Universus just released their Heroes of Exandria set and that means we got theBeauregard Starter deck list! Always support your LGS, but you can pick up your copy on TCG Player or GameNerdz using my affiliate links.
Decklist
Beauregard Lionett, Looking for a Brawl
4 x Swift Change 3 x Subdual Technique 3 x Strong Windup 4 x Radiant Visage 4 x Mystic Recovery 4 x Martial Prowess 4 x Everlight’s Grace 3 x Combat Evaluation 4 x A Day for Relaxing 2 x Spireling Fetch 3 x Upward Disarming Swing 4 x Staff Crack 2 x Predators Pounce 4 x Heavy Kick 2 x Great-Axe Chop 4 x Furious Charge 2 x Quest Board 2 x Peerless Footwork (Foil) 2 x Shoulder Toss (Foil)
Visual List
Swift ChangeSubdual TechniqueStrong WindupRadiant VisageMystic RecoveryMartial ProwessEverlight’s GraceCombat EvaluationA Day for RelaxingSpireling FetchStaff CrackPredators PounceHeavy KickGreat-Axe ChopFurious ChargeQuest BoardPeerless Footwork (Foil)Shoulder Toss (Foil)
I was sent a free copy of Rogue Conflict 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.
Rogue Conflict is a turn-based rogue-like strategy game out now on Steam.
Players control various factions as they fight for supremacy. Take control of your army and use your wit to overcome different scenarios. Will you be the skill tactician this world needs, or will you be another failed campaign in the making? Grab your army and find out!
Gameplay
Players choose their faction and a scenario to play through. Each faction has access to different units, and the scenario dictates the units in the army. After placing their units, players will take turns moving through the map to complete objectives. Units have a set range of movement and attacks have advantage/disadvantage based on target type. Tanks do more damage to normal infantry for example. Terrain also give units advantage on attack or defends, as well as impede movement. Using terrain and typing effectively is key for world domination. While this game may appear simple, it demands a certain amount of strategy and skill.
Review
Rogue Conflict is fine if you like strategy games, but it feels a bit too one sided for the casual player. I’m not very good at strategy games, but I can at least finish some of the early levels in most games. Here, it felt like no matter what I did, the odds were stacked against me and I was waiting to get destroyed, or for the timer to run out. Some of this is by design. There are scenarios where you aren’t supposed to win by combat, and instead survive in an epic rush to finish the objects. I would be fine with a few of those levels, but it honestly feels like the enemy is omniscient, plentiful, and lucky. Maybe I needed to play a little smarter, but I rather be playing Advanced Wars. Rebalancing or an easier mode would be nice.
That said, a better player might get more enjoyment out of Rogue Conflict. The game runs well, the art is cute, and the game is challenging. The problem is that the game isn’t made for casuals. If you aren’t being efficient and smart about your moves, you are going to get destroyed. Some will definitely find the level of skill fun, but those who lean more to the casual side of strategy aren’t going enjoy some of the nuances of the mechanics.
If you’re looking for a strategy game that is on the harder side and enjoy the graphics, Rogue Conflict is an excellent addition to your collection. If you’re just dipping your toe in the genre, I would save this title till you’re better at strategy games.
You can pick up your copy of Rogue Conflict for $14.99.
If you’re new, Re:Collection decks are Grand Archive’s premium product that come with a high quality deck box, dragonshield art sleeves, three packs special packs, and a competitive deck. The box also includes a play set of all the cards in the deck so you don’t need to buy multiple copies, unless you want to chase that sweet collector rare:
You can wait for opened boxes and the prices to dip, but historically, you aren’t saving much. Especially if the deck defines the meta like Silvie did. If you’re starting out, the hardest part is choosing what flavor you want but either deck is a solid place to start. Always support your LGS, but you can pick up the Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored Re:Collection Deck on TCG Player through my affiliate link. Get in before you’re paying scalper prices.
Deck List
Materal Deck 1 x Spirit of Water 1 x Diao Chan, Enchantress 1 x Diao Chan, Dreaming Wish 1 x Diao Chan, Idyll Corsage 1 x Cleric Robes 1 x Glimmer Essence Amulet 1 x Scepter of Fascination 1 x Tariff Ring 1 x Crystalline Mirror 1 x Hairpin of Transcience 1 x Kaleidoscope Barrette 1 x Staff of Blossoming Will
Main Deck 3 x Fractal of Insight 2 x Idle Thoughts 3 x Shimmering Refraction 3 x Unstable Fractal 3 x Acquiescing Rejection 3 x Chill to the Bone 4 x Dissuading Halt 4 x Eventide Lure 3 x Fractal of Refreshment 2 x Frostbind 3 x Frostlorn Caress 3 x Frostnip Piroutte 2 x Glimmering Refusal 2 x Protective Fractal 1 x Redirect Flow 2 x Refracting Missile 2 x Torpid Fractal 3 x Bloom: Summer’s Glow 2 x Bloom: Winter’s Chill 3 x Blossoming Denial 2 x Ripples of Atrophy 3 x Season’s End 2 x Shriveling Vines
Material Deck (Visual)
Spirit of WaterDiao Chan, EnchantressDiao Chan, Dreaming WishDiao Chan, Idyll CorsageCleric RobesGlimmer Essence AmuletScepter of Fascination Tariff RingCrystalline MirrorHairpin of TransienceKeleidoscope BarretteStaff of Blossoming Will
Material Deck (Visual)
Fractal of InsightIdle ThoughtsShimmering RefractionUnstable FractalAcquiescing RejectionChill to the BoneDissuading HaltEventide LureFractal of RefreshmentFrostbindFrostlorn CaressFrostnip PirouetteGlimmering RefusalProtective FractalRedirect FlowRefracting MissileTorpid FractalBloom: Summer’s GlowBloom: Winter’s ChillBlossoming DenialRipples of AtrophySeason’s EndShivering Vines
It has been a while since I’ve posted about Drakantos, but after reading the latest dev log, I had to post something. I’ll be summarizing the bits of the log that were most interesting to me, so make sure you check out the official post for all the details. Make sure you add Drakantos to your wishlist!
Yuki Gameplay Teaser
I was planning on playing support when this game finally releases, but all of the teased DPS rolls look like a lot of fun. Yuki is no exception and if you’re looking for a high mobility champion and don’t mind listening the voice, Yuki is going to be a beast.
The Delay
The game has been delayed, but for good reason. The original morphing into something different because the devs seem to be listening to the community. Make sure you join the official Discord to join the conversation. Lets cover a few of the changes that I am most excited about.
Customization
The original plan for customization were the skins players can get from the cash shop or the battle pass. I know the idea of monetization is going to raise some flags, but the devs need to get paid. We can only hope it isn’t predatory. Customization will still be limited the set skins, but players are allowed a few small tweeks to create a unique look. Players will be able to change the dye of items and characters, and even change hairstyles and armor pieces. How much a character can be customized is yet to be seen, but it is a nice feature for those who enjoy the fashion side of MMOs.
Open World
Drakantos was originally supposed to be a dungeon crawler MMO, one with a central hub and dungeons and content for players to queue for. The devs have decided to expand their world and allow players to explore what the new world has to offer. I assume there will be limitations because it is still a mobile game, but I am all for running around the world, questing, and finding treasure.
Artifacts and Trophies
The system I am most excited for is the artifact system. Artifacts are items players collect throughout their journey that give characters unique active abilities. This gives players a way to customize their character and shake up the combat. I am sure there will be a meta for this after a while, but it will be interesting to see what they come up. I’ll be gunning for the wackiest build I can find.
The artifact system has the potential of being a very cool system. Ideally, assuming the balance is there, players will have to switch between artifacts depending on the activity. I just hope the grind isn’t bad for unlocking multiple artifacts. This is a great way to shake up a season between character releases, and a quick way to shake up the meta when necessary. We’ll have to see what they do with it, but I am hopeful.
Mini Bosses
I love the art for this game, and these mini bosses are no exception. This game has a ton of flavor and I can’t wait to explore all of it.
Pets and Mounts
The more art I see for pets and mounts, the more excited I become for the system. There are a few I wouldn’t mind chasing, especially the mimic pet! I know this won’t be for everyone, but it is cool to see some variety.
Emotes
What is finished?
Looks like a few of the systems are done, which means we are one step closer to a playable version.
Loot Tables
Quest logs
Databook – Lore and Locations
Bestiary
Achievements
Beta Announcement!
In the best news we’ve gotten all year, the closed beta is planned for sometime in July. That means we will finally get to play the game, and I for one can’t wait! Make sure you are following the official Discord to stay up to date on the news on signups. Don’t forget to add Drakantos to your wishlist!
I was sent a free copy of slime 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 of the game.
Slime Heroes is an adorable souls-like out now on Steam and Xbox.
A mysterious corruption spreads across the land, and it is up to a few brave slimes to clear it. Travel across a whimsical world as you solve puzzles, clear dungeons, and defeat monsters. Can you save the guardians from the strange corruption? Can you restore peace to this world?
Gameplay
Slime Heroes is your standard souls-like with a few fun elements to help it stand out against the genre. Players start buy customizing their slime before sending them off on a grand adventure. All slimes start with the same basic abilities, but can be customized throughout their legend. After their sudden call to action, heroes will fight for their lives in order to become stronger.
Players will fight their way between “campfires” as they collect currency and skills to level up their slime. The grind can feel repetitive if players aren’t efficient in their combat. Combat is strait forward. Players have access to two basic attacks (heavy and light), four customizable magic abilities, and a dodge. What makes Slime Heroes unique is that it allows players to combine magical abilities to create a truly unique slime hero.
To break up combat, players can enjoy a bit of lore and story, fun puzzles, explore dungeons, and fight creative puzzles. While the game looks like an adorable kids game, there is enough content and it requires enough skill to keep things engaging.
Review
The initial delay made me a bit nervous about the game. It is typically never a good sign, but this wasn’t true this time around. The game isn’t perfect. There are bits where the character gets stuck, places where I lost frames, and bits where there is no sound. But I would argue that the flaws give the game its charm. While the issues are noticeable, they didn’t matter because I was having fun.
The slimes are cute. The monsters and the world are a little plain, but it works. The story is cozy and fun. This is a very aesthetically pleasing game, but the reason you play is for the gameplay. This is the souls-like game you play when you want a challenge, but you don’t want to end up frustrated. Aside from a few performance issues, combat is fluid. Bosses are unique, but the grind can feel a bit repetitive.
To break up the monotony, the game does a good job at blending other mechanics. There is a bit of platforming, a few challenging puzzles to solve, and some interesting boss fights and challenges to overcome. There was enough variety of content to keep things interesting, and the grind never felt bad. .
What I enjoyed most about the game is skill crafting system. Monsters will drop abilities throughout the adventure, and players can combine these to craft a unique experience. Experimenting with the different combinations is so much fun, and finding the right combination that fits your play style is incredibly satisfying.
If you are looking for a new fun and comforting game to add to your collection, get Slime Heroes. The game has terrific flavor, fun mechanics, and a casual vibe that will fit in any collection. You can brave the world on your own, or team up with friends, and it has a great Steam Deck experience. While there are a few performance issues that are hard to ignore, the devs seem to be pushing out consistent updates that make the game better. This is easily one of my favorite games of the year so far, and it can be one of your too.
You can pick up Slime Heroes on Steam and Xbox for $29.99.
I was sent the Yasha: Legends of the Demon Bladedemo to review for my blog. I will try to be a little more lenient since the game isn’t out yet, but these will be my honest impressions of the game.
The Nine-tailed fox demon have invaded the human realm, inciting chaos and tilting the fragile balance between the two realms. Three brave souls (an immortal ninja, a demon samurai, and an Oni emissary) hear the call to action and find themselves in the adventure of a lifetime. Now they must each fight their way through endless waves of demons to put an end to this terror. Do they have what it takes to restore peace to this world?
Gameplay
Players choose between one of the three heroes, each with a unique story and flavor, and fight their way through waves of enemies. Like most games in the genre, players will start their run at a central hub where they can buy upgrades for their heroes. During a run, players fight against unique demons and bosses to collect currency and materials for new upgrades and abilities. A run ends when a player’s health reaches zero, and players can only progress through the story by defeating the various bosses. The hardest part about this game is choosing what flavor of combat you want to experience the story in.
Impressions
Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is a solid action RPG. The game has great art, and the Edo period aesthetic fits very well. Combat feels a bit slow and clunky at times, but it generally fine. All three characters feel different and are fun to play, and upgrading them feels impactful. The demons all have unique flavor and the boss fights are fun and creative. Upgrades do require a bit of a grind, but it never felt too bad.
As far as story goes, its fine, but the writing can be a little awkward. There are some lines that try a little too hard to be quirky, but it isn’t a bad read. It at least helped keep my attention long enough to grind things out. Overall, I will need to see how the final product performs before I can recommend it. As it stands, there is no reason to pick Yasha over something like Realm of Ink unless you really like the flavor and art style. If the final version can make combat feel just a little smoother, I’ll be ready to give it an endorsement. I will be trying to get my hands on the full version. Until then, go try the demo and see for yourself. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!
KiiBoom sent me the Moonshadow V2 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. Make sure you also check out my review for the Kiiboom Breeze 75 if you’re in the market for a very pretty keyboard.
What’s in the box?
Moonshadow V2
USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
Key/Switch Puller
2 Extra Switches
Mac Keys
User Guide
Extra Plate
Features
The KiiBoom Moonshadow V2 is a stylish 75% mechanical keyboard that is ready to upgrade your aesthetic. It well designed aluminum body gives it its durable construction and its weight will keep it from sliding across your table. The keyboard comes in black, pink, and silver. All schemes look great, but I chose the black because I liked the mascot on the escape and enter keys.
The keyboard features 81 keys and a knob that can easily be swapped so it always matches your aesthetic. There is also a nice and subtle backlight preprogrammed with a good amount of profiles to accent any aesthetic. You can also turn it off if you really want to. As far as performance goes, you can’t go wrong with the Moonshadow V2. All 81 keys can be easily remapped or programed through QMK and VIA to maximize any workflow, and the low latency with both wired and wireless connections is nothing to scoff at. Coupled with its powerful 4000mAh battery, and you have a solid workhorse.
Sound Test
Review
The Moonshadow V2 is a premium feeling keyboard at a reasonable price. This keyboard is ready to upgrade both the aesthetic and performance of any setup. The color layout in all three options are so good, choosing one will be the hardest choice. I got mine in black and am very impressed with how vibrant the colors are and how well the mascot is printed on the keys. The manufacturing is very clean and sturdy, and the keyboard has a good amount of heft to it. It feels like it will last me enough to make it a bargain.
The keyboard performed extremely well. There was no noticeable ghosting or latency, and everything mostly worked as intended. I did have to swap out one of the switches early on in my testing because it stopped working, but the swap was very easy to make. That said, the Moonshadow V2 has one of the most satisfying experience I’ve had in a mechanical keyboard. It has one the most satisfying and creamiest sounds, and the keys feel amazing under your fingers. It may not be the most ergonomic layout, but it doesn’t matter because it feels so good to type with.
If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard, the Moonshadow V2 is the perfect place to start. It comes in good colors, the performance is solid, and the typing experience is perfect. I may have gotten unlucky with the defect, but the rest of the experience more than made up for it. I recommend you pick one up today!
You can pick up the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2 in all three colors on the official KiiBoom website!
I was sent a free copy of AFFRAID 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.
Affraidis a third person horror survival game out now on Steam.
Nina has been kidnapped along with several other girls by the evil pharmaceutical company, Medio. Medio wants to create an age reversing cream, and willing to sacrifice as many people to get it. Unfortunately, there are unforeseen side effects. The other subjects become rabid, initiating an evacuation protocol. Nina is unaffected, and finds herself in the fight of her life as she tries to escape. Can she make it out alive?
Gameplay
Affraidis a Resident Evil clone. Players make their way through a strange facility full on monsters and using what they find along the way to defend themselves. Players must make their way through dark corridors, piece together the narrative, and try to stay alive. It is a pretty strait forward gameplay loop, but one that can be extremely unforgiving if players aren’t careful.
Review
I was drawn to this game because it looked rough, yet with enough passion poured into it to make up for it. Unfortunately, the game in its current state is unplayable. An update was pushed recently that makes me believe the developer hasn’t given up yet, but it didn’t do much to earn its price tag (even at a discount).
My game crashed during the opening tutorial. When the game finally decided to work, the movement is jarring and the controls aren’t as smooth as they need to be. It is clear that a lot of effort was put into the fan service, which is fine, but the rest of the game needs more attention. Once I finally got out of the first room, the game did not get better. Movement feels bad, and combat doesn’t feel any better. I wouldn’t mind the flaws, but there are better games you can play at the same price price point.
Without a major update to performance, there is no reason to buy this game. The game doesn’t feel finished, nor does it feel like it is close to being finished. You can pick up AFFRAIDfor $9.99, but your money is better spent elsewhere.
I was sent a free copy of After Wave: Downfall 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.
Monsters are attacking, and it is up to you to keep them at bay. Brave it alone or gather your friends as you fight off monsters, collect power-ups, and navigate your favorite ship. This high speed arcade game has ten unique stages and bosses, six unique ship abilities, and an adjustable difficulty for a good amount of replayability. Do you have what it takes to save the world?
Gameplay
Players navigate each level, avoiding obstacles and hazards, shooting monsters, and collecting power ups. A run ends when a player’s ship is destroyed. Players can buy upgrades for their ships between runs. Each level has uniquely flavored monsters and bosses to defeat, and each boss (and miniboss) has unique abilities to keep things fresh. The adjustable difficulty and upgrades make meaningful impact on the game, and add a layer of repeatability to the title.
Review
After Wave: Downfall is a cute little casual game that I don’t mind pulling out when I need a quick distraction. The game is cute with fun a fun art style and aesthetic, and the mechanics are engaging and fun. I enjoyed the different boss mechanics, and the fun flavors of each level. The game will feel a bit repetitive as players grind out currency for different upgrades, but it doesn’t feel too bad. It certainly doesn’t take away from the game’s casual appeal. Best of all, co-op mode is a great time (if you have the friends for it).
If you’re looking for a fun casual title to pick up when you need a short break, After Wave: Downfall is a fantastic option. It is inoffensive with a cute and comforting art style and the game play is solid. It is also works great on the Steam Deck.
Pick up After Wave: Downfall on Steam for $9.99, and console for $14.99 via Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation.
I was sent a free copy of Microtopia 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.
Microtopia is an ant-colony village builder out now on Steam.
You are in charge of building the mightiest mechanical ant empire this world has ever seen. Program your drones, upgrade your units, build your empire, and protect your queen. Build efficiently, plan accordingly, and get ready to lose a few days of sleep. Do you have what it takes to make the perfect colony?
Gameplay
The game walks through the games important mechanics and a well designed tutorial that can skipped on later playthroughs. Players all start with a queen and a few drones, and slowly build that into the mighty ant empire it turns into. Players will command their ants to gather resource, build structures, and upgrade their empire. What makes the game unique is that the automation is programed by the players. The bulk of the game is designing the many intertwining routes ants take to perform their tasks. These routes are constantly changing as resources run out and more structures start to to populate the map. The trick to this game is efficiently weaving every moving part of the colony so that everything runs smoothly. There are tech trees and upgrades to keep the game engaging. If you run out of tasks and the game feels like you are waiting on timers, you are playing this game wrong.
Review
Microtopiais one of the best village builders I have ever played. I had my doubts during the first boot because the graphics and art style are a little plain. The more I played the game, the less of a problem I had with the art direction. The style is not only very thematic and flavorful, it also means it can run on anything. It does run fine on the steam deck, but it is a little small and you’re going to have to use the touchscreen.
The village/factory building mechanics are the main reason for buying the game. They are easy to grasp with the excellent opening tutorial, and they give the player enough to do to keep the game engaging. Most of village builders I’ve played autopath tasks like farming materials, but Microtopia has players design the paths first, and assign the units to travel them second. While I do appreciate the more laid back approach of the autopathing, I did now know how much I wanted to design my own routs and paths. This does mean players need to be a bit more active in their planning stages, but I never felt like it was unnecessary busy work. I also love the fact that structures can be moved at any time, and they can be destroyed for a full refund. I make a lot of mistakes and appreciate the extra flexibility. That said, I did restart my playthrough after the tutorial because I was not happy with my pathing and some of my earlier decisions.
Microtopia is the most engaging relaxing game you will get to play. I found the village building soothing, and the mechanics had me obsessing about every little detail. If you’re looking for a new village builder, Microtopia is a strong contender. It’s unique mechanics are worth trying once, and the art style will grow on you. This is a fantastic game that deserves a lot more attention.
You can pick up Microtopiaon Steam for only $19.99.
