Tag Archives: card game

Played my First Game of Lorcana on Pixelborn it was Awesome

April 17, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I finally got around to playing Lorcana, and I am a fan. The game is easy to learn, and you can play online through the third-party Pixelborn app for free with a minimal amount of tinkering.

How to Play Lorcana

The best way to learn Lorcana is by playing, but Dicebreakers has a fantastic tutorial on their YouTube if you need help getting started. I recommend setting up Pixelborn so you can try out the game for free to see if you like it, but starting with your favorite starter deck is a valid option.

Gameplay

The gameplay is pretty casual TCG. All the actions happen on a player’s turn, so you don’t have to worry about things like counterspells. The main trick to this game is managing resources. You need to be aware of what cards you throw in your ink well, when to challenge other characters, and when to send characters on quests. Keywords add some complexity to this loop, but Lorcana never felt like it was an overwhelming ammount of moving parts. At least based on the games I played with a friend who was also playing for the first time.

How to Play Lorcana for Free

There are three ways to play Lorcana online for free: Tabletop Simulator, untap.in, and Pixelborn.

Tabletop Simulator

Tabletop Simulator is a fantastic piece of software, especially if you enjoy playing board games and trading card games. Indie trading card games always typically have official TTS modules and a vibrant community around them. The issue with TTS is that you have to buy the software ($30), but the modules are free. Another issue with the TTS is that it is a little clunky. Once you get used to the software, you don’t notice it, but it is there. Lastly, you have to be a bit more active with your matchmaking. You either find the discord to find people to play with, have friends who also have TTS who are down to play, find a room playing Lorcana, or make your own and wait for someone to join. It’s not an impossible task, but it is a little inconvenient compared to Pixelborn. That said, Tabletop Simulator is a fantastic option, especially if you’re interested in other board games. This is the Lorcana Module I used.

Untap.in

Untap.in is a browser-based solution for Lorcana and other popular TCGs. If you don’t have the hardware to run TTS or want something more simple, untap.in is a fantastic solution. The problem with untap is that you either have to have friends who play, find a lobby hosting a game, or look for a game on Reddit. It’s not impossible, but again, lacks convenience. But if you want to jump between other TCGs for free, it’s a great and simple tool that doesn’t take too many resources.

Pixelborn

Pixelborn is my favorite way to play Lorcana. It does take a bit of tinkering to get it to work, but it isn’t a complicated process. There is a fantastic tutorial on this fansite to get you started. Pixelborn looks great, runs well, and has a lot of phases and mechanics programmed to make learning easy. Best of all Pixelborn has integrated matchmaking. It can take some time to find a match depending on when you get on, but it should get easier if the game gets more popular. There are ranked and casual ladders, and tournaments as well. If you want the easiest, freest way to get into Lorcana, play it on Pixelborn.

How to Install Pixelborn

There are instructions on the official Pixelborn Discord on how to install the program. I’d join the Discord to meet other folks who also love the game, and to be on top of the news. This fan page has a great tutorial and all the links you need to get you started.

Impressions

I enjoyed Lorcana. I’ve always been a fan of the art, but I enjoyed the mechanics of the game. Now that I have a friend to play with, I will be playing it more regularly. I never get to see this friend, so its nice to have something we can share. If you’re looking for a casual game that is easy to learn and teach, Lorcana is a fantastic place to start.

Other TCGs

Getting Fit With TCGs: The Beggining

April 15, 2024 josechurape 1 Comment

I got a couple of packs of Meta Zoo when I was thinking about collecting it. The next day, the game died. I was left with a couple of packs for a TCG that didn’t exist anymore. I decided to do pack openings on my YouTube after every workout as a way to reward myself and keep myself accountable. That tune changed quickly when I opened my first-ever pack of Meta Zoo, and the cards were warped. I know I could have probably gotten boxes or even cases of Meta Zoo for cheap after its death, but seeing the cards in person left too much to be desired.

I got a box of Akora instead because I found a box of Spellbound Wings 1st Edition for cheap. I ended up liking the cards, learned how to play, and the cards aren’t warped! I’ll be continuing the series but will be breaking into different games for variety. It all depends on what’s affordable at the time of resupply. So far, it’s been a very cool experiment and one that has helped me get into a consistent workout routine.

Exercising has been a tricky endeavor for me because I got lazy and unmotivated. I’ve tried over the years to pick up a routine, but nothing ever stuck. I am currently 48 days into this experiment, and I am starting to notice the impact. I haven’t lost much weight, but I do notice a change in my motivation and physical health.

Opening packs was a solid motivating reward. Whenever the bike ride got too tricky, or I didn’t want to go to the gym, the desire to open that next pack helped get me off the couch. I started recording the series on YouTube not to go viral or make money, but as a way to keep me accountable. It was a way of documenting my journey, and the idea of other people being able to see the posts made it more real. If I didn’t go out and post a pack opening, people would see I was being lazy and I didn’t want that.

Not losing weight is a bit discouraging, but I understand that it is my fault. I still eat like garbage and that is something I need to work on. It’s scary to think that even though I am more active, I eat too much and cancel it out. At least I am not gaining weight.

I have noticed that my physical health has gotten better. When I first started this project, a 30-minute workout would leave me dead for the rest of the day. Now I can function and go about my day. I still get an early crash towards the early parts of the evening, but that window keeps getting bigger. On bike rides, I feel like I can go faster and farther, but it never gets easier. The hills still kill me, and I still get home winded, but that distance is slowly climbing. At the gym, I can go longer on machines that would destroy me and lift more weight. I am also getting comfortable working out in front of people which was a huge deterrent in the beginning. It is awesome to see muscle start peaking from the fat. I’ve got ways to go, but this has been something that has helped me get active, and stay motivated.

I am not here to be a health guru or be a doctor, I am just speaking on my specific experience. I’m not going to run any marathons or have a life-changing transformation, it’s just nice to be able to live my life a little less winded.

For me, the motivation of opening a pack of some random trading card game was enough to get me off the couch. Those moments of reflection, even brief sentences of how my workout felt are even more crucial. Even if no one reads them, it helps me see my progress and keep myself accountable. I don’t know if I will do any updates on my progress here, but I thought I would share in case someone needed to read it.

If you enjoy my content, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. You can also buy your TCG products at TCG Player through my affiliate links. Don’t forget to follow the socials:

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive – Get your Tickets now for Ascent Taipei

April 13, 2024 josechurape 1 Comment

Grand Archive Ascent is returning home to Taipei for what promises to be a fantastic weekend for fans of the competitive TCG June 8th – 9th. Players participating in Ascent Taipei will have a chance at $3000 and exclusive promos. Check the official announcement for all the prizing details. Tickets are on sale now, so make sure you get yours today!

Gwednolyn, Spirit of the Wind

The top players will receive the beautiful promo Gwendolyn, Spirit of the Wind, which you can use instead of Spirit of the Wind.

Top 32 Promo: Excorsize Curses

Everyone who makes it to day 2 will receive the beautiful Excorcise Curses promo with the Ascent Taipei stamp. Not only is this a very usable card, it is going to look fantastic in your deck or collection.

Entry Promo: Fireworks Display

Participating in the event will earn you the Fireworks Display promo, and it looks so cool!

Other Activities

Ascent Taipei isn’t just for players on their grind for worlds. There will also be drafts, casual events, and vendors for all types of fans of Grand Archive to enjoy. There will also be the special Ascent store that will have exclusive official Grand Archive merch like Playmats, uncut sheets, and other TCG accessories (some of which you can only get at these events). Most importantly, the developers will announce their roadmap for the rest of the year. I am very excited to see what else this game has in store. If you haven’t done so, get your tickets today!

If you enjoy these update, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials! I am currently doing pack openings of Battle Spirits Saga on my YouTube and TikTok.

Other TCGs

Akora TCG: More World Beyond Spoilers and 420 Tournament!

April 10, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I started following Akora TCG after opening a few packs of Spellbound Wings for pack openings I did on my YouTube and TikTok. I fell in love with the cozy feel of the artwork, and the game mechanics have some solid flavor. Well, there’s been a bit of news since my last update, so let me consolidate it all for visibility. This game deserves some attention, and the community is friendly and ready for new members.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. If you want to buy some Akora, get it over at TCG Player with my affiliate links. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Upcoming Casual Tournament

Those wanting to jump into their first game of Akora won’t have to go far, assuming you have access to Discord and Tabletop Simulator. Jaxonation will be hosting a low-stakes tournament on April 20 in anticipation of the upcoming World Set. If you want to get a feel of the competitive scene, it is worth signing up. Slots are still available so spread the word and sign up today! First place gets you a full art from the Spellbound Wings set.

Don’t be intimidated, the discord seems to be full of chill and welcoming folks trying to enjoy a game that they love. If you need practice beforehand, I’m sure you can find someone who will be willing to walk you through the mechanics if you ask around.

Spoilers

The art for this game is cute, but the promos and full arts are amazing! I’m very excited to see what else will be in the upcoming set, but for now, lets enjoy the teasers!

Product

Pokemon TCG

Pokemon TCG: Top 3 Meta Decks Post Rotation – EUIC

April 9, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

EUIC was this weekend and it was the first big tournament post-rotation. While some of you won’t be happy with Charizard on top, it’s nice to see a tournament not dominated by Lost Box. There was a pretty healthy spread of archetypes, which is a great sign for a healthy meta. It is really cool to see the new meta take shape as we head to worlds. Cleffa presented itself as a useful piece of utility, and Buddy-Buddy Poffin has cemented itself as a solid staple.

I collected the top three deck lists and will leave links to to the singles for those who want them. It isn’t an unsurprising batch, but the new archetypes are off to a strong start. It looks like we’re in for an interesting season.

If you need to pick up any Pokemon as the new Temporal Forces set, pick it up at TCG Player through my affiliate link. If you enjoy these updates, leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials! I am currently doing pack openings of Battle Spirits Saga on my TikTok and YouTube.

1. Charizard – Tord Reklev

Pokémon: 20
4 Charmeleon OBF 27
1 Charmander PAF 7
3 Charizard ex OBF 125
2 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Radiant Charizard CRZ 20
1 Bidoof CRZ 111
1 Bibarel BRS 121
1 Rotom V CRZ 45
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Cleffa OBF 80
1 Manaphy BRS 41
1 Jirachi PAR 126

Trainer: 34
3 Arven OBF 186
3 Iono PAL 185
2 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
2 Professor Turo’s Scenario PAR 171
1 Roxanne ASR 150
1 Team Yell’s Cheer BRS 149
4 Rare Candy SVI 191
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Nest Ball SVI 181
1 Counter Catcher PAR
1 Prime Catcher TEF 157
1 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Choice Belt PAL 176
1 Defiance Band SVI 169
1 Collapsed Stadium BRS 137

Energy: 6
6 Fire Energy 2

2. Lost Tina – Isaiah Bradner

Pokémon: 19
4 Comfey LOR 79
3 Giratina V LOR 130
3 Giratina VSTAR LOR 131
2 Shuppet SVI 87
1 Banette ex SVI 88
1 Banette LOR 73
1 Sableye LOR 70
1 Cramorant LOR 50
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
1 Manaphy BRS 41
1 Iron Leaves ex TEF 25

Trainer: 28
4 Colress’s Experiment LOR 155
1 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
1 Roxanne ASR 150
4 Mirage Gate LOR 163
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
3 Switch SVI 194
2 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Ultra Ball SVI 196
1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1Prime Catcher TEF 157
1 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Temple of Sinnoh ASR 155
1 Artazon PAL 171

Energy: 13
5 Psychic Energy 5
4 Grass Energy 1
4 Jet Energy PAL 190

3. Pidgeot Control – Alessandro Cremascoli

Pokémon: 13
2 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Radiant Charizard CRZ 20
1 Chi-Yu ex PAL 40
1 Noibat PAF 68
1 Noivern ex PAF 69
1 Bouffalant LOR 148
1 Rotom V CRZ 45
1 Luxray V ASR 50
1 Mimikyu PAL 97
1 Mawile LOR 71

Energy: 5
2 Fire Energy 2
2 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
1 Mist Energy TEF 161

Grand Archive TCG

All the Mercurial Heart Spoiler Art so far – Grand Archive TCG

April 5, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

There have been more spoilers since this post: Check the latest round of spoilers

As we gear up for Grand Archive’s Worlds on May 10th – 11th, I’ve gathered a few spoilers to get us excited for both the event in Vagas and the upcoming set, Mercurial Heart. The set releases on May 17 which means we’re getting close to spoiler season! There will be an exclusive Pre-Release event at Worlds. Make sure you sign up if you’re attending!

I’ll be including all the spoilers to have so far to have them all in one convenient place. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. If you need any Grand Archive, like the latest Alchemical Revolution set, get it over at TCG Player through my affiliate link. Don’t forget to follow the socials! I started cracking packs of Battle Spirits Saga on my YouTube and TikTok.

Words’ Prize Card

Winners of worlds will receive this unique Apotheosis Rite. This card is beautiful, and it makes me wish I could make it to locals. Good luck to everyone competing, I am extremely jealous.

Artwork

Product

I don’t care too much about deck boxes, but Tristan Dragon Shield stuff looks amazing!

digimon tcg

Top 3 Digimon Meta Decks: Sydney Regionals March 2024

April 4, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Sidney just had their online regionals this weekend, and I’ll jump in on the top four decks that dominated the format. Always support your LGS, but I’ll leave TCG Player affiliate links to the singles for those who need them.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials.

1. Four Sovereigns Deck

2. Green Rapidmon Deck

3. Four Sovereigns Deck

Other TCGs

Explore Into the Inklands Card List: Lorcana TCG

April 2, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Into the Inklands is already in stores, and man is this a beautiful fan. I am a huge fan of all the Treasure Planet and Atlantis cards, but there is a lot that is going to look amazing in the binder. The secret rares in this set are beautiful, with the clear favorites being Chernabog and Kida. Make sure you check your LGS for product and events.

The your LGS doesn’t have any Into the Inklands products, like Booster Boxes, Starter Decks (Ruby & Saphire)(Amber & Emerald), the Gift Set, or Singles, pick them up on TCG Player through 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:

Uncategorized

Grand Archive: April Ban List and April Fools Proxia Cards

April 2, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Grand Archive’s April Ban list just went up, and no changes have been made. Make sure you are up to date if you’re thinking of playing in any official events. If you missed the last ban announcement, I’ll leave the list below for your convenience, but you can always check the official site for all the news.

We did receive some delightful April Fools announcements that fans will find enjoyable. We got some very cool-looking, joke Proxia cards that had me going for a second. It would be very fun to bust these out at a friendly match and see the reaction, at least a giggle. It is very nice to see the devs having their fun.

April Fools

Ban List

Watch List

Weiss Schwarz

Weiss Schwarz: Lycoris Recoil is out and it’s Adorable – Set List

March 31, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The Lycoris Recoil set just hit Weiss Schwarz, and you’re going to want to pick up these cards if you’re a fan of the anime. It’s one of the less fan service sets I’ve seen from Weiss Schwarz, and it has some cute cards you’re going to want to add to your binder. I haven’t seen the anime, but it’s on the list now.

Always support your LGS by checking with them for products, but you can always get your Weiss Schwarz product from TCG Player through the affiliate links. You can still find booster boxes ($62), Trial Decks ($21.99), and Singles for reasonable prices. Don’t forget to grab some accessories like deck boxes, sleeves, and playmats to protect your cardboard!

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials! I’ve been ripping through a box of Akora on my YouTube and TikTok!