Tag Archives: anime

Grand Archive TCG, Uncategorized

Exciting Updates for Grand Archive Fans in 2026

Leave a comment

Introduction

Weebs of the Shore made a few announcements over the weekend that should get fans, new and old, excited for the future of the game. If you’re looking for Grand Archive product, always support your LGS, but if you pick up product on TCG Player using my affiliate link, it really helps me out. You can also check out my newest sponsor NordVPN if you’re looking for the service.

Competitive Schedule

With 2025 worlds behind us, it is time to start grinding for 2026. Next year worlds will be in Singapore, so make sure you start planning your Acents. There are a few new countries on the list which means the game is growing and I am here for it. We also got a couple sets teased, Phantom Monarchs in December and a capstone set in March. A capstone set is meant to celebrate the entire history of Grand Archive so far, and I am very excited to see what this means. I am going to be so broke…

Revel Fest Promo

If you haven’t played all season, now is a fantastic time to hop in and grind a few events for that sweet sweet promo. Abyssal Heaven’s promo is Fire Resonance Bauble, and this card looks so good. Good luck!

Store Champ Promo

It is also time to get good to get a copy of that store champ promo. The promo for Distorted Reflections and Surviel the Winds and this is peak GA design.

Regional Top Qualifier Promo

If you needed a reason to grind out the competitive then you got it with the Distorted Reflections promo, Smoke Bombs. This art looks so good!

Ascent Top Qualifier Promo

It is really the best time to get good at this game. This card is not only a solid add to your deck, you know its going to look amazing in real life.

Sandbox Announced

Getting good is going to require a lot of practice, more than you can get at locals. Luckily, Weebs of the Shore is working on a Sandbox that will allow players a clean and hopefully automated way to play Grand Archive from the comfort of their home. I can only hope this lets me enjoy random matches, and I would appreciate a ranked mode. Not much is known yet. I assume it will be PC at launch based on the UI, but if these leads to an a phone app, Weebs of the Shore is about to take all my money.

Pantheon

Now if you don’t want to play competitively, or just want a break, Weebs of the Shore is cooking up a new casual format Pantheon. Will it be a singleton format like commander? A multiplayer game mode? PVE? Pauper? Personally, I think it will be something like commander based on the name, but we will have to wait and see.

Phantom Monarchs

Last but not least, Phantom Monarchs is dropping in December. We weren’t giving much other than a name, but we can assume it is an expansion set based on the release schedule we’ve gotten so far. Either way, I am always excited to see more grand archive.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: All Distorted Reflection Spoilers so Far

Leave a comment

UPDATE: The complete card list has been revealed on the official Grand Archive Site

We are officially in Distorted Reflections spoiler season! This is a very good looking set and I can’t wait to see what is in store. As always, I will be collecting all spoilers in one convenient space, updated daily at the end of my day, pacific standard time.

Distorted Reflections comes out on July 25, so make sure you put in preorders if you still can. Always support your LGS, but you can always help me out and buy from TCG Player through my affiliate links. You can also support me by signing up with my newest sponsor, NordVPN (if you happen to need the service).

The Official Trailer

Spoilers

Grand Archive TCG

The Start of Distorted Reflection Spoiler Season

Leave a comment

Intro

We are officially in Distorted Reflection spoiler season, and this set looks so good! The mechanics look sound, but as a collector, I am a huge fan of the style and world building. I will be following and collection spoilers as they release, so stay tuned for that!

The set comes out on July 25, so make sure you put in preorders if you still can. Always support your LGS, but you can always help me out and buy from TCG Player through my affiliate links. You can also support me by signing up with my newest sponsor, NordVPN (if you happen to need the service). Without further ado, here are the spoilers:

Spoilers

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Ciel, Mirage’s Grave Starter Deck List

Leave a comment

With Distorted Reflection just around the corner, lets check out the starter decks. Let’s take a look at our boy, Ciel, Mirage’s Grave, the Fire/Umbra Guardian deck! The deck releases on July 25th with an MSRP of $14.99. Make sure you always support your LGS, but you can always grab your Ciel, Mirage’s Grave Starter Deck on TCG Player through my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do.

The List

Material Deck
Spirit of Fire x 1
Ciel, Loyal Valet x 1
Ciel, Omenbringer x 1
Ciel, Mirage’s Grave x 1
Bauble of Abundance x 1
Grande Aiguille x 1
Bulwark Sword x 1
Leporine Masque x 1
Life Essence Amulet x 1
Tariff Ring x 1
Manxome Armoire x 1
Grande Sonnerie

Main Deck
Coy Bauclier x 3
Sablier Guard x 3
Stalwart Shielmate x 4
Vigil Rampart x 3
Whimsy’s Warden x 4
Conflagrant Sentinel x 4
Torch Marshal x 3
Heavy Swing x 4
Lamentation’s Toll x 2
Flamme Sorcel x 4
Tempered Steel x 3
Idle Thoughts x 4
Martial Guard x 2
Overpowering Defense x 2
Ombreux Chavalier x 4
Sinistre Stab x 3
Umbra Sight x 3
Reverse Affliction x 2
Nocturne’s Oblivion x 2
Devotion’s Price x 1

Visual Deck List

Main Deck

Main Deck

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Diana, Moonpiercer Starter Deck List

Leave a comment

Intro

With Distorted Reflection just around the corner, lets check out the starter decks. First up is Diana, Moonpiercer, the Water/Astra Ranger deck! The deck releases on July 25th with an MSRP of $14.99. Make sure you always support your LGS, but you can always grab your Diana, Moonpiercer Starter Deck on TCG Player through my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do.

The List

Material Deck
Spirit of Water x 1
Diana, Aether Dilettante x 1
Diana, Judgment’s Arrow x 1
Diana, Moon Piercer x 1
Bauble of Abundance x 1
Foresight Lens x 1
Ranger Boots x 1
Refluxal Ribbon x 1
Seeker’s Aetherwing x 1
Tariff Ring x 1
Aquamirage Whisper x 1
Pleiades, Celestial Genesis x 1

Main Deck
Aetheric Calibration x 4
Backstep x 4
Charge the Soul x 4
Idle Thoughts x 3
Prudent Nock x 4
Reposition x 4
Stalwart Shieldmate x 4
Corsair Captain x 3
Dissuading Aether x 4
Drown in Aether x 4
Undercurrent Vantage x 3
Astra Sight x 3
Constellation’s Blessing x 4
Guided Starlight x 2
Meteoric Volley x 2
Poised Occlusion x3
Sidereal Spellshot x 3
Starbirth x 2

Visual Deck List

Material Deck

Main Deck

Other TCGs

Universus – Attack on Titan: Apocalypse First Impressions

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

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 Colossus
Eren Yeager, Usurper
Levi Ackerman, Vengeance-Driven
Mikasa Ackerman, Hizuru’s Hope
Reiner Braun, Marley’s Shield
Beast 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.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: All the Mercurial Heart Alter Edition Spoilers So Far

Leave a comment

Grand Archive has officially turned two, and we got a fun and informative stream to get us hyped for the games growth. Make sure to check it out. The most exciting news were the Mercurial Heart Alter Edition spoilers! The Alter Edition is a reprint with a few new cards you’re going to want to add to your collection. It is also a fantastic place to start your collection. The set will be reprintable for up to three years, which is great news for those just getting into the hobby. Make sure you always support your LGS, but you can always buy Grand Archive product from TCG Player using my affiliate links. It really helps me out.

Uncommons

Rares

Super Rares

Ultra Rare Alt Arts

Collector Rares!

video game reviews

Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark Review

1 Comment

I was sent a free copy of Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark 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 opinions of the game.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark?

Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark is a 2D action Metroidvania adventure out now on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation.

The castle has been invaded and Lord Maxim is dead. It is up to Kirika and Masha to make their way through the castle and revive their lord. Fight through waves of demons and their bosses, collect helpful tools and abilities, and prove why you are the best pair of demon maids Do you have what it takes to reclaim your home and save your master?

Gameplay

Gal Guardians is your typical classic metroidvania. Players crawl through the 2D dungeon, collect new items and abilities, and beat everything in their way. What makes Gal Guardians unique is the coop mechanic. Players can play this game solo, or team up with a friend to control one of the two maids. Coop allows for some interesting interactions between the players. Playing solo allows players to switch between the two maids and their abilities, as well as revive them when they go down. The game also showers the player with loot and allows for a good amount of customization and playstyles.

Review

I really wanted to like Gal Guardians: Shadows of the Dark, but it doesn’t do enough to stand out against the genre. I love the art and flavor, there is some solid voice acting, but the gameplay sort of falls flat.

What I like about the gameplay is the amount of customization. Aside from the main weapon, players can mix and match abilities to find a build that works best for their playstyle. Unfortunately, there are some absolute garbage items that will flood your inventory. Aside from that, combat is kind of boring. It is no where near the worst of the genre, but it does leave a bit to be desired. This is especially noticeable during the boss fights which can be challenging, but aren’t really worth the trouble.

I had high hopes for the game because I enjoyed the demo, but once I got deeper in the game, it didn’t do enough. It had decent writing, the voice acting is great, and the art is good, but the gameplay didn’t do it for me. Gal Guardians isn’t the worst Metroidvania I’ve played this year, but I will forget I ever played it. If you’re looking for a new Metroidvania, you simply have better options.

You can pick up Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation for $29.99, but I would wait for a sale.

Uncategorized, video game reviews

Nobody Nowhere is a Fantastic Visual Novel

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Nobody Nowhere 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.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Nobody Nowhere?

Nobody Nowhere is a scifi visual novel out now on Steam.

The year is 2019 and the Human Science Research Corp is working on a way to transfer conciseness into empty vessels known as replicates. Julian is a replicant who unfortunately developed self-awareness. His days are numbered as the corporation plans to whip his consciousness from his body. The secret organization, the White Dove, consider Julian human and plan to set him free. But their rescue efforts fail, and what they uncover will shake their foundation. What secrets will they uncover? Can Julian ever be truly human? You will need to read to find out.

Review

I went out of my way to get a copy of Nobody Nowhere because the synopsis got me interested, and I liked the art. I was not disappointed. Nobody Nowhere is the best visual novel I have read, and I recomend it to people who aren’t even looking into the genre. The writing is solid, the story is great, the characters are memorable, and the pacing is perfect. The game also has a very good art style and aesthetic. I like that the gameplay didn’t feel like busy work. The small moments of exploration helped with world building, the minigames were fun and engaging, and they helped break up into more manageable segments.

One complaint I do have is that there are a lot of silent moments. I would have liked there to be a bit more ambience sound here and there, but nothing that can’t be fixed with a YouTube video in the background. This is just a personal preference and nowhere near a deal breaker, especially since the music that does exist is pretty good.

My hat goes off to the solo developer who was able to create such a fantastic narrative. Its is incredibly obvious that a lot of passion went into this game when you look at all the details that went into bringing this story to life. If you’re looking for a new game, you need to get Nobody Nowhere. It is a fantastic read, and it deserves a lot more attention.

You can pick up Nobody Nowhere $9.99 on Steam.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: Distorted Reflections Teased at Ascent Seattle

Leave a comment

There are a few exciting announcements that dropped that you might have missed. Grand Archive’s 7th set has been announced, and the hype is real. If you’re looking to pick up product, always support your LGS, but using my TCG Player affiliate links to pick up product like the newest Guo Jia and Diao Chan Recollection Decks or a box of Abysal Heaven.

Worlds Reminder

As a reminder, worlds is coming up in June so make sure you are grinding those points efficiently. Tickets are still on sale and it would be a good idea to start planning accommodations.

Distorted Reflections

Distorted Reflections has been leaked for a July release, and it looking like the magical girl set I didn’t know I needed in my life. The set will focus on the Guardian and Ranger classes, with a whimsical flavor I am most excited about.

The set takes archivist to Wonderland, a world ruled by the Queen of Heats. If you are a fan of the literary classic, this might be the set for you.

The set will introduce 222 unique cards, with 234 foil variations. This will be a 24 twelve pack booster box. MSRP:

  • Pack: $4.49
  • Box: 107.99

As a reminder, 1st Edition boxes will include unique art, so make sure you buy in early. Once it’s gone, its gone.

Ciel, Mirage’s Grave Starter Deck

Ciel will hit the format as one of the sets two starter decks. Ciel is a fire/umbra deck launching with a MSRP of $14.99.

Diana Moonpiercer Starter Deck

Diana is back, and with a new flavor. She is still a ranger, but this time fighting using the Water and Astra elements. Hopefully this will bring her back into the scene. The starter deck also MSRPs at $14.99. I am very excited to see what the CSR for this line looks like.