Universus TCG just released their Street Fighter 6 Challenger series decks, and I got my hands on one of each to share that card lists. This post will focus on the Chun-Li/Jamie deck. As always, make sure you always support your LGS, but getting the Chun-Li/Jamie on TCG Player through my affiliate link really helps me out.
Universus just released the Street Fighter 6 challenger series decks, and I have a copy of each. Always support your LGS, but you can pick up the Ryu challenger deck on TCG Player using my affiliate link. Here is the Ryu deck list for those who need it:
Edge of Exile has officially launched their Kickstarter for the newest set of Genesis: Battle of Champions, Metamorphosis. With a goal of $29,202, this all or nothing campaign promises to bring exciting new mechanics like dual sided cards and equipment cards. This will be the second set for the new backs and design, and I am sure there will be a lot of passion poured into it. $95 gets you an early booster box of the Metamorphosis, which discounted from its intended $120 MSRP.
What is Genesis: Battle of Champions?
I have covered this game before, so make sure you check out some of my earlier content. Essentially, Genesis is a card game for the miniature wargamer that doesn’t want to fiddle with minis or dice roles. Players control a champion and an army of minions on an epic battle for supremacy. Unlike most games, there is no mana system, deck size, or card limit. Players start with a set pool of points that they spend to cast their spells and creatures until they run out. What makes Genesis unique is the movement mechanic. Players move their cards across a 5×6 grid map, and orientation and range matter. It is sort of like chess, but with a few extra rules and a lot more flavor.
My Thoughts
I was sent a bit of product to review last year before their first failed Kickstarter. The game is very fun with interesting mechanics and interactions. I also love the art, especially the new direction the game is going towards. Unfortunately, the initial Kickstarter was aimed towards fans of the game as it only had alt arts exclusives of champions. Unless you already play the game, and play it a lot, there was no real reason to back the project. Unless of course you want to support the game and get to Metamorphasis.
This time around, I wasn’t asked to cover the game. I am doing it because I think the game is fun and it deserves some attention. I have been following the updates, and there seems to be an online game in the works that might help with a bit of on boarding. I don’t have a local scene, but there seems to be enough interest, especially in Canada, for competitive scene. They have a big tournament coming up.
Unfortunately, I think the initial sudden closure did its damage. Fans who enjoyed the gameplay have had time to move onto other titles that have risen to take its place. The fact that the new set is on Kickstarter doesn’t create much confidence in its popularity. If the game had enough of a following, they wouldn’t need a Kickstarter. 30k seems reasonable so they might just need a little bit of help. The risk is supporting a game that has died once before and it is unclear how long it has left. I am not trying to be mean, I am just being realistic. $120 for a box that won’t get you enough cards to be competitive for a game that might die is a lot of money. The challenge will be getting store and players to start populating LGS’s and creating that demand. I don’t see it in my area, and it is going to be difficult to see it considering the strong competition it faces. Again, not trying to be mean, just being honest.
With that out of the way, there is clearly a lot of love and passion for the game. The game itself is well made with fun and interesting mechanics. The cards are good quality and the art is very cool. This game deserves more attention. If you can find people to play with, splitting up some of the costs or just checking out existing product may be the move. The starter decks are pretty cool. You can pick up existing product on Indie Pro Games.
The Kickstarter runs until August 25th. I wish them luck, and don’t forget to support if you’re interested!
CookieRun: Braverse has officially dropped, and while it may not be too widespread, I was fortunate to have a store that carries it nearby. CookieRun: Braverse for those who don’t know is a TCG based on the adorable mobile IP now owned by Kakao games. It features adorable gingerbread cookie characters and a simple yet engaging gameplay loop. I picked up a bit of product because the art is very cute, and I had someone to play with.
How to Play
The game is very simple to pick up. The onboarding is easier than a lot of other TCGs out there because the intention is to get kids to play. That should not discourage older players from picking up Braverse TCG. To learn learn, the official website has a fantastic interactive tutorial that teaches people the fundamentals. You can also check out the official tutorial video.
Review
I want to give a shoutout the LGS that let us break our box and play our games even though they don’t carry Braverse (yet). Always support your LGS, especially if you have cool folks like the ones who let me test out the game and made me feel at home even when I was only visiting.
I bought a booster box and picked up a couple of the starter decks. As far as sealed product goes, Brave Beginning is a fantastic product to rip open. Full disclosure, ALWAYS buy the singles you want or need. You will never make money gambling on packs. That said, we had a lot of fun breaking packs. The art is so cute, and getting the special art was satisfying. As a collector, I am happy with my pulls and now I want more. The card quality is fantastic. The cardstock does feel a little on the thinner side, and there is some slight warping, but it was nothing too concerning. All the cards were properly cut with very well printed images and legible type. The art is incredibly cute. The foil effects are great, and the special full arts are very cool in person. If you are trying to collect an adorable game, it doesn’t get better.
We tried the purple and yellow starter decks, and both felt pretty even. Out of the box, they offer a great onboarding experience. It is simple enough for players to grasp the gameplay loop and fundamental mechanics, but you are going to want to upgrade the decks. I recommend picking up at least two copies of the color you want to run so you can run 4 of some of the rarer cards. I think the colors are pretty even. If you want to try out, the decks are cheap and are the best place to start.
As far as the gameplay goes, I love CookieRun Braverse. This is one of my favorite games, and I really hope that it catches on. First of all, this is one of the easiest TCGs to get into. Learning the mechanics is easy to teach and learn, and the interactions do not get too complicated. They nailed the new user experience with Brave Beginning. The hardest part about getting other people into the TCGs I like is the complexity. Most of my friends don’t play many board games, and there is always the risk of losing them when the rules get too complicated. With Braverse, once the game starts flowing, it is only matter of memorizing the flow and reading the cards.
The game itself is incredibly fun and engaging. While the game is clearly targeting kids, there is enough depth to it to make it fun and engaging. I was having so much fun that I didn’t realize I had been sitting at that store for three hours playing starter decks. We did spice up our decks with the packs we opened after a couple of games, but the game is fun with out of the box starter decks. The same can’t be said for every TCG.
My only problem with this game is that it is new and niche. Not many stores run it. There isn’t really a local scene at the store I got the product from. I have this product, but no where to take it too and that is a huge problem.
If you want to play a fun cute TCG, CookieRun Braverse is a fantastic game that deserves a lot more attention. You have cute cookies battling for dominance, and it doesn’t get better than that. If you are still on the fence, pick up a couple of the starter decks and get ready to spend all your money on the game. This is a great game to get your kids into the space, and an even better game to get those who have little interest in TCGs. There is no fan service, no complicated mechanics or long paragraphs of text. Braverse is just cute clean fun that you need to try at least once.
Check with your LGS to see if they can get you some CookieRun, otherwise you’ll have to settle for Ebay.
Universus sent me a few packs and a playmat to cover their game. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let sway my opinions. I will be doing pack opening and a review of the playmat so stay tuned for that. I will also be using my TCG Player affiliate links throughout the article, but always support your LGS first.
Attack on Titan: Apocalypse
Universus has just released their newest expansion, Attack on Titan: Apocalypse, and I already see a few cards I want for my collection. If you haven’t had chance to play Universus, it is definitely worth trying once. The game has a unique flow and flavor, and it includes some very recognizable IPs. I recommend picking up a couple clash decks to get a feel for what to expect. I had a lot of fun with the Solo Leveling deck, but you can always pick your flavor.
Apocalypse is introducing 180 new cards to finish off the Attack on Titan saga. Players are going to want to chase the six serialized chrome cards with special art from the creator of the anime, but there are some neat cards I wouldn’t mind cracking.
Chrome Rares
The serialized chrome rares, and I am sad I will never get to see one in real life. The art on these look so good, and you know there are going to shine on the table (even the flimsy plastic ones). I can only hope they don’t have the foil lines that seems to be common issue across the thread. I don’t mind it too much on regular foils, but I would expect the serialized cards to be perfect. Either way, good luck finding your copy! I’m aiming for Erin, but will settle for any.
Armin Arlert, Power of the ColossusEren Yeager, UsurperLevi Ackerman, Vengeance-DrivenMikasa Ackerman, Hizuru’s HopeReiner Braun, Marley’s ShieldBeast Titan, Finale
Ultra Rares
The problem with the attack on titan set, at least from a collectors perspective, is the manga art doesn’t grab the attention like other games. At least the common ones anyway. After seeing them in my binder and seeing the whole story, the game grew on me. What this game does have going for it are its ultra rares and alt arts. The unique art for the Attack on Titan cards are incredible, especially in person. Some have a very nice texture to them. I am a huge fan of the use of color. Here are some of my favorites from the Apocalypse set:
Ultra Rare Alt Arts
It is a shame that the images for the alt art cards do not do them justice. I have pulled a couple from the Attack on Titan alt art cards, and they are amazing. I am a huge fan of the texture and the hand drawn feel. They are definitely worth chasing. Here are my favorites from Apocalypse, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go hunting for everything else!
Character Alt Art
This is where the set disappointing a bit. While there are some alt cards I wouldn’t mind pulling, there are some that I would be sad if I did. Maybe they look better in person, but I prefer the Heroes of Exandria alt cards better. That said, here are my favorites Apocalypse alt art cards:
Secret Rares
The secret rare design is my absolute favorite part of the Attack on Titan cards. They have such a unique style and presentation, and they look so good in person. I do have a couple, and while they aren’t going to buy me a house, they are my favorite parts of my collection. I don’t think Apocalypse has the strongest collection of secret rares, but it does have a few pieces I want for my collection.
Impressions
I only play casually and mostly just collect. I do get the cards for free, but I don’t let that sway my opinion. Apocalypse doesn’t excite me as much as Heroes of Exandria did, at least the art doesn’t. I think the manga art is fine, but it doesn’t have the same pop the comic book style of Heroes of Exandria. As a casual player, there are some cards I want to add to a couple of my decks. That said, I need to open a few more packs and watch how the meta shifts to form a better idea on the set.
If you want to pick up Universus Attack on Titan: Apocalypse, always ask your LGS, but TCG Player has what you need if that isn’t an option.
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.
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.
After a bit of a rocky start, the Kryptik community rallied and has given their beloved game the second chance it deserves. If you’re out of the loop, there were plans to move Kryptik away from the TCG model and turn it into an LCG. The community spoke up, and after a leadership change, a name change, and a new printer, there were plans to revitalize the Kryptik TCG.
The first of these efforts has been an Ambassador Program to raise money for the next Kickstarter campaign. The campaign allows players to support the game they love and give by buying exclusive collector products and other interesting rewards. Full details below:
The $50,000 goal was met, and the program proved successful. This means that Ambassador Program boxes will be printed, and there will be money for the Kickstarter. Fans of the hobby are elated. It is not too late to support the game. The Ambassador Program has been extended, so make sure you backing before then.
It makes me happy to see the game continue to thrive, and I wish them the best. If you want to stay up to date on all the news, or play in official weekly online events, make sure you join the Kryptik Discord.
If you need sleeves or unique cases to keep your Kryptik cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Edge of Exile has released a brand new animation that helps introduce new players to the unique card game and gives valid explanations on why they should give it a try. If you want to pick up some Geneis product, get it over at Indie Pro Games. I am not affiliated with either of the companies, I just like the game and want to see it succeed.
If you need sleeves or a unique deck box to protect your new Genesis cards, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Impressions
I was sent a bit of Genesis: Battle of Champions product and was very impressed with the game. Make sure you check out my full review.
My biggest takeaway from the video is Edge of Exiles commitment to keep the game affordable by only releasing two sets a year. While this may seem like a little, Sorcery can get away with one. It is also nice to have the time to get used to a set. I get that for competitive players, the shift in the format every three months is a welcomed refreshment, but as a casual, I want more time to enjoy a set before I have to worry about buying a new one. I think their commitment to their players and the local game stores is admirable, and I hope they can see success.
If you enjoy miniature wargames and TCGs, Genesis combines the best of both worlds in a unique and exciting experience. What sets Genesis apart from other games is that the people behind its resurgence are former store owners passionate about the game. After Haunted Castle Games announced its sudden closure, fans rallied to keep the game they loved alive. I’ve opened the packs and see the passion in the game mechanics, the quality of the game pieces, and the amount of work already done to expand the game’s reach. There is still a lot of work to be done, but I am impressed with what has been accomplished so far.
If you haven’t played Genesis before, it doesn’t hurt to pick up a couple of starter decks and give it a try. I’ll be following the game closely and will be giving updates when I can, but make sure you follow the official Genesis: Battle of Champions YouTube page.
UniVersus just announced its 2025 product roadmap, and there are a couple of IPs that stand out. I am excited for Ninja Turtles and Solo Leveling personally. The new Attack on Titan: Battle for Humanity just came out, and it’s a pretty cool-looking set if you’re a fan of the anime. You can pick up the product at your LGS or TCG player. Make sure you check out my review.
If you don’t like Attack on Titan, there is no shame in waiting for something you do like. UniVersus is a fun and unique TCG that deserves more attention. Attack on Titan is where I started because they sent me product. I like it so far, but I am sure it is fun at any set.
2025 Roadmap
Solo Leveling Challenger Series (January 10)
Critical Role: Heroes of Exandria (March 10)
Attack on Titan: Apocalypse (May 16)
Street Fighter 6 Challenger Series (July 2025)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (August 2025)
Guilty Gear – Strive- (November 2025)
And a few secrets along the way
Season 3 Regional Promos Announced
The season 3 regionals promos have also been announced. The top 50% of any Universus regionals event will receive copies of cool and exclusive Godzilla cards. I am almost tempted to starting my grind, but I don’t have the time or money to do so. I’d at least try to go for that Godzilla mat. Good luck to everyone who is. Make sure you check the official page to find events near you.
