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video game reviews

Mars 2120 Isn’t the Casual Metroidvania Game You’re Looking for

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I was sent a free copy of Mars 2120 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’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you enjoy my content and want to help me with my hosting fees, consider buying me coffee or donating to my Patreon.

What is Mars 2120?

Mars 2120 is a metroidvania out now on Steam.

Sgt. Anna “Thirteen” Charlotte has been sent to the first human colony on Mars. Strange things have been hindering construction, and it is up to Sgt. Charlotte to figure out what. Travel across the red planet as you fight your way through swarms of strange enemies. Will your efforts be enough to cement humanities foothold on martian soil, or will you be another casualty to the planet’s harsh environment?

Gameplay

Players fight their way through 2D dungeons, unlocking new weapons, areas, and abilities. Dungeons feature intricate jumping puzzles, promise interesting boss fights, but only contain a limited amount of save points. Players can only save their progress at these points, and dying resets to the last save.

There is a story that exists through cut scenes and found documents and recorded logs. Exploration is important if you want to unlock extra bits of story, but it isn’t necessary. The main quest line tells the story well enough.

If you’re looking for a classic feeling Metroidvania, Mars 2120 might be what you need.

Review

Casual Metroidvania fans aren’t going to enjoy Mars 2120. While the game does a decent job of setting up its atmosphere and creating a challenging environment, it feels like a rough attempt at a classic title. For some modern players, the game will feel outdated, for others, the roughness will be hard to justify because the gameplay is boring.

The biggest issue this game has is its control scheme. This game is not smooth and the inputs don’t always work. There are parts of this game where I felt like I was fighting more with the jankiness of the game than the actual enemies. The game isn’t unplayable, but some of the combat and jumping puzzles are unnecessarily annoying.

Sporadic save points also ruin the game for the casual gamer. I don’t mind limited saves and high difficulty in games when they work, but Mars 2120 doesn’t always work. It sucks to have to repeat whole sections because the controls aren’t good. Better gamers and veterans of the genre will have less of an issue with the save points, but I don’t like the game enough to give it any more slack.

The story is fine, the flavor is cool, and I liked the art, but not enough to enjoy the game. It isn’t bad, but I’ve played better. Mars 2120 is made for a specific type of gamer. One that still enjoys the classic feel of the Metroidvania game, enjoys a challenging game with high stakes, can doesn’t mind the roughness that comes with an indie game. For the casual gamer looking for a new game, you have better options.

You can pick up Mars 2120 on Steam for $19.99.

Other TCGs

Paragon: Monster & Mayhem Kickstarter Relaunches Oct. 1st!

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After a very successful Kickstarter campaign and a bit of community feedback, the people behind Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem have decided to relaunch a bigger and better campaign on October 1st. Mark your calendars. If you have backed the initial project, you should have gotten an email explaining the change. Original backers will also get 6 packs and a serialized Alt Art Flameskull card. If you’re looking for a new fantasy-themed TCG with creative gameplay, you’re going to want to check out Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem. Make sure you follow the Kickstarter to be notified when it goes live.

What is Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem

Paragon is a tactical TCG coming to Kickstarter on October first. Players face off against each other in a battle arena where they take control of a Paragon and their allies in an epic battle to the death. The game features creative movement, mana, and health mechanics making for interesting and creative interactions. if you want to play the game or help play test, make sure you join the official Discord server. It is pretty active and there are always people willing to play. Just make sure you have access to Tabletop Simulator and the official Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem module. Make sure you start with the Starter Deck Sample Module first though to see where you stand.

There will be an official Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Draft on Staturday August 31st at 6PM PST. This is a great chance to get together with the community and try out the game. Prizes:

  • 1st Place – 1 Golden Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Booster
  • 2nd Place – 2 Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Boosters
  • 3rd Place – 1 Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Booster

Gameplay

Rulebook

There isn’t an official rulebook yet, the game is still in production, but there is a quickstart guide available to get you started. The book is pinned on the official discord, but I’ll leave it below for your convenience.

Paragon_Quickplay_Instructions_8-16-2023Download

Changes in the Kickstarter

The new kickstarter is launching with 251 unique cards and alt arts to pad it out to 560. There will also be box topers, case topers, and some extra goodies. I’ll leave the graphic below for the full details.

Conclusion

I am interested because the art looks cool. Check out the cards revealed so far! I love the deep fantasy vibes and the flavor of the cards. I need to see more, but I am impressed with the art I’ve seen so far. I am also impressed by the developers. They seem to be incredibly involved with the community, and obviously listening to their listening to suggestions. If you’re looking for a new fantasy TCG, you might be looking for Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem. There is always risk in backing a Kickstarter, so make sure you do your own due diligence.

The campaign launches on October 1st. Make sure you’re following the campaign to be alerted when it goes live. The game was already fully funded once, I have no doubt they can do it again.

video game reviews

Bang Bang Barrage Might Be the Most fun Couch Co-op

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I was sent the Bang Bang Barrage demo to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will be honest with my coverage. Since the game isn’t finished yet, this will be my initial impression. I can’t wait to see the finished product.

What is Bang Bang Barage?

You find yourself in the middle of the ocean with Cuthulu and his minions hot on your tail. Team up with your friends or fair it alone as you blast through endless waves of enemies. Do you have what it takes to survive the onslaught, or will the sea prove too mighty?

Gameplay

Players will start each run on a boat with a basic weapon. There seems to be a good amount of loadout customization, but the demo only gives access to the basic handgun. In typical bullet hell roguelike fashion, players must fend off against swarms of enemies using their weapons. Players will occasionally get the chance to buy upgrades during their run. The upgrades that fill the shop are randomly generated, but I felt like the RNG was fair.

What makes this game unique is its movement mechanic. Movement Bang Bang Barrage uses recoil-driven navigation. When a player shoots her weapon, the boat they stand on moves the opposite way. The only way to move a character is to shoot in the opposite direction of where the character needs to go. When there are hoards of enemies swarming towards a player and other players fighting them off, things get crazy pretty quickly.

A run ends when a player runs out of health.

Impressions

Bang Bang Barrage is the cutest bullet hell roguelike you’re going to get to play. I am a huge fan of the cute simple art and flavor.

While the game does offer a valid single-player experience, you’re going to want to play with your friends. When the waves get going and everyone is shooting in all directions, things are going to get crazy. The fact that it allows couch co-op and PVP is a huge plus.

If you’re looking for a cute and fun party game to play with your friends, you’re going to want to look into Bang Bang Barrage. If you’re just looking for a fun casual game, you’re going to want to do the same. I can’t wait to see more of this game because the demo has me hooked.

The public playtest is up on Steam, so make sure you sign up if you haven’t done so. You won’t regret it. If you missed the playtest, make sure you add the Bang Bang Barrage to your wishlist so you’re ready for the next one!

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Kryptik Studios LLC Announces Start of New Competitive Season

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The Kryptik TCG recently changed leadership after announcing that it would no longer exist as a TCG. There was talk of turning the game into an LCG, but the community came together to give the TCG its second life. You can read about the drama in my previous post.

This announcement caused a few ripples in the community. Some fans felt disheartened by the news. To them, it felt like they wasted money on another dead TCG busy making empty promises. The damage has been done and there is no mending this relationship. Despite a small exodus, some fans stuck around and continue to hold on to hope for the game that they love. A lot of the hope seems to be inspired by the passion the new leadership continues to carry for Kryptik. I for one am curious to see where this passion takes them.

Passion alone won’t be enough to restore the faith that has been lost. There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and a bit of radio silence since the change. Today, the silence has been broken, and a new competitive season has been announced on the official Discord. Starting August 17th, Kryptik Studios LLC will be hosting online tournaments on Discord through Tabletop Simulator.

The Announcement:

We are happy to announce that we are going to start hosting weekly tournaments through Tabletop Simulator (TTS). We will be using a points system called Kryptik Currency, which will allow participants to spend their Kryptik Currency to get promotional cards, sealed products and more. Each season will last 6 weeks beginning on August 17th. At the end of each season, we will give out prizes to the top 11 ranked players. We will be announcing additional prizing in the weeks leading up to the tournament season. At the end of four seasons, there will be a tournament between the top 8 players with the highest total points with additional exclusive prizing.

The prizing for the first season is as follows:

  • 1st Place
    • 1 set of Overlord Wave 2 Genesis Promos
    • 9 Randomized Foil Lore Cards Story Choice: Does Selene seek retribution against Livia for the death of Boudicca?
  • 2nd Place
    • 1 set of Overlord Wave 2 Genesis Promos
    • 6 Randomized Foil Lore Cards Story Choice: How does Andras handle Dookraka, his friend and mentor’s death?
  • 3rd & 4th Place
    • 1 Flanagan, 1 Davy and 1 Tocho Wave 2 Genesis Promo.
    • 3 Randomized Foil Lore Cards
  • 5th – 8th Place
    • 1 Sylvi and Dumuzi Wave 2 Genesis Promo.
    • 3 Randomized Foil Lore Cards.
  • 9th – 11th Place
    • 1 Midnight Meander Wave 2 Genesis Promo.
    • 3 Randomized Foil Lore Cards.
  • Players will also be able to earn points for the season called Kryptik Currency, which can be exchanged for products in the future. The point breakdown works as follows…
  • Participation in all rounds of the tournament: 5 KC (Kryptik Currency) Loss: 1 KC Draw: 2 KC Win: 3 KC Special Rules Bonus (Per Event): 5 KC

Players will also be able to earn points for the season called Kryptik Currency, which can be exchanged for products in the future. The point breakdown works as follows:

  • Participation in all rounds of the tournament: 5 KC (Kryptik Currency)
  • Loss: 1 KC
  • Draw: 2 KC
  • Win: 3 KC
  • Special Rules Bonus (Per Event): 5 KC

    It is cool to see official events because as cool as it is to collect the cards, there needs to be a thriving player base to move cardboard.

    Attonement

    While not everyone got a chance to get their hands on the limited run of Atonement by Speedrobo games, we were assured that there is an official run coming. Although, you might not have missed out on much. Some of the folks who received their Wave 0 have voiced complaints about the smell and quality of the product. The promo cards I received as compensation after an error on their part made me lose my preorder are already curled. Dropping Speedrobo Games as their official printer is starting to make a lot of sense.

    In an official post on the discord, the community manager has made this promise:

    In the near future, you will see how atonement was meant to be. W0 will become an afterthought. We are returning to our roots. Enlisting the best of the Genesis artists to create artwork we have all come to love.

    It is very good to see a company acknowledging their mistakes and working with their community to do better. We will have to wait for the next Kryptik product to see if they can keep their promise. In the meantime, updates are being made to the official Kryptik Tabletop Simulator module to include the new Atonement cards, and they look sick!

    Conclusion

    I can’t wait to see where this new leadership takes this game. What I’ve seen so far is impressive, but I will need to see some new product before I go make any firm decisions. I’ll keep following the game and wishing them the best.

    If you want to learn more about Kryptik, make sure you join the official Discord, and make sure you start getting ready for the new season!

    video game reviews

    Dread Delusion is the Trippy RPG You Didn’t Know You Needed

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    I was sent a free copy of Dread Delusion 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.

    If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

    What is Dread Delusion

    Dread Delusion is a retro-style 3D hack-n-slash dark fantasy with an expansive world out now on Steam.

    You are a prisoner of the Inquisition, serving your time for an unforgivable crime. Normally, you would rott in your cell like the bodies around you, but today is your lucky day. You have been called to work off your debt by fighting for the Inquisition. Travel over the vast and wonderful hellscape and bring an end to the enemies of the Inquisition. What secrets will you uncover about the Inquisition? About the world? About yourself? Will you die another faceless pawn, or will you get to taste sweet freedom once again?

    Gameplay

    Dread Delusion feels like Morrowind with a trippier vibe and much less loading. If you’re looking for a classic feeling 3D RPG, Dread Delusion might be the game that scratches that itch.

    If you’re looking for an RPG with a comprehensive combat system, you will be disappointed. Combat is simple and often optional. You can sneak past most enemies, and they don’t even give out XP. If you decide to engage in combat, it is a simple hack-n-slash system that feels like Minecraft combat. It isn’t a bad system, but it is geared for the type of gamer who doesn’t want to worry about timing blocks and parries.

    Exploration in this game is fantastic. While the graphics feel dated, you will enjoy the trippy and strange open-world adventure that spans around them. You have access to a myriad of well-written quests in a world that feels like a twisted fever dream. If you’re looking for a classic and chill RPG experience, it doesn’t get any better than Dread Delusion.

    Review

    I was excited for Dread Delusion when it crossed my desk. I am a huge fan of the art direction and I am always looking for a new RPG. I was not ready for how much I was going to love this game. This game is the perfect casual RPG with enough substance to be worth the full price tag. I am a huge fan of the art direction. The retro vibe blended with the twisted grotesque aesthetic makes for an interesting world. This is one of the first RPGs in a long while that I wanted to explore to see what weird and twisted visage awaited me around the next corner. I understand that the graphics might turn some people away from the title, but the style gives its unique and unforgivable charm.

    The combat in this game is good enough. While it is easy, I appreciate the fact that I can skip or engage in it depending on my mood. Sometimes I just want to mindlessly hit stuff and not have to worry about builds and strategy, and sometimes I want to explore. There is a hardcore mode that you can try if you want a challenge, but I enjoyed Dread Delusion for its casual experience and story.

    The story was fun to play through, but there is enough to do in this game to get lost in its expansive world. While it may not be a massive game, it does a good job of feeling like one. The quests are well-written, the world-building is solid, and the dark humor is appreciated. The game is quirky, but its quirks give the game its identity.

    If you’re looking for a casual RPG and don’t mind the weird aesthetic and retro vibe, Dread Delusion should be in your library. It is the game you didn’t know you needed.

    You can pick up Dread Delusion on Steam for $19.99.

    video game reviews

    Galactic Glitch is the Most Fun You’ll Have in Space This Year!

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    I was sent a free copy of Galactic Glitch 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’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

    What is Galactic Glitch?

    Galactic Glitch is a colorful and unique twin-stick roguelike shooter where you can throw your enemies into other enemies. The game has launched on Steam Early Access.

    Travel through beautiful 2D maps full of enemies, mystery, and debris. Fight off swarms of enemies in unique space battles and upgrade your ship to be the best in the galaxy. How far into the darkness of space will you be able to reach?

    Gameplay

    Galactic Glitch starts in the traditional roguelike fashion. Players begin their campaign with a basic ship that they can upgrade along the way. The more you play, the better the ship becomes. You will die a lot, so be prepared for some repetition.

    The ship comes with three weapons that can be swapped out and upgraded later in the game. Each weapon swap makes a meaningful change to combat, allowing players the ability to find a loadout that fits their playstyle. Players will also encounter random events that drop stat upgrades when completed. These are harder encounters and a very welcomed change of pace.

    Combat feels like your typical twin-stick bullet hell, but the physics give it enough of a unique flare to set it apart from other games in the genre. Maneuvering around rooms and throwing objects into enemies feels so good once you get the hang of things.

    Progress in this game is set up like a dungeon crawler. Players crawl through the vastness of space, clearing one room at a time. Rooms feel unique enough that the repetition doesn’t get stale, but to be fair, I do enjoy my repetition.

    There is a story to this game, but it isn’t anything deep that you’ll need to follow thoroughly. At least it didn’t do enough to catch my attention. Instead, you’ll be picking up this game for the unique space-crawling goodness that it is.

    Review

    I loved every minute of Galactic Glitch. The art is great, the soundtrack is amazing, and the gameplay is so much fun. Geometry Wars was my favorite game growing up, and Galactic Glitch feels like that with a bit more purpose. I liked that I could switch my weapons but still pick up some RNG abilities along the way. I love that I could upgrade a home base for more powerups. I am sure I could have been a lot more efficient with my playthrough, but I had a lot of fun figuring things out.

    If you’re looking for a fun game that will certainly become an addiction, pick up Galactic Glitch. It is a neat casual game with enough substance to keep players engaged, without it becoming a huge commitment. I love Twin-Stick shooters, and Galactic Glitch is definitely one of my favorites.

    You can pick up Galactic Glitch on Steam for $12.99 (currently $9.74 until July 29).

    Other TCGs

    Kryptic TCG Returns Under New Management and Motivation!

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    Last week, the people behind Kryptic announced the end of the TCG and their plans to move to the LCG model. After a bit of feedback and a weekend to ruminate, Kryptic TCG isn’t dead! Fans of the TCG now wait as the company takes the steps to continue the TCG.

    The Announcement

    Tanner has announced on the official Kryptic Discord that he will be stepping down as CEO of the company and handing the company over to Chris Tesorio. The message reads:

    The loyal Kryptic comunnity came together in full force for the game that they loved and now with a new name and newly found motivaition, Kryptic Studios LLC will work continue making the TCG.

    The new CEO, Chris Tesorio, also made a statement:

    It makes me happy to see Kryptic getting its second life. I can’t wait to see what is to come. Congradulations to Chris Tesorio on his new role, I wish him the best in his endevours.

    What this Means for Kryptic

    We are still waiting for more news from the new company, but plans for Kryptic as a LCG have been cancelled and new plans for the TCG are in the works. While I am a little sad about not seeing what an LCG in the the Kryptic universe would look like, I am happy to see that fans will get to continue to enjoy the game they love. I am hopeful for the future of this game and can’t wait to see what this new leadership and motivation will produce in the future.

    Attonement

    As a reminder for anyone who missed it, 100 boxes of Attonement Wave Zero will release on July 4th 12AM CST. Attonment was Kryptics cancelled set before the name change. The box will include single copies of the entire set, with a few random foils to mix things up. Sales will be limited to hopefully prevent scalping. It be nice to buy a box and have the complete set. I’ll be trying to get a box, I hope the fans who want one can get theirs too.

    You can pick up your box of Attonement Year Zero on the Speedprobogames website for $119.99. Good luck!

    video game reviews

    Why Super Farming Boy Could be Your Next Casual Farming Sim

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    I was asked to cover the Super Farming Boy demo for my blog. This will be my initial impressions of the game since a full version isn’t out yet.

    Super Farming Boy is a farm simulator with a nifty little arcade mechanic that will leave you wanting more. If you enjoy the chill vibes of indie farming sim games like Stardew Valey with the chaotic excitement of a match-four, check out Super Farming Boy.

    What is Super Farming Boy?

    You are an expert farmer with the crop and skills to prove it. All seems good and happy on your little farm until the evil demon Korpo comes and takes everything away. Korpo makes you a deal, you can buy it all back. Now you must build your farm from scratch, fight off enemies, and earn the money to buy back everything that was stolen from you. Do you have what it takes?

    Gameplay

    Super Farming Boy consists of two major gameplay loops: farm management and a match four-like minigame.

    In the farm management component, players will spend their day cleaning up their farm, planting their crops, and harvesting what they can before the sun sets. The most important resource for a farmer is their energy. Farming Boy has a limited amount of energy that he can use on the farm. This resource can be upgraded with money or replenished with food, which you also buy with money. Budgeting Farming Boy’s energy efficiently to maximize profit is always key.

    Money is the second most important resource available to players. Players earn money from Korpo at the end of the day from resources you collect throughout the day. You can use this gold to purchase skills, upgrades, crops, and food. How you spend your money can slow down your progression, but I wouldn’t go seeking a guide from the start. Learning how to plant your crops effectively for the perfect combos is half the fun.

    The second component of this game is its unique arcade-style harvest mechanic. Each crop in this game has a harvest rule that you want to pay attention to. For example, harvesting a corn crop will always harvest whatever crop is planted to the right of it. Planting a row of corn will create a chain, harvesting that entire row with one click. You can use these rules to clear out rubble and combo with other crops. Learning how to arrange your crops properly is the key to saving your mother.

    Impressions

    Super Farming Boy is a faster and flashier farming sim with a unique quirk that you need to try out at least once. The art is super cute, the soundtrack is fantastic, and the gameplay is a lot of fun. Super Farming Boy is perfect for those of you looking for another casual farming sim, but with a bit of a faster pace. I love farming sims, but the added arcade flavor made it my addiction. I can’t wait to try out a full version of this game.

    No release date has been announced yet, but you can download the Super Farming Boy Demo now on Steam.

    If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset and the AM8 Streaming Microphone if you are looking for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

    gaming news

    The Sun Sets on Kryptik TCG, but the Journey is far From Over

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    EDIT: Since this post, the company has revamped its goals and will continue as a TCG. Click here for more information.

    The Kryptik Trading Card game will no longer be in production. The upcoming Atonement set has been canceled, and anyone who has preordered will be refunded. It is a sad day for fans of the trading card game, but the journey is not over. The creator of the game still has plans for the IP and lore, and I will be following its development closely.

    The Announcement

    On June 27th, Tanner announced on the official Kryptik Discord that they will no longer be partnering with SpeedRobo games for the manufacturing of their game, effectively cancelling the TCG. The announcement reads:

    This is an official announcement that Kryptik TCG will no longer be working with SpeedRobo Games on the design and manufacturing of future products, including Wave 1 Atonement. While we are thankful for his enthusiasm and drive to get Atonement completed we feel that our team’s vision and his vision for the game are just a bit too far apart. We want to be clear that there is no bad blood or negative feelings associated with this decision. In fact, we had a great conversation today regarding the situation and both parties are in agreement that it is just not a good fit. We wish him well in all future endeavors. He will be selling his remaining 30 or so Wave 0 Atonement boxes online to recoup costs. I included the link to the product, so grab yours if you would like when they go live. He will also be issuing refunds for any Wave 1 pre-orders that were placed. Please reach out to SpeedRobo with any issues regarding your refund. This does unfortunately mean that as of right now, the future of the TCG component of the Kryptik Universe is on hold. Though a healthy TCG is extraordinarily difficult to cultivate given how the market functions, we still love making games and we still love Kryptik and our community. Our team definitely still has designs and plans for the lore and other projects related to the Kryptik Universe. We will be using this Discord to serve you guys updates in the coming weeks/months, so stay tuned. Thank you all for your support through the highs and the lows of this process. We love you all and hope that you’ll stay with us through this Tabula Rasa. Best, The Kryptik Team (Tanner, Connor, Chris, & Rikki)

    Why was Kryptic Cancelled?

    People with access to the numbers did the math and it was no longer feasible to continue production of the TCG. Alternative avenues like crowd-sourcing or even operating at a loss aren’t going to achieve enough of a return to save the game. While the game has earned its collection of loyal and dedicated fans, there isn’t enough of them to generate profit. This is the cold reality of a space with an incredibly volatile market, especially for a game no longer carried by the LGS.

    There were a few factors that brought us to this outcome that I will attempt to summarize as best I can.

    Kryptik came out of the gate wanting to be the American-made TCG that would revolutionize the space. It promised high-quality American-made cardboard, innovative gameplay, and rich expansive lore. The made-in-America sticker is an awesome idea, but this means more overhead and less profit when compared to something printed overseas. Unfortunately, the early product of the game featured poor-quality card stock. Players and Game Stores dropped the product because of this quality. With the game no longer in stores and lacking confidence in future quality, Kryptic’s fate as a TCG was pretty much sealed. A failed anime, a few bad hires, and other logistical miscalculations also played their part in this spiral.

    Unfortunately, the TCG community isn’t patient. While the team learned from the mistakes made along the way, it wasn’t quite fast enough. Kryptic still has its dedicated fans who hold out hope for the game, but hope doesn’t pay the bills. Kryptic shut down because there is no money to keep it running, and no amount of loans, crowdfunding, or donations can give the revival it needs to keep going.

    The Future of Kryptic

    Kryptic may no longer exist as a physical TCG, but this isn’t the end of the IP. The creators will hold on to the IP as they continue to expand the lore and work on different projects to keep Kryptic alive.

    If you enjoyed playing the card game, or want to start playing, the official Kryptic Tabletop Simulator mod will continue to get updates. There will be new cards and mechanics. Art will be tricky because it is expensive to pay the artists, but they said they will try to find a solution. If you want to play some Kryptic, get TTS (on sale for $9.99 until July 11) and ask around on the official Discord.

    The company currently owes no money, so it won’t need to liquidate or sell the IP. Those passionate about Kriptic will continue with other projects to keep its rich and expansive lore alive, and other projects to conserve its gameplay.  

    The lore will continue to be made and is planned to be released as a book in the future. No further details have been released, but people lurking in the discord on the day of the announcement got to listen in on a solid rundown of the lore. It was awesome.

    Kryptic as a card game will continue as a Living Card Game (LCG). The intention is to turn Kryptic into a tabletop game that is a fusion of Betrayal at The House on The Hill and Gloomhaven. The devs want a game with procedurally generated maps that allow players to make choices that permanently change the game. How they go about this is still in production, but I am excited to see the result. Kryptic has some fantastic lore, and I could always use another board game. There was also mention of a D&D 5E setting for Kryptic, but that is on the back burner. I wish them luck on their new endeavor. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.

    If you would like to purchase the only booster box of Atonement that will ever exist, head over to the official speedrobogames. The sale will go live on July 4th 12AM CST and be limited to one box per customer. Get yours while supplies last.

    Board Games and TCGs

    Eldritch Automata Campaign is Live and Fully Backed on Backerkit

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    The Eldritch Automata campaign has officially launched on Backerkit. The project was fully funded within the first 30 minutes of going live and continues to gain momentum. Most of the stretch goals have been unlocked which means excited fans will receive a generous amount of goodies. The campaign ends on July 25, leaving plenty of time to decide if you want to embark on this bleak adventure of survival featuring mechs. While Gehenna Gaming does have a solid record with their delivery, always be mindful of what you back on these types of crowdsourcing campaigns.

    What is Eldritch Automata?

    Eldritch Automata is a post-apocalyptic TTRPG powered by the award-winning Year Zero Engine.

    Society crumbles under the weight of Eldritch invaders. Monsters and horrifying angels spread their rain and despair across the world. Humanity is pushed to the brink of extinction, but hope is not lost. Giant Mechs known as the Automata come to humanity’s salvation, but piloting them comes at a cost. Those brave and competent enough to pilot these mighty machines must risk their entire mind, body, and soul. Some will rise and become the shining pillars of hope and salvation, while others will lose themselves under the strain of piloting an Automata. How far can you push yourself to save humanity?

    How to Play

    Impressions

    Pilots in Eldritch Automata must survive the strain of an unforgiving world. Infighting between factions, the stress of survival, the strain of piloting the Automata, and facing the endless waves of Eldritch horrors wear down their spirit. Eldritch Automata is a game where even the bravest and brightest can lose themselves in the madness.

    The game does a decent job of creating systems that emulate the strain of surviving in its world. The game is set up where players are constantly having to push their limits while risking their sanity. Piloting an Automata is cool, but it can make you go crazy or leave you with a permanent, life-altering injury. Having a player lose control of their character due to a dice roll is bound to lead to some interesting roleplay.

    Gameplay seems solid and easy to learn. I’ve ran a few Year Zero games, and my table is always content with how they run. It makes for a nice break from D&D without being too big of a shift.

    Ultimately, you’re playing Eldritch Automata for its flavor. I love the dark hopelessness that will inevitably seep into every session, and I am sure my players will enjoy fighting in giant mechs. The combat system seems to involve enough strategy to make it engaging without being overly complicated while establishing its unique flare in the space. As a GM, I like the amount of tables and charts available for a healthy amount of chaos. I can’t wait to see how my players react when they have to roll to keep their sanity. It is going to get tense.

    If you’re looking to run a bleak survival adventure full of monsters, chaos, and mechs, you’re going to want to go back Eldritch Automata on Backerkit. The art is cool, the flavor is fantastic, and what I’ve seen of the system is impressive. There is a free quickstart available from the publisher if you would like to see if the Eldritch Automata is right for your table. The Quickstart comes with a streamlined version of the rules and a small haunted house-style adventure for you to run. I’ll leave the files below, but you can get the quickstart and the pre-generated characters on the DrivethruRPG.

    Quickstart

    Eldritch_Automata_-_Quicklaunch_GuideDownload

    Pregenerated Characters

    Eldritch_Automata_Quicklaunch_Pre_Generated_CharactersDownload

    Tiers

    Official Liveplay