Tag Archives: 2025

Grand Archive TCG: Abyssal Heaven Spoiler Season is Upon Us!

Introduction

The Abyssal Heaven spoiler season has officially started! As always, I will collect all the spoilers in one convenient spot, and will be updating this post as soon as I can, but new updates should be up by the end of the day. The newest spoilers will always be on top. Make sure you get your preorders in, and don’t forget to support the official creators!

Spoilers

Takara Cards Review: A Sci-Fi Deck Builder You Can’t Miss

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Takara Cards 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.

Some Self Promotion & Affiliates

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Takara Cards?

Takara Cards is a unique sci-fi deck builder out now on Steam.

The Space Dragons have stolen from the Federation and it is your job to bring them to justice. Pick from four unique classes, maneuver through the most dangerous parts of the universe, and build the strongest deck in the universe. Do you have what it takes to avoid the hazards of space and defeat anyone who gets in your way?

Gameplay

Players start their run with a simple deck that gets upgraded over time. Players will eventually unlock new races, weapons and other perks that make adventuring the far reaches of space easier. Players will drop into a randoms zone after each level where they must avoid hazards and defeat enemies on a 3×3 map. Combat is a turn based system where players have a limited amount of action points they can spend on attacks and abilities. Enemies and hazards act on their own turn. What makes the game unique is that he enemies actions are telegraphed to the player. Players must use this knowledge to maneuver through each level without dying.

Review

Takara Cards is a fantastic deck builder with a fun and you unique gimmick that everyone should have in their collection. I was not ready for how much I loved this game, but here I am, playing it as regularly as my schedule allows me.

Right off the bat, players will be drawn to the simple yet attractive art. I am a huge fan of the cartoonist style, and the amount of effort that went into building the game’s flavor. Couple this with the game’s fantastic soundtrack and you have a scifi game that leaves an impression. The story is fine. I like that choices matter and affect the ending, and the story gave the game a bit of added flavor that I enjoyed.

But the game has its substance. The game play is unique, and extremely addicting. The movement mechanics help set it apart from other games in the genre, and the strategy required keeps the game engaging. I found the challenge level high enough to keep things engaging without ever feeling sweaty.

If you are looking for a new deckbuilder, Takara Cards is a fantastic addition to any library. You can pick it up on Steam for only $14.99.

Is League of Angels: Pact Worth Playing?

Disclaimer

I was asked to cover League of Angels: Pact. The game is free to play, but I got a bit of in game currency and items to help with leveling and progression. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Some Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is League of Angels: Pact

League of Angels: Pact is an action-idle MMORPG out now on PC and mobile.

Call powerful angles to fight along side you as you fight your way through endless swarms of monsters and demons. Build your character with powerful loot, upgrade your abilities, and become the hero this world needs. Do you have what it takes? Will fortune favor your many rolls? Its free, so it doesn’t hurt to find out.

Gameplay

The game is an idle game with options to actively cast abilities. Players will let their character make their way through the adventure, farming xp, completing quests, and earning currency and loot for upgrades. This game is a more casual take on the old-school Diablo style of gaming, with a lot more collectibles and a steeper grind, even if it is a more passive one. Ultimately, the player is trying to farm resources to upgrade armor, abilities, and to summon more powerful angels. It is very RNG reliant, with a few skill-based roadblocks to keep players engaged.

Review

While League of Angels: Pact has that old school Diablo vibe that had me curious. The art style and flavor are fantastic, the animation is solid, and the world is interesting. That interest started to dry up quickly when it turned out to not be the truest definition of an AFK game.

Early levels of this game are guided by a competent AI. Players can sit back and enjoy a simple passive grind and a lot of flashing lights. Occasionally, the game requires player input to continue progression. The problem is that it happens too often to be considered a true AFK MMO. Other games in the genre allow players to log off and continue a very passive grind without any player input. There comes a time in League of Angels where you need to actively be playing and spending money to be competitive. Calling it an action-idle MMO sort of feels like a misnomer because you’re eventually going to have to play. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it isn’t what I signed up for.

The biggest issue with this game is the gameplay. Players are either going to enjoy the semi-passive grind, or it is going to be more trouble that it is worth. I wasn’t a fan of the semi-idle gameplay. The game became too much work, and the work wasn’t fun. I loved the art and flavor, but there wasn’t enough substance for me to stick with it. If you like old school Diablo and don’t mind eventually having to spend money, its free to try. You should definitely support the game if you like it, but it wasn’t for me. My search for a new mobile game continues.

League of Angels: Pact is free to play on Steam and on Android and IOS devices.

Why You Should Try Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hell Now

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hell 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’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Juntunnslayer: Hordes of Hell?

Juntunnslayer is a roguelike bullet hell out now on Steam early access. There is also a demo available that you need to try out.

The hordes of hell have broken loose, and it is up to you to save the realm. Prove your worth as you fend off endless waves of enemies with your fighting prowess, and earn the blessings from the Gods that will carry you to victory. Do you have what it takes to keep the hordes of hell at bay?

Gameplay

All players load into a central hub where they can choose a load out and buy upgrades. Players can chose from a few available classes, but can unlock new perks, buffs, maps, and characters by completing challenges in game. Each map has unique objectives that must be cleared within the time limit, and any currency earned throughout a run can be used to upgrade a desired character. Players repeat this loop, slowly unlocking new challenges, difficulties, and maps to keep things fresh.

Combat can be as casual. Players have the options to allow the game to perform the various attacks automatically on a cool down, but there are settings that give players control over the aim and timing if they prefer a more hands-on experience. How good this system is really depends on a players preference. I loved the casual experience of auto casting while I maneuvered around the hordes of enemies.

During a level, players must complete quests to eventually summon the Jotunn before the timer runs out. During the run, players will unlock random buffs and abilities from either their class or different gods. The RNG is pretty fair, and each god and class has interesting and unique flavor.

Review

Juntunnslayer may still be in Early Access, but I recommend it to anyone looking for a cool new casual game to add to their collection. I love the viking aesthetic, and the attention to detail that went into the flavor and world building. Each class and god feels unique, and I had a lot of fun exploring every single combination the RNG presented me. The RNG in this game is fair. I never felt like a run was ruined because I didn’t have access to the right power-up and abilities, and I never got a load-out I didn’t like.

The game can feel a bit repetitive, but the game has enough unlockable content to earn its $8 price tag. Unlocking a new map, difficulty, or character gives players goals and creates a little variance. I like feeling more powerful as I unlock new nodes on a skill tree. I like trying out a new character and exploring different builds. And I love that I can explore different regions and earn harder difficulties. There are enough unlockables to keep the completion happy, and enough content for the casual who just want to play a fun game.

If you’re looking for a new game, pick up Jutunnnslayer: Hordes of Hell. This game is fun, looks great, runs well, and is Steam Deck compatible. You can pick it up on Steam for $9.99, but there is a free demo available if you don’t believe me.

2025 Grand Archive Ascent Utrecht Closing Ceremony Highlights

The first European Ascent event was held in Utrecht this weekend, and it was an exciting time for the game. Make sure you check out the VOD on the official Grand Archive Youtube channell for high quality coverage of the event. The production keeps getting better with each event, and its a great place to start learning the meta.

Aside from its exciting gameplay, there was some exciting news that you aren’t going to want to miss. As always, I’ve collected all the important details in one place for you to enjoy! If you’re looking to pick up some Grand Archive, always support your LGS. If that isn’t an option, you can always get product from TCG Player using my affiliate link.

2025 Nationals Schedule Announced!

The schedule for Nationals have been announced. Specific dates are too come, but we have locations and months! It’s time to get grinding for Nationals!

Day 2 Promos

Like last year, players who qualify for Day 2 will receive a unique Sword of Seeking promo you aren’t going to want to miss out. This card is so pretty and it makes me wish I was better at the game.

Nationals Prize Card

Nationals finalists will get their hands on a beautiful Eternal Magistrate alt art. If haven’t been motivated to get good this season, you’re going to want to after seeing it.

Nationals Pre-registration Gift

Players who pre-register for Nationals will receive a special backpack. I’ll try to make the announcement as soon as pre-registration goes live, but the official Discord is a fantastic place to stay on top of the announcements.

Ascent Worlds

Ascent worlds will be in Anaheim this year, June 27 to the 29th. Tickets go on sale on the February 2nd, so make sure you start planning accordingly. Remember, this year you can qualify for worlds through normal means or the gauntlet, so keep on grinding!

Worlds Promo

This year’s worlds promo is a beautiful Spurn to Ash that belongs in everyone’s collection.

and there is a VIP variant!

Developer Stream Announcement

The most exciting news is the Developer stream happening on February 1st. This will officially kick of the Abyssal Heaven spoiler season, and have some important notes on the upcoming supplement set. You aren’t going to miss out, but I’ll be covering the key points shortly after. Stay tuned for that.

KiiBOOM Breeze 75: A Cute & Stylish Mechanical Keyboard

Disclaimer

KiiBOOM sent me their Breeze 75 mechanical keyboard for free 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.

What’s in the box?

  • Breeze 75 Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable
  • 2.4 GHz wireless Dongle
  • Key/Switch Puller Tool
  • 2 Extra Switches

Features

The Breeze 75 is a 75% mechanical keyboard. It is available in black and white, purple, pink, and green. No matter what color you choose, it is ready to brighten up any cozy aesthetic. The keyboard features 81 keys and a volume control dial. The keys are backlit with customizable south-facing RGB, and they can be easily swapped with the included key puller. The clear base has RGB which means this keyboard is ready to fit into any setup. You can turn off the RGB at any time, but you aren’t going to want to.

But the keyboard is more than just its looks. The Breeze 75 transcends its beauty with its practicality. The clear base gives the keyboard its style as well as its ideal typing height and angle. The keys are supported with the KiiBOOM Matcha Late Switches which are very responsive and give off its satisfying creamy sound. With its high-speed wireless and Bluetooth connections, users can enjoy a desk free of wire clutter. That said, the included stylish cable is ready to deliver a fast connection when you eventually need it.

The keyboard is easy to use and set up out of the box, but tinkerers can enjoy added customization with the official KiiBoom software. The software allows users to program useful macros, add more function shortcuts, and customize the RGB. The program is easy to use and can be downloaded from the official product page.

Sound Test

Review

The Breeze 75 is a very pretty keyboard that looks better in person. I love the color scheme and appreciate how easy it is to swap everything if I ever need to. The RGB makes the keyboard pop on my desk, and the preprogrammed profiles are nice. You can go in and customize the color and effect, or borrow some from the community if you’re looking for something specific. The RGB can be dimmed or switched off, but you aren’t going to want to.

The impressive battery life will keep your desk free of wire clutter. Even with the backlight on with effects, I averaged 12 hours of continuous use on a single charge, which is more than enough. I like that the backlight shuts off after idling to conserve battery.

Most importantly, this keyboard is comfortable. The keys are soft, the keycaps are responsive, and the keyboard sits at a comfortable angle. I would still look for a wrist rest and take regular breaks, but it did not kill my hands like other keyboards have.

If you’re looking for a new mechanical keyboard, check out the KiiBoom 75. This is a well-constructed keyboard that feels good, easily customizable and comes in fun and pretty colors.

You can pick up the KiiBoom Breeze 75 in all its fun colors on the official website for $149. Pick yours up today!

Unleash Your Hacking Skills in Cyber Manhunt 2!

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Cyber Manhunt 2: New WorldThe Hacking Simulator 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’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Cyber Manhunt 2?

Cyber Manhunt 2: New World is a hacking simulator puzzle game out now on Steam.

You work for the prestigious Titan Corporation as an AI assistant. Your job is to mitigate any threats to the company and its assists through the use of your incredible hacking skills and a bit of AI. Crawl across cyber space as you gather clues, crack passwords, and solve puzzles. Use a bit of social engineering to get the information you need your cases, and get to know some deep and memorable characters. Do you have what it takes to become the world’s best hacker?

Gameplay

Cyber Manhunt 2 is a point-n-click narrative game full of creative hacking themed puzzles. Players start each chapter with a case they need to work through. Players must comb through social media, hack email and other accounts, and even remotely access devices to get the information they need to crack the case. The game offers little guidance, forcing players to be resourceful with what they can access. Information can be missed, so make sure you comb through everything carefully.

Review

If you haven’t played Cyber Manhunt 2: New World, it should at least be in your library. This will be the most creative and interesting game you will play all year, and it is only $10.

The game has a fantastic aesthetic, with an epic soundtrack to get you hyped for hacking. The voice acting is mostly good, but there are a couple of awkward reads that stand out. They aren’t bad enough that they take away from the game, but it is noticeable.

The overall story is fantastic. This may be a sequel, but the narrative exists independently. I never played the first Cyber Manhunt, but I didn’t feel I needed to. You will want to play it after how good the sequel is, but you won’t be lost if you start at two.

The gameplay is fantastic. The hacking puzzles were creative, challenging, and a ton of fun. You might need a guide here and there, but figuring out the clues and slowly unlocking the narrative is a real treat. I love how much story exists within the puzzles. Texts and emails you read through, pictures you find, and posts you comb through all have bits of important world-building that give the story much-needed weight. You can skim through and only look for clues, but I enjoyed learning about the different characters and the world around them as I pieced things together.

If you’re looking for a new puzzle game, Cyber Manhunt 2 won’t disappoint. It is a cool and creative entry into the genre that you aren’t going to want to miss.

You can pick up Cyber Manhunt 2: New World – The Hacking Simulator on Steam for only $9.99.

Rastech Raspberry Pi 5 Kit: Unboxing & User Experience

Disclaimer

Rastech sent me their Raspberry Pi 5 64 GB kit to review. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

What’s in the Box?

  • Raspberry Pi 5
  • Case
  • Fan and Heatsinks
  • Rastech Power Adapter
  • 2 x Mini HDMI Cables
  • 64 GB Mini SD Card
  • SD Card Adapter
  • USB-C Mini SD adapter
  • User Guide
  • Min Screwdriver

Review

The Rastech kit is a decent boast to be the best entry into the device, but is it worth it?

The included case is fine. It is a well-constructed case made of durable plastic that is well-machined and labeled. While it won’t survive being thrown at a wall, it will survive a few drops from your desk. Most importantly, the case is easy to put together. I recommend having your good mini screwdriver however, the one included in my kit was worthless. My only complaint is that there is no power button. There is a hole big enough for the included screwdriver to power cycle the device, but that might get old if it has to be done then. If you’re making this a NAS, it shouldn’t be a problem.

The case seems to allow for good airflow and the included fan does the job. I can’t speak on how it handles a maximum load, but it does casual net surfing and retrogaming well enough. I didn’t notice any throttling through my regular use.

The cables are high quality and a nice add-on. The 64 GB memory is great. Most of you will eventually switch to an M.2 drive, but 64 gigs give you a nice space to play with until then.

If you’re looking for a Raspberry Pi 5 kit and need the cables, the Rastech 64 GB kit is a great place to start. You’re going to want to upgrade to a nicer case eventually, but it is a great place to start.

You can pick up the Rastech Raspberry Pi 64 GB kit on Amazon through my affiliate link for $127.99.

Heroes of the Seven Islands: A Cozy RPG Adventure

I was asked to cover the Heroes of the Seven Islands demo for my blog. This will be my honest impressions, but I understand the game is still in development and will adjust my criticism accordingly.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Heroes of the Seven Islands?

Heroes of the Seven Islands is the point and click RPG you want living in your Wishlist.

Furax the Indestructible has risen from the dead to spread his misery. Only the oracle has the power to stop him, but he has long since retired. It is up to the four bravest heroes of the land to venture across the seven islands of the Emerald Archipelago to find find him. Can they find the keys to Oracle in time to save the world, or has Furax’s reign cemented itself into the darkest part of history?

Gameplay

The game is a point and click game where players move across the archipelago fighting monsters, finding clues, and trying to stay alive. Players start the game by creating a party of unique characters and choosing from a few interesting classes. The game features impactful turn-based combat, and a decent amount of exploration to keep things fresh and interesting.

Impressions

I need a full version of this game because I am hooked. I love the hand-drawn quirky art style. It gives the game its flavor and cozy feel. However, do not let overall silliness of the game fool you, it is unforgiving if you aren’t playing carefully. Combat seems simple, but it takes a bit of strategy to get through it. I am sure there is a correct competition that would have kept me from wiping so much, but I was having too much fun exploring the different classes.

The demo does a fantastic job at giving players a taste of what is to come, and I am excited to experience more. I love the game’s non-linear approach to progression, the art style, and the gameplay. If you’re looking for an RPG that is cozy but offers a bit of a challenge, you need to check out Heroes of the Seven Islands. I’ll be trying to get a full version for its release Q2 2025, but you can always add to your Wishlist for the mean time.

Mea Culpa DLC Review: Is It Worth Your Money?

I was sent a free copy of the Mea Culpa DLC for Blasphemous 2 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. Make sure you check out my review for the base game.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Mea Culpa?

Mea Culpa is DCL for the 2D side scrolling Souls-like, Blasphemous 2. You will need to already own Blasphemous 2 to play the DLC. This DLC adds new abilities, quests, and alternate ending. There are also two new zones to explore and bosses to fight. If you enjoyed Blasphemous 2, it might be worth checking out for a bit of extra content.

Review

The Mea Culpa DLC was okay. It wasn’t bad, but it is hard to justify the price. I enjoyed the new areas, and the bosses were challenging and fun, but I don’t think it is a mandatory step into Blasphemy. If you are a fan of the series and are looking to support a great title in the genre, it is a solid buy and you will get your money’s worth in fun. If you are new to the genre and on a budget, the base game is all you need. I would wait for a sale because I don’t believe it adds enough to be worth the full price of admission. It isn’t a bad DLC, but it doesn’t stand out as hard as it needs to.

You can buy Mea Culpa on Steam, Xbox ($30.39), Nintendo, PlayStation for $11.99, but I recommend waiting for the next big sale.