Tag Archives: anime

Grand Archive: Diao Chan Re: Collection Deck List

Introduction

Abyssal Heavey has officially released, and that means we finally have the Diao Chan Re:Collection deck list!

If you’re new, Re:Collection decks are Grand Archive’s premium product that come with a high quality deck box, dragonshield art sleeves, three packs special packs, and a competitive deck. The box also includes a play set of all the cards in the deck so you don’t need to buy multiple copies, unless you want to chase that sweet collector rare:

You can wait for opened boxes and the prices to dip, but historically, you aren’t saving much. Especially if the deck defines the meta like Silvie did. If you’re starting out, the hardest part is choosing what flavor you want but either deck is a solid place to start. Always support your LGS, but you can pick up the Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored Re:Collection Deck on TCG Player through my affiliate link. Get in before you’re paying scalper prices.

Deck List

Materal Deck
1 x Spirit of Water
1 x Diao Chan, Enchantress
1 x Diao Chan, Dreaming Wish
1 x Diao Chan, Idyll Corsage
1 x Cleric Robes
1 x Glimmer Essence Amulet
1 x Scepter of Fascination
1 x Tariff Ring
1 x Crystalline Mirror
1 x Hairpin of Transcience
1 x Kaleidoscope Barrette
1 x Staff of Blossoming Will

Main Deck
3 x Fractal of Insight
2 x Idle Thoughts
3 x Shimmering Refraction
3 x Unstable Fractal
3 x Acquiescing Rejection
3 x Chill to the Bone
4 x Dissuading Halt
4 x Eventide Lure
3 x Fractal of Refreshment
2 x Frostbind
3 x Frostlorn Caress
3 x Frostnip Piroutte
2 x Glimmering Refusal
2 x Protective Fractal
1 x Redirect Flow
2 x Refracting Missile
2 x Torpid Fractal
3 x Bloom: Summer’s Glow
2 x Bloom: Winter’s Chill
3 x Blossoming Denial
2 x Ripples of Atrophy
3 x Season’s End
2 x Shriveling Vines

Material Deck (Visual)

Material Deck (Visual)

Tokens

Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade Demo Impressions

Disclaimer

I was sent the Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade demo to review for my blog. I will try to be a little more lenient since the game isn’t out yet, but these will be my honest impressions of the game.

Shameless Self-Promotions

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What is Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade?

Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is an action roguelike coming to PC and all major consoles Apr 23, 2025.

The Nine-tailed fox demon have invaded the human realm, inciting chaos and tilting the fragile balance between the two realms. Three brave souls (an immortal ninja, a demon samurai, and an Oni emissary) hear the call to action and find themselves in the adventure of a lifetime. Now they must each fight their way through endless waves of demons to put an end to this terror. Do they have what it takes to restore peace to this world?

Gameplay

Players choose between one of the three heroes, each with a unique story and flavor, and fight their way through waves of enemies. Like most games in the genre, players will start their run at a central hub where they can buy upgrades for their heroes. During a run, players fight against unique demons and bosses to collect currency and materials for new upgrades and abilities. A run ends when a player’s health reaches zero, and players can only progress through the story by defeating the various bosses. The hardest part about this game is choosing what flavor of combat you want to experience the story in.

Impressions

Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is a solid action RPG. The game has great art, and the Edo period aesthetic fits very well. Combat feels a bit slow and clunky at times, but it generally fine. All three characters feel different and are fun to play, and upgrading them feels impactful. The demons all have unique flavor and the boss fights are fun and creative. Upgrades do require a bit of a grind, but it never felt too bad.

As far as story goes, its fine, but the writing can be a little awkward. There are some lines that try a little too hard to be quirky, but it isn’t a bad read. It at least helped keep my attention long enough to grind things out. Overall, I will need to see how the final product performs before I can recommend it. As it stands, there is no reason to pick Yasha over something like Realm of Ink unless you really like the flavor and art style. If the final version can make combat feel just a little smoother, I’ll be ready to give it an endorsement. I will be trying to get my hands on the full version. Until then, go try the demo and see for yourself. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!

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

GA TCG: Abyssal Heaven Dev Stream Kicks off Spoiler Season

Intro

The Abyssal Heaven developer stream officially kicks off the set’s spoiler season, and there is a lot to go over. I’ve compiled all the important bits in one convenient spot, but make sure you check out the official stream. Always support your LGS, but if you are looking for Abyssal Heaven or any Grand Archive product, pick it up on TCG Player using my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do.

The Stream

Diao Chan Re:Collection

The Diao Chan Re:Collection deck releases March 7th, so make sure you put your preorders when you can because its going to be a banger. Re:Collection decks will have art and cards unique to the deck, and a chance at some very cool rares. These have been very powerful decks, and you aren’t going to want to miss picking them up.

Gua Jia Re:Collection

Abyssal Heaven Spoilers

Dual Card CSR

Ascent Promo

The ascent promo for Seattle, Kaula Lampur, and worlds is going to be Incapacitate, and it is beautiful. it is time to get good because you are going to especially want the day 2 promo in your collection!

Ascent Day 2 Promo

Changes for Day 2 Qualification

There will be changes to qualify for day 2 starting with the HVN season. Players are now required to earn 16 or 18 points (depending on the size of the event) to move to day to. That means no more bubbling!

Ascent Worlds

Worlds Judge Promo

Words Promos (Non-Foil)

Worlds Packages

Worlds Prizing

Worlds Top 8

Worlds Top 4

Lu Bu Deck Box

Spoiler Season

I’ll be posting all of the spoilers in one convenient spot as I get them, but you can always check out the creators to get them there first.

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.

Review of Sensei! I Like You So Much! – A Cozy Visual Novel

I was sent a free copy of Sensei! I Like You So Much! to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

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What is Sensei! I Like You So Much!?

Sensei! I Like You So Much! is a slice of life visual novel out now on Steam.

You have always enjoyed writing your fan fiction but never dared to share it with the world. This all changes when a chance encounter with a classmate gives you the push you need to start your writing career. Grow your following as you explore the world for your next story. What stories will your life inspire? Will you find the words that will move the world?

Gameplay

The game is split into a few different parts: customization , exploration, and writing.

Throughout the story, players will unlock new decorations for their room and character’s chibi. Decorations can also be bought with my money they earn from working. These decorations have no impact in the story, but it is a way for players to customize their experience.

The game gives players a finite amount of energy to spend on activities each day. The game does guide players through a few events for the progression of the story, but players can spend their days who they want. Events range from going to work, hanging out with friends, and even going to comicon. These events are slice of life stories that earn players money and materials for their stories.

At the end of the day, players will sit down and write their next fan fiction based on events from that day. Most of the story is prewritten, but players get to choose certain aspects of the story. The story is graded at the end, and the grade impacts the amount of followers gained each day.

Review

The game is still in early access, but it is in a good enough place where I can safely recommend it. Aside from a few translation issues, Sensei! I Like You So Much! is a cute story with fun characters that is worth reading at least once. It has decent pacing with wholesome quirky elements that make it the perfect cozy game for any occasion.

The art in this game is fantastic, especially if you enjoy cute and quirky anime. I was surprised by the amount of customization available. Players can outfit their characters, decorate their room, and even make their own room. The room customization is a lot of fun and I spent way too much time trying to find the right aesthetic that would be conductive to my writing, even though it had no tangible impact on the stories progression.

My favorite aspect of the game is the flavor. I enjoyed the struggle of training to come up with a good story, even though the story is already written, and the stress of planning out my day. Do I want to hang out with my friends or do I want go work to be able to afford that cute thing I want to hang on the wall? This was a constant struggle, but one I was more than happy to have.

Sensei! I Like You So Much! is the cute and cozy game everyone needs in their library. The idea is unique, the story is fun, and the art is fantastic. Check it out on Steam Early Access!

You can pick up Sensei! I Like You So Much! on Steam for $12.99.

Grand Archive Meta Watch: Santa Clara Ascent 2024

The Santa Clara Ascent brought a welcomed shift to the meta as we sort of move away from the RE: Collection dominated meta with Arisanna taking her place in the sun. Silvie continues to be a dominating presence, but its nice to see some variety. Here are the top three decks of the event, make sure to check out the official event post for the full list.

If you need to pick up Grand Archive, make sure to do it over at TCG Player using my affiliate link. I’ll be leaving links to the singles!


1. Ztrgod – Arisanna (9-2-2)

Material Deck

Main Deck


2. HenkieTheGoat – Fire Silvie (10-2-1)

Main Deck


3. Lifdrasyl – Silvie (10-2-1)

Material Deck

Main Deck

Grand Archive: Ascent Santa Clara Holiday Stream Recap

Ascent Santa Clara was a very exciting event. Arisanna got her moment in the sun, and we got a lot of spoilers for some cool new product! If you need to pick up any Grand Archive, make sure to always support your LGS, but you can always pick up product on TCG Player using my affiliate link.

Table of Contents

Alchemical Revolution Alter Edition Spoilers

Alchemical Revolution is getting its alter edition with a few new cards to spice up the meta. Looks like Arisanna is getting a bit more support, but the ranger support doesn’t seem to bad.

Kongming Holiday Set

Get ready to empty your wallets this holiday season with the first ever holiday themed product. Kongming will be kicking things off with what is definitely going to be flying off the shelves. Make sure you put your preorder in on Christmas day!

The set includes:

  • Play set of Revitlizing Cleanse promo (3 non-foil and 1 foil with a chance the foil is a Collector Rare)
  • Revitalizing Cleanse Playmat
  • Acrylic Kongming Standee
  • Acrylic Kongming keychain
  • B2 Tapestry
  • Waterproof Sticker
  • Deckbox
  • Storage Box

Re:Collcection Lite

The Re:Collection decks are getting their reprints, but these won’t include the additional packs. This is wil be a great time to pick up what have been some strong and competitive decks without having to pay the scalper tax.

Abyssal Heaven

The Abyssal Heaven expansion set, which will be a smaller set than the base set, will release March 7th, so make sure you budget accordingly.

Mercurial Heart Alter Edition

If you missed out on Mercurial Heart, it is not too late. Mercurial heart is getting it’s own alter edition in May. This is the set that started it all for me, and I am very excited to see what new cards it will bring.

Gua Jia Deck Box

Now we shift to the competitive side of the game with Acent Utrecht deck box exclusive. Folks heading to Utrech on January 25 better get their VIP or Champion package to pick up this beautiful Gua Jia deck box. With how good the past exclusive deck boxes have been, you aren’t going to want to miss out.

Ascent Seattle Spirit

Worlds Announcement

Worlds 2025 has been announced for June 28th – 29th, so make sure you start making your grind towards Anaheim.

The Gauntlet

Those who don’t qualify for worlds will get their last chance on June 26th in a one day closed invite event. The top 16 players will qualify and I’m sure it will be grueling event.

2025 Full Schedule

M.Rage Collab

If you’ve been waiting for some official Grand Archive merch, an official collaboration with M.Rage is in the works, it is sounding promising. More information to come.

You Need to Try CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-

I was asked to cover the CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- demo on my blog. Since the game isn’t finished yet, I will be more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest impressions of the game.

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What is CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-?

CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- is an action RPG coming soon to Steam.

Socrates is a combat robot ready to fend off an invasion from the Hateful Fruit Company. Just as Socrates is about to go online, Coneru appears, fusing with the android. Both beings must now join forces and fight together to defend Shinjuku City from destruction. Will their power be enough to drive away the hostile alien threat?

Gameplay

CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- is an action roguelike with a flashy arcade feel. Players move through the city fighting off enemies and searching for check points. Occasionally, players will find new weapons that completely change the combat dynamic. There are four weapons in the demo, and each feels different in both aesthetic and playstyle.

Players have a melee attack and access to Coneru’s ranged attack. The ranged attack changes with the type of weapon Socrates carries. Occasionally, players will find find the RunRun mode, which is like the power star in Mario. Players not only become invisible for the duration of the buff, but gain increased mobility and and destroy anything Coneru touches.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it made me wish I had the OLED version of the Steam Deck. Everything looks great at the native resolution, and the performance is solid. I am planning to only play CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- on the Steam Deck because of how good it feels. There is nothing wrong with the performance on PC, but something about the colors, gameplay, and art style makes it feel better on handheld. This is a very good game to take on the go, or just when you want to chill and play something casual on the couch.

Impressions

I can’t wait for the full release of CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL. This game has cute vibrant art, a fantastic soundtrack, and great mechanics. I love the world, the flavor, and the wacky arcade vibe it captures flawlessly. My only complaint is that the demo isn’t the full version. The simple beat-em-up style makes this game the perfect casual experience, but it offers enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. The RURRUN mode mechanic not only sets this game apart from others in the genre, it gives the game its life. If you’re looking for a new action roguelike platformer, go check out CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-.

You can check out the CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- Demo on Steam now. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!

Grand Archive: New Set Announced at Ascent Toronto

Grand Archive’s newest set has been announced! While not much was revealed, we do have a name and the new RE:Collection decks.

Changes to the Proxia Vault

I think the most important announcement this time around is the change to the Proxia Vault policy. All Proxia Vault cards can be proxied indefinitely! Originally, the rule was that these cards could be proxied for the first year of release before having to use official cards. The problem with this rule is that official Proxia Vault cards aren’t accessible to everyone. Now players are free to print their own proxies and even commission their custom versions!

Kongming Deckbox

New Mortal Ambition Draft Format!

Mortal Ambition was meant to be draftable. Special draft packs will be released for events where player will get packs of world themed relics and three packs of Mortal Ambition. Santa Clara will be the first event to host Mortal Ambition drafts, so make sure you get your tickets while they are still available.

Alchemical Revolution Altered Edition

Abyssal Heaven Announced

The newest set, Abyssal Heaven, has been announced for March 7th 2025. This will be an expansion set featuring eight-card packs and a continuation of the Mortal Ambition world.

New RE:Collection Decks!

Two new RE:Collection decks were just announced, and I am extremely hyped. The last RE:Collection decks were incredible products, so make sure you have yours preordered as soon as they become available. These new decks will release with Abyssal Heaven so make sure you load up!