Chronicles of Arcanejust had their first set drop and it is beautiful. I love the art and flavor, and the gameplay seems interesting. There is still product available on the official site, so make sure you pick up some before it is gone!
I’ve gone ahead and separated all the cards from the first set and separated them by faction. This is a cool-looking game, and I bet the physical cards look even better. If you want to know more about the game, or just want to find some people to play with, join the official Chronicles of Arcane discord.
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I was asked to cover the Northwind Steam demo on my blog. The game isn’t finished yet, so I’ll try not to review it too harshly.
Northwind is just another roguelike deck builder coming to PC this year. The demo doesn’t really do much to divert from the traditional gameplay loop. Players start with a basic deck that they improve throughout a run with new cards and abilities. The player restarts the run after losing, and the grind continues.
The game may feature a fantastic art style and a solid soundtrack, but the gameplay in this demo is lacking. It does very little to inspire any further curiosity. It’s hard to recommend the demo because it doesn’t feel finished, especially when there are better games in the genre you could be playing instead. Unless you like the flavor and style, I would wait for a couple more updates. I might come back for an update because I love the art work, but there wasn’t enough to the demo to have me rushing back.
Last night I held session zero for The One Ring campaign I am running for my table. I am running the prewritten campaign from the Starter Set, and while the initial plan was for my buddies to run the included pre-generated characters, we spent the time creating custom characters instead. I had a lot of fun hanging out and learning the system with my friends, and it was cool to see how engaged and interested they were in the new system. I know the adventure was designed with four hobbits in mind, but I don’t have it in me to squash anyone’s fun.
What is The One Ring RPG?
The One Ring is a narrative-heavy TTRPG based on Tolkien’s classic fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings. Events of this game occur between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series and are meant to be stories that exist within the universe. While The One Ring is not meant to be canon, it does expand on the lore and gives fans the unique opportunity to create their own narrative within the universe.
The best part of this system is that you don’t need to be a fan of The Lord of the Rings series to enjoy it. I have never read the books, and the closest my table has gotten to the lore is watching a movie or two in passing. Despite not being true fans of the series, we found ourselves lost in the flavor and lore that comes with it. We had so much fun making characters and learning about the different races and places, and it was cool to see my players building characters that were true to the lore of the system. If you’re a fan of Fantasy, even if you’re not familiar with Tolkien’s work, you should look into The One Ring.
Narrative Heavy RPG
The One Ring is a narrative-focused RPG. Its mechanics are designed to create collaborative cinematic scenes, specifically how the game handles combat and travel.
Combat in The One Ring doesn’t have initiative or movement. The system offers players the opportunity to be tactical through the use of stealth and stances, but the focus of combat seems to be creating an epic tale of battle. Players get to choose their order and be creative with their actions. Eliminating things like initiative and battle maps takes away features that tend to bog down a session, but it also means players need to be comfortable with being descriptive.
I am most excited about travel in this game. Players have to map out their adventures on the beautifully drawn maps included in the book, and the book has tables to determine what happens along the way. My biggest challenge as a DM is figuring out how to handle travel, but this has everything laid out so neatly. Players pick a role (guide, hunter, lookout, scout) and roll against the relative skill to determine what they encounter on their journey. The book offers a table with vague outcomes, and it is up to the GM and Players to make it exciting.
What I love about this system is how it impacts the rest of the adventure. This can lead to some incredibly silly and epic moments, and I can’t wait to see what we come up with.
Impressions
We haven’t touched the adventure yet, so I can’t give an in-depth review. So far, I think The One Ring is an interesting shift from what we’re used to, and we are excited to get started. Even though we aren’t true fans of the series, we love the lore and flavor of the game. I have a player in my group who is new to RPGs and was ecstatic about starting the campaign. He read the book and his first character. He typically uses pre-generated characters, but he found the inspiration to create a character that fits the flavor of the world. We all had fun setting up for the game, and I plan on running a session zero every time now. We typically pick up and go, but I liked the experience of hanging out and learning the system together.
If you’re a fan of fantasy, this RPG has an amazing amount of lore and flavor. The system has enough resources to get people acclimated to the expansive lore, but you don’t have to be a fan of the series to enjoy the game. Keep in mind that this is a narrative-heavy system, and you and you’re table need to be ready to create this epic collective tale of adventure and intrigue. I am impressed with The One Ring so far, but I’ll be back with a deeper dive. Stay tuned for that.
If you want to pick up the Core Rules, the Starter set, or any of the accessories, pick them up on Amazon using my affiliate links. If you enjoy my content, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to share the socials!
The March of the Mortals Sorcery: Contested Realm tournament was this weekend. I went ahead and collected the top three decks from the event, and I’ll leave links to the singles for those who need them. I tried to choose the cheapest singles, so I am sticking with beta. This is a beautiful game, and even if you’re not trying to get into the competitive scene, you should at least admire the art that went into it.
Make sure you check with your LGS for a local scene and product, but you can always pick up Sorcery: Contested Realm off TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Trainer cards it is bringing to the format. This set has some very cool art, and some cards you’re going to want in your collection. I do have the full list available for anyone interested. If you haven’t done so, make sure you go down to your LGS and get your preorders in. If you can’t find Temporal Forces, you can still preorder product on TCG Player using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories like sleeves or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase. It really helps me out.
If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials
Draw a card for each of your Ancient Pokémon in play.
Bianca’s Sincerity
Heal all damage from 1 of your Pokémon that has 30 HP or less remaining.
Buddy Poffin
Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Pokémon with 70 HP or less and put them onto your bench. Then, shuffle your deck.
Cryptomaniac’s Deciphering
Search your deck for 2 cards, shuffle your deck, then put those cards on top of it in any order.
Dangerous Jungle
During Pokémon Checkup, put 2 more damage counters on each Poisoned Pokémon (except any [D] Pokémon).
Emergency Board
The Retreat Cost of the Pokémon this card is attached to is [C] less. If that Pokémon has 30 HP or less remaining, it has no Retreat Cost instead.
Eri
Your opponent reveals their hand. Choose up to 2 Item cards you find there and discard them.
Explorer’s Guidance
Look at the top 6 cards of your deck and put 2 of them into your hand. Discard the other cards.
Full Metal Lab
All [M] Pokémon (both yours and your opponent’s) take 30 less damage from attacks from the opponent’s Pokémon (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
Hand Trimmer
Each player discards cards until they have 5 cards in their hand. (Your opponent discards first. Players with 5 or fewer cards in their hand don’t discard any cards.)
Heavy Baton
If the Pokémon with a Retreat Cost of exactly 4 this card is attached to is your Active Pokémon and is Knocked Out by damage from an attack from your opponent’s Pokémon, move up to 3 Basic Energy cards from that Pokémon to your Benched Pokémon in any way you like.
Hero’s Cape
The Pokémon this card is attached to gets +100 HP.
Master Ball
Search your deck for a Pokémon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
Maximum Belt
Attacks used by the Pokémon this card is attached to do 50 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon ex (before applying Weakness and Resistance.)
Morty’s Conviction
You can use this card only if you discard another card from your hand.
Draw a card for each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon.
Order Box
Search your deck for up to 2 Item cards, reveal them, and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
Your turn ends.
Prime Catcher
Switch in 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon to the Active Spot. If you do, switch your Active Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon.
Reboot Pod
Attach a Basic Energy card from your discard pile to each of your Future Pokémon in play.
Salvatore
Search your deck for a Pokémon, except any Pokémon with an Ability, that evolves from 1 of your Pokémon in play and put it on that Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck. (You can use this card on a Pokémon that was put into play when setting up to play or on the turn it was put into play.)
Mist Energy
As long as this card is attached to a Pokémon, it provides [C] Energy.
Prevent all effects of attacks from your opponent’s Pokémon done to the Pokémon this card is attached to. (Existing effects are not removed. Damage is not an effect.)
Neo Upper Energy
As long as this card is attached to a Pokémon, it provides [C] Energy.
If this card is attached to a Stage 2 Pokémon, this card provides every type of Energy but provides only 2 Energy at a time instead.
I was sent Cybertrash STATYX 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. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
Cybertrash STATYX is a retro-styled action platformer out now for Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch. It’s coming to PC soon.
The future is run by corporations. Technological advances have forced a synthetic evolution for humanity. People are pressured into cybernetic modifications, and those who remain unmodified quickly become scarce. Corrupt corporations use their fresh supply of cyborgs to stomp out dissidence. Those who disobey the rules of the corporations find themselves abducted, and turned into mindless drones.
Play as Janet as she fights her way through cyborg-infested streets, trying to reclaim her memories and her freedom.
Gameplay
Cybertrash STATYX is your classic arcade action platformer. Players will jump through a 2D cyberpunk city, fighting off enemies with a myriad of guns, collecting currency, and buying upgrades. If you enjoy playing the more difficult platformers, you should look into Cybertrash STATYX. While it isn’t as unforgiving as something like Super Meatboy, it offers a solid amount of challenge within its cool aesthetic.
Thoughts
Cybertrash STATYX has a fantastic retro aesthetic. I am a huge fan of the pixel art, and it featured a decent soundtrack. I am terrible at platforming, and while I am not a huge fan of the gameplay, I can’t deny the overwhelming sense of accomplishment I felt when I finally completed a stage. I appreciate how creative the stages got, how different the enemies felt, and how impactful upgrades and new weapons felt. It is a very well-made arcade game with some solid flavor and a decent story, and unfortunately, I wasn’t good enough to enjoy it. The only issue I see people having with this game is having to slide to jump higher instead of the traditional double jump. This mechanic is extremely frustrating.
If you’re a fan of platformers, you’ll enjoy Cybertrash STATYX a lot more than I did. You can pick up for Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch for $9.99, but I recommend you check out the Steam demo first.
Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Normal Type cards it is bringing to the format. This set has some very cool art, and some cards you’re going to want in your collection. I do have the full list available for anyone interested. If you haven’t done so, make sure you go down to your LGS and get your preorders in. If you can’t find Temporal Forces, you can still preorder product on TCG Player using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories like sleeves or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase. It really helps me out.
If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials
[C] Tongue Reel: Your opponent reveals their hand. Put up to 2 Basic Pokémon you find there onto your opponent’s Bench.
[C][C][C] Strength: 50 damage.
Lickilicky
[C][C] Body Slam: 50 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.
[C][C][C][C] Tonguenado: 70x damage. Flip 4 coins. This attack does 70 damage for each heads.
Hoothoot
[C][C] Silent Wing: 20 damage. Your opponent reveals their hand.
Noctowl
[C][C] Talon Hunt: 70 damage. You may search your deck for up to 2 cards and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
Dunsparce
[C] Gnaw: 10 damage.
[C][C] Dig: 30 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to this Pokémon.
Dudunsparce
Ability: Dashing Draw Once during your turn, you may draw 3 cards. If you do, shuffle this Pokémon and all attached cards into your deck.
[C][C][C] Land Crush: 90 damage.
Skitty
[C] Call for Family: Search your deck for a Basic Pokémon and put it onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.
[C][C] Tackle: 20 damage.
Delcatty
[C] Tail Trickery: 30 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused.
[C][C][C] Energy Mixer: 110 damage. You may move any amount of Energy from your Pokémon to your other Pokémon in any way you like.
Chatot
[C] Acapella: Search your deck for up to 3 Basic Pokémon and put them onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.
[C] Gust: 20 damage.
Pidove
Ability: Emergency Evolution Once during your turn, if this Pokémon’s remaining HP is 30 or less, you may search your deck for an Unfezant or Unfezant ex and put it on this Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck.
[C] Gust: 10 damage.
Tranquill
[C] Speed Dive: 20 damage.
[C][C] Jet Wing: 70 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.
Unfezant
[C][C] Reverse Wind: 70 damage. You may put 2 Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon into their hand.
[C][C][C] Boundless Power: 180 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.
Minccino
[C] Beat: 10 damage.
[C][C] Cleaning Up: Discard up to 2 Pokémon Tool cards attached to your opponent’s Pokémon.
Cinccino
[C] Gentle Slap: 30 damage.
[C][C] Special Roll: 70x damage. This attack does 70 damage for each Special Energy card attached to this Pokémon.
Drampa
[C] Gentle Slap: 20 damage.
[C][C][C] Raging Charge: If all of your Benched Pokémon have at least 1 damage counter on them, this attack does 120 more damage.
Iron Jugulis
Ability: Auto Marshal If this Pokémon is in the Active Spot and is damaged by an attack from your opponent’s Pokémon (even if this Pokémon is Knocked Out), put 3 damage counters on the Attacking Pokémon.
This weekend was SEA Nationals at Agora Hobby, and we got to see some familiar faces. Zander and Toni seem to have carved their place into the meta, but Diana came out on top! I love to see how different regions of the world interact with the same card pool, so lets get into it! I’ll be leaving links to the singles for anyone who needs them. I try to pick the cheapest most available versions for each card.
I’ve only been tracking the top three because this is a bit of work, but I’ll suck it up if there is interest in a top five. Just let me know!
If you need any Grand Archive product, like the latest Alchemical Revolution set, get it over at TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you need accessories for your cards like decks, dice, or bags, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:
Material Deck 1 Spirit of Serene Fire 1 Zander, Prepared Scout 1 Zander, Deft Executor 1 Zander, Blinding Steel 1 Chalice of Blood 1 Grand Crusader’s Ring 1 Nullifying Lantern 1 Orb of Choking Fumes 1 Safeguard Amulet 1 Tariff Ring 1 Insignia of the Corhazi 1 Luxera’s Map
Main Deck 4 Dungeon Guide 4 Exorcise Curses 4 Fast Cure 2 Gawain, Chivalrous Thief 4 Juggle Knives 3 Resolute Stand 4 Scry the Skies 2 Serum of Wisdom 2 Stalwart Shieldmate 4 Thieving Cut 3 Vanish from Sight 4 Creative Shock 4 Excalibur, Cleansing Light 4 Gleaming Cut 4 Lightweaver’s Assault 4 Luxem Sight 4 Uncover the Plot
Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Steel Type cards it is bringing to the format. This set has some very cool art, and some cards you’re going to want in your collection. I do have the full list available for anyone interested. If you haven’t done so, make sure you go down to your LGS and get your preorders in. If you can’t find Temporal Forces, you can still preorder product on TCG Player using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories like sleeves or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase. It really helps me out.
If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials
[F][C] Primeval Battering: 30x damage. This attack does 30 damage for each of your Ancient Pokémon in play.
[F][F][C] Shred: 130 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.
Koraidon ex
[C][C] Vengeful Hammer: 20+ damage. This attack does 10 more damage for each damage counter on this Pokémon.
[R][F][F] Kaiser Tackle: 280 damage. This Pokémon does 60 damage to itself.
Miraidon
[C] Accelerating Peak: 40 damage. Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Energy cards and attach them to your Future Pokémon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.
[L][L][P] Sparking Strike: 160 damage.
Miraidon ex
[L][P] Repulsion Bolt: 60+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon already has any damage counters on it, this attack does 100 more damage.
[L][P][C] Cyber Drive: 220 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Cyber Drive.
Raging Bolt ex
[C] Bursting Roar: Discard your hand and draw 6 cards.
[L][F] Climactic Descent: 70x damage. You may discard any amount of Basic Energy from your Pokémon. This attack does 70 damage for each card you discarded in this way.
Temporal Forces hits PTCGL this week on March 22nd, which means we’re getting a new battle pass and two new decks. Get ready for the ladder to be flooded with Raging Bolt and Iron Crown decks.
The ladder is also getting a major revamp, which is fantastic news for those of us who like to climb. A post on the official Pokemon Reddit this week highlighted features from the upcoming update on the 19th. The post reads:
The current system sucks. I don’t even try to do the climb anymore because it isn’t worth it. If you’ve attempted to climb the ladder, you understand my frustration. Currently, you lose and gain 10 points per match depending on the results. Having a decent win rate helps you climb, but sometimes you do everything right but never pull the cards you need. It becomes a soul-crushing grind and I can’t wait to see what comes with the revamp.
Now if you don’t care about rank, but do want to play some pokemon, now is a great time to start. The start of the season will net you two new decks, and historically, these decks are solid, with some even becoming meta. The battlepass also has some nice treats to bling up your decks.
Raging Bolt ex
Pokemon
2 Raging Bolt ex TEF 123
2 Garganacl PAR 104
1 Naclstack PAL 122
3 Nacli PAR 102
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 046
Trainer
4 Arven SVI 166
2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 172
2 Iono PAL 185
2 PokéStop PGO 068
4 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
4 Energy Sticker MEW 159
4 Gutsy Pickaxe ASR 145
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Trekking Shoes ASR 156
3 Rare Candy SVI 191
3 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Switch SVI 194
1 Super Rod PAL 188
2 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule PAR 159
Energy
7 Basic Fighting Energy SVE 006
3 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 004
Iron Crown ex
Pokemon
2 Iron Crown ex TEF 081
4 Iron Thorns TEF 062
4 Iron Valiant TEF 079
3 Miraidon TEF 121
Trainers
4 Ciphermaniac’s Codebreaking TEF 145
4 Professor’s Research (Professor Turo) SVI 190
2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 172
2 Iono PAL 185
4 Electric Generator SVI 170
4 Switch Cart ASR 154
4 Techno Radar PAR 180
2 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Super Rod PAL 188
4 Future Booster Energy Capsule PAR 164
Energy
11 Basic Lightning Energy SVE 004
4 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 005
Reaching Level 50
Reaching level 50 on the Premium Battle Pass gets some very pretty alt arts
Conclusion
If you haven’t done so, start grinding for the Premium Pass because that is worth the grind. If you haven’t preorderd your Temporal Forces product, check with your LGS to see if they have any left. But if that isn’t an option, you can preorder Temporal Forces on TCG Player through my affiliate link!
IF you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
