplay
Shadows of Doubt is the detective Minecraft game you didn’t know you needed.
The game comes with two modes: a prewritten mystery to solve and an open-world sandbox. The prewritten mystery acts like the game’s tutorial. It is a decent mystery that offers the player direction, but enough freedom to explore the game at their own pace. The sandbox is where the game is like Minecraft. Players are given a randomly generated city to clean up and absolute freedom. Players must find their own cases and explore the city with a lot less guidance.
To solve a case, players will need to collect clues using various tools, interrogate NPCs, and piece the clues together on their murder board. Sometimes players will need to sneak around, turning Shadows of Doubt into an intense stealth game. Other times, players might need to break the law and avoid getting fined. What gives Shadows of Doubt its true unique flavor is that it provides its players the freedom to solve a case in whatever way best fits their playstyle.
Does it work on the Steam Deck?
Shadows of Doubt works fine on the Steam Deck, but it is a few updates short of being perfect. The game is playable on the Steam Deck, but players will experience bugs, glitches, and frame drops. I thought the game worked well enough to have fun, and I am sure it will be the perfect casual experience once the developers get the performance issues sorted. The game is still in 1.0, with more updates planned for the future.
Review
Shadows of Doubt is a fantastic sandbox with a lot going for it. Fans of Minecraft will appreciate the vibe and aesthetic, but will also enjoy the questing aspect of it. While the mysteries do start to feel a bit repetitive after a while, the freedom to pull some absurd nonsense to solve a case more than makes up for it.
For one of my missions, I broke every law I could and shamelessly racked up a fine I could never pay back. When the cops came searching for me, I hid in the closet before playing the most intense stealth game of my life. This isn’t a hard stealth game, but it is a memorable one.
The detective mechanics are fine. This game does feel a bit more casual than other games in the genre, but the game does enough to keep things interesting. Performance issues can be a problem. I never had the game crash on me, nor any of the bug’s game-breaking, but it does feel unfinished. The roughness gives the game its character. With a few more updates, which the devs have been updating, Shadows of Doubt will be a fantastic casual game for any mood.
If you don’t mind the roughness, like detective games, and want a casual open-world experience, Shadows of Doubt should at least be on your wishlist. This is the game you get when you need a break from Minecraft, or want something that feels like Minecraft without the building. This is great for kids, and even better for adults who want a game that isn’t a huge commitment and gives them the freedom to mess around.
Ascent Singapore was this weekend, and we got some juicy spoilers. If you’re planning to play in the Mortal Ambition competitive season, the promos have been revealed.
Revelfest Reminder
This is your friendly reminder that Revelfest is happening October 4th – 11th. This is your chance to earn some bonus veterancy and to win a copy of that beautiful Tariff Ring Alt. Only 200 lucky winners will get a copy, and you only need to play once to be entered. Playing in multiple events doesn’t increase your chances.
Arthurian Legends is coming to Sorcery TCG on October 4th, and what I’ve seen so far is so pretty! If you haven’t put in your preorder, you’re going to want to after looking at these spoilers. Always support your LGS, but you can get Arthurian Legends on GameNerdz. GameNerdz is a fantastic place for sealed product, board games, and accessories often at great prices.
