The March Banlist for the Grand Archive TCG has been posted. There were no changes from last month’s, but I thought I would post about them all the same. Join the official Grand Archive Discord to stay up to date with all the news and maybe find new friends in the hobby. Always check with your LGS for products and a local scene, but you can always find Grand Archive, like the newest Alchemical Revolution, on TCG Player through my affiliate links.And if you need accessories, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your order. It really helps me out.
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There are still only three cards banned in the format: Currently, Sword of Avarice, Reckless Conversion, and Crystal of Empowerment. Make sure these cards are out of your deck if you’re going to any official events.
Watch List
The official announcement splits them into categories. There is only one category for bans (see above) and the other two are watch lists for cards that might be problematic with future releases. There are currently six cards on the watch list: Creative Shock, Varuck, Smoldering Spire, Dream Fairy, Freezing Hail, Erupting Rhapsody, Scepter of Lumina. This is just a watch list, so you don’t need to take them out of your decks just yet.
I was sent PopSlinger 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 of the game. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
PopSlinger is a retro style shoot ’em up side scroller out now for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC. I got to play the Xbox version. You are a magical girl on a quest so save the world with your magic soda-pop powers. Fight your way through sinister invaders in a colorful and vibrant adventure. Do you have what it takes to get save the world and get the high score?
Gameplay
The game is a simple and colorful 2D shooter. You move through a mob-infested city and clear the world of its invaders. What gives the game its complexity is its combo system. The game rewards players for shooting four creatures of the same color by granting them temporary power-ups. Players can get a shield, a double shot, or summon Gin to shoot at enemies randomly. Shooting eight of the same color grants players a heal, but healing comes with a point penalty.
Unless you’re trying to earn the highest scores and perfect rank, powerups are useless. Gin would often break my combo, and the other powerups didn’t affect the gameplay enough to be worth the trouble. I stopped chasing combos pretty early on, but I also got the worst scores in the game. You should play the game as intended.
Thoughts
I enjoyed PopSlinger a lot more than I thought I would. It has a loud colorful aesthetic, a fun quirky story, a fantastic soundtrack, a solid cast of voice actors, and a fun gameplay loop.
I am a huge fan of the game’s colorful retro vibe. It is a clear nostalgic callback, and I am here for it. It has a cute and fun art style that makes it impossible to hate the game. The story isn’t filled with expansive lore, but it is fun and quirky. I loved the tone, and its cast of voice actors made listening to the cutscenes enjoyable.
The gameplay loop is incredibly relaxing and fun. Despite how cute the game looks, there was enough of a challenge to keep me engaged. Enemies had a decent variety, and boss fights were creative and challenging. I definitely wasn’t good enough to keep the combos alive or get close to a high score, but I had a lot of fun playing through the chill side-scroller this game became.
The game does get repetitive after a while, and trying for the combos can feel tedious after a while. This isn’t a game I could play until completion, but it is a game I’ll be returning to from time to time for its cozy change of pace and fun aesthetic.
If you are a fan of retro arcade side scroller, PopSlinger is a solid title to add to your collection. It is a cute, fun, and relaxing time with options to make it more competitive. You can pick up your copy of PopSlinger for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC for $14.99.
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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Grand Archive regionals were this weekend, and it was a good time. The casters were fun to watch, and it was a good way to keep up with the meta. If you’re trying to pick up Grand Archive or just enjoy the competitive TCG scene, I recommend you watch the VOD or catch it live next time.
I know not everyone is excited about the competitive scene, but we did get some spoilers for the upcoming set, Mercurial Heart. The art for this set is incredible, and I for one can’t wait to see what these cards can do. We got four artworks teased during the event, and I’ve gathered them for your convenience.
Spoilers
Mercurial Hearts releases on May 17, so lets start getting hyped! Make sure you check my other posts for additional product announcements!
If you’re interested in Grand Archive, join the official Discord for all the news, and to find some new friends to play with. Don’t forget to check with your LGS for a local scene and product. You can also pick up shop for Grand Archive, like the new Alchemical Revolutionset, on TCG Player by using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your order. It really helps me out.
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I finally caught up. Work got crazy, but I finally found some time to catch up. I want to thank everyone who’s been reading my version. I hope I did okay. Make sure you always read the original. I am done for now, but we’ll see what they announce on Digimon Day.
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Fenriloogamon and Kazuchimon watch as Dorugoramon’s body breaks and melts into an unrecognizable blob of liquid. It wriggles painfully as it continues to download the massive amounts of data from the Source Digimon.
They jump into the air. Fenril readies his hellfire blades, and Kazuchimon’s lighting blades release hot static as they watch what is left of Dorugoramon disappear below them.
“It’s like the time we Digivolved into Helloogarmon,” Eiji says.
They continue to watch in silence as the blob continues to mutate, rebuilding and reforming itself into something entirely alien. Into a new type of Digimon.
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
A menacing metallic dragon rises from the corpse of Dorugoramon. Thick black and purple metal plates cover its body. Its sharp claws dig into the earth as it makes its first stretch in life, testing its limits. It straitens its body and expands its wings to reveal its entire gargantuan form. Its massive tail crashes behind it, leaving behind a deep impression of the impact. The Digimon turns its head towards the Digimon above it and gives a sinister smile of fangs that glisten brighter than its armor.
“Impressed?” the professor asks mischievously. “I’ve used data from the Source Digimon to force one last digivolution. What you see is a product of Death-X-Evolution. This is DexDorugoramon, the DigiCore Predator!”
“Death-X? Predator?” Eiji asks, trying to piece it all together.
“It eats other Digimon?” Leon adds.
Before they could say another word, DexDorugoramon flaps all ten of its wings, creating a torrent of damp, sickly air that swirls around the Source Domain.
Eiji studies the strange new Digimon below him and notices its pained movements. Something was off. This was no longer Kosuke’s partner.
“What did you do to Dorumon?!” Eiji shouts.
“Fascinating! Do you notice something special about this Digimon Mr. Nagasumi?”
Eiji struggles to formulate an answer. None of the reports on his screen produce any helpful information. “Are..are those multiple Digicores?” he finally blurts out.
“Exactly!” You’ve got keen Eyes. Now why would a Digimon have multiple Digicores?” the professor continues as if giving a lecture.
“You didn’t answer my question!” Eiji demands.
The professor sighs. “Dorumon is safe. All its major functions have been paused, but it’s in there. Death-X-evolution offers DexDorugoramon new life as an Undead type, a Digimon that survives by making use of the Digicores of others.”
“Like a zombie?” Eiji lets out.
“More like the perfect zombie. This creature has consumed and stored the data of countless others, and it is bursting at the seams. The only thing holding it together is the armor, and can hardly keep up. Isn’t it marvelous?” The professor explains gleefully. “Death-X-evolution is a digivolution en route to death.”
“Dorumon is dying?”
“You’re missing the point! DexDorugoramon is now the closest to the Source Digimon. This is the purest expression of digivolution!” The professor cackles as he admires his discovery. “This is my masterpiece!”
METAL IMPULSE
Fenriloogamon and Kazuchimon attempt to jump out of the way, but the attack is too swift. It connects with Fenriloogamon. Eiji feels the shockwave of agony run down his body. He almost passes out from the pain. Around him, the monitors flash with errors and warnings.
“So this is just a third of the Source Digimon’s power?” Eiji mutters in despair.
Hellfire clings to the earth surrounding Fenriloogamon. It slowly loses its vigor. Fenriloogamon had erected a wall of fire in a futile attempt to stop the attack, but the flames had no effect. This creature before them was too powerful.
“If he manages to fully decrypt the source code, it’s game over,” Eiji manages to say.
“No kidding,” Loen responds. Both friends brace for the next attack.
“I should mention that the creature isn’t even under my control anymore,” the professor says smugly as he raises his hands over his head. “DexDorugoramon is completely autonomous, acting on its own insticts. Isn’t it phenomenal! Now all I need is your Loogamon and Ryudamon to make it complete.”
DORU-Din
The attack makes no sound as it erases a piece of the source domain. Eiji turns to find a section of the stone circle missing and begins to panic. “This is real bad!”
“How..?” Leon tries to find words to respond but can’t. The Digimon’s quick reflexes allowed them to dodge the attack, but there was no guarantee they could do it again.
“You have to get out of here Eiji,” Leon says sternly.
“What are you talking about?” Eiji snaps.
“If DexDorugoramon Eats you and Fenriloogamon, it’s all over.”
Eiji knew Loen was right, but he wasn’t ready to let himself sacrifice himself again.
“You’re afraid too Leon, I can hear it in your voice.”
Leon flashes a nervous smile. “This whole thing is scary.”
“Leon..”
“I’ve made up my mind. You searched for me until you found me, so I’m going to fight to protect you.”
“No!” Eiji shouts. Fenriloogamon’s fur begins to stand.
“What?”
“I’m not waiting around helplessly while I lose you again.”
Fenriloogamon lets out a howl that shakes the entire Source Domain. DexDorugoramon’s wings perk up at the sound.
“You ready Leon?” Fenriloogamon turns to Kazuchimon. Leon hesitates for a moment as good memories of the professor hit him suddenly. He lets out a sad sigh as he shakes them away. “I guess there’s no talking you out it.”
Kazuchimon transforms into a massive blade of lightning.
FUSION
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
Fenriloogamon: Takemikazuchi stares down DexDorugoramon. Blue flames and green sparks jump from its body, scorching at the world around it. It clutches at its magical sword as it braces for its final battle.
So this is how much you’ve come to despise me?” the professor asks in a last-ditch effort to earn sympathy.
“You’ve gone too far. I cannot hold my head high and live with pride until I’ve bested you,” they reply.
Warning lights begin to flash around Eiji. There was nothing they could do. It was all or nothing now.
“So be it,” the professor bellows. “I’ll consume you all. Your efforts, your dreams, your future, its all going to be meaningless!”
DexDorugoramon’s wings open and form a massive maw, ready to consume Fenriloogamon. “I will crush you!”
“Shut up!” the shout as Fenriloogamon redies its blade for one final strike. In a flash that was faster than light, they disappeared.
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.
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 resisting following another TCG, but with Wings of the Captain, I couldn’t any longer. The art in this set is amazing, especially if you’re a fan of the anime.
Wings of the Captain releases on March 15. Make sure you check your LGS to see if you can still preorder, but it looks like it will be a while before it drops back down to MSRP. If your LGS doesn’t carry One Piece, you can always check with TCG Player. They have preorders for Wings of the Captain and all other One Piece Product, but prices may still be bit inflated due to demand. Maybe we’ll some reprints to bring the prices down.
Either way, let’s look and admire the art in the meantime. I need the Buggy alt art! If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.
If you’re a fan of the Chainsaw Mananime, you’re going to want to collect the newest Weiss Schwarzset. The set features some iconic art and scenes from an incredible anime. If you haven’t had a chance to watch Chainsaw Man, I highly recommend you start it ASAP. It has a cool premise, memorable characters, and an amazing art style and animation.
This news is a little old, but I’m posting it for those who missed it. The Grand Archive ban and restricted list have been posted, and if you’re participating in the online tournament this weekend February 24, you should already be compliant.
Those of you wanting to play some Grand Archive and win some National Qualifier Points (NQPs) should sign up for Yeti Gaming’s webcam regionals. It is a $10 entry fee for a tournament you play over Discord. The top 8 players will receive:
Finalist Playmat
18 packs of Alchemical Revolution
4 Gold Packs
6 Silver Packs
1st place will receive these rewards but with a Regional Champion playmat instead of the finalist one. Check the official site for more details. Sign-ups are still open.
Ban List
The ban list effective February 16 has been announced, but the list is a bit confusing. There are three categories, but only category three is the ban list. Categories 1 and 2 are watch lists, with 2 being more problematic from what I gather. Sword of Avarice, Reckless Conversion, and Crystal of Empowerment are banned.
Crystal of Empowerment has been a mainstay in the competitive meta persistently. While the intention was to provide a cog in the strategy of level manipulation primarily for Mage and Cleric, it has proved to affect the game in more facets than intended, warping the tempo of the game. It limits design in other classes where it should be much harder to modulate levels compared to Mage and Cleric. However, an additional reason to ban it now rather than later, is that Crystal has been overperforming in the current meta even when used for its intended purpose.
Category 1 Watch List
Cards in this category are considered problematic for the future of the game. The newest additions to this list are Scepter of Lumina and Erupting Rhapsody.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you need any Grand Archive, like the new Alchemical Revolution set, pick it up at TCG Player using my affiliate links!
I was sent Matchmaker Agency 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 of the game. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee!
What is Matchmaker Agency?
Matchmaker Agency is a management game out now on Steam. In a town defined by its romance, it is your job to facilitate it. Your grandparents used to run the town’s renowned matchmaker agency until their deaths. As the only other person in the family passionate about the business, your grandparents have left the keys to the business to you.
This task won’t be easy. It has been years since the shop was in business, and people have forgotten it is renowned. Build your clientele, run successful ad campaigns, make successful matches, and build your reputation. Can you build your agency to its former glory?
Gameplay
The goal of Matchmaker Agency is to build a successful business. There are logistical challenges that need to overcome like staying on top of your bills, maintaining your client’s satisfaction, building your reputation, and upgrading your place of business. These are decisions players need to make each week. While the main loop of the game is finding successful matches for your clients, staying on top of the business’ logistics keeps the lights on.
To make matches, you’ll need to attract clients. You’ll do this by spending money on advertising, good word of mouth, and buying upgrades for your shop. When you attract a client, you’ll need to interview the client to find out what they want from their match. Once you have enough data and clients, you can set them up on dates. On dates, you’ll be presented with quick time challenges to help create a spark between your clients. If your matches are successful, you can keep building your business until you’re the best in the city.
Thoughts
I enjoyed Matchmaker Agency. It had a cute premise, a relaxing gameplay loop, and a fun art style. I’m not a huge fan of the genre, so I appreciate how casual this entry is. One unavoidable issue players will face is the awkward translation. There is some odd syntax that makes interviews tricky. It isn’t unintelligible, but it is noticeable. After a while, I kind of knew what the game was asking for, but I did fail some interviews because of the translation.
Another issue I had was with the dates. On dates, players are presented with issues and scenarios they have to react to. These choices affect the success of the date, but the timer goes by too quickly. Bundle this with the awkward translations, these challenges are unnecessarily difficult at times. I failed some challenges because I didn’t have enough time to make sense of my choices. It isn’t impossible, and eventually, you’ll know what the game wants, but it is something to consider.
Despite the flaws, the game is fun. Matchmaker Agency is a casual management game with a quirky and fun story. It has a great art style, a fantastic soundtrack, and a relaxing gameplay loop. The translation issues are noticeable, but they aren’t a deal breaker. If you’re looking for a casual wholesome game and don’t mind the translation issues, grab Matchmaker Agency.
You can pick up Matchmaker Agency on Steam for $19.99 (currently on sale for $16.99 for the next 15 hours).
