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Board Games and TCGs

Discover Why You Should Play The TTRPG Mutant Year Zero

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Disclaimer

Free League Publishing sent me a free copy of the Mutant: Year Zero core rulebook to review for my blog. While I am very happy for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. Make sure you also check out my reviews for Dragonbane and The One Ring.

Table of Contents

What is Mutant: Year Zero?

Mutant is a tabletop roleplaying game about mutants at the end of the world. The game runs on the award winning Year Zero system which is a D6 system where things happen on 6s and 1s. Six is good and one is bad. There are no modifiers. Instead, stats and gear tell players how many dice they need to roll. More dice generally means better odds. Finally, Mutant is a survival game where the world is harsh, people have powers, and starvation is always a bad roll away.

Hook

Before the fall of civilization, Earth existed in a constant state of conflict. War broke out across the globe, quickly turning nuclear. Those smart and rich enough quickly found shelter in secure underground bunkers while others fled into the safety of space. Everyone else either died in the first wave, or had to rot away in the fallout. As the Earth became toxic, many began to mutate and develop powers.This was the next stage of evolution of man, but one that also marked its end. Mutants are sterile, and while there are tales of powerful folk that roam the wasteland, the population is aging towards is final days.

Some survivors band together and form flourishing communities known as arcs in an attempt to recapture what they lost, others turned to the harsh wasteland and let it transform. You were fortunate enough to grow in one of these arcs, and spend your days working towards a common goal. As the years go by, resources start to dwindle and the world becomes a harder place to live. Eventually, you and a promising group are tasked with going out farther than the usual patrol in search of anything that will extend your time on this planet. What secrets will you uncover beyond those walls? What will you bring back? Can humanity ever be saved, or are you merely surviving till your final days?

Gameplay

Mutant is a very easy game to pick up, but has enough depth to keep players engaged. The survival mechanics give players agency, without ever feeling like a chore. The mutation mechanic adds fun flavor that players can explore through their character, and it makes for some fun and interersting interactions. If you’ve ever wanted to be Xmen at the end of the world, pick up Mutant Year Zero.

Resources

Resources at the end of the world are limited. Players will need to spend their time constantly hunting for food, water, and other materials to survive the harsh dying world around them. Resources like food and water are expended every day for survival, but they are also used for healing. Rationing this precious resource keeps a high level of tension for the players. Players can choose to be at full health for the next encounter at the risk of starving to death. The system is streamlined so the bulk of the game is focused on the game rather than resource management, but you can make it more hard core if that is fun for you.

In Mutant, bullets are the most valuable resource after food and water. While players don’t need bullets to survive the wasteland, they are useful currency when it comes time to trade for better gear or materials. Bullets are also used for guns, and no one wants to be short a bullet in an important gunfight. Players will constantly need to weigh the benefits of trading away their bullets, and that will make for some difficult decisions.

Rot

The world rots away under the effects of the lingering radiation. While there are a few clean and hospitable areas left on this planet, there are pockets of deadly radiation spread in between. These areas give players rot points that slowly kill them. The only way to get rid of rot is to rest in a clean area, but those may be far in between during an adventure. The best bet is to avoid rot all together, or find some rot protection over time. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way forward is through a puddle of rot, and sometimes the only drinkable water is contaminated. The problem then becomes finding ways to mitigate the rot, and live with it.

Mutations

You can’t have a Mutant’s game without cool mutant powers, and this book has a very good selection of them. The DM can allow players to choose their mutation or roll for them at a table. I prefer rolling because that randomness gives the game its flavor. Survivors in this world wouldn’t have been able to choose their powers, neither should your players. That said, I’ll let a player choose their mutation if they have a fun idea that won’t kill the fun for anyone else.

As you would expect, mutations give players abilities they can use in and out of combat. Every player gets a mutation point per mutation at the start of each session that rolls over to the next if not used. Mutation points are the resource used to power the mutation. Because mutations are so powerful, this limit is used to balance the game. If the player could use their mutation as much as they wanted, things could get out of hand. Mutations can also backfire. They can explode or work as intended. They can also further mutate the user, leaving them weaker but with a cool new power to use.

Combat

Combat does not get any simpler than in Mutants. Attacks succeed on 6s and fail on 1s. Additional 6s give the user extra boons like bonus damage or the ability to disarm. Additional 1s can mean the weapon breaks, leaving its user defenseless. Weapon and gear do break in this game, and players will need a skilled craftsman for repairs, or enough bullets to buy the replacement.

What makes combat deep is the health and cover system. The way health works means that players will need to think carefully before rushing in. They may not have the resources to heal back, or they can get an injury that affects their performance. Learning how to effectively use the environment in combat is extremely important. Effectively finding cover in a gun fight or exploding a barrel can easily mean the difference between life and death.

Leveling

I love the leveling system in Mutant because it is streamlined and accessible. Players will need to answer the following questions:

  1. Did you participate in the session? (You get 1 XP just for being present.)
  2. Did you perform a Day’s Work for a project in the Ark?
  3. Did you explore at least one new sector in the Zone?
  4. Did you sacrifice or risk something for your PC buddy?
  5. Did you sacrifice or risk something for the NPC you want to keep safe?
  6. Did you sacrifice or risk something to mess with the NPC you hate?
  7. Did you sacrifice or risk something to reach your big dream?

Players get 1xp point per yes, and they level up when they earn a total of five. Leveling means players will get put a point into a skill of their choice or pick up a new talent. This system not only eliminates the guess work you would see in something like D&D, and it allows players to customize their character. Personally, it forced my players to act in ways they wouldn’t normally because they wanted an XP point. Where in a D&D campaign they wouldn’t care if the NPC died, they went out of their way to keep them alive and get to know them. I was not ready to RP as much as I have in Mutant, but I am not complaining.

Other Mechanics

There are other very cool mechanics that make this game unique and fun to play, but I don’t want this post to get too long. I pulled out the most notable that set it apart from other systems I’ve played, but also the systems I’ve liked the most. While I do not currently run a hardcore survival campaign, its nice to play something more bleak and I’ve been enjoying the story that has come from it.

Review

Mutant Year Zero is easily one of my favorite TTRPGs. I love how accessible the game is. It is easy to learn, and this is important for table of busy dads. Mutant also has some fantastic flavor with the mechanics that make for a good story.

Quality

I did get a copy of the physical book, and it is beautiful. The printing is high quality with vibrant colors, and the book is very high quality. I love the comic book style art. It gives the game its distinct personality and the book looks fantastic on my table.

The cover is phenomenal. I love how it draws the attention to the survivors combing a burning crumbling city for danger and supplies. Their nonchalant expressions suggest that they’ve grown used to the wreckage, and remain unfazed by the apocalypse. The worn mismatched outfits fit the flavor of the world, and the colors tie it all together. I love that each character has a hint of their ability showing. It is just enough to make a statement about their power, while still evoking curiosity. Are these good guys? Bad guys? You’re going to have to play and decide.

Story

The corebook has a prewritten adventure, and it is a very good place to start if you’re a beginner or just need a little help. The adventure offers a solid mystery with an interesting hook to get things rolling.

The players start at the arc, with an aging leader and dwindling supplies. They are sent out in search of more, but find hints to the fabled Eden. Eden is a place of abundance, populated by the most brilliant minds to find a cure for mutation. Some say the cure exists somewhere within its walls, the trouble is finding it. Others say its all a cruel joke told by those too dumb to realize it is all over. As fate has it, your players find themselves chasing a legend, and what they find isn’t what they expected.

Adventure

What I like most about how the adventure is written is that it gives players to tell their own story around the main goal. The adventure outlines a meta story, fills it with important NPCs and location, and sprinkles enough clues to create agency. The gamemaster players have the freedom to do what they want. I’ve never had my players more invested in the world building, because we were building our world. We had a session where we just talked about the fake mutant animals that existed in the one zone and creating bits of random lore that carried throughout the campaign. I love that I was not tied down by a dungeon crawl because it allowed us to tell some very cool stories.

Most importantly, I love that my players liked the meta story enough to keep playing through it. I’ve ran modules where I stopped using the source material because my players wanted to do something different within that world. I wasn’t ready for them to start asking questions about Eden and actively working towards it because of how much time we spend messing around in character.

Roleplay

This is one of the games where my players got into unique characters. I think the random mutation forced them to play a character they wouldn’t usually which was very cool to see. It might also help that I ran this game with theater of the mind using Alchemy RPG. The official module for Mutant is fantastic. Maybe the lack of math and battle maps gave players the room to get creative with their roleplay. Whatever the answer, it was a lot of fun.

Theater of the Mind

You can get as fancy as you want with Mutant. You can use maps with intricate terrain and figures, or load up your favorite VTT and do it digitally. Run this game in whatever way is most fun for your table. The system will work no matter what. At my table, we run games through theater of the mind. I’ll use maps here and there, but I like the focus to be the story and the current format works for us.

As a theater of mind game, Mutant is a fantastic system. The year one system makes checks and combat easy to manage, and the mechanics give enough depth without needing much outside aid. If all you have is the rulebook, some dice, and a dream, you are ready to run Mutant Year One.

Survival

Do not be intimidated by the survival aspect of this game. Run this game as hardcore as it needs to be for your table. I run a casual table and would frequently forget to manage resources. There wasn’t enough scarcity, and I didn’t deduct enough resources. I did break weapons and give players rot points, but I wasn’t running the game as intended. That said, the game never felt like it lost any of the survival element. Players were still cautious with their decisions, and scavenging when they could. My campaign, as silly as it was, was still a survival campaign. I like that freedom.

Conclusion

If you want to run a survival campaign with cool mutant characters and have a good amount of freedom to tell a cool story, pick up your copy of Mutant Year Zero. This has become our favorite, and it is going to be hard to switch to anything else. You can pick up your copy of the Mutant Year Zero rule book on the official Free League Publishing website, or on DriveThru rpg if you want to go digital.

video game reviews

Forgotten Fragments Review: A Challenging 2D Platformer

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Forgotten Fragments 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.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

Table of Contents

What is Forgotten Fragments?

Forgotten Fragments is a 2D platformer intended for the masochist who loves to struggle through their jumping puzzles. Make sure to check out the demo.

Hook

You wake up in a strange and beautiful world without your memories. Your memories have been scattered across this new landscape in collectable fragments, and it is up to you to collect them all. But this is no simple task. The road is perilous, full of traps and difficult puzzles. Do you have what it takes to conquer this terrain? Do you have what it takes to recover all your memories?

The Game

Brave this challenge alone as you work your way through the campaign, or team up with a friend and share the frustration as you solve unique jumping puzzles. With over 120 puzzles spanning over four unique worlds, Forgotten Fragments has enough content to keep its players busy. Make sure you keep an eye out for hidden collectibles and secret levels. And for those who are a bit more competitive, each level has a time and death counter so you can chase that perfect score. If you like platformers and don’t mind playing through a hard one, check out Forgotten Fragments.

Gameplay

Each world is separated by its collection of uniquely themed jumping puzzles. Puzzles are accessed through doors at a hub, which makes progression manageable. Players must beat all puzzles in a world to progress to the next one. To beat a puzzle, players need to collect all of the available memory fragments within the level. These fragments blow up after a certain amount of time, killing the player. Death resets the level, but it does not reset a run. This means that any progress you make in a level, i.e. collecting memories, will be lost. You will need to do everything again. You can die as many times as it takes to complete the level, but the goal is to die as little as possible and as fast as possible.

Mechanics

To beat a level, players must use the game’s mechanics to not only maneuver the character, but the different objects around them. Sometimes a player needs to throw an object over a pit to use as a platformer. Other times, the player will need to bounce the memory fragment off walls without setting off an explosion. A fragment can blow up if it hits the wrong structure, like a spike. The combination of these mechanics give way for creative solutions to some very interesting puzzles.

Review

Forgotten Fragments is a fantastic platformer, especially if you appreciate a challenge. The game has some very beautiful hand-drawn art that does a good job at catching attention. I am a huge fan of the retro-vibe, but the game’s mechanics create interesting interactions for some very challenging puzzles. There are some seemingly impossible levels, the feeling of satisfaction of finally beating a level is unmatched. If you’re looking for a new platformer, this is the one to try.

Gamplay Loop

The dangerous level design leave the room for some creative solutions. Sometimes you will need to bounce your fragment off walls before it blows up, other times you need to narrowly avoid spike pits to get to collect your fragments. The game starts off hard, but does a good job at slowly adding mechanics over time to make the game feel more manageable. Every time I felt like I mastered the game, it threw something new to complicate things. Mostly, I enjoyed seeing my progress as I moved through the worlds, collecting new skills.

Difficulty

Forgotten Fragments is difficult by design. The game opens up with a disclaimer and the ability to reduce the difficulty. I struggled with the default difficulty, but I never felt a level was impossible. Even though I could have changed the difficulty at any time, I never felt the need. I enjoyed the game enough to keep trying, even at my most frustrated. This is a game where you’re meant to die a lot, so consider that before picking up the controller.

Conclusion

I enjoyed Forgotten Fragments for its unique retro aesthetic and challenging gameplay. Even though I struggled through my playthrough, I appreciate the creativity that went into every level. If you enjoy retro platformers but are looking for a hard one, go check out Forgotten Fragments.

If you enjoy platformers, make sure you also check out Worldless if you’re looking for something more unique and Smurfs, if you need something more cozy to play with your kids.

Tech Reviews

Is the Galaxy100 Lite Worth It? In-Depth Review

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I want to give a special shoutout Imegg on Fiverr for drawing my new site icon. He made me look so cool in so little time, and he deserves any attention I can send his way. If you’re looking for a cool cartoon-style portrait for a price I think is too cheap for the quality, check him out on Fiverr!

Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the Galaxy100 Lite with the Wisteria Linear Switches 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 reviews for the TH108 and the HE80. I’ll also be using my Amazon affiliate link where possible. Using it before you buy anything really helps me out.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Galaxy100 Lite Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-A to USB-C Braded Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • 2 x Extra Switches
  • Mac Key Caps (Command and Option)
  • 2.4 GHz Dongle
  • User Manual

Features

The Galaxy100 Lite is a gasket mounted, full sized keyboard ready to take on any workload. It features a modern yet functional design, and is loaded with the performance to upgrade any workstation.

Design

The Galaxy100 Lite comes in either black or white. The sleek aluminum frame sports a 7 degree, fixed typing angle for a comfortable experience. The aluminum frame gives it its modern aesthetic, and the heft to keep it stationary. The inside layered design gives the keyboard its satisfying thacky sound.

The Keyboard has 100 keys and a nice little knob for volume controls. All 100 keys are supported by the Feker Marble White or the Wisteria Linear switches which offer soft reliable inputs. Each key and switch is easily hot swappable with the included tool for easy repair, cleaning, and customization. Each key is also illuminated with a soft south facing RGB for those who want it. The

Performance

All 100 keys can be easily remapped with QMK or VIA for any task, but the preprogrammed shortcuts are handy enough for most users. The Galaxy100 Lite supports fast wireless connections through its 2.4Ghz included dongle and Bluetooth 5.0. The massive 8000mAh battery gives the keyboard the life it to keep your desk clutter free, and your workflow uninterrupted. But, the high-quality wired cable is ready to pick the slack when needed. Whether you are a gamer looking for an upgrade or an officer worker looking for a full-sized keyboard, the Galaxy100 lite promises to be exactly what you need.

Sound Test

Review

The Galaxy100 Lite is a nice looking keyboard with solid design and decent typing sound, but it has a few issues that make it hard to recommend.

Quality

The Galaxy100 Lite is not a light keyboard. I was a little surprised by the weight of the box, but overall satisfied with the weight. I personally prefer a heavier keyboard. The quality of the keyboard itself is fine. The aluminum frame is elegant and well machined, and the keycaps look like they won’t fade anytime soon. The caps do feel like they are made with cheap plastic, but most people won’t notice. They will get the job done.

Comfort

It did take some adjusting, but the keyboard did get more comfortable with use. I wouldn’t say the Galaxy100 Lite is an ergonomic solution because at the end of the day, my hands were sore. They were still usable, but the discomfort is enough to issue a warning. I have a repetitive stress injury that requires specific ergonomics, and this discomfort won’t affect everyone. If you are using this keyboard a normal amount, it is not a problem. My issue always came after eight straight hours of my data entry job, and even then the pain is manageable. Not manageable enough to keep it as my daily driver, but enough to place it above the average cheap mechanical keyboard.

Typing Experience

The typing experience is average if I am being honest. The sound does sound a little cheap. It isn’t as bad as the Epomaker x Aula F75, but Epomaker x Aula F108 does it better. The Wisteria switches are solid, with an actuation force to help with the fatigue. The typing angle is where I feel the most torn. The angle is fine, but I wish I could adjust it. I find a higher angle more comfortable, but most people will be okay with 7 percent. Overall, the keyboard will do in a pinch, but it isn’t the satisfying mechanical keyboard experience I want it to be.

Performance

For the first couple of days that the keyboard worked, the performance was great. There was no ghosting, and I got about 10 hours on a single charge. The battery life is the best part of this keyboard because it soon started to fail. I might have gotten unlucky with a defective unit, but it does shatter my confidence in the longevity of the product.

The first bug I encountered was the RGB failing. The lights began to flicker wildly like a lightbulb about to go out. A quick reset fixed the issue, and I would have moved on if the second bug wasn’t repeatable. If I tried to switch from the wired mode to either of the wireless while the keyboard was charging, it wouldn’t connect. It would forget my Bluetooth connection and the included dongle. Resting the keyboard fixed it the first time, resetting the Bluetooth connection worked the second time. By the third time I knew what was up, but I wanted test it. It is repeatable, at least on my unit. I know I can reach out and get a working unit, but that’s an extra step I shouldn’t have to take. Again, I might have gotten unlucky with my unit and your mileage will vary.

Conclusion

The Galaxy100 Lite is a very cool looking keyboard, but one that struggles to keep up with its competition. I can’t recommend the keyboard because mine came defective, and even if the next one I get doesn’t come defective, I don’t know if I can trust it to work much longer than my standard test period. If you are looking for a good full-sized keyboard, I recommend getting something like the Epomaker TH108, or the KiiBOOM Phatom 98 if you’re feeling fancy. But if you like the vibe and want to risk it, you can pick up the Galaxy100 Lite on the official Epomaker store, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

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Nezori Demo Review: First Impressions of an Anime RPG

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Disclaimer

I was asked to cover the Nezori demo for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet, and will try to be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest first impressions of the game.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

Table of Contents

What is Nezori?

Nezori is a cute anime themed action RPG planned for Q1 of 2026. The game is essentially a Ys clone with a bit of waifu bait to set it apart. There is a demo available if that sounds like a good time. Don’t forget to wishlist.

The Hook

Atsuko is a young warrior with a promising future. Atsuko is a prodigy with the sword, but a bit too stubborn for her own good. It is this character flaw that sets off the events in this game. When Atsuko learns about a magical hot spring with magical properties that sits on enemy land, she makes it her mission to find it. The springs magical properties would help heal the people in the town, and might even foster a new relationship with the Sothiens.

While there is no direct conflict with Sothiens, there is enough tension between the two nations to spark one. Against the advice of the village elder, Atsuko sets off into enemy land. With her trusty blade in hand, she will vanquish anyone that stands in her way. But what she finds on Sothien land may be a bit more than she bargained for. What will her journey uncover? What truths will she reveal?

Gampeplay

Nezori is a cute Ys clone, with a bit of a social element to pad out the story. The demo only takes players through the first chapter, and some of the missions can’t be complete.

Social Mechanic

Players can take their time and talk to each of the girls in the village. They can give players quests to complete, or are strictly there for a it of world building. They can even join the roster of fighters that will take on the adventure. Each of the girls has a unique style, story, and motivation along with their unique set of abilities. It is up to the player to unlock them all.

Neori will have a meta story for players to go through, but there are a few optional interactions to pad the world. There are side stories and quests that help players learn about the different charactes which can be skipped. Players will need to read through most of the dialogue. While voice acting is in progress for the game’s full release, the demo only has full Japanese voice acting for Atsuko.

The Adventure

Players will load into an area and complete any missions or objectives through action based combat. During combat, players can attack, dodge, use an ability. Each character has their main melee and strong attacks, with unique activated abilities to spice things up. The basic attack charges up the resource used to perform special attacks and abilities. Learning to efficiently dodge, attack, and use items and abilities will be key to surviving the adventure.

Impressions

Nezori is a promising action RPG, but one that needs a bit more work before it earns a recomendation.

Art

The character art for the game is fantastic. Anime fans will definately enjoy the strong cast of waifus on the roster. Each of the girls is unique, with a style that reflects their personality. There is a bit of fan service, but nothing too vulgar. Unfortunately, the art for the rest of the world is a little lacking and I wish it had a bit more substance.

The Game

The game in its current state feels unfinished, which is natural for demo’s at this stage of development. Combat feels a bit janky. The attacks feel slow, and using abilities feels a little clunky. This might have something to do with the minimal amount of animation. This wouldn’t be a problem if the world didn’t feel so empty. The levels are ugly with very little texture to make them pop. Its not a world I want to explore, not that there is much allowable exploration.

I am not a graphics snob. I’ve played minimilistic games I’ve loved like Worldless and Void Sols. Those games worked because while the world was simple, the gameplay was fun. I have no issue if Nezori wants to spend all their money and energy on making cute wiafus and having a minimilist world to fight in, as long as the perfromance is there and combat is fun. In its current incarnation, combat needs a few more tweeks.

The Story

The story is light-hearted, but a bit too cutesy for my taste. I love games with silly stories, Disgae 7 is one of my favorites, but the dialogue in this game can get a little cringey. Some of this may be translation issues, others may be fan service, but it does get a little awkward. If you’re the type of person who likes watching cute girls doing cute things, then the writing shouldn’t be a problem. It isn’t the worst story I’ve ever played through, but it isn’t the reason I am playing this game.

Conclusion

Nezori is an okay action RPG with a few promising elements. I am definately willing to give it a second chance, but it is kind of hard to recomend when you have something like Star Overdrive on the market. But if you like the art and need something to tide you over til the next Ys game, sure. Check out the Nezori demo on Steam and don’t forget to wishlist.

video game reviews

Is Formula Legends Worth Your Time? Honest Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Formula Legends 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.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

Table of Contents

What is Formula Legends?

Formula Legends is an arcade-style Formula one racing game out now on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and GoG.

Formula Legends plays playful homage to 60 years of Formula 1 by bringing the action to your fingertips. Experience 16 iconic cars through 14 evolving circuits in a series of unforgettable races. Master control of your car through any weather, across any track, and around every opponent. Do you have what it takes to be a racing legend?

Gameplay

Formula Legends has players race through a campaign races based on different periods of formula one history. Players will need to win races to unlock the games different cars and tracks.

Races

Each race is themed after a period in Formula One history, with historically accurate cars to race them. Each car has its unique quirks to overcome, and the game does a good job and making each period feel different. The game does have an adjustable difficulty for players who need need the adjustment. The track is also marked by the dark tire trails to help players see the ideal path to victory. What makes the game unique is the pitstop mechanic.

Pitstop and Resources

Despite the cartoonish feel of the game, Formula Legends has a very realistic resource and pitstop mechanic to add depth to the racing. As players make their way across the track, they will use up fuel and their tires will wear out. Players will eventually need make a pitstop where there is a quickaction mini-game to complete. Completing the game correctly the first time saves time on a players run. This means that not only do players need to maneuver quickly and efficiently around the course, they will also need to know when to make their pitstop if they want to win.

Review

Formula One is a cute little racing game with a lot of heart, but one that lacks the performance to earn my recommendation. Unless you are a hardcore racing fan who wants to see more games likes this get made, I would wait for a sale.

The Artstyle

The aststyle is what drew me to the game originally. I like the low-poly, whimsical take on the genre. The cars and the people are very cute. The world is a little simple, but there is enough detail to make each track feel different and full. After sitting with the game for a bit, that whimsy lost its appeal as I slowly realized that the game isn’t ready.

Performance

The game performs poorly on my Nvidia RTX 3060, running the default settings. The cars in this game have the worst control I’ve felt in any driving game. There was an update after I got the key that was meant to fix the performance issue, but I didn’t notice a difference. Some of the issue may be a skill issue, but a lot of the issue is with the game design. Not only do these cars feel like they are driving on ice, but hitting anything will stop the car in its tracks. To make matters worse, the AI seems to be coded to ram into you constantly. This made racing, even on the easiest difficulty, frustrating.

Difficulty

I am bad at racing games so take this with a grain of salt. This game is hard, but not because of the skillful AI that rips down the track with masterful precision. No, this game is hard because everything rams into you, or the car would randomly turn off the track. Playing on easy did not fix any of these issues. As someone who only plays racing games casually, this was incredibly hard to sit through. I like to start on easy and slowly make my way through the difficulties until I am at a comfortable medium, but the game doesn’t give me the option. This game might be fun for the veterans of the genre who understand the math behind every turn, but Formula Legends’ forced difficulty is going to lose its casual players. I am not asking for the game to be easy, I am just asking for it to be playable.

Conclusion

In its current state, I can’t recomend Formula Legends, even if you’re a fan of Formula One. I like a lot of the ideas that exist within the game like the adorable art and the pitstop/resource system, but the game clearly needs more work. With a few more performance updates, maybe it will be worth your time and hard earned money. It’s not the worst racing game, but there is no real reason to buy this over Rally Arcade Classics if you enjoy arcade racers, or my personal favorite Inertial Drift if you want something a little crazier.

You can pick up Formula Legends on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and GoG for $19.99.

video game reviews

Rose Academy Demo Review: A Murder Mystery Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was asked to cover Rose Academy, and review the demo. I understand the game isn’t finished, and will be a bit more lenient with my criticism. That said, this will be my honest impressions.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Rose Academy?

Rose Academy is a murder mystery visual novel coming to Steam on March 26. There is a demo available on Steam and Itch. Make sure you check out the demo, and don’t forget to wishlist.

The hook

An old girlfriend calls out of the blue, ripping you from your sleep. You remember her fondly, and wonder how she’s been all these years. She needs your help, and as a seasoned detective, you ablidge. Curiousity has you chasing a memory you had thought you’d forgotten to the gates of an elite girl’s school. Before you can savor this sweet reunion, you learn about the dark truth that brought you there. A girl was found hanging in the pool changing room. While most suspect suicide, clues point to something much more sinister. Explore the school, ask your questions, and collect your clues. Can you piece it all together before it is too late?

The Demo

The game is visual novel explores dark and a few adult themes. While the game isn’t explicit, there are reference to alcohol, sex, and a few other triggering themes. This is your trigger warning.

The final version of the novel will feature about six to eight hours of game play, but the demo only includes about the first hour (depending on how fast you read). The demo introduces a few key characters and the setting they get to explore. Players also begin their investigation and collecting their initial bits of clues. There are a few important choices players need to make, but their impact to the narrative is left unknown. This is a game where choices matter. Make sure you choose carefully.

The Writing

The writing in Rose Academy is fine. There are few errors and some awkward translations, but nothing that made the story unreadable. There are a few holes and some plot points that feel a bit too convenient, but nothing that detract from the mystery. The setup for the mystery feels well paced, and introduces enough elements to spark a bit of intrigue. My issue is not with the story itself, but with some of the roughness that carries throughout. There are bits of weird dialogue and other sections that try too hard to be deep, but nothing that made me stop reading. If the writing were bad and the story boring, this review would be a lot angrier, if it happened at all.

The Story

The demo does a good job at setting up the mystery. I think I know who did it, but I can’t be confident. There is enough mystery behind the paywall to know for sure, and that’s frustratingly fantastic. The characters are a little sloppy, but they all manage to be unique and memorable. I’ll still be keeping notes, but I spent a lot of time getting invested in the interrogations. While the story does have its awkwardness, I still finished the demo mad that I don’t get to know what really happened. I really don’t want to wait till March to find out.

The art

The art is what I found most problematic. The style is a little awkward, and it leans a little too much into the fan service. While none of it is porn, there are a few panty shots that made me uncomfortable. Most of the story is pretty tame, but it is something to consider. Viewer discretion is advised.

The backgrounds are another problem. They feel a little generic and soulless. They work well enough as a visual aid, but they do little for the world building. Since the focus should be mystery and the characters involved, I am willing to let this go.

Final Thoughts

Rose Academy is a bit of an awkward, but it is at least worth reading through the demo. With its many faults, I still found myself lost in the mystery and wanting to know more. I have so many questions and am mad that I have to wait till March for the answers. Until then, I’ll be here with the game in my wishlist, waiting for the truth. I think you will too.

‘If you’re looking for a new visual novel and don’t mind a little cringe with your detective stories, go check out the demo on Steam or Itch. If you need a visual novel to tide you over while you wait for the official release, check out No Type-NOISE:Shonen Shojo.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker x Aula F75: An Honest Review

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Disclaimer

Mechlands sent me the Epomaker x Aula F75 with the LEOBOG Reaper switches 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 check out my reviews for the Mechlands Vibe 99 and the Vibe 75 V2.

What’s in the box?

  • Epomaker x Aula F75 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
  • 2.4G Dongle
  • USB-A to USB-C Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Manual

Features

Epomaker and Aula have reunited to bring us a stylish and fordable solution to gaming. Whether you need a budget keyboard for work or play, the F75 promises to bring enough utility for any occasion.

The Keyboard

The keyboard has a modern clean design with well manufactured parts and clearly printed PBT keycaps. This 75 percent keyboard measure 143.2mm by 322.7mm for usable form factor experience. The 80 keys that make up the keyboard all are all lit with a beautiful south-facing RGB profile for that coveted gaming aesthetic. The switches are blubbered and as easily hospitable as the keycaps. The keyboards gimmick is the smooth volume dial that also controls the media.

Comfort and Design

The F75 has a very desirable typing angle for a comfortable typing experience out of the box. This angle can be adjusted for a more tailored experience. The prelubbed switches come in three different styles: Crescent, LEOBOG Reaper, and Ice Veign. Each designed to provide users a unique experience, the only questions is what sound and level of actuation you prefer. The five-layer padding design helps dampen the sound, while keeping a bit of that Typing ASMR alive.

Sound Test

Utility

The F75 supports three connections: 2.4G wireless (with included dongle), Bluetooth, and wired. These connections can be swapped easily with a flick of a switch. Both wireless and Bluetooth settings a fast, low latency connection ideal for most gaming environments. The included high quality cable can pick up the slack for anything else. But fast wireless connections are worthless without a strong battery supporting them. The F75 features a respectable 4000 mAh battery that is more than enough in most cases. User experience varies, especially if you’re going crazy with the RGB effects.

Review

As far as budget keyboards go, the Epomaker x Aula keyboard is a solid contender. The features and quality keep it from being a luxury upgrade, but it does enough to be worth the price price tag.

Quality

At first glance, users will be impressed by the design. Everything looks clean and the printing is clear. Picking up the keyboard doesn’t raise too many flags. The keyboard has a good weight for home and travel use, and the construction feels sturdy. I didn’t notice any concerning flex with my unit. Actually using the keyboard is where the cracks start to show.

Unfortunately, the keycaps are cheap, and they feel cheap the more you use them. They feel sharp and harsh to the touch, and they produce the ugliest typing sound. If you’re looking for good typing ASMR, you might have to swap out the caps or switches, but that defeats the purpose. If you’ve never used good keycaps or need something affordable to throw around, this doesn’t matter. They’re good enough.

Comfort

Despite the cheap keycaps, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the F75 actually is. The typing angle out of the box is fantastic and the switches are solid. Although the keycaps are harsh to my fingers, the switches were soft to my joints. The don’t trigger my repetitive stress injury like other cheap keyboards do, and that is a huge win for me. While I wouldn’t say it is an ergonomic keyboard, it is an ergonomic enough design to keep my hands functional after prolonged use.

Performance

The F75 gets the job done out of the box. The switches all worked and were responsive, and the connection was stable. I didn’t notice any ghosting or faulty switches through my tests. This is a keyboard that is very easy to install, and even easier to tweak if needed. The preprogrammed shortcuts were all easy to find and incredibly helpful. I like the little cheat sheet included in the box. Most importantly, the battery life is great. I got about eight hours of continuous use off a single charge with the RGB on. This is enough for most cases.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a keyboard at this price range, it doesn’t get much better. With the F75, you are getting a cool looking keyboard with comfortable switches and enough keys for most work flows. The media nob is a fantastic gimmick, especially if you like working while listening to music. The Switches may feel cheap, but I never got the impression like they would fade or start to look ugly. If this is your budget, get the F75.

You can pick up the Epomaker x Aula F75 on the official Mechlands store, or through Aliexpress.

video game reviews

Unyielder Review: Colorful Chaos in Roguelike Gaming

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Unyielder 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.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Unyielder?

Unyielder is a loud and chaotic roguelike looter out now on Steam.

Jump into the colorful explosion of a boss rush that is Unyielder. Players fight their way through waves of mechanized nightmares with some of the most insane weapons put into pixels. Whether you end up with a sword or bazooka, there is nothing that can stand in your way (if you can master the games unique combat mechanics). Do you have what it takes to become the best hunter of them all?

Content

Players are thrown into one of three unique arenas where they fight in fast-paced chaotic gunfights against one of over 40 unique bosses. Armed with one 30+ “absurd” weapons and a selection from the more than 90 perks and items, players can enjoy a bit of variety while they grind to unlock the different characters or permanent upgrades that give Unyielder its spice. Each character has its unique flavor, quirks, and abilities to change up the gameplay, and a set of traits to unlock. What character you choose depends on your playstyle, and the game promises enough choices for each player to find a combination they like. I am sure there is a solvable meta, but the fun comes from finding something that works best for you. The game does have its campaign, but there is an endless mode for those who just want to sit back and watch things explode.

Gameplay

The game doesn’t run as smooth as at needs to. I run an Nvidia 3060 with an AMD Ryzen 5600x and it stutters. I know this isn’t the most powerful configuration, but it can run everything else on the default configuration. It is playable, but it makes a few of the combat mechanics a bit frustrating.

Combat

Combat in Unyielder gives me Borderlands vibes, albeit a bit more chaotic ones. The gunfights have a similar energy, but the guns are a lot more creative in Unyielder. I will commend the devs creativity when it comes to the different flavors of death that fall into the players hands.

Players will start each round with a basic pistol and walk into the arena where they face off against a boss. Each boss has its unique movement and attack patterns, and learning each one gives players the advantage. Each character has a melee attack and can use their gun, provided they have enough ammo to spend. The goal of each fight is to kill the boss monster through a series of well timed parries and attacks without dying.

Parries

What makes Unyielding unique is its parry system. Each boss monster has a small window in which attacking it stuns them. Timing a perfect parry not only gives the user combat advantage, the boss also drops ammo, life, and recharges a players shield. Players are incentivized to master the parry system to not only survive, but also defeat the boss. Players do not start the encounter with enough ammo to defeat the boss. There are also no loot crates to open mid combat. Instead, players will need to live off the supplies they beat out of the boss with their well timed parries. More on why this is problematic below.

Bosses

Bosses for the most part are unique. Each has a interesting and creative design and a movement pattern to reflect this. Bosses will either jump around the map wildly, or charge in a more predictable pattern. Learning these patterns and their different animations help perfect the parry system. The problem that arises is that depending on the map, the movement can either be a slog, or incredibly trivial.

How is it on the Steam Deck?

I didn’t even try running Unyielder on a Steam Deck because it isn’t verified, and it didn’t seem worth testing. There were enough issues with how it runs on PC to discourage me from trying. That said, I am willing to try it if anyone is curious, or if the game gets a a good amount of updates.

Review

Playing Unyielder has left me torn. On one hand, I love that that the game attempts something new in the genre. I am a huge fan of the game’s explosive and colorful vibe, but the gameplay needs a bit of work.

The Art

I like Unyielder’s retro chaotic style. I love the cell shading, the explosion of color, and the weapon design. The monsters can look a little busy, but each is uniquely terrifying. The arenas feel a little empty, even though the design can make combat annoying. Some of the characters look cool, but it doesn’t matter because you don’t really see them. The weapons in this game are incredibly creative and I appreciate the time spent to make them affect the gameplay. Unfortunately, this effect is not always good.

The Bosses

I enjoyed the combat in Unyielder for the first few minutes when I was getting to learn the mechanics. However, the novelty of the gameplay quickly wears off when combat becomes a hassle. The main factor that defines success in Unyielder is timing. Timing the perfect parry grants players the power and sustainability to defeat the boss. Some bosses move slowly and predictably and can be taken down easily. Others Jump wildly across maps that make timing the perfect parry annoying. I am sure that getting better at the game and unlocking more upgrades and characters will soften some of this frustration, but I didn’t want to get there. Especially when I could be playing something like Revenge of the Mage instead.

But what truly makes the game hard to recommend is the RNG.

The Guns and RNG

After my hours of playing this game I can honestly say that the starter pistol is my favorite weapon. This is strictly due to the fact that there is no chance of it being absolutely useless.

Guns spawn with up to seven random perks. While this gamble means that a gun drops with the perfect everything, there are times where players are stuck with a useless gun that feels worse than the starter pistol. I appreciate the effort and love that went into creating the flavor of each weapon and perk, but sometimes the gun was too busy. This is bad in a game where timing is key and the guns gimmick makes is impossible to get it right. This could be a skill issue, but the average player isn’t going to endure the learning curve of a game that feels unfair and annoying. Especially when the performance isn’t good enough.

Melee is useless

My biggest issue with the game is how quickly and easily a player can run out of bullets, and how this ends a run. Each character has a melee attack, but melee in this game is the most useless skill. Everything in this game is more mobile, and chasing the different bosses across the map for a melee attack that doesn’t do enough damage is a chore. Sure you can find better melee weapons, but not in the beginning.

Conclusion

Unyielder game isn’t bad, but there are games that do this better. I love that the flavor and the chaotic nature of the game, but I don’t believe it does enough to be worth the price tag. The game needs some tuning. Combat needs to be smoother, weapons need to be less busy, and frames need to be stable. That said, at least it isn’t The Foglands.

If you do want to tackle this game, master its mechanics and many weapons and prove me wrong, I’d still wait for sale or at least a couple more updates. But if you don’t believe me, you can pick it up on Steam.

video game reviews

Is Northwind the Next Great Roguelike Deckbuilder?

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Northwind 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.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Northwind?

Northwind is just another roguelike deckbuilder, but it experiments with a few mechanics that might make the game interesting, with a few tweaks. You can pick up Northwind on Steam early access.

You are a mercenary on the hunt for powerful monsters. Craft a deck of powerful attacks and abilities to take down everything that comes your way. With a bit of luck, some skillful deck-building, and the right equipment, there is nothing that can stand in your way. Do you have what it takes to take down the most powerful monsters?

Early Access

Early access gives you access to two mercenaries: The Duelist and Pyrotech. Everyone starts with the duelist and unlocks the Pyrotech by playing through a run. The Duelist is a melee class that hits hard with the right skills. The Pyrotech is good at stacking conditions to win her battles. There are 233 cards, 113 relics, 34 perks, 38 kinds of food, and 23 gems to ensure no two runs are ever the same.

There are three bioms ruled by a total of five bosses across them to keep players busy enough till the next major update. While the game may not be perfect yet, it shows a good amount of promise to at least be a blimp in your radar.

Roadmap

Northwind is not without its ambitions. While the game may promise a good amount of content in its current state, there are a few planned updates to keep fans excited. Planned updates for the next year include:

  • New shop: Monster Gear Engineer
  • 3rd Mercenary
  • Expanded Hazard Levels and Roguelite progression
  • Inspection feature
  • Controller and Steam Deck Support
  • Additional content: Relics, Gems, etc.
  • Visual and QoL upgrades

All we can do as wait for them the publishers to deliver.

Gameplay

Northwind has solid performance, but it does have basic minimal animation.

Players start each game by choosing one of the two mercenaries. I always picked the Pyrotech because I preferred the playstyle, but both seem equally capable of taking on the challenge. Players start with mostly the same deck, save three cards that are randomly generated each turn. Players then choose an encounter, be it combat, combat with a boss/miniboss, random event, or the campsite.

Combat

Combat is a tug-of-war style encounter between the player and the NPC. Each round, the NPC will spawn damage or an ability. A players must use choose the correct combination of cards to either match or beat the number the NPC spawns or take damage. The player looses if their health goes to zero. The player wins if the NPC’s health goes to zero.

To better visualize this, imagine the player encounters a goblin. In the first round, the globlin spawns five damage. The player looks at their hand and plays a number of cards that do five or more damage, provided they have mana.

The mana system is what makes Northwind unique. Mana does not regenerate like in other deck builders like Starvader. Instead, players must draw mana cards and spend or stockpile them strategically. Mana cards are interwoven into a players deck. A player can choose to pick up more along the adventure, but finding the balance between the number of mana cards and attack cards is key for a players success. Players can get mana flooded/screwed if they are not too careful. because of this mechanic, players are sometimes forced into taking the damage in order to stockpile for bigger attacks in a subsequent turn.

Leveling

Mana can be spent to cast attack cards, but they can also be used to level up. Players can level up their character up to level three anytime during each combat, provided they have enough mana. Leveling up a character makes them hit harder. All attacks do more damage when leveling, at the cost of sometimes spending a turn to power-up. This is not only thematic, but it adds a bit of complexity to the combat. Players will need to decide whether or not they want to spend a turn leveling their character or dealing damage. Knowing when to spend and save resources, especially on leveling is key for beating the harder bits of combat.

Relics and Items

Players will occasionally have find randomly generated items or relics to aid them on their journey. These items and relics give players abilities or boosts that give them an edge in combat. Players are either given these items are rewards in random events, paid for through currency or life, or dropped by monsters as treasure. Sometimes, players can choose from a collection of items. However these items find their way into a players, they can easily ruin a run if they aren’t good enough.

Encounters

Aside from the major Boss fights, players can choose not to fight. Throughout a run, players have the option to choose non-combat scenarios. These include but are not limited to shops and random events. A random event can be anything from encountering a stranger that gives a player a boon for a price (or free). The encounter can also be a difficult choice that can also result in a boon. For example, a player can choose to give up some of their health to upgrade one of their attack cards. There are also NPCs that allow players to edit their decks allowing them to buy, upgrade, or delete cards in their decks.

Rest

It wouldn’t be a roguelike deckbuilder without some kind of campfire mechanic. Players are given the occasional opportunity to heal their character. If a player doesn’t need to heal, they also have the option to upgrade cards in their deck and sometimes pick up a special boon to help them in their journey. The placement of these nodes, and knowing when to use them can make or break a run.

Permanant Upgardes

After a run ends, players earn in-game currency that they can spend on buying permanent upgrades. In theory, the game gets easier the more runs a player completes. I am sure there is a solvable way to buy upgrades, but I enjoyed choosing the upgrades that best fit my style. Earning these upgrades are a bit of a grind, but the built-in RNG promises to lessen a bit of that monotony.

Towns

A players will also get a chance to visit a town during a run where they can visit different vendors and buy foods, items, relics and upgrades with currencies they earn across their adventure. These upgrades are randomly generated, and can make or break a run.

Review

Northwind plays with a few interesting mechanics that make it a promising entry to the genre. While it does need a bit of tweaking, the game has enough substance to make it worth at least an add to the wishlist.

The Artstyle

The world of Northwind feels a little bare at the moment. The champions and a few of the monsters have cool design, but I feel like the world lacks flavor. There is not enough color or themes spread accorss the regions that give Northwind a tangible place in genre. People might be drawn in by the cool art for thew promotions, but will forget playing the game because the art isn’t very memorable. It doesn’t help that there isn’t much in terms of animation, but that is probable better for a game like this where the focus is card interactions. Improving visuals is part of the roadmap, so a few more updates may change things.

The Gameplay

Gameplay is where I am completely split on this game. On one hand, Northwind‘s unique mechanics are the breath of fresh air the genre needs, on the other, it has a glaring balancing issue.

Now the game runs great, as I would expect from a game with little animation. I didn’t experience any game breaking bugs, and I got all the frames I needed to play comfortable. The are also enough cards, relics, and items in the current Early Access build for a few fun and interesting decks. The RNG, while mostly fair, can end a run early. This is expected in the roguelike genre, and not enough to ruin the game.

What ruins game is the balancing in later fights. There are fights where you can do everything right, but still get hit with a 100 damage because the game decides its time. I am sure there are foods you can eat, upgrades you can buy, or decisions you can make to mitigate this, but it sucks. Having to spend mana on level feels bad when the boss can kill you with one hit. There are fights where you don’t even get the option to stockpile mana. These fights feel unfair and will turn away the player who isn’t trying to grind at a game that doesn’t have a cool memorable world or animation to distract them.

Final Thoughts?

Northwind needs a bit more time to bake in the oven. The game has a few good ideas that have me excited about its future, but it is kind of hard to recommend when you have games like Takara Cards or even Shogun Showdown. Don’t get me wrong, Northwind isn’t a bad game, it just isn’t ready yet. If you are looking for a new deckbuilder and don’t mind the roughness that comes with an early access game, it is a great way to support a publisher that is making an interesting attempt at the genre.

You can pick up Northwind on Steam Early Access.

Universus

2026 Universus TCG Roadmap: Exciting New Releases Ahead

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Intro

UVS Games has just announced its 2026 roadmap, and the lineup will have fans new and old excited about the future of the game. As casual collector, I definitely see a couple of sets I want to whale on. If you want to pick up Universus, always support your LGS. You can also pick up Universus on TCG Player using my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you use it.

The Road Map

What’s coming in 2026?

2026 marks a very important milestone for Universus: the system’s 20th anniversary. With this milstone comes a collecion of iconic figures from fighting games, manga, and of course, Kaiju. Whether you are new to the game, casually collecting, or trying to take the top spot in next year’s circuit, there seems to be a little bit of something for everyone.

So what is coming?

  • King of Fighters XV Challenger Series
  • Godzilla Booster Set
  • My Hero Academia Challenger Series
  • TEKKEN 8 Booster Set
  • Street Fighter 6: Part Deux Challenger Series
  • Fairy Tail Booster Set

Thoughts

While I am not too crazy about the fighting game sets, Street fighter had some very cool unique cards and the decks were a lot of fun to play. They are a solid place to start, assuming you can’t find any Godzilla. What I don’t like about the fighting game sets personally are that most of cards are screenshots. If you’re a fan of the games in questions (and the games in questions are cool), then this becomes less of an issue. As a collector, these sets don’t excite me as much. I prefer the comic stills, especially like the ones in the Heroes of Exandira set. Those look really good in a binder.

That said, what is important are the mechanics and the unique cards that make this game worth collecting. If the mechanics change the meta enough or the unique cards in the set are cool, that will be enough to excite me. I may not vibe with most of the art for the Tekken and Street Fighter cards I do own, but the decks are fun enough and the champion cards are cool enough that I would buy into them if I didn’t already own the set.

What I am very excited for is the Godzilla cards. I missed out on the initial run of Godzilla when that came out, but what I’ve seen looks very cool. Some people will argue that Godzilla is problematic because it runs the meta, but I’ve played enough card games to know that it happens everywhere. Maybe the set changes up the type of Godzilla decks you end up playing against. Either way, as a collector, I can’t wait what this set has to offer and I am more than ready to open a couple packs.

What I am most excited for is the Manga sets. I know Deku is a problem, but the cards from previous MHA sets have all been pretty good. I feel confident in my excitement for this set, and I hope it brings new people in the space. The space needs it. More importantly, I am ready to whale on the Fairy Tail set. I love this anime and the set is bound to have some cool cards. It has to for the year to end on a good note.

Until then, lets get hyped for GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Blitz Booster landing November 28. Don’t forget to preorder yours today!