Tag Archives: indie

Drakantos: January Dev Log Brings us the Orbryn Teaser!

February 2, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I’ve been excited about Drakantos for a while now. With the January dev log out, my excitement continues to grow. I can’t wait to finally play Drakantos, but until then, let’s just get hyped about the current progress.

Make sure you check out the official dev log and join Discord if you want to stay up to date. If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Most importantly, add Drakantos to your wishlist!

Orbryn Hero Teaser

The community has voted. This month’s hero teaser is Orbry, an Engineer from Garmorli. The dwarf has access to several gadgets and traps to help him fend off enemies. If you like dwarves, traps, and explosions, this is the champ for you.

I was a bit disappointed with the teaser’s slow start, but the more traps and gadgets I saw, the more impressed I became. I don’t think I am smart enough to run this champ, but I can see the potential. With the amount of debuffs and traps, Orbry can help control the battlefield and tempo of battle. It seems like this will be one of the trickier heroes to learn, but one that I am sure will be rewarding in the right hands.

I love how every hero teased so far feels unique and different, and with each release, I have trouble choosing who I want to play.

And Mount Animation!

Cooldowns Changed to Charges

Drakantos will feature artifacts that will act as interchangeable abilities for further customization. These artifacts were initially intended to be cooldowns, but they were changed to charges based on the event players run. The official explication from the devs:

I have to agree with the devs on this change. From a gameplay perspective, it makes the artifact feel more impactful. Players are now forced to use their charges efficiently instead of mashing buttons. From a flavor perspective, it makes the artifact feel more special and magical. It’s something rare that only a hero can use, and I am all about feeling special in my fantasy.

More Cities!

More of the world has been created, and I gotta say I am a huge fan of the art style. Here are some samples of the major cities. I can’t wait to explore what else they have in store:

Pet Contest

If you’re feeling artistic, head over to the official discord and join the “Create a Pet Contest” for a chance to have your creation featured in the game. I love that the devs are working with their community, I just wish I was at least a little artistic.

Conclusion

There were some other balancing changes for combat and more pets added to the game, but you can always read about it on the official dev log. I am still excited and I hope we get a beta soon. This game looks like a lot of fun, so make sure you go add it to your wishlist!

Grand Archive TCG

Alchemical Revolution: Arisanna Start Deck Revealed

January 22, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Alchemical Revolution releases on January 26. It is bringing three new classes, elements, and some new elements you’re going to want to try. The card list has been released, so make sure you check out the post to get hyped! Make sure you check with your LGS for product and events, but there is always TCG Player if that isn’t an option.

The Arisanna starter deck is introducing some cool new mechanics that I am very interested in trying. I am still looking for a deck list, but lets look at some of the cards until then. If you enjoy these updates please follow, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends!

video game reviews

Crumbling: The Unique VR Hack and Slash

January 21, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I was sent Crumbling for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you’re looking for accessories for your VR headset, like magnetic prescription lenses or a high-quality charging cable, get it at ZyberVR. Use discount code CHURAPE for 15% off. You can also always buy me coffee.

What is Crumbling

Crumbling is a cute 3rd person hack and slash action roguelike available now on the Meta Quest and Steam VR. Take control of your favorite adorable Crumbling and fight through a unique fantasy adventure. Can you collect them all?

Gameplay

Like any roguelike, players will repeat each run fighting against unique enemies and earning randomly generated powerups and new crumbles to play with. What makes Crumbling unique is its combat. Players move their crumbling around like one would an action figure. Crumblings have access to a light attack, a heavy attack, and a dodge. The game gets incredibly creative with its spatial mechanics. Players can move the crumbling anywhere within the map space.

While the game is adorable from top to bottom, the game is harder than it appears. Players have to think about attacks and positioning in a 3D stage, taking players back to a nostalgic era when we fought with our action figures.

Thoughts

The game is cute and has a surprising amount of depth. I am impressed by how they can use 3D effectively to create its unique combat system. That said, my issue with Crumbling is with the gameplay. Moving through the toy shop to set up between each run feels cumbersome, and combat is tiring. My reach felt insufficient, and it put me in awkward and uncomfortable positions during combat. I couldn’t play this game for long because of the discomfort it caused, but I might be an odd example.

This game isn’t for me, but I can appreciate the unique attempt at the genre. The combat has enough depth to be engaging, and it runs well. Dodging enemies from every direction is such an interesting concept. If you don’t mind waving around your Crumbling wildly through combat, the game isn’t bad.

Conclusion

The game is cute, and the combat is interesting, but it felt like too much work. It is a bit too complicated for a kid’s game, but the neat nostalgic gimmick might be enough to satisfy the small niche it is meant to fill. I don’t think it’s a game that will get much play after the novelty wears away, so I can’t recommend it. Try the demo first before making your decision.

You can pick up Crumbling for $19.99 on Meta Quest and Steam VR.

Grand Archive TCG

Alchemical Revolution Card List is Live!

January 20, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Alchemical Revolution releases on January 26th, but the full card list is up! I love the art of this game, but it is introducing some cool new mechanics that I need to try. If you want to try Grand Archive before making your first purchase, the kind folks at Weebs of the Shore have a nice print-and-play section and comprehensive tutorial you should take advantage of. Decide quickly because first edition boxes of Alchemical Revolution are limited, and there won’t be reprints.

Let’s get hyped about the release by looking at the card list. Check with your LGS for any events and products, but there’s always TCG Player if that isn’t an option.

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

gaming news

Check out the Realm of Ink Demo Today!

January 19, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The Realm of Ink demo is now live on Steam. If you are looking for a new action roguelike to sink some time into, download this demo today! The demo is only 40 minutes long, but you’re going to want more.

If you enjoy my content, please leave a comment, like, follow, and share this with your friends!

Hook

Realm of Ink is a short story collection controlled by the Book Spirit. For the most part, characters within its pages live their lives as written. This changes when on a hunt for a cunning Fox Spirit, Red discovers that everything around her is a fabrication. After her awakening, Red makes her journey through this fictional world to find out the truth of the Book Spirit. What secrets will she learn along the way?

Gameplay

Thoughts

The full version of the game will give players access to different characters, spirits, and upgrades, but the demo is limited to one character, chapter, and a limited selection of upgrades and spirits. While I was left wanting more, the provides players with a solid grasp of the gameplay loop.

Real of Ink plays like your traditional Rogulike. Players start each round with a random spirit and earn random upgrades as they move through the levels. Champions have access to a light attack, a heavy attack, and two spirit abilities.

These types of games are repetitive by design, but there is enough RNG in this game to make each run feel different. I ran through the demo version a few times and never had the same build twice. Some builds are better than others, but that is the nature of RNG.

Red is a cool champion with three loadouts. Players start the demo with the single sword but can unlock a duel wield version for faster attacks and a ranged attack after you end your first run. Each loadout plays differently, which keeps the game feeling fresh. I preferred the ranged version of Red because I had a lot of fun kitting in this game.

Realm of Ink is beautiful, and I recommend you check it out to appreciate its art style. The demo also has fun flavor, and an amazing soundtrack. The gameplay was fun. Combat was great, leveling was fast and easy, RNG seemed fair, and the spirits gave fun abilities. I don’t like that you start the game with one spirit and have to find the second through RNG.

The only complaint I have is that in some runs, I only had access to one spirit ability. This felt like a disadvantage, especially when it came to the boss fight. I hope spirits are easier to collect on full release because it is the mechanic that gave the game its unique flavor.

The demo is short, but it was long enough to get me excited. I need a little more story and gameplay before I can form a full opinion. If you’re looking for something new to play, check out the Real of Ink demo. It’s free, it’s fun, and it isn’t a huge commitment.

We don’t have an official release date, but I will be trying to get my hands on a copy when it comes out. Stay tuned for that. If you enjoy my content, please leave a comment, like, follow, and share this with your friends!

Weiss Schwarz

Weiss Schwarz: Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest

January 14, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I’ll continue my dive into Weiss Schwarz with the Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest. Fans of the anime are going to want some of these cards in their collection. I am a huge fan of the signed cards. If you want to buy any Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest product like the booster box or starter deck, pick it up at TCG Player. I’ve left links to the singles for those who want it.

If you enjoy these updates,

Grand Archive TCG

Alchemical Revolution: Launch Event, Promos, & Artwork!

January 12, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Alchemical Revolution releases on January 26, so let’s get ready with a few more spoilers. This time we got some cool character animations and art for Arisanna, Diana, and Tonoris, and their regalia cards. I am excited because what I love the art I’ve seen so far, and there are some nifty new mechanics. Make sure you read my previous post where I talk about the new classes and elements coming with the expansion.

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you get any Grand Archive Product, get it over at TCG Player!

Launch Kits

If you’re ineterested in jumping into Grand Archive, check with your LGS to see if they’ll be holding any Launch events for Alchemical Revolutions. Stores who have ordered product get special launch kits to help onboard new players. The kids include:

8 Demo kits (16 Demo Decks)
Stamped Foil Promos of the Regalia Items (You can get non-foil versions from starter decks
Holographic Poster
Demo Playmat

I love that they do this for stores to get new players in, I hope theres some active Grand Archive action near you.

Booster Box

Only 27,000 1st Edition Alchemical Revolution booster boxes will be printed, so get yours fast! Check with your LGS to see if they have any available, but TCG Player has a few for $110 (including shipping).

Arisanna, Herbalist Prodigy

Diana, Deadly Duelist

Tonoris, Lone Mercenary

Dahlia, Idyllic Dreamer

Weiss Schwarz

Spy x Family is coming to Weiss Schwarz January 26th

January 10, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

If you haven’t seen the Spy x Family (the x is silent) anime, you need to because it is adorable. For fans of the series, you are going to want to pick up the Spy x Family set that is hitting Weiss Schwarz on January 26th! The set will feature art from the anime and will include a special promo card for store events, a trial deck, a booster box, and a Meister set. The set will bring

Make sure you always check with your LGS to see if they carry Weiss Schwarz or if they’ll be running events. If that isn’t an option, you pick up Spy x Family or any other Weiss Schwarz product from TCG player.

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Please use my affiliate links where applicable.

Promo Cards

In an effort to promote the game, stores will be relieving special promo packs to give out at events. Make sure you check with your LGS for details! There are six unique promo cards you can receive, and each pack contains one of the following:

Booster Box

Booster Boxes come with 16 9-card booster packs. You can pick them up now:

Meister Set

Now if you want some swag, you might want to spring for the Meister set. The set includes:

1 Special Promo Card (Looks like Anya)
1 Storage box for your cards
10 Booster packs
1 Rubber playmat

The Anya card is cute, and if you like the set, you might want to pick one up. You can up a set from TCG Player for $85 (including shipping), or from your favorite card shop!

Trial Deck

You get a 50 card deck, a paper playmat, and a deck manual to get you starter. You can pick up the Spy x Family trial deck for $26 (including shipping) or from your favorite card shop.

gaming news

Discover Realm of Ink: A Cool Stylized Roguelike

January 8, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Realm of Ink is an action roguelike coming to PC and consoles this year. The game features a unique brushed artwork, a neat isometric design, and promising gameplay. The art is what initially drew me to this game, but the story has me interested.

Red discovers she is a fictional character within the Realm of Ink short story collection. She must now travel through the depths of her story to discover the truth of her existence. Is her fate prewritten by some faceless author, or does she have the power and free will to write her own?

I am curious to see how Red’s story pans out. Players will also get to play as other characters as they are unlocked, and I am a huge fan of the spoiled character designs. I did get an early copy of the demo and will be posting my impressions as soon as the embargo is lifted. Until then, I recommend you watch the trailer and add Realm of Ink to your Wishlist.

Grand Archive TCG

Alchemical Revolution Introduces 3 advanced elements

January 8, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Alchemical Revolution releases on January 26th, and it is bringing the three new advanced elements: Neos, Astra, and Umbra. Check with your LGS for preorders and events. If that isn’t an option, you can always pick up Grand Archive products or preorder Alchemical Revolution on TCG PLayer using my affiliate links.

There is a lot to be excited about, so let’s look at the spoilers. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

Neos

Toniris Level 3

Neos gives Tonoris the ability to summon an Obelisk each turn to help you control the battlefield. Obelisks have unique abilities, and they get big fast if they aren’t dealt with. It is a very cool mechanic for a very cool hero. Make sure you pick up the starter deck when it becomes available.

So Many Tokens

Neos gets stronger the more tokens are on the field, so make sure you fill it!

Neos Tonoris

Players who want to hit hard, have crazy board control, or just love the token meta should pick up the Tonoris starter deck and work their way out.

Astra

Astra gives players the power of the cosmos, and there is no hero better suited for its power than Arisanna. This gives players access to Starcalling which says:

While you’re glimpsing and you see a card with starcalling, you may activate it during that glimpse. In addition, paying to starcall a card is usually cheaper than playing and paying for it from your hand. However, whenever you do starcall a card, you must put all the remaining cards in your glimpse on the bottom of your deck.

This is such a cool ability, and one that you get for free each turn with Arisana at level 3.

Tools

Tools will let you glimpse and starcall, but make sure you do so efficiently.

Astra Arisanna

Astra make Arisanna an interesting deck, but it also makes her one of the harder decks to play because of how much you need to keep track of. If you love the thrill of top-decking, memory control, and deck manipulation, pick up Arisanna!

Umbra

Umbra gives Diana the power to cast curses at level 3, and curses make her scary. Each bullet she shoots generates a creeping tournament, and torments put attach a curse onto whatever champion Diana hits. I love the flavor of this mechanic. I might end up playing Umbra Diana because everything is purple.

Curses and Tools

Umbra Diana

If you like playing on your opponent’s turn, ranged characters, and casting curses, you should play Diana. I’m a huge fan of the flavor and color scheme myself.

Orbryn Hero Teaser

And Mount Animation!

Cooldowns Changed to Charges

More Cities!

Pet Contest

Conclusion

What is Crumbling

Gameplay

Thoughts

Conclusion

Hook

Gameplay

Thoughts

Launch Kits

Booster Box

Arisanna, Herbalist Prodigy

Diana, Deadly Duelist

Tonoris, Lone Mercenary

Dahlia, Idyllic Dreamer

Promo Cards

Booster Box

Meister Set

Trial Deck

Neos

Toniris Level 3

So Many Tokens

Neos Tonoris

Astra

Tools

Astra Arisanna

Umbra

Curses and Tools

Umbra Diana

Gaming News and Review