Ursula’s Return releases this Friday, May 17th, and the set looks amazing! I definitely want to get my hands on that Ursula secret rare. I won’t ever get it, but maybe one of you will. If you haven’t already preordered your product, you can try your hand at the big box release. I don’t recommend feeding the scalpers, and I especially don’t recommend preordering singles. If you’re trying to get into Lorcana, I recommend buying into older sets until the prices stabilize a bit.
You can pick up Lorcana on TCG player through my affiliate link, but I would use it for singles for now. You can get sealed product of older sets at MSRP at Best Buy or Gamestop.
May 17 is also TCG Player‘s MAYhem promotion, where you can earn store credit on your purchase. It might be a good idea to hold off till then to earn that store credit. The amount has not been revealed yet. Stay tuned for that. If you need accessories for your cardboard, check out Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your order.
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I was sent a free pair of Fifine’s H9 Gaming Headset 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. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
I was a little disappointed that the headset didn’t come with packaging to keep it from moving, but these sturdy durable things don’t really need it. The H9’s are 3.5 mm, but it comes with an audio box that converts it to USB. I used it as a USB headset and I appreciate the extra long chord and clip. The Mic is detachable which means it travels great.
Build Quality
I was disappointed when I first opened the box because the headset looked cheap. It doesn’t help that the box had no protective packaging to keep it in place. I wasn’t expecting a high-end titanium headset, but the H9s look like a kid’s toy.
My opinion changed when I picked up the headset. The headset is surprisingly durable. It isn’t a buy-it-for-life type deal, but they are going to last you longer than other headsets at a similar price point. They won’t survive a pitch to the wall after an intense rage quit, but I’ve already dropped them enough times to be confident in my statement.
The included USB audio box feels cheap. The audio box controls audio and mic volume, mutes/unmutes the mic, and has a handy clip. The volume buttons sink into the device when pressed and feel flimsy. The mic mute switch feels stiff. I found it more convenient to use my keyboard audio controls so it’s not a huge deal, but the mute switch is a fantastic feature. The clip is easily the audio box’s sturdiest part and a good way to tame the excess wire slack. The H9 Gaming Headset truly is a solid headset for the price point.
Mic Quality
The mic is removable, which is nice for travel or when you don’t need it. I was very happy with the length, and its flexibility means it always be at the ideal position. The sound quality of this mic out of the box is phenomenal. I was amazed by how good I sounded without the need for any processing. I’ve used cheap headphones that made me sound distant or garbled, but that isn’t an issue with the H9s. Processing the sound through OBS or a third-party app like Voice Meeter will make these sounds even better.
You aren’t getting a professional-sounding mic, but you are getting a very clear and intelligible sound which is all you really need when it comes to headsets.
I am not an audiophile, and can’t tell you how these compare to a top-of-the-line experience. I honestly couldn’t even tell you the difference. For every day, daily beaters, you can’t get a better sound stage. Everything sounds crisp, clear, and fine. Some cheap gaming headsets overcompensate with bass and you get a strange mechanical sound, but the H9’s sound warm with a solid range. I do wish there was a bit more bass, but I’ll live.
The H9 Gaming Headset has some solid noise cancellation, even at low volumes. They aren’t perfect. You’ll hear some of the louder noises poke through, but the amount of soundproofing you get is impressive. There is some noise bleed, but I wouldn’t say it is distracting.
The headset has a 7.1 mode that you can toggle from the USB audio box, but I felt like it was more marketing than functional. It doesn’t sound bad, especially compared to some other devices I’ve tried, but you aren’t getting true 7.1. It sounded artificial, and while it wasn’t bad, I preferred using the normal mode. I can see it being helpful in an FPS, but I don’t think it’s good enough to give you any type of competitive edge. It’s a nice feature, but not the reason to pick up this headset.
Impressions
I’ve only been using the H9 Gaming Headset for two weeks now, but they’ve become my daily drivers. I have a nice pair of open-back headphones and a decent desk mic, but I am not ready to go back. I love the convenience the headset provides, and it is good enough for what I need.
The sound does feel a little flat for my taste, but otherwise, it is great for the price point. What I love most is how good the mic sounds. It’s not professional, but people on the other end can understand me.
If you’re looking for a budget headset that is decent quality, pick up a pair of the Fifine H9 Gaming Headset is a fantastic option. This is a very comfy headset that does its job, doesn’t break the bank, and should last you long enough to be worth the money.
The Fifine H9 Gaming Headset is available in Black, Pink, and White for $39.99 on Amazon through my affiliate link.
Mercurial Heart releases on May 17th, and we finally got a full set list. It may not be the most high definition collection of pictures, but it will do for now. This set has some amazing cards and some super pretty Collector rares that you’re going to want to chase. I know I’ll never pull them, but its nice to dream. I went ahead and assembled the card list for your convenience. Make sure you put in your preorders if you still can.
May 17 is also TCG Player‘s MAYhem promotion, where you can earn store credit on your purchase. It might be a good idea to hold off till then to earn that store credit. The amount has not been revealed yet. Stay tuned for that. If you need accessories for your cardboard, check out Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your order.
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I’ve been running The One Ring RPG starter set for a couple of weeks now. Yesterday we went off script, and we had a ton of fun with the wacky story we ended up with. Please note I was sent a free copy of the rulebook and the starter set PDFs to review for my blog. While I am very grateful, I will always be honest with my impressions and reviews.
If you enjoy these reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
The One Ring RPG is a fantasy TTRPG based in the world of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The events of the RPG are meant to exist between The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, but you don’t need to be a fan of the series to enjoy this game. None of us are big LOTR fans or super-versed in the lore. You can play the game with just the rules and make up the lore. We do a bit of both since I do have a couple of players who enjoy the lore included with the books, and I like to reward them for doing the work. If you enjoy high fantasy, story-driven campaigns loaded with Lord of the Rings flavor, this is a solid TTRPG.
Impressions
I was a little afraid to run this game because it is more heavily narrative-driven compared to other games I’ve run. This is the kind of game where you’ll need to be comfortable with your playgroup and your improved skills to keep the story going. This isn’t a game for those who enjoy min-maxing combat. While the combat is creative and fun, it is designed for storytelling. We play The One Ring using theater of the mind, and I let my players describe what happens based on the rolls. It got really fun once we adjusted the new combat system.
Running the Starter set was a good way to get my players comfortable with the system. I made a couple of adjustments to the first couple of quests, but I’ve run them pretty much to the letter. Yesterday my players wanted to explore some random town on the map because it had a funny name, and I ran with it. I picked a couple of enemies from the core rulebook, and we made up the rest on the spot.
This random, off-script detour was probably the most fun we had with the system. The dice rolls did their part in making the arc epic, but the inside jokes, the dumb lore we made up, and the friendship we’ve built over the last three years of playing TTRPGs made it all memorable.
The One Ring’s mechanics give players and GMs the freedom to tell an epic Lord of the Rings story. To run a successful campaign, game masters need to know when and where to bend the rules, and when to go off script. The adventures in the starter set do a solid job of onboarding new players, but you shouldn’t be afraid of visiting a random town, especially if you’re uncomfortable with the lore. We make up lore all the time.
Fans of the source material will enjoy the flavor, lore, and mechanics. Those who are only here for the fantasy will enjoy the storytelling. If you’re looking for a game that is a bit more combat-focused or aren’t quite comfortable with your improvisation, I would hold off. The One Ring is a solid RPG, but it is made for a specific type of fan. It’s not going to be a fit at every table.
As a group of casual dads who like to mess around once a week, we’re enjoying it for what it is.
The Grand Archive TCG Worlds championship was this weekend, and Rai took its place as King for the Alchemical Revolution season. The VOD of the event is up for those of you in the mood to watch some competitive GA. You can check out the full event list on Omnidex.
I did grab the top three deck lists of the format, and links to the singles for those who need them. I’ll be leaving my TCG Player affiliate links where applicable. If you need accessories for your cardboard, pick them up at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase.
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The end of Worlds marked the end of the Alchemical Revolutionseason, and Merlin came out as king of the format. The weekend featured some fantastic competitive gameplay. Those interested can still find the VODs available on the official Grand Archive TCG YouTube channel.
We also got a few spoilers should excite both collectors and players alike. Atendees got to participate in a special Mercurial Heart prelease event, and others got to play the Re:Collection decks early. A calendar for the upcoming season has been released, so its a good time to start planning your competitive grind for next year. Most importantly, we got a teaser for a 5th set, and I am hyped! There is a lot to go over, I’ll leave a table of contents so you can skip to whatever is relevant.
Mercurial Heartreleases on May 17, so make sure you put in your preorder. May 17 is also TCG Player‘s MAYhem promotion, where you can earn store credit on your purchase. It might be a good idea to hold off till then to earn that store credit. The amount has not been revealed yet. Stay tuned for that. If you need accessories for your cardboard, check out Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your order.
If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:
These aren’t from worlds, but I didn’t know where else to put them.
Mercurial Heart Season Player Rewards
I definitely need to get my life together and make it out to locals after seeing these.
New Regionals Rewards
New Judge Promo
Supporter Pack 2 Preview
I continue to be blown away by how beautiful the art for this game is.
New Worlds Schedule
More Figures!
These are so cute!
New Set Revealed!
The fifth set coming to Grand Archive TCG is mortal ambition. There weren’t many details given during the keynote, but we did get some teasers! The art is so good!
I was sent a free copy of The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynastyto 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. If you enjoy my review, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
A human trafficker has hired you to escort four girls to a lord looking to adopt an heir. Compared to the usual jobs you take, this promises to be the easiest and most ethical. As you get to know the girls on your journey, you discover there is a sinister motive behind these adoptions. The lord is actually a demon in disguise looking to feed on these girls. What will you do with this knowledge? How will your story play out?
Impressions
The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is your typical visual novel. Players read through a story, listen to some voice acting, and occasionally make a choice that impacts the story. The story has some voice acting for the other characters, but you will read through most of the events. There are a few grammar mistakes, but it’s not a huge deal. Some of it even feels intentional in context. If you’re trying to find a game where you can sit back and enjoy the narrative, this is a great place to start.
The main draw to this game should be its art. This game is filled with beautiful art that helps capture the flavor of the story. The story is fantastic, and one of the most compelling things I’ve sat through. The pacing is great, the themes are serious but well-developed, and the characters are interesting. It does get dark, and you might cry. This is your warning. It’s going to be hard to pull away, but you can save at any time if you need a break. The game allows for multiple saves, so you can test out all the endings, and backtrack if you need to.
There are little things this game does with sound effects and ambient music that help bring this story alive. If you’ve never played a visual novel, or are looking for a new one, you need to play through The Hungry Lamb at least once. I’ve only played a few visual novels in my short time as a reviewer, but it is easily my favorite so far.
I was sent a free copy of Indikato 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. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
Indika is a story-rich walking simulator out now for Steam. Indika is a nun on a journey of self-discovery as she battles the literal demon inside her and witnesses the horrors of a war-torn world around her. How much evil can her soul withstand before it starts to corrupt her? Will her faith waiver? You’re going to have to join her on this wacky, quirky, and amazing ride to find out.
Gamplay
Indikais a walking simulator, with the occasional puzzle or mini-game to mix things up. The main reason you play this game is for its dark humor and fantastic storytelling.
Players are railroaded through the story as they walk Indika through her set path. The striking visuals and environment make the walking bits fine. There isn’t much room for exploration, but the focus is on the story so it didn’t matter.
The puzzles are manageable and extremely creative. There is a puzzle in this game where the demon starts talking to Indika and warping the world around her. Indika can pray to silence the voices and make the world normal again. Players have to switch between these two modes to get out of the room. It was such a memorable mechanic and almost the reason to play the game. Some puzzles may not be as intuitive, but there are walkthroughs available online in case you get stuck.
The final bit is these pixel art minigames sprinkled throughout. These games add to the chaotic, quirky story-telling, and unforgettable charm. These mini-games aren’t difficult, and they are a nice change of pace but don’t change the overall tone of the narrative. I recorded footage, but everything was a bit too adult to post on YouTube.
Impressions
My only complaint is that this game is too short. It will take about 5 hours to complete. The gameplay is solid, and the story is fantastic. I’ve never experienced such a trippy, dark, and well-told story like this, and I recommend you all play it just for the story. The soundtrack voice acting is phenomenal, and most of the reason why you should enjoy this game. The walking can feel a bit tedious at times, but it always pays off.
Indikais a masterful blend of creative storytelling and interesting gameplay that needs to be experienced once. If you’re looking for a short game with a solid story, go pick up Indika. It is a more adult story, so viewer discretion and all that. It also criticizes and pokes fun at religion, and I am sure that will ruffle some feathers. If you don’t mind any of this, Indikashould be in your library.
The Grand Archive World’s Championship is this weekend, May 10-12. This means we’re getting to see some of the best players in the world coming together to battle it out for the top spot. Which archetype will come out on top?
If you’re interested in or getting into the competitive scene, make sure you tune in today and set up your notifications so you don’t miss a second. There’s going to be a fantastic team of casters and some solid production. I am excited to see some high-level gameplay!
We will also be getting some juicy spoilers for the upcoming Mercurial Heartset. I am digging this set so far, and can’t wait to see what else this set has in store. Mercurial Heart releases on May 17, so make sure you put in your preorders if you haven’t done so already.
May 17 is also TCG Player’s May MAYhem celebration. Buying product off the site during the celebration earns you Store credit for a future purchase. If you’re going to load up on Grand Archive product, it might be a good idea to hold off till then. The amount you can earn hasn’t been announced yet, so stay tuned.
If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:
Now without any more delay, here are the last bits of spoilers before worlds! I’ll be collecting all the spoilers from worlds, so stay tuned for those as well.
I was sent a free copy of STARNAUT 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. If you enjoy these reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials.
STARNAUT is a unique action roguelike out now on Steam early access. Starnaut travels the multiverse in search of Omega rockets full of memories in the hopes of resurrecting a dead earth. Before their demise, the people of Earth sent off rockets full of their memories in hopes they would find salvation. How many memories can you collect? Will you be Earth’s salvation?
Gameplay
Take control of a STARNAUT you upgrade as you fight off endless waves of enemies, explore trippy environments, and collect Omega ships. The game starts slow as the player fights off manageable waves of enemies. Weapons in this game auto-attack. You can punch and shoot enemies, but I prefer playing it like your typical top-down bullet hell. The longer you play a level, the harder it becomes. Plan accordingly!
Players earn coins by killing enemies or breaking gotcha pon capsules and use these coins to buy powerups. The powerups matter, so buy carefully. I never felt like I needed a guide, but the game rewards careful planning. By the time you get to the end of a level, or die, its going to be longer than you expected.
Impressions
I almost gave up on STARNAUT, but I am glad I didn’t. STARNAUT has a very slow start, but I urge people to power through. Once this game gets going, it’s hard to put it down. I lost all sense of time as I theorized my build and fought like hell to stay alive.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the artwork going into this game. The game feels like a random collection of assets swarming toward your little Starnaut, but it slowly grew on me. The rough mismatched aesthetic gives the game its charm and flavor. By the end of my session, the chaos, the music, and the action all came together into a beautiful experience I couldn’t put down. STARNAUT is a good time worth every penny. If you’re looking for a game that isn’t a huge commitment but will challenge you, get STARNAUT. I know it is still in early access, but the game needs more love and support.
You can pick up your copy of STARNAUTon Steam for only $7.99.
