I started collecting Akora for a series I am doing on YouTube. I do a pack opening after every workout as motivation. I enjoyed the art enough to look into the game and have been following its development ever since. I’ve sat in on a learn-to-play event, and lurk through general from time to time to ogle at people’s pulls. If you’re thinking of picking up Akora, the Discord is a great place to start.
Discord Tournament
If you’re trying to find a place to play Akora, there will be a free official tournament hosted this Sunday, March 17th, on the official Discord. The tournament will be online and played through the Tabletop Simulator through the official module. Make sure you have that installed and at least somewhat familiar with the program. The tournament marks the end of the Eternal Echoes season, which means it is too late to grind for those exclusive promos:
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Prizing
1st Place: 1x Legendary Prize Pack, 1x Epic Prize Pack, 1x Loot Prize Pack, 1x EE 1st Place Prize Playmat
Disclaimer: Players must have an Akora Play account to participate and have their shipping address up to date on their Akora Play account to receive prizing!
Go Sign up now!
If you’re looking for a new TCG, looking for something to do, go sign up for the tournament! Tournaments are fun with more people. If you don’t know how to play Akora, the game is pretty easy to pick up. There is an official guide on YouTube, and there is always someone on Discord ready to help newbies.
While there will definitely be people trying to win, there will also be patient and understanding people trying to get more folks into the hobby. The game is interesting, it has cool art, and solid flavor. The event is free so if you have time, it doesn’t hurt to try it out. Check the official website for deck ideas. Go sign up today!
In celebration of the Foundry of Existence set launch, the fine folks behind Chronicles of Arcane held a learn-to-play event with the community over on their official Discord. It is cool to see creators, developers, and artists share their passion for the game with the community.
The event was a three-hour affair where developers showcased gameplay, answered questions, and did a couple of giveaways. I didn’t win, but it is nice to see the company giving back to the community. A game can’t exist without its community, and the Discord is shaping into an active and passionate one. If you want to stay on top of all the news, join any future events, and meet some cool people, make sure you’re already joined.
Aside from the cool art and flavor, the game features mechanics that have me on board. Chronicles of Arcne has five factions a player can control: Air, Earth, Water, Fire, and Void. Each faction has its unique quirk and win conditions, and based on the showcase, water seems to be my favorite. I’ll need to try the game myself, so I’ll need to make time for the TTS mod.
What makes the game unique is its Floating essence mechanic. Essence is the game’s mana system. It is what is used to cast spells and summon creatures. Each player starts the game off with a free, non-target permanent known as an Ancient that generates a floating essence at the start of a turn. The Ancient has other abilities, but those make more sense when during actual play.
A floating essence disappears at the end of turn, so it’s best to always use it first. There are other ways to generate essence similar to MTG’s land system, but I love that you always have access to this free one. You can still encounter mana problems like in other games, but it doesn’t feel as bad when you can at least play your one drops.
Combat and casting are straightforward like you’ve seen in other TCGs but with the added position and movement mechanic. The battlefield is split into a front and back row. This affects who can block and attack based on what is in front or behind them on the field. There are only six slots (3 on each row) that you can fill with permanents, but you can use their action to move them around the battlefield for a tactical advantage. Movement in a trading card game isn’t a novel idea, but it is nice to see.
I don’t want to get too deeply into the gameplay because there is a rulebook available, and a video of gameplay on the way. I’ll try to update this post with the video as soon as it becomes available, but its a good idea to join the Discord to make sure you’re always up to date.
I was impressed by the presentation and I am interested in learning more about the game. The cards look very cool, and the devs seem passionate. If you want to pick up Chronicles of Arcane, there are still boxes and decks available on the official website.
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If you’re looking for a new sci-fi TTRPG for your next campaign, you might want to back Free League Publishing’s newest roleplaying game, Coriolis: The Great Dark, on Kickstarter.
Synopsis
Refugees escaping the horrors of war attempt to settle in the forgotten reaches of the galaxy. Expeditions are led into ruins of ancient civilizations in search of supplies and salvation. Venture through harsh desolate space in grand ships and search for a new beginning. What adventures lie within The Great Dark?
Kickstarter
While Coriolis: The Great Dark to The Third Horizon, this will be a stand-alone game with new and unique rules and mechanics. The Great Dark uses the Year Zero system and will focus on the thrill of adventure and exploration. I like the idea of playing space archeologist. It is an interesting approach to the genre, and knowing Free League’s proven track record, it is bound to be flavorful.
I’ve run a few games that use the Year Zero system and thought it was a great transition from D&D. The system is easy to learn, and it introduces some fun and interesting mechanics. Everything I’ve received from Free League Publishing has been of a high quality with lots of flavor. If you enjoy physical media and like the theme in The Great Dark, this is a safe bet.
If you’re a fan of the original Coriolis, you’re probably already following the campaign. If you’re still on the fence, it doesn’t hurt to follow for the notifications. The campaign goes live on March 19. Backers who pledge on levels with physical rewards will receive a copy of the PDF early and a secret bonus reward.
I’ll probably get a copy for review, so stay tuned for that. Until then, don’t forget to follow the campaign! If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:
I was sent a physical copy of the Alien the roleplaying game core book for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I’ll be honest with my impressions. I haven’t had a chance to run a campaign in the system yet, but I have read through the book and have some thoughts.
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Alien RPG takes players into the unforgiving vacuum of space as humanity makes its feeble attempt at conquering the universe. You and your crew have been brought together by the siren’s call of necessity. Whether you’re on this ship for money, knowledge, or fame, you are all insignificant against the vastness of the universe.
You are not alone, and the unknown is full of danger. Xenomorphs hunt you from the shadows, marauders chase after your cargo, or you can find yourself on the wrong side of a mutiny. To make matters worse, your resources are limited. While you are busy watching your back and doing your job, you must also manage your resources. Survival will take its toll, and as brave and tough as you may be, the stress will wear on you.
Alien RPG is a bleak and dark tale of survival and horror. There is no winning, you’re just trying to stay alive long enough to cash your paycheck. Do you have what it takes?
Gameplay
Alien RPG is a D6 system. Players roll a number of dice based on their stats and stress levels and succeed on every six they roll. You only need one 6 to succeed, but rolling additional 6s allows players to perform stunts. Stunts are helpful bonuses specific to the skill a player is rolling against. For example, a stunt when fighting could mean extra damage or let you help a teammate succeed in their role.
On the reverse side, failing can leave a player stressed. Stress that builds up leads to adverse effects that affect gameplay. You can waste your bullets and empty your clip or even go on a rampage and start killing your crewmates. Add all the rolls you need for survival, and you have a very unforgiving adventure, as you should expect from a game in the Alien universe.
Combat uses a simple D6 system with a few factors to affect the outcome, such as cover, enemy size, and aim. The panic, stress, stealth, and resource mechanics are what give combat its complexity. Do you have enough ammo to kill a Xenomorph? Do you have enough nerve to stay and fight? Is it even worth fighting?
In the end, Alien RPG is a game of survival, and its unique mechanics attempt to capture that spirit.
Thoughts
If you like physical media, the Core Rulebook is a solid purchase. You get a nice hardcover book with beautifully printed pages. The physical copy of the rulebook also gets you a copy of the PDF at no extra charge. I have both versions and while I like the convenience of the pdf, nothing beats that new book smell. I spent a lot of time just flipping through the pages and admiring all the beautiful illustrations.
If you are a fan of the Alien franchise, you’re going to love the amount of flavor that is put into this book. You’ll enjoy the carefully crafted sci-fi aesthetic, the carefully selected quotes and references, and the unique lore that fills its pages. I loved the lore and reading about all the factions, worlds, and aliens so much that I’m planning a deeper dive into the universe after this review. I’m already working on a list of books and movies.
The game itself seems like a solid RPG experience. The mechanics are simple to learn and seem to leave enough room for RP and drama. The book also includes enough lore, items, and monsters to fill a campaign. If you need a little extra help, the game also has tables for encounters, events, maps you can reference, and even a couple of quests you can use for one shot. If you’re thinking of running the game, the core rule book is a solid resource for any GM.
What I appreciate the most about this system is its flavor. As small as it may seem, I love that GM in Alien RPG is short for Game Mother. Aliens have a queen, and this game has one too and I love it! The rest of the game is filled with this bleak and almost hopeless adventure that can easily end from a bad roll, and I am here for it.
I am very impressed with how the survival mechanics work in this game. I love the stress of having to survive a situation where everything seems stacked against the players. It is a lot different than the fantasy we are used to at my table, so it may take some getting used to, but I think they can come around.
It’ll be a while before I run a campaign of Alien RPG, but we will get around to it eventually. I am getting ready to run The One Ringfor my group because even though I have read through my physical copy of the Alien RPG core rulebook, my friend wants to play Legolas and I got outvoted. Stay tuned for that.
If you’re looking for a new RPG that is dark, gritty, and full of danger, consider the Alien Roleplaying Game. You can pick up a copy of the core rulebook on the official Free League Publishing website ($54.21) or Amazon ($42.30) if you need it a little faster.
Chronicles of Arcane is officially going on sale to the public on March 11. The drops will happen on the official site, so make sure you make an account and join the Discord to be ready for the announcement. They plan on releasing the set in batches to give people multiple chances to score product. The limited run means that this will be your only chance outside the Kickstarter to score some cards early. Don’t worry if you don’t get any this time around, I’m sure there will be reprints if the sale goes well. Don’t pay scalper prices!
If lore is important to you, the first bits of the backstory have been posted on the Chronicles of Arcane website. This goes over some of the tribes, and there are plans for expansion in the coming weeks. Make sure you check with them regularly or join the official Chronicles of Arcane Discord to stay on top of all the news.
Chronicles of Arcane will also be at Los Angeles Collect-A-Con this weekend. If you’re going to be there, make sure you stop by the booth, ask your questions, and score yourself some exclusive promos. Here are a few art cards that will be for sale:
From the Discord
As a collector, I think the art is really cool. There are some cards that would look great in a binder. I haven’t had a chance to play the game yet, but I thought I’d share it with those of you looking to get into a new trading card game.
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Savior of Chaos just dropped for Battle Spirits Saga, and the set looks amazing. I love the flavor of some of these monsters. I bet they look even better in person. Check with your LGS for events and product. If that isn’t an option, you can get your Savior of Chaos booster boxes, singles, or any other Battle Spirits product on TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you need something to keep your cards safe like bags, sleeves, or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase.
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The official Tales From The Loop Alchemy module is live on the marketplace, and in celebration, StartPlaying is hosting A Weekend in the Loop! Players from around the world wanting to join a game run by experienced and vetted game masters should take advantage of the event. StartPlaying is a site that connects players with professional Gamemasters. Sessions are paid, but steps have been taken to eliminate any guesswork that would go into finding some random on the internet. The event runs from March 7 – 10. There are seats available as of writing this.
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Alchemy RPG is a VTT that aims to enhance the focus on the story rather than combat through ambient sounds, music, visuals, and easy-to-use system integration. While DMs and players can upload their content to the platform to use freely, Alchemy RPG sells specially designed modules for its systems. Alchemy works closely with publishers to produce high-quality animated images and immersive soundscapes for these modules that are sure to bring your next story to the next level.
The platform also has an integrated voice chat function, end-user customization, and most importantly, it is easy to use.
The Alchemy Module
The emphasis on storytelling makes Alchemy RPG an excellent VTT for running a Tales From the Loop Campaign. There is no combat in the system. The focus of the RPG is to create this collaborative adventure with your friends. I’ve messed around a bit with the module, and am impressed with what it can do. Full disclosure, I did receive a copy of the module for free, but that doesn’t affect my options.
The VTT is easy to learn, which is important when you’re bringing people from different backgrounds to the table. I run games for a table of busy dads, and they don’t have the time to learn anything complicated. Simplicity is crucial for my pitch, and Alchemy RPG does it beautifully. I appreciate that moving parts like images and soundscapes are cool and impressive, but they aren’t distracting.
Most importantly, I like the convenience of the module. All the core rules and mechanics are preprogrammed, and I can easily pull and reference rules as needed. If you’re running a prewritten adventure, everything you need to run it is ready and neatly organized. Programing homebrew or anything outside of the modules doesn’t seem too tricky, but as a busy Dad myself, I appreciate not having to do it.
What is Tales From the Loop
I’ve done a post on the Tales From the Loop where I go into more detail that you should read if you have time. Tales From the Loop is essentially Stranger Things. In this alternate 80 timeline, technology has advanced unprecedently. Governments around the world race for supremacy, but there is a cost. In the small towns near these research facilities, strange things start to spring up. Only the kids in these sleepy boring towns seem to notice, and it is up to them to uncover what is going on. Gather your friends on a mystery adventure you’ll never forget.
The game doesn’t have combat or death, and the focus of the system is to create this collaborative narrative together. This means it can be a bit more roleplay-heavy than the typical RPG, but that isn’t always a bad thing. I’ve been playing with my current group for a couple of years now, and we’ve come a long way from the murder hobos we used to be. While I don’t think we’re ready for Tales From the Loop, we’re getting there. I recommend you check it out, it might surprise you how much you want it at your table.
I started opening packs of Akora on a series I am doing on my TikTok and YouTube. I wanted to open a booster pack of a random TCG as motivation and a way to catalog my progress. I started with Akora because I found a booster box of Spellbound Wings1st edition for cheap. The more I opened the box, the more I wanted to learn about it.
I’ve sat through the learn-to-play event on their official Discord and have even started reading through the Manga. I enjoy the art and I think the gameplay loop is interesting. If you want to learn how to play Akora, check out the instructional video on the Akora TCG Youtube:
There’s also a booklet you can read on the official website, but I’ll leave it here for your convenience:
Last night, more spoilers for the upcoming World Beyond were posted and I am hyped for the set. The art looks so good, and I thought I’d share to muster up more excitement! Purple is still my favorite color, but the other colors have some interesting stuff going on. I just hope I’m not broke and can make it to a prerelease. These seem to be special full arts that you are going to have to chase, but I’m about ready to throw some money I don’t have at this problem.
Conclusion
I’m impressed so far and can’t wait to see more. Check your LGS if they carry Akora or run events. If that’s not an option, the official Discord is pretty active with passionate fans ready for a game. If you want to pick up any Akora, like their latest set Eternal Echoes, pick it up on TCG Player. And if you’re need a place to store your cards like deck boxes, back packs, or other accessories, get it over at GemTech. Use my discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase.
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In a bit of a nostalgic shock, I’ve discovered that there is a Runescape ttrpg and board game available now! Runescape was my first MMO and a very influential phase in my gaming history. I still go back to Runescape from time to time to relive some of that nostalgia, but nothing will ever beat being a poor kid in the library, grinding levels with my friends. Now it is time to take this nostalgia to the tabletop in a pair of games you’re going to want to add to your collection.
The games come to us from the good folks over at Steamforged Games, who have steadily been building their repertoire of excellent licensed games over the years. They’ve got well-known titles such as DARK SOULS, Monster Hunter, and Resident Evil, but have also seen success in their own IPs like Bardsung, Epic Encounters, and Animal Adventures. With a catalog this good, I have faith in their Runescape line of products.
RuneScape the Roleplaying Game
RuneScape Kingdoms: The Roleplaying Game promises to capture the spirit of the source material in a streamlined 1-5 player experience. The book takes players and GMs to the world of Gielinor and gives them the tools they need to run a successful campaign. There is a crafting, magic, and prayer system as you see with the MMO and a bestiary full of enemies and bosses to fill your next adventure.
The game uses a 3d6 system, which is always a nice change of pace. The game seems pretty easy to learn, but to put it simply, you roll your dice and pray. You can check out the official Steamworks video for a more detailed dive into the book.
The corebook is 200 pages and comes in a standard hardcover edition and a beautiful collectors edition. If you’re looking for a new fantasy RPG with a detailed mechanic and a whole lot of nostalgia, you might want to pick up RuneScape Kingdoms
RuneScape the Board Game
In RuneScape Kingdoms: The Shadow of Elvarg is a 1-5 cooperative narrative game where players work together on iconic quests from the video game. Fight monsters, complete side quests, and do a lot of crafting. This unique board game experience allows players to build their characters however they want, regardless of the miniature you choose. That means you aren’t tied down by the preconstructed archetypes you see in other games and only limited by your imagination. The game looks fun, the minis look like they’re good quality, and there seems gaming included in the box. Check out the official Steamforge dive for more, and pick up your copy today!
I picked up a booster box of Akora‘s Spellbound Wings 1st edition because it was cheap. I didn’t know anything about the game beforehand, I’m just broke and wanted to open some affordable booster packs. I’ve been opening a pack after every workout as a way to stay motivated. So far it’s been working, but more on that at a later date.
Today, members of the Akora team hosted a learn-to-play event on the official Discord, and I was lucky enough to join. I want to give a huge shoutout out to the folks running the event. They were nice, helpful, and super passionate. If you’re thinking of picking up Akora, join the official Discord. There will always be someone there to answer any questions you may have about the game.
How to Play Akora
If you want to learn to play Akora, I recommend you check out Jaxonation’s tutorial on YouTube. He’s a member on the Discord and seems like a solid dude. He’s a fantastic resource for beginners, but so is the rest of the community.
Thoughts on Akora
The more Akora I opened, the more I enjoyed doing so. I like the art because it feels cozy with a solid fantasy anime vibe. I love how the cards look like spell cards, and the game’s aesthetic is what made me want to learn the game.
The game is pretty easy to learn. The mechanics, card types, and turn order are easy to grasp. The hard part seems learning and mastering each color’s quirk, but that will come with practice. Even though I am sure to lose my first few matches, I feel like I have a solid grasp of how to play. Now that I kind of know how to, I want to start organizing my collection and building decks.
I like that the community came together to host this event, but it definitely needed more People. I appreciated that they didn’t cancel the event when I was the only one in the room. It was fun and informative, and I am glad I made time. If you missed the event, I am confident someone will sit down to teach you if you ask.
If you want to try Akora, there is an official module for Table Top Simulator you can mess around with. You can also find people on the Discord to play with if you ask nicely. I was told there are also tournaments on Sundays you can join if you just want to hang out and have a good time. There is also a cool print and play feature on their website, with some sample decks to get you started.
If you’re looking for a new card game with a solid community, check out Akora. From my experience, it seems like a good time.
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