Tag Archives: anime

video game reviews

Why you Should Be Playing Alterium Shift

Leave a comment

I was sent a free copy of Alterium Shift 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’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Alterium Shift?

Alterium Shift is a classic feeling JRPG available now on Steam Early Access, but with plans to release on Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch in the future.

The world of Alteria is in danger, and it is up to one brave hero to save it. Choose from one of three unique heroes as you embark on an unforgettable adventure. Together with allies you make along the way, fight monsters, discover treasure, and uncover the mysteries of this world and the parallel world beside it. What will your journey uncover? Can you become strong enough in time to save the world?

Gameplay

Alterium Shift plays like your classic turn-based JRPG with the occasional fishing to mix things up. The game also includes creative puzzles, challenging yet memorable boss fights, and an unavoidable grind. The grind isn’t soul-crushing by any means. What sets this game apart is the choices it offers players. The bits of dialogue you chose throughout the adventure do impact the outcome of the story. Each character feels unique, and the options give the game some solid replayability.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a fantastic game to play on the Steam Deck. If you enjoy classic JRPGs, this is a fantastic game to pull out when you can’t be in front of your computer. The game isn’t too demanding so you don’t have to worry about your Steam Deck turning into a jet, and everything looks and works great. I am a huge fan of being able to do some of the grinds while I am chilling on the couch. If you’re looking to beef up your Steam Deck library, you can’t go wrong with Alterium Shift.

Review

Alterium Shift is a fantastic game that should be in everyone’s library, especially if you’re a fan of JRPGs. While the game is still in Early Access, the experience is good enough to earn a recommendation.

What first drew me into the game was its art style. Alterium Shift has a fantastic character design and a beautiful world to explore. I particularly like how equipped items change the look of the character. I like being able to see the progress of looking cooler as my character levels, even if it is in pixel art.

The gameplay is fantastic, offering enough of a challenge to keep things engaging but with a welcomed cozy casual vibe for when you just want to chill. The game does have its grind, but it doesn’t feel too bad.

The story is what kept me playing the game. I love that each character has their own story and that each story can be played differently based on the choices a player makes. This will make the game incredibly replayable, especially if you don’t have to skip through the same cutscenes every time you want to switch characters. Best of all, each character feels good. I tried all three and they all felt equal in power level.

If you’re looking for a new JRPG to get into and don’t mind waiting for the game to move through Early Access, get this game. I recommend it even in Early Access because it plays great, and there is enough available content to have you hooked for more.

You can pick up Alterium Shift for $19.99 on Steam Early Access.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Mortal Ambition – Jin Starter Deck List

Leave a comment

If you’re trying to pick up the Kongming deck, make sure you always support your LGS. If that isn’t an option, you can find it over on TCG Player through my affiliate link.

If you’re looking for unique sleeves or deck boxes to keep your cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

Material Deck

  • Spirit of Wind
  • Jin, Fate Defiant
  • Jin, Zealous Maverick
  • Bauble of Abundance
  • Life Essence Amulet
  • Safeguard Amulet
  • Executioner’s Spear
  • Steel Halberd
  • Slate Whetstone
  • Shuang Ji of Sacrifice
  • Berserker Plate

Main Deck

  • Safeguard Paladin x 4
  • Veteran Soldier x 3
  • Trusty Steed x 3
  • Banner Knight x 2
  • Swift Recruit x 4
  • Eminent Commander x 4
  • Savage Swing x 4
  • Pierce the Heavens x 4
  • Wind Cutter x 3
  • Idle Thoughts x 4
  • Regenerate x 3
  • Favorable Winds x 4
  • Materialize Polearm x 3
  • Reclaim x 2
  • Enrage x 4
  • Hemorrhaging Rend x 2
  • Exia Sight x 2
  • Bloodbond Bladesworn x 2
  • Mend Flesh x 2
  • Relentless Outburst x 1
Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Kongming Starter Deck List

Leave a comment

If you’re trying to pick up the Kongming deck, make sure you always support your LGS. If that isn’t an option, you can find it over on TCG Player through my affiliate link.

If you’re looking for unique sleeves or deck boxes to keep your cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

Material Deck

  • Spirit of Water
  • Kongming, Wayward Maven
  • Kongming, Ascetic Vice
  • Kongming, Fel Eidolon
  • Bauble of Abundance
  • Fan of Seven Debts
  • Life Essence Amulet
  • Shard of Empowerment
  • Tariff Ring
  • Sweet Ambrosia
  • Coronal of Rejuvenation
  • Entrancing Filigree

Main Deck

  • Ardent Cloudstriker x 4
  • Formidable Youxia x 4
  • Harmonious Mantra x 4
  • Heighten Spellcraft x 4
  • Idle Thoughts x 2
  • Spirited Neophyte x4
  • Wisdom’s Reprise x 3
  • Cone of Frost x 3
  • Coriolis Ward x 4
  • Hydroguard Retainer x 3
  • Rising Tides x 3
  • Taiji of Crystal Strategems x 4
  • Tsunami of Nanyue x 3
  • Water Barrier x 2
  • Devoted Bloomweaver x 4
  • Leeching Bolt x 3
  • Planar Abyss x 1
  • Ruinous Pillars of Qidao x 2
  • Tera Sight x 3

Grand Archive TCG

The Mortal Ambition CSRs are Going to Move Packs!

Leave a comment

The Mortal Ambition collector rares have been revealed, and you will want to chase these. I hope my preorder unearths one, but I am never so lucky. The set releases on October 11th. It is a little too late for preorders, but you can probably pick product up from your LGS at launch. You can also pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player, but I would wait til after launch for the prices to stabilize a bit. I’m hoping there is enough demand for a second printing because this set is going to be fantastic for folks trying to pick up the game for the first time.

If you’re looking for unique sleeves or deck boxes to keep your cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: Most of the Mortal Ambition Set List Revealed!

Leave a comment

The Mortal Ambition set list is live, and the art is just as good as I expected. There is a good amount of valuable reprints, new powerful cards I am desperate to try, and some fantastic CSRs to collect. Make sure you always support your LGS, but you can always pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player through my affiliate link. I would wait for release for pricing to stabilize though.

Water

Fire

Wind

Norm

Exia

Tera

Luxem

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Mortal Ambition Season Promos Revealed!

2 Comments

Ascent Singapore was this weekend, and we got some juicy spoilers. If you’re planning to play in the Mortal Ambition competitive season, the promos have been revealed.  

Revelfest Reminder

This is your friendly reminder that Revelfest is happening October 4th – 11th. This is your chance to earn some bonus veterancy and to win a copy of that beautiful Tariff Ring Alt. Only 200 lucky winners will get a copy, and you only need to play once to be entered. Playing in multiple events doesn’t increase your chances.

Judge Promo

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Ascendant

Ascent Top 32

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive All AMB Content Creator Spoilers Revealed So Far

2 Comments

We have officially entered spoiler season for the anticipated Grand Archive set, Mortal Ambition. The set will be released on October 11th, so make sure you check with your LGS and get your preorders in if it is not too late. I know I have mine ready to go. While we wait patiently for this exciting new set, Weebs of the Shore has given a few select content creators spoilers to reveal for the next few days. I’ll be collecting them here, and updating this post as we go.

You can always pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player, but I’d wait till after launch unless you don’t mind paying scalper prices. If you’re looking for unique sleeves or deck boxes to keep your cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

2/2/3 Terra Ally

video game reviews

NanoApostle is the Best Boss Rush Game You Haven’t Played Yet

1 Comment

I was sent a free copy of NanoApostle 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’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is NanoApostle?

NanoApostle is an adorable 2D sprite boss rush game out now on Steam and Switch.

Deep in a secret underground lab, Anita is born from a series of experiments. Implanted with an advanced weapon system and a sentient nanomechanical entity known as the Apostle, she must fight against a series of powerful bioweapons. Anita needs to find a way out of her prison or risk becoming a weapon herself. Is she strong enough, or will she end up another failed experiment?

Gameplay

NanoApostle is split into two modes. The first is a challenge mode where players must complete certain tasks to earn skill points and upgrade modules. Upgrade modules give Anita passive upgrades to her move set. Players find modules as drops for completing certain tasks and can unlock them as equipment by spending skill points. Each level offers three challenges that scale in difficulty. Players only need to complete the level once for the pass, but completing the higher difficulties grants more skill points to spend. This can be a long grind, but a rewarding one for those who can master the game’s mechanics.

The second mode is the boss rush. Players can queue up for the boss fight at any time. Boss fights are unique, and creative, and challenge a player’s knowledge of the mechanics. Complete mastery of the game’s mechanics, or at least an advanced understanding, is almost a prerequisite. Do not be fooled by the NanoApostle’s cute aesthetic, this game is meant to be hard but rewarding if you stick with it.

Combat is simple. Players have access to a normal, heavy, and ranged attack. It also has a pery and dodge mechanic that keeps things fast and engaging. All monsters and bosses telegraph their attacks clearly, the trick to this game is understanding the timing and reacting efficiently. Players who can parry all attacks, set off proper combos, and utilize the heal mechanic effectively will have a good time. Getting to that point, however, is going to take practice. A lot more than $20 worth.

Review

I love NanoApostle, and recommend it to anyone looking for a new game. This game has an adorable aesthetic that hooked me, and a gameplay loop that made it impossible to put down. This game is hard, and I enjoyed the challenge. I liked how every time I reloaded a level, I got a little farther and got a little better. I’ve come to terms that I’ll never be a pro at this game, but I’ll still be playing it regardless.

The story is a little predictable, but it doesn’t matter because it got my attention. The story is what kept me trying each level again because I needed to know what happened next.

The only complaint I have for this game is that it can get a little repetitive if you aren’t good at it. You’ll have to grind through a lot of the same monsters and bosses until you master the mechanics enough to move forward. It didn’t feel like much of a grind because I could see the progress I was making with each consecutive run. I assume this will be less of an issue for better gamers.

If you’re in the market for a fun, rewarding, and challenging game, you need to get your hands on NanoApostle. This will be the best boss rush game you’ll play all year, and it will possibly end up being a household favorite. It did for me.

You can pick up NanoApostle on Steam and Switch for $19.99.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: All Spoilers from Mortal Ambition Developer Stream

4 Comments

The Mortal Ambition stream was extremely juicy, and I am so excited for this set. It has fantastic flavor, beautiful art, and some new mechanics. If you missed the stream, I’ve collected all the spoilers in one convenient spot. Make sure you check out the full video for lore and the full details. Mortal Ambitions releases on October 11th, so make sure you have your set preorder. I know I have mine ready at my LGS. You can pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player if that isn’t an option, but I’d wait till after launch unless you don’t mind paying scalper prices.

If you’re looking for unique sleeves or deck boxes to keep your cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

I’ll leave a table of contents so you can skip to whatever is relevant to you

New Cards

Story Art Cards

Ignite Fate
Ignite Fate
Action – Mage Spell
Deal 2 Damage to Each Champion
Floating Memory
Savage Swing
Savage Swing
Attack – Warrior Polearm
(Class Bonus) Floating Memory
2 Cost – 2 Attack
Cure the Flesh
Cure the Flesh
Action – Cleric Skill (Fast)
Remove all temporary damage from target ally
Draw a card into your memory
Heated Vengeance
Heated Vengeance
Attack – Warrior Polearm
As long as your champion has taken damage this turn, Heated Vengeance gets +3 attack
(Class Bonus) On Attack: You may have Heated Vengeance deal 3 damage to your champion

Reprints!

In an effort to make Mortal Ambition a better onboarding product, we are getting some valuable reprints in this set with brand new art.

Making Unique Allies Great Again

Equestrian

Empower!

Kongming

Kongming will feature the new shifting current mechanic where cards gain a boon depending on the direction the wind is shifting. This looks like a very fun mechanic, but one that will potentially be difficult to master. I need it!

Shifting Current Boons

Some boons will be simple and strait forward

Advanced Current Booms

Some boons require the current to shift between certain diractions

Direction Matters

Terra!

Jin

Jin is a little more straight forward and a lot more beginner friendly. Jin will be introducing a new advanced class, and it is a good one!

Pole Arms

New Element: Exia

Main Deck

Material Deck

Erupting Rhapsody Ban Announcement

Erupting Rhapsody will be banned starting AMB release because it will just break the new enhance mechanics.

Beautiful Collector Rares

Ascent Events

Ascent Santa Clara has been announced for people in North Call itching for those sweet promos. There will also be a couple of exclusive shirts only available at Ascent Singapore. Make sure you get your tickets.

Mortal Ambition Launch Kit

Mortal Ambition Regional Rewards

Entry to any regionals for the Mortal Ambition season gets you a sweet binder, and top participants get some beautiful playmats

Store Champ Rewards

Revelfest Announcement!

Revelfest will take place October 4th to the 11th. This is an event where players earn double veterancy on Omnidex and enter for a chance to win a beautiful Tariff Ring art card. You only need to play once during this period. Playing multiple times won’t increase your chances.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG Sept 2024 Ban/Restircted & New Proxia Card!

Leave a comment

There have been some big changes to this month’s ban and restricted list, and we even got a new Proxia card! Most of it has been expected. It seems like they are trying to rebalance the format so that we don’t get the same three decks in the top spots, we’ll have to see if it works. If you’re playing in any official event, make sure you are up to date. Check out the official announcement. If you need to pick up any Grand Archive singles, get them over at TCG Player using my affiliate link.

Proxia Vault Update

Arisanna gets her first update this season with Polaris, Twinkling Cauldron. but will it be enough to break it into the competitive scene? With potentially decent board wipe and Cosmic Bolt generation, will it be enough to break Arisanna into the competitive scene? I sure hope so. As a reminder, printed proxia cards are legal in official events, so make sure you go to take advantage of the official PnP feature to get your copy of Polaris, Twinkling Cauldron.

Arisanna Bonus: You may activate this card from your material deck. If you do, Polaris enters the field rested.

Whenever you sacrifice an Herb, put an age counter on Polaris.

Class Bonus, Banish Polaris: Deal X damage to all allies. Then generate up to X Cosmic Bolt cards and shuffle them into your deck. X is the amount of age counters that were on Polaris.

Ruling Notes:

  • To generate means to add cards from outside of the game. Those cards must be legitimate Grand Archive TCG cards, and cannot be represented by anything else. A player will fail to generate if they cannot find the cards to add to the game in a reasonable amount of time.
  • Generated cards are removed from each game zone (including the main deck) after each game, before side-boarding.
  • Tip: Using an altered card can help you differentiate between generated copies and copies that are in your decklist! Generated card alterations must still follow our guidelines that apply to any other Grand Archive TCG card if they would be used in a competitive event.

Thoughts:
The biggest problem with Arisanna is that getting to her win condition is too slow to be competitive. By the time you get cooking, it is often too late. Being able to cast Polaris outside of the materialize step is a nice boost, but can she generate herbs fast enough to make a dent? MRC has some cool new herb generation like Cultivate and Nurture Crops, so there might be a chance. We’re going to have to wait and see.

Ban List

Corhazi Outlook has been banned, which is a huge hit to Wind Assasin decks where she is essentially an auto-include. Hopefully, this ban means we see less Tristan in the meta. If you’re planning to play in an official event, make sure you don’t have any of the following cards in your deck:

Catagory 2 Watch List

These cards are on the cusp of being banded. You can still use them in your decks, but there are plans of taking them out of the format at some point.

Category 1 Watch List

These cards are safe to use, but Weebs of the Shore is keeping an eye on these for potential bans sometime down the line. It looks like the Silvie decks are on the block, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play Silivie.