If you’re looking for a new sci-fi TTRPG for your next campaign, you might want to back Free League Publishing’s newest roleplaying game, Coriolis: The Great Dark, on Kickstarter.
Synopsis
Refugees escaping the horrors of war attempt to settle in the forgotten reaches of the galaxy. Expeditions are led into ruins of ancient civilizations in search of supplies and salvation. Venture through harsh desolate space in grand ships and search for a new beginning. What adventures lie within The Great Dark?
Kickstarter
While Coriolis: The Great Dark to The Third Horizon, this will be a stand-alone game with new and unique rules and mechanics. The Great Dark uses the Year Zero system and will focus on the thrill of adventure and exploration. I like the idea of playing space archeologist. It is an interesting approach to the genre, and knowing Free League’s proven track record, it is bound to be flavorful.
I’ve run a few games that use the Year Zero system and thought it was a great transition from D&D. The system is easy to learn, and it introduces some fun and interesting mechanics. Everything I’ve received from Free League Publishing has been of a high quality with lots of flavor. If you enjoy physical media and like the theme in The Great Dark, this is a safe bet.
If you’re a fan of the original Coriolis, you’re probably already following the campaign. If you’re still on the fence, it doesn’t hurt to follow for the notifications. The campaign goes live on March 19. Backers who pledge on levels with physical rewards will receive a copy of the PDF early and a secret bonus reward.
I’ll probably get a copy for review, so stay tuned for that. Until then, don’t forget to follow the campaign! If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:
The Goiânia Pokémon regionals were this weekend, and we got to see some surprising archetypes show up. While I enjoy playing Lost Box, it is nice to see a list where most of the top decks aren’t running the engine. I know there will be some disappointment in seeing Snorlax Stall on top, but I love seeing how diverse the meta is heading to worlds.
I’ll leave links for the singles, but please be mindful of the upcoming rotation if you’re building decks to compete in official events. After April 5th (March 21st on PTCGL) all regulation “E” cards will be rotating out of the format. That means things like Celebrations Mew, Shinning Arcana Gardavior, and Radiant Greninja will be leaving the format. I’ve left the decks as is for historical purposes.
Always support your LGS, but you can always pick up Pokemon Products like the upcoming Temporal Forces set from TCG Player using my affiliate links. It really helps me out if you do. If you need any accessories like deck boxes or sleeves, pick them up at Gem Tech. Use my discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase.
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Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Electric 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
[L] Random Spark: This attack does 10 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)
Raichu
[L][C] Entangling Bolt: This attack does 50 damage to each other Pokémon in play with any damage counters on it. (Both yours and your opponent’s. Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)
[L][C][C] Electric Ball: 120 damage.
Electabuzz
[L] Chop: 20 damage.
[L][C][C] Electric Punch: 50 damage.
Electivire
[C][C] Short Circuit Knuckle: 40+ damage. If your opponent has any [W] Pokémon in play, this attack does 120 more damage.
[L][L][C][C] Electroslug: 140 damage.
Charjabug
[L][L] Static Shock: 60 damage.
Vikavolt
[L] Mach Bolt: 50 damage.
[L][L] Serial Cannon: 120+ damage. This attack does 80 more damage for each of your Benched Charjabug.
Zeraora
[C] Shocking Knuckle: 20 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.
[L][L][C] Strong Volt: 120 damage. Discard an Energy from this Pokémon.
Yamper
[C] Whimsy Tackle: 20 damage. Flip a coin. If tails, this attack does nothing.
Boltund
[C] Electrifying Dash: 50 damage. Search your deck for up to 2 Basic [L] Energy cards and attach them to your Benched Pokémon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.
Wugtrio ex
[W] Triple Pump: Discard up to 3 Energy cards from your hand. This attack does 60 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon for each Energy card you discarded in this way. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)
[W][W] Stun Hold: 120 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t retreat
Iron Hands
[L][C] Volt Wave: 30 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.
[L][L][C] Super Alloy Hands: 80+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is a Pokémon ex or Pokémon V, this attack does 80 more damage.
Iron Thorns
[L][C] Destropressor: 70x damage. Reveal the top 5 cards of your deck. This attack does 70 damage times for each Future card you find there. Then, discard the revealed Future cards and shuffle the other cards back into your deck.
I was sent a copy of Myth of Empires 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!
Myth of Empires is a beautiful open-world survivor sandbox game out on Steam. It gives players the absolute freedom of a sandbox with the promise of epic PvP battles. Gather your resources, build your base, work together to defend against enemy players, and build the Empire that will dominate them all.
Gameplay
Myth of Empires features massive maps filled with content. Players start the game with a blank character. Slowly, they’ll gather resources, level their character, and build their empire. The game does have a hunger mechanic, but it isn’t as punishing as something like Don’t Starve. The game gives players the freedom to enjoy the content they want by creating PvE and PvP-specific servers. I don’t really like PvP in these kinds of games, and I appreciate it when I have the option to enjoy a chill survival game.
The game offers beginner friendly settings and a tutorial to help ease new players into the game and its mechanics. Unfortunately, there is a bit of griefing that occurs, but that is to be expected with games of this genre. There are options for solo play, but you’ll need to have your own server.
Thoughts
Myth of Empires is a beautiful game. I love all the detail that went into making this game look so good from the way the wind moves the plants to the way the sun creeps over the mountains. I dig the aesthetic of the world from the weapons and armor to the structures. The character creation has a decent amount of options, and the character design is pretty cool. This game is going to make your computer hot, but it’s going to look amazing if it can render everything.
Unfortunately, I found the gameplay disappointing. While I did enjoy the survival aspect of the game like gathering, hunting, and crafting, the combat system in this game needs some work. The swings feel wild and clunky, and the hitboxes are weird. Fights are decided by who can land the first hit, and it is frustrating. I didn’t even try PvP because the system frustrated me so much. Maybe it isn’t so bad in more experienced hands, but Enshrouded does it better.
Another issue I had with the game was the gathering. While it starts as a relaxing experience, the busy environment made it difficult to see what I was gathering. Eventually, I would just run around the map spamming the gather button in the hopes I was picking up materials I needed.
The biggest issue people have with this game is the griefing. I didn’t experience any when I played, but I also tried to pick empty servers to get a feel for the rest of the mechanics. If you do get into this game, bring some friends.
Another issue people will have with this game is the grind. Myth of Empires feels slower and more grindy than other sandbox games I’ve played. I enjoyed it for the first hour, but it started to feel repetitive. Joining a more populated server might remedy this, but I rather be playing Enshrouded.
It’s difficult to recommend this game because while it looks pretty, there are games that do this better. The only reason to get Myth of Empires is for the massive PvP battles it promises, but that doesn’t seem possible at the moment. Maybe it will get there with enough support, but I don’t have the time to wait for that future. If you like the aesthetic, have the friends to back you up, and don’t mind the grind, go for it. Otherwise, you have better options.
You can pick up Myth of Empires on Steam for $49.99.
Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Water 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
[W] Big Bite: 10 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t retreat.
Croconaw
[W] Reverse Thrust: 30 damage. Switch this Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon.
Feraligatr
Ability: Torrential Heart Once during your turn, you may put 5 damage counters on this Pokémon. If you do, attacks used by this Pokémon do 120 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon during this turn (before applying Weakness and Resistance).
[W][W] Giant Wave: 160 damage. This Pokémon can’t use Giant Wave during your next turn.
Carvanha
[C][C] Wave Splash: 30 damage.
Sharpedo
[C][C] Bite Away: 50 damage. Flip 3 coins. For each heads, discard a random card from your opponent’s hand.
[W][C][C] Jet Headbutt: 100 damage.
Keldeo
[W] Rapid Draw: 20 damage. Draw 2 cards.
[W][W][C] Aqua Blade: 110 damage.
Snom
[W] Powder Snow: 10 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Asleep.
Frosmoth
[W][W] Freezing Cold: 100 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t attack.
Wiglett
[W] Lucky Find: Search your deck for an Item card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
[W][W] Aqua Bomb: 40 damage. This Pokémon does 20 damage to itself.
Finizen
[W] Rain Splash: 10 damage.
[W][C][C] Sharp Fin: 50 damage.
Palafin
[W] Vanguard Punch: 130 damage. This Pokémon also does 10 damage to itself for each damage counter on it.
[W][C][C] Double Hit: 90x damage. Flip 2 coins. This attack does 90 damage for each heads.
Walking Wake ex
Ability: Azure Wave Damage from attacks used by this Pokémon isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.
[W][C][C] Cathartic Roar: 120+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is affected by a Special Condition, this attack does 120 more damage.
The Michigan Regionals were this weekend, and we got to see a few familiar faces do their thing. Tonoris seems to be carving his place in the meta while Zander shows his consistency yet again. It is cool to see the small tweaks and shifts in the meta as we get closer to words. I wonder what we’ll end up with?
I went ahead and collected lists for the top three decks, and I’ve left my affiliate links for the singles. Check with your LGS for a local scene and product, or use the Store Locator to find one. The Grand Archive TCG Discord is a fantastic source of news, information, and friendly faces to share the hobby with.
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:
1 Gwendolyn, Spirit of Wind (You can use Spirit of the Wind) 1 Lorraine, Wandering Warrior 1 Tonoris, Lone Mercenary 1 Bulwark Sword 1 Fire Resonance Bauble 1 Grand Crusader’s Ring 1 Life Essence Amulet 1 Nullifying Lantern 1 Safeguard Amulet 1 Sword of Seeking 1 Water Resonance Bauble 1 Wind Resonance Bauble
Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Fire 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
Digimon Con 2024 aired last night, and while there were a few announcements to be excited about, most fans will find it disappointing. Unless you like the toys, music, and pageantry of the event, there isn’t a real reason to sit through the three hours. I like listening to the voice actors about their experiences, watching the concerts, and enjoying the jokes and energy the presenters bring. I’m still sad that I can’t play Digimon on my phone, but there is a bit of news that I am excited for.
I’ll be breaking up the event into the announcements I think are the most exciting, but the VOD is still up on the official YouTube if you want to watch. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials.
I am most excited about the Digimon Liberator news. Serialization for the comic begins on April 25th in English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. I hope the English translation is better than what we got for Seekers.
In celebration of the announcement, we got a new trailer that will leave you hyped. I know it did for me. The song is fantastic, and the art is amazing. I just hope there is enough interest in the comic for an anime. I am not alone when I say an anime series about the Digimon card game would be amazing.
We did get a prologue to set up the series, but the site seems to be down as of writing this. I’ll leave the link in case it gets fixed. I recommend you check it out, it’s got a great style.
Synopsis
The Digimon Card Game has become engraved in the world’s shared cultural zeitgeist. People from around the world tune in to watch the behemoths of the game duke it out on the tabletop. But the world of Digimon TCG as we know it is about to change forever
After a year-long beta, Lucana has been released to the public, taking the Digimon Card game into the metaverse. In celebration of its release, the next World Championship will be held on the platform. Players from around the world can now log into Lucana and compete for a spot at the top. But Lucana has a dark secret that will bring the world into chaos. Who will come out on top? What secrets will be uncovered? You’re going to have to read to find out.
New Characters
We got more character art and digivolutions, and I am a huge fan of the design. I am a huge fan of the Chaperomon and Cendrillmon. I love the design, but the flavor is just so good!
New Product
The comic was created to sell Digimon cards, and to no one’s surprise, we’re getting Digimon Liberator product! We are getting:
2 New starter Decks (ST-18 & ST-19) with unique full art alt cards
A Theme Booster Set – Digimon Liberator (EX07)
Official Sleeves
I am a huge fan of the alt arts and can’t wait to see what the set will bring to the hobby.
I was sent a physical copy of the Alien the roleplaying game core book for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I’ll be honest with my impressions. I haven’t had a chance to run a campaign in the system yet, but I have read through the book and have some thoughts.
If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:
Alien RPG takes players into the unforgiving vacuum of space as humanity makes its feeble attempt at conquering the universe. You and your crew have been brought together by the siren’s call of necessity. Whether you’re on this ship for money, knowledge, or fame, you are all insignificant against the vastness of the universe.
You are not alone, and the unknown is full of danger. Xenomorphs hunt you from the shadows, marauders chase after your cargo, or you can find yourself on the wrong side of a mutiny. To make matters worse, your resources are limited. While you are busy watching your back and doing your job, you must also manage your resources. Survival will take its toll, and as brave and tough as you may be, the stress will wear on you.
Alien RPG is a bleak and dark tale of survival and horror. There is no winning, you’re just trying to stay alive long enough to cash your paycheck. Do you have what it takes?
Gameplay
Alien RPG is a D6 system. Players roll a number of dice based on their stats and stress levels and succeed on every six they roll. You only need one 6 to succeed, but rolling additional 6s allows players to perform stunts. Stunts are helpful bonuses specific to the skill a player is rolling against. For example, a stunt when fighting could mean extra damage or let you help a teammate succeed in their role.
On the reverse side, failing can leave a player stressed. Stress that builds up leads to adverse effects that affect gameplay. You can waste your bullets and empty your clip or even go on a rampage and start killing your crewmates. Add all the rolls you need for survival, and you have a very unforgiving adventure, as you should expect from a game in the Alien universe.
Combat uses a simple D6 system with a few factors to affect the outcome, such as cover, enemy size, and aim. The panic, stress, stealth, and resource mechanics are what give combat its complexity. Do you have enough ammo to kill a Xenomorph? Do you have enough nerve to stay and fight? Is it even worth fighting?
In the end, Alien RPG is a game of survival, and its unique mechanics attempt to capture that spirit.
Thoughts
If you like physical media, the Core Rulebook is a solid purchase. You get a nice hardcover book with beautifully printed pages. The physical copy of the rulebook also gets you a copy of the PDF at no extra charge. I have both versions and while I like the convenience of the pdf, nothing beats that new book smell. I spent a lot of time just flipping through the pages and admiring all the beautiful illustrations.
If you are a fan of the Alien franchise, you’re going to love the amount of flavor that is put into this book. You’ll enjoy the carefully crafted sci-fi aesthetic, the carefully selected quotes and references, and the unique lore that fills its pages. I loved the lore and reading about all the factions, worlds, and aliens so much that I’m planning a deeper dive into the universe after this review. I’m already working on a list of books and movies.
The game itself seems like a solid RPG experience. The mechanics are simple to learn and seem to leave enough room for RP and drama. The book also includes enough lore, items, and monsters to fill a campaign. If you need a little extra help, the game also has tables for encounters, events, maps you can reference, and even a couple of quests you can use for one shot. If you’re thinking of running the game, the core rule book is a solid resource for any GM.
What I appreciate the most about this system is its flavor. As small as it may seem, I love that GM in Alien RPG is short for Game Mother. Aliens have a queen, and this game has one too and I love it! The rest of the game is filled with this bleak and almost hopeless adventure that can easily end from a bad roll, and I am here for it.
I am very impressed with how the survival mechanics work in this game. I love the stress of having to survive a situation where everything seems stacked against the players. It is a lot different than the fantasy we are used to at my table, so it may take some getting used to, but I think they can come around.
It’ll be a while before I run a campaign of Alien RPG, but we will get around to it eventually. I am getting ready to run The One Ringfor my group because even though I have read through my physical copy of the Alien RPG core rulebook, my friend wants to play Legolas and I got outvoted. Stay tuned for that.
If you’re looking for a new RPG that is dark, gritty, and full of danger, consider the Alien Roleplaying Game. You can pick up a copy of the core rulebook on the official Free League Publishing website ($54.21) or Amazon ($42.30) if you need it a little faster.
Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Grass 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][C] Slashing Strike: 60 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Slashing Strike.
Pineco
[C][C][C] Ram: 50 damage.
Seedot
[G] Rigidify: During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
[C][C] Low Kick: 20 damage.
Nuzleaf
[G] Corkscrew Punch: 20
[C][C] Continuous Slap: 30x damage. Flip 3 coins. This attack does 30 damage for each heads.
Shiftry
[G] Expulsive Tornado: Choose 3 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. Your opponent shuffles any others, and all cards attached to them, into their deck.
[C][C] Energy Loop: 140 damage. Put an Energy attached to this Pokémon into your hand.
Shroomish
[C] Double Headbutt: 10x damage. Flip 2 coins. This attack does 10 damage for each heads.
[G][C] Seed Bomb: 20 damage.
Breloom
[C] Punch: 30 damage.
[G][C] Knuckle Impact: 120 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.
Roselia
Ability: Poison Point If this Pokémon is your Active Pokémon and is damaged by an opponent’s attack (even if this Pokémon is Knocked Out), the Attacking Pokémon is now Poisoned.
[C] Leaf Step: 10 damage.
Roserade
Ability: Poison Point If this Pokémon is your Active Pokémon and is damaged by an opponent’s attack (even if this Pokémon is Knocked Out), the Attacking Pokémon is now Poisoned.
[C][C] Bind Down: 70 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t retreat.
Turtwig
Ability: Solid Shell This Pokémon takes 20 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
[G][C][C] Leafage: 30 damage.
Grotle
[G] Cut: 20 damage.
[G][C][C] Ramming Shell: 50 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes 20 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
Torterra
[G] Forest March: 30x damage. This attack does 30 damage for each [G] Pokémon you have in play.
[G][C][C] Jungle Hammer: 150 damage. Heal 50 damage from this Pokémon.
Shaymin
[G] Pinpoint Dive: This attack does 60 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon ex or Benched Pokémon V. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)
[C][C] Rear Kick: 50 damage.
Cottonee
[G} Triple Spin: 10x damage. Flip 3 coins. This attack does 10 damage for each heads.
Whimsicott
Ability: Uplifting Heal When you play this Pokémon from your hand to evolve 1 of your Pokémon during your turn, you may heal all damage from your Active [G] Pokémon. If you do, discard all Energy from that Pokémon.
[G] Seed Bomb: 40 damage.
Deerling
[C] Flop: 10 damage.
[G][C][C] Autumn Tackle: 40 damage. Discard a [G] Energy from this Pokémon.
Sawsbuck
Ability: Seasonal Change Once during your turn, you may search your deck for a Stadium card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
[G][C][C] Superpowered Horns: 110 damage.
Grubbin
[C] Flock: Search your deck for up to 2 Grubbin and put them onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.
[C][C] Vise Grip: 10 damage.
Dhelmise
[C][C] Spinning Attack: 30 damage.
[G][G][C] Steel Anchor: 80+ damage. If you have any Benched [M] Pokémon, this attack does 80 more damage.
Bramblin
[C][C] Spike Sting: 30 damage
Brambleghast
Ability: Weedy Resilience For each Prize card your opponent has taken, this Pokémon gets +50 HP.
[G][C][C] Powerful Needles: 80x damage. Flip a coin for each Energy attached to this Pokémon. This attack does 80 damage for each heads.
Rellor
[C] Slight Intrusion: 30 damage. This Pokémon also does 10 damage to itself.
Rabsca
Ability: Spherical Shield Prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to your Benched Pokémon by attacks from your opponent’s Pokémon.
[G] Psychic: 10+ damage. This attack does 30 more damage for each Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon.
Iron Leaves ex
Ability: Rapid Vernier Once during your turn, when you play this Pokémon from your hand onto your Bench, you may switch this Pokémon with your Active Pokémon. If you do, you may move any number of Energy from your Benched Pokémon to this Pokémon.
[G][G][C] Prismatic Edge: 180 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.
