Tag Archives: blogger

Lose all Sense of Time With Deceptively Addicting STARNAUT

May 9, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I was sent a free copy of STARNAUT 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 these reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials.

What is STARNAUT

STARNAUT is a unique action roguelike out now on Steam early access. Starnaut travels the multiverse in search of Omega rockets full of memories in the hopes of resurrecting a dead earth. Before their demise, the people of Earth sent off rockets full of their memories in hopes they would find salvation. How many memories can you collect? Will you be Earth’s salvation?

Gameplay

Take control of a STARNAUT you upgrade as you fight off endless waves of enemies, explore trippy environments, and collect Omega ships. The game starts slow as the player fights off manageable waves of enemies. Weapons in this game auto-attack. You can punch and shoot enemies, but I prefer playing it like your typical top-down bullet hell. The longer you play a level, the harder it becomes. Plan accordingly!

Players earn coins by killing enemies or breaking gotcha pon capsules and use these coins to buy powerups. The powerups matter, so buy carefully. I never felt like I needed a guide, but the game rewards careful planning. By the time you get to the end of a level, or die, its going to be longer than you expected.

Impressions

I almost gave up on STARNAUT, but I am glad I didn’t. STARNAUT has a very slow start, but I urge people to power through. Once this game gets going, it’s hard to put it down. I lost all sense of time as I theorized my build and fought like hell to stay alive.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the artwork going into this game. The game feels like a random collection of assets swarming toward your little Starnaut, but it slowly grew on me. The rough mismatched aesthetic gives the game its charm and flavor. By the end of my session, the chaos, the music, and the action all came together into a beautiful experience I couldn’t put down. STARNAUT is a good time worth every penny. If you’re looking for a game that isn’t a huge commitment but will challenge you, get STARNAUT. I know it is still in early access, but the game needs more love and support.

You can pick up your copy of STARNAUT on Steam for only $7.99.

gaming news

Now is the Time to Jump Back into Destiny 2

May 8, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The Final Shape expansion hits Destiny 2 on June 4th. In preparation, Bungie has made a few of their older expansions free for everyone. Now is the perfect time to jump into Destiny if you’re missing key weapons like Parasite (The Witch Queen), Lament (Beyond Lignt), and anything else you missed out on.

From now until June 3rd, console players can enjoy some of the older expansions including Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and the Witch Queen. Steam players will gain access on May 21st. All Guardians also get access to past seasons including Season of Defiance, Deep, Witch, and Wish. If you have never played Destiny, or haven’t played it in a while, now is the perfect time.

I was sent a free copy of The Final Shape and will be doing my best to catch up for its release. Bungie does a decent job at getting new players caught up to the new content, but there is a bit of stuff I still need to grind for. If you end up liking any of the expansions available, I would wait for a sale. The expansions go on sale regularly for pretty cheap.

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Board Games and TCGs

I Found the Pathfinder 2E GM Core Book Impressive

May 8, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I am excited to announce that I recently started a partnership with Paizo, the creators of Pathfinder and Starfinder. I’ll be covering both games moving forward and will start with the GM Core book.

Please note that I was sent free copies of a few of the rulebooks. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity, but I won’t let it sway any of my opinions. I am still running The One Ring, so I haven’t gotten to running a session of Pathfinder. I have read the book, and these are my honest impressions.

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What is Pathfinder?

To put it simply, Pathfinder is the version of Dungeons and Dragons you play when you need something more technical. The amount of rules and details loaded in this book can seem overwhelming to the casual TTRPG enthusiast, but it does fit in its niche nicely. If you’re looking for an alternative to D&D, Pathfinder is a solid option. The game is familiar enough for an easy transition but with its unique vibe. This is a fantasy TTRPG that gives GMs everything they need to run their own campaigns, but there is quite a bit of prewritten content for those who need the help.

Impressions

I’ve read through a few different rulebooks, and the Pathfinder GM Core for 2nd Edition is by far the most detailed. This book goes into great detail on how to properly run every single mechanic of this game with tables, charts, and beautiful illustrations. This almost 400 book may seem daunting, especially to new GMs, but you aren’t reading this book cover to cover, and you aren’t going to use all the rules. This is a terrific reference, and you always have the freedom to run Pathfinder in the way that best fits your table. The book gives alternative rules so that you can run your game as casual or hardcore as you want.

What I loved most about the book is how it dedicates its first few chapters to onboarding new GMs to roleplaying games. I know most experienced GMs will skip through this section because it feels like common knowledge, but there is some good advice that translates beautifully into other RPGs.

Pathfinder seems like a solid fantasy RPG with an incredible amount of content. If you’re thinking of running this system, the GM Core has absolutely everything you need to run a successful campaign. It’s going to seem like a lot, especially for the more casual players, but it’s not that bad. Most of the book is spent on item and monster starts, charts, and ideas for settings, encounters, and plot hooks. Pathfinder is the game you get when you want everything spelled out, just in case you need it.

You can pick up your copy of the Pathfinder GM Core 2E hardcover off Amazon for $59.99 (Currently $44.70) using my affiliate link. If you don’t care about physical media, or want the ability to search, you can pick up the PDF on the official Paizo website.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Mercurial Heart Spoiler 5/7/24

May 7, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

We’ve gotten a few more updates since my last post, so I thought I’d do a quick update with the fresh new batch of spoilers. Mercurial Heart releases on May 17, and it is looking like an amazing set, at least from a collector’s perspective. Make sure you put in your preorders at your LGS , and don’t forget to tune into Worlds Vagas this weekend May 10-12 for some cool competitive action and more Mercurial Heart spoilers.

May 17 is also TCG Player’s May MAYhem celebration. Buying product off the site during the celebration earns you Store credit for a future purchase. If you’re going to load up on Grand Archive product, it might be a good idea to hold off till then. The amount you can earn hasn’t been announced yet, so stay tuned.

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video game reviews

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Isn’t as Bad as People Say

May 7, 2024 josechurape 3 Comments

I was sent a free copy of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes 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!

What is Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a unique JRPG out now for PlayStation, Switch, Xbox, and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and GoG. The discovery of magical objects known as “rune-lenses” has shaped the history of Allraan. The Galdean Empire has discovered a way to amplify these objects and seeks more in its quest for complete domination. As a young adventurer, Nowa has been called to aid in these efforts, but what he uncovers will change everything.

Gameplay

Eiyuden features a turn-based system familiar to the traditional genre. Character can charge up their “rune-lenses” by performing basic attacks, and using mana to cast special abilities. The game includes an auto-battle feature that makes the grind almost non-existent. The auto-battle is pretty solid, but I never tried using it for the boss fights.

Boss fights were creative and had additional mechanics that brought new life to some of the monotony that comes with the JRPG grind. This game isn’t as grindy as some, but you aren’t going to want to actively fight every encounter. Boss fights will have special conditions or mechanics that players will have to be mindful of. They will need to be wary of certain animations to perform other actions like taking cover. This makes the game feel a bit more tactical, but you can always over-level if you get stuck. Ultimately, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a classic feeling JRPG with enough modern flare to keep things interesting.

Impressions

I enjoyed playing Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. It has a decent story, beautiful art, and solid gameplay. Most of the hate around the game seems to be coming from fans of Suikoden who feel like it is an inferior version. I don’t have that frame of reference, but it is something to keep in mind. As a filthy casual who enjoys JRPGs, I thought it was fine. It isn’t genre-defining by any means, but you’ll get your money’s worth.

I am a huge fan of the artwork. This game is so pretty, and the attack animations are fun to watch. The story isn’t anything to rush to, but the voice acting is really good so I found it enjoyable.

I believe it to be a solid JRPG and if you have no other point of reference, it is a fantastic place to start. Everything is tame and self-contained, and there are a lot of heroes to choose from for a truly unique experience. You may not get the memorable experience you would from other titles, but it is a solid and fun title to throw on when you’re searching for something new to play. I recommend it, just don’t expect it to be a successor to Suikoden.

You can pick up Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes on PlayStation, Switch, Xbox, and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and GoG for $49.99.

Weiss Schwarz

Weiss Schwarz: Saekano the Movie: Finale Card List is Live

May 6, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The Saekano the Movie: Finale set is out for Weiss Schwarz and it is a cute looking set, especially if you’re a fan of the anime. Weiss Schwarz has a ton of cool IP’s to collect. Always check with your LGS for product, but you can always pick up the Saekano the Movie: Finale or any other Weiss Schwarz set from TCG Player through my affiliate links.

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video game reviews

Sucker for Love: A Date to Die For is a Quirky Horror Visual Novel

May 4, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I was sent a free copy of Sucker for Love: A Date to Die For to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions of the game. 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! I’ll be opening some Wixoss on my TikTok and YouTube.

What is Sucker for Love: A Date to Die For

Sucker for Love: A Date to Die For is a horror visual novel out now on Steam.

A mysterious note brings you back to your hometown of Sacramencho. Your parents have gone missing, but it seems like they aren’t the only ones. A demonic presence has taken root in your childhood home, and it is up to you to uproot them. But this won’t be an easy task. Demonic creatures and a misguided cult hunt you down. Can you survive the horrors of the Black Woods long enough to reverse the curse? Will you find love in the process? You’ll have to play to find out.

Gameplay

A Date to Die For is a horror visual novel with some light dungeon-crawling elements. While the trailer may suggest this game is a dating sim, it isn’t. The game is a horror story with some flirty tones, but not a lust-filled story about demon girls it appears to be.

The game is split into story and exploration. There are different stories, each with a true ending, and choices matter somewhat. The stories have a solid cast of voice actors, and the stories are all entertaining. The story deals with topics of human sacrifice, murder, and demons. This is your official content warning.

Exploration has players crawl through this decrepit house in a retro-style dungeon crawler. Players click through this creepy 3D space in search of materials to perform rituals and avoid danger. Once a player collects the right materials and meets the correct circumstances, rituals are cast by dragging the mouse. If a player dies, they’ll have to restart from the last checkpoint, but the checkpoints are pretty generous. You can even go back to try for a different ending at any point.

Impressions

I enjoyed A Date to Die For, but I understand it isn’t for everyone. I think the tones, themes, and art will scare off some folks, but it is a solid horror game with a decent story if you can get past the waifu art.

What this game excels at is creating a creepy atmosphere. The music, the sounds, the map design, and the jump scares all come together to create a very cool horror environment. I never felt like I needed to play with the lights on, but it did make me jump a few times.

The story is pretty good. It is quirky, dark, and a lot of fun with some interesting twists. A Date to Die For is a sequel, but it exists as a stand-alone story. I didn’t feel lost by the events or feel it necessary to play the first game. People who have played the first game might not like it as much, but I don’t have that point of reference and can’t compare the experiences.

Sucker for Love: A Date to Die For is a great visual novel. It has a solid cast of voice actors, cool art, and a fantastic creepy retro vibe. If you can get past the waifu art, it isn’t as shameless as it seems. Aside from some of the main characters, the game is pretty tame. This isn’t a dating sim. If you are looking for a quirky horror story about cultists and demons, A Date to Die For is what you’re looking for.

You can pick up Sucker for Love: A Date to Die For on Steam for $12.99. There is also a demo you can try if you don’t believe me.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Mercurial Heart Design Notes are Live!

May 3, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Mercurial Heart releases on May 17th. The set brings support to all classes and will feature the advanced elements: astra, neos, and umbra. May 17th will also be the launch of the Re:Collection decks for Silvie and Tristan. These decks aim to bring new life to older champions, which I am sure long time fans are hyped for. Make sure you check out the full design notes for more details.

May 17th is also TCG Player’s May Mayhem celebration. Buying product from TCG Player will earn you store credit for your next purchase, so I would hold onto your big purchases till then. The amount of store credit you can earn hasn’t been announced yet, so stay tuned to learn more.

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Silvie Re:Collection, Slime Sovereign

Silvie is getting her much needed upgrade in her very own Re:Collection deck. She will have access to all elements of slime, and the slimes are so cute!

Slimes

Advanced Elements

Food!

Tristan Re:Collection, Shadowdancer

Tristan fans will rejoice to see a whole new way to play Tristan. The deck will not only introduce cool new Tristan art, but it also introduce the new Agility keyword. If you gain agility, you will return an amount of cards back from your memory to your hand at the beginning of that turn’s end phase. This deck is about to cook up some spicy strategies, especially with those Phantasia allies!

Ominous Shadows

Preparation

Umbra

More Mercurial Hearts

Imbue

Imbue is a neat new way to summon coming to Mercurial Hearts. From the design notes:

By reserving the cards needed to play a card with the imbue keyword revealed, you gain additional effects as long as the elements of all the cards revealed and the card activated match! (Revealed cards are hidden again after costs are paid.)

Note: These cards are revealed as you reserve them into your memory, thus don’t enter the state of being hidden and revealed. So “whenever you reveal this card from your memory” triggers do not work with Imbue. Imbue rewards deckbuilding by choosing to include more cards of the same element to gain bonus effects.

Powercells and Automatons

Fire

Water

Wind

Advanced Elements

Shinys!

digimon tcg

Digimon TCG: Beginning Observer Set List So far

May 3, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Beginning Observer hits stores on May 24th, which means its time to get excited and look at all the spoilers released so far. There are ton of very cute cards in this set, and some cards from the Digimon Seekers web novel. While the official release was a bit disappointing, it wasn’t so bad once I fixed it up a bit. Regardless if you read the novel, there are some cards in this set you’re going to want in your collection.

TCG Player is having their May’s Mayhem celebration on May 17 where players can earn store credit on singles, booster boxes, and everything else TCG. If you’re planning on placing your preorder for Beggining Observer, I would wait till the 17th. The amount you can earn hasn’t been announced yet, stay tuned to learn more.

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Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Fresh Batch of Mercurial Heart Spoilers – 5/2

May 2, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Mercurial Heart releases on May 17, so make sure you put in your preorders. Since we’re officially in spoiler season, here are a few more since my last update. This is a very good looking set and I can’t wait to see what else Weebs of the Shore have in store.

May 17th is also May’s Mayhem celebration on TCG Player. People buying Grand Archive, or any other TCG product on May 17 from 9 AM ET – 11 PM ET will earn store credit on their purchase. This will be a great time to load up on anything you might be missing for your collection. A percent hasn’t been announced yet, stay tuned to learn more.

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