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Board Games and TCGs

Explore Vaesen, a Supernatural Mystery TTRPG

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There are still slots available for the free Vaesen learn-to-play event happening over at StartPlaying Games on Thursday, December 28 at 10 AM PT, and Tuesday, January 2nd at 2 PM PT. The event is hosted by the good folks over at Alchemy VTT through Discord, and it gives potential players a chance to learn about a new system and virtual tabletop. I sat through one of the sessions, and it’s gotten me curious about the Vaesen RPG. I’ve written about the class in a previous post, but you should sign up anyway since it’s free. 

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Recently, Free League Publishing was nice enough to send a bunch of their games to review. I am currently running through my first Dragonbane campaign and loving every minute of it. Till I can get to the rest of the games, I’ll be previewing all the games in the Free League Publishing library. These will be my initial impressions since it wouldn’t be fair to review a game I haven’t finished a campaign in. 

I’ll begin with Vaesen because it is the game I have the most exposure to outside of Dragonbane. What drew me to Vaesen initially was the artwork. The art in this book is beautiful. It reminds me of the old children’s books my father used to read to me when I was little.

Background

Vaesen is the spirits that exist in this mythical 19th-century Scandinavia. There used to exist a symbiotic relationship between the humans and the Vaesen. The humans would know how to keep them happy through things like offerings, and the Vaesen would bring them rain or make the fields grow. It was a relationship that worked, but one that didn’t last forever.

War and industrialization change the landscape. People begin to move to cities, and people begin to forget about the Vaesen. Years go by, and the corruption of industrialization begins to change the Vaesen. Strange and unexplainable events start to haunt the people, and they demand answers.

Only a few people exist with the ability to see the Vaesen. They have formed a secret organization to investigate and stop any nefarious supernatural activity.

Flavor

What I like most about is the flavor. The 19th-century aesthetic is neat, but the folk tale and lore are what sell this RPG to me. The core rule book is full of lore for the different Vaesen that can appear in your campaign. I enjoy reading about the different monsters, and can already have a few ideas for one shot. If your table enjoys dark supernatural mysteries, you might want to consider Vaesen.

I like how classes are handled in Vaesen. Each class has unique abilities, motivations, and equipment that help build the world of the RPG. The core book does a good job of giving players ideas for things like motivations, secrets, and trauma to help with character creation. For example, you can play a priest who is on a sacred mission because he wants to atone for being possessed by a witch, but he still hears the devil speak to him. You can also create your own, and the possibilities are endless. I like that the adventurers are just normal people who have been called to keep the world safe from the supernatural. It’s giving me fun monster of the week vibes, and I am here for it.

Gameplay

Vaesen is a D6 system. You only need six-sided dice to play. There is combat and checks which seem pretty straight forward, but the main focus seems to be on the roleplay. The game is about investigating supernatural events so players will be asking questions, searching for clues, and although there is combat, you don’t always have to kill the monsters. This is something you should consider before buying into the system. This one might be a little hard to sell at my table, but they’ve surprised me before.

Where to Buy

You can pick up the core book from the official Free League Publishing website ($52.91 + shipping). You also get access to the PDF so you won’t have to wait to get started. The core book is also available on Amazon ($64 book only) and DrivethruRPG ($24.99 pdf only).

Board Games and TCGs, gaming news

Official Dragonbane Mini Subscription now on MyMiniFactory

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Our friends over at Free League Publishing have partnered with Titan Forge and MyMiniFactory to release a series of high-quality miniatures for their fantasy tabletop RPG, Dragonbane. If you have access to a 3D printer and need a way to spruce up your next adventure, you’re going to want to subscribe to The Adventure. 

The Adventure is a subscription service by MyMiniFactory that offers players high-quality miniatures from the Fantasy TTRPG Dragonbane. Subscribers will get the STL files for the five pre-generated characters from the core rulebook’s prewritten adventure, and one printable monster or enemy file every month. The Makander mini alone should be enough to move this subscription. 

Subscribers also get 10% off a purchase of Dragonbane content from the Free League Publishing store, 10% off other MyMiniFactory purchases or subscriptions, and story teasers for Dragonbane. The subscription is $9.99 a month, or you can pay for the whole year in advance for $89.88 ($30 savings). If you’re in the market for officially licensed minis, The Adventure is definitely worth looking into. 

What is Dragonbane?

I recommend you check out the quick start guide before you buy anything. It gives players and DMs a nice taste of what to expect from the full version, and it’s free. I’ve written a post about my experience running the Quick Start guide for those interested.

If you’re ready to buy into this system, there are a few options. If you play online, you’re going to want the PDF. It’s searchable, and the most cost-effective way to get started. You can pick it up on DrivethruRPG for $24.99.

Now if you’re playing on a VTT, I always recommend Foundry VTT. I am not an affiliate. It’s just what I’ve been using, and I love it. I’ve written a post about why. You can pick up the official module for $27.87 and it has everything you need to get started. You don’t have to use the module to play on Foundry, but it makes things easier. Check out my previous post where if you want more details.

If you want to play in person, all you need is the core rulebook, some dice, and a pencil. You can pick up the core rulebook for $43.70 on the official website. Now there are other special items to spruce up your games like special edition books, the core set, and dice available, but that depends on how much you want to invest in the game. I’ve been having fun, I recommend you check it out as well.

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video game reviews

Rhapsody III: Memories of Marl Kingdom is the cutest retro RPG

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I was sent Rhapsody III: Memories of Marl Kingdom 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. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee. 

Rhapsody III: Memories of Marl Kingdom has finally come to the West, and fans of the original can now enjoy this cute and quirky RPG on their favorite modern console.

Synopsis

Though true love is the destination, there are many magical paths that can lead you to it. Experience the stories of Cornet, the queen of Marl Kingdom, her daughter Kururu, the “Tomboy Princess,” and other lovestruck souls in Marl Kingdom, all of which span the past, present, and future of the Rhapsody series. Tales of true love both new and old await you, including the fate of Kururu’s impending marriage, two star crossed lovers and their warring families, and the journey of Cornet’s mother, Cherie. The trials and tribulations each of these characters face will put their hearts to the test like never before. Will true love truly prevail?

Gameplay

Combat is straightforward, but the randomness of the ally attacks is what makes it exciting. I loved it when my little buddies took the initiative and took the last hit on a boss I had trouble with. There is a grind like there is in most games of the genre, but there is an auto-battle feature that makes it manageable.

If you enjoy retro RPGs, especially from the early 2000s, you’re going to want to look into this game. While the game runs fine, it feels like an older game. This isn’t a criticism, but it is something to think about. The PC port runs fine, but there are some stutters in performance, and some of the interactions are a bit finicky. I enjoyed it for the cute retro experience that it is.

Story

The story is adorable. I love the tone, and the musical numbers were appreciated. I haven’t played any other games in the Rhapsody saga, but I didn’t feel the need. The story is relatively self-contained except for a few references to previous titles. Even when these references showed up, I didn’t feel like it took away from experience. The characters are all unique and adorable, and I enjoyed the general silliness of the adventure.

Conclusion

Despite some minor performance issues, I enjoyed the game. The art is cute, the music is fantastic, and the gameplay is relaxing. I loved reliving the classic era of RPG and found the game’s quirks a refreshing change of pace. If you enjoy retro RPGs and want something cute to fool around in, check out Rhapsody III: Memories of Marl Kingdom.

You can pick up Rhapsody III: Memories of Marl Kingdom for $49.99 on PlayStation, Switch, and Steam ($24.99). There is also a collectors edition available on the official NIS store for fans of the series who want some extra goodies. The bundle includes:

  • Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles Deluxe Edition
  • “Memories in Melody” Hardcover Art Book
  • “Ballad of the Little Princess” 2-disc Original Soundtrack
  • “Memories of Marl Kingdom” 2-disc Original Soundtrack
  • “Royal Crescendo” Art Cards (Set of 3)
  • “A Duet of Adventure” Acrylic Display
  • “Generations of Song” Acrylic Display
  • “The Show Must Go On” Cloth Poster
  • Collector’s Box
video game reviews

Loot River is the Souls-like Tetris Game You May Need to Try Once

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I was sent Loot River for free to review. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.

Loot River is a unique roguelike that combines the bleak and unforgiving grind of a Dark Souls game with Tetris. Players must fight through endless and dangerous catacombs where they fight monsters, find treasure, and defeat bosses. With the power of the Relic, players can move the ground to travel through its darkness, solve puzzles, and manipulate enemies. Can you find the end before you meet yours?

The game does a fantastic job of blending the two genres to create a unique and memorable experience. The souls-like elements are simple but unforgiving. The Tetris part creates the game’s unique movement and adds dimension to the combat. The combat is simple but with enough strategy to make it engaging.

Players start each run with a simple weapon and have access to a basic attack, thrust, parry, and dodge. You can move your character, but you can also move the platform you’re standing on independently. You must use a combination of these actions to defeat your enemies and clear each level. These elements come together to create Loot River’s creative combat system. 

Throughout a run, you will pick up weapons and gear. This gear is randomly generated, and you lose it when you die. I felt like the RNG was fair enough, but some runs were easier than others. You can also find and buy permanent upgrades to make runs easier. The more you play, the more upgrades you’ll have access to. 

Like most games in the genre, Loot River’s gameplay is repetitive. The RNG and procedurally generated levels help mitigate some of the monotony, but you’re still repeating the same actions. I find comfort in the repetition, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. There is also a leaderboard and level editor coming on December 19 with the PlayStation release.

My favorite aspect of the game is the aesthetic. I love the minimalistic pixel art, and the soundtrack is amazing. Most importantly, the game is fun. If you’re looking for a new roguelike to fill some time, check out Loot River. The game is $25, which I find a little high, but the devs continue to release updates so take that as you will. I’d wait for a sale personally. 

Loot River is available now on Xbox and Steam for $24.99. It’s free if you have Game Pass.

Board Games and TCGs, video game reviews

Dragonbane on Foundry VTT is Amazing!

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We’ve had our third session of Dragonbane, and have been enjoying every minute. It was a rough start as we learned and adjusted to the new rules, but things are running more smoothly. 

What has made the transition easier has been playing on Foundry VTT using the official module. You don’t need the module to play Dragonbane. All you need is the quick start guide and some dice. You don’t even need the official module if you’re using Foundry, but it makes things so easy that you’re doing yourself a disservice by not using it. 

I’ve written about why you should use Foundry VTT as your virtual tabletop, so make sure you read that post if you haven’t done so already. Foundry VTT is easy to use, it has tremendous community and dev support, and it has a lot of the features you want from a VTT for only $50. There is also a demo you can try if you need more convincing. 

The Dragonbane module costs $27.22 with everything you need to play the game. You get:

  • 144 Actors.
  • 28 Journal Entries.
  • 370 Items.
  • 164 Rolltables.
  • 20 Scenes.
  • 5 Macros.
  • 6 Card Stacks.

Starting a game has never been so simple. The module splits up everything you need into easy-to-search journal entries and chapters. You can choose to play one of the ready-to-play pre-generated characters. But if you want to make your own, the module walks you through the simple process of character creation where you can roll your stats, and drag and drop everything you need. 

Running the prewritten adventure is even easier because you have everything you need at your fingertips. It splits up the adventure into manageable sections with quick links to help you navigate decisions. You have tables to roll from, monster stats you can easily drag onto maps, and you can roll for the monster abilities. Maps come with all the lighting effects, walls, doors, and hidden areas which is sure to impress your table. I’ve never had an easier time prepping running a game. Now this will change if you want to run your own adventure, but if you want to start with the prewritten content, the module is a boon!

The only issue I’ve been having is getting used to the system. While the system is easy to learn, my table is full of busy dads who somehow manage to make time for our weekly games. It’s been fun, and getting better as we grow more comfortable with the system.

If you’re playing Dragonbane, or thinking about running your first game online, I recommend you get this module. You’ll get more than your money’s worth, especially if it ends up being your tables main RPG.

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video game reviews

Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader is as fantastic as I expected

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I received Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader for free to review for my site. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews or the rest of my content, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.

Rogue Trader is the cRPG you should be playing right now. As the newly appointed Rogue Trader for the Imperium, you must brave the uncharted reaches of space, face its terrifying dangers, and make that money in the process. Face off against heretics, fight off bloodthirsty Xenos, and make the choices that will determine your future. Do you have what it takes to survive the grim-dark horrors of the 40k universe?

Owlcat Games has done it again by creating another game you want in your collection. If you enjoy Tabletop Roleplaying games but need that fix off the table, you can’t go wrong with any of the Owlcat Game titles. I love their Pathfinder games, but Rogue Trader has easily become one of my favorites. I love the flavor of the 40K universe, and I prefer the combat system in Rogue Trader. 

Rogue Trader is an amazing-looking game. Warhammer fans will appreciate the amount of effort put into creating such an authentic experience. New fans will be left wanting more. The story is a nice dive into a fantastic universe, and I struggled to pull myself away. Everything from the dialogue, the music, and the gore all worked together to create an atmosphere you’d expect from a game set in the 40k universe. 

The gameplay is where Rogue Trader earns its love and reputation. I love playing TTRPGs, and this game provides the perfect substitute outside my weekly sessions. I love that there are failable skill checks and social interactions. I even love that my attacks can fail. The randomness of the dice rolls makes everything more exciting. Most of all, I enjoyed that I could roleplay my character how I wanted. Want to take charge and treat everyone like the lowly scum they are? Want to be an overzealous devoted follower of the Emperor? The choice is in your hands and the choices you make matter. With the amount of customization and choices available, this game has a good amount of replay value.

The combat is my favorite part of this game. I don’t normally like strategy games, but Rogue Trader does it right. I played on normal difficulty and found it perfect for my skill level, but you can get as hard-core as you want. The mechanics are easy to learn, and combat is engaging enough without becoming complicated. But mostly, I enjoyed watching enemies explode.

My only complaint about the game is that some objectives are hard to see. To avoid this, press the tab to highlight all clickable items on the map. This was never a deal breaker, but it is a cruel reminder that I am getting old. 

I loved everything about Warhammer 40000: Rogue Trader. If you are looking for a new game, check out Rogue Trader. You don’t need to be a Warhammer fan to enjoy this game. The story is pretty straightforward, and the game translates any words you might not know in an easy and convenient format. The only downside is that you’ll want to know more about the universe, but there are a lot of great videos on YouTube to help fill the gaps. Keep in mind that there is a bit of reading and random chance involved if that matters to you. Otherwise, Rogue Trader is a fantastic 40k RPG. You can pick up your copy for $49.99 on Xbox, PlayStation and PC via Steam, GoG, and Epic Games.

Board Games and TCGs, gaming news

Alien: The Roleplaying Game is getting its newest adveture

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Free League Publishing releases their Building Better Worlds module for their award-winning Alien: The Roleplaying Game on January 16th. You can preorder your copy of Building Better Worlds ($46.03) from the official shop today. 

Build Better Worlds is the RPG’s second story module. It promises a new action pact adventure as players explore uncharted loss worlds and face never-before-seen Xenomorphic creatures. The module introduces new gear, ships, and character options to freshen up your next campaign. 

Building Better Worlds is only an expansion. You’ll need to core the rule book in either physical or digital format to play the game. Keep in mind that buying any of the physical copies gives you instant access to the PDF version. You can pick up copies of the Core Rulebook ($54.70), Starter Set ($51.81), or any other expansions on the official Free League Publishing website.

I got an early copy of the book, and it looks amazing. I am always amazed at how full of authentic flavor these movie-themed games always turn out to be. I haven’t had a chance to play this game but will review it as soon as I can. Probably after all my Dragonbane content. Until then, if you’re a fan of the Alien franchise, or simply looking for a horror RPG to bring to your table, you should definitely look into Alien: The Roleplaying Game. Don’t forget to preorder your copy of Building Better Worlds while you’re at it. 

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Board Games and TCGs

The Electric State RPG Kickstarter fully funded after only 30 mins!

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The Electric State Roleplaying Game Kickstarter campaign just went live, and it was fully funded after only half an hour. That’s a fantastic sign for a beautifully illustrated RPG with an interesting concept. 

The year is 1997, and the world is on the brink of collapse. America faces its second civil war. People find escape through cheap VR headsets but become lost in the Electric State. Set off on an adventure through a war-torn countryside, and occasionally risk becoming lost yourself. The goal of this game isn’t the end but the journey you make. 

The Electric State Roleplaying Game is based on Simon Stålenhag’s art book of the same name. The art is beautiful, and if you are a fan of the art book, the RPG will feature never-before pieces from the same collection. There’s a movie in the works, which I hope is as awesome as this book looks. 

The game uses Free League Publishing’s Year Zero Engine, which I have been enjoying a lot. I love the flavor. What’s not to love about a post-apocalyptic 90’s aesthetic? If you like sci-fi and story-driven adventures, or what promises to be a very pretty rulebook, you’re going to want to look into this Kickstarter. The Kickstarter runs until December 20. People who are back during the first 24 hours of the campaign also get a bonus 216mm x 279mm print of the cover art for display. Backers of the Kickstarter will also get access to an alpha rulebook to get their journey started. 

If you don’t like physical media, the PDF is $24. You’ll get access to everything you need to get started instantly, and any of the early versions as well. 

If you want the book in your library, there are two levels you’ll need to consider. Both come with PDFs and all the stretch goals. $87 gets you the regular book, and $127 gets you a special edition only available to Kickstarter patrons. If you’re a fan of the art book or know this will be your main RPG for a while, there’s nothing wrong with paying a little extra for the special edition book. Whether you back or not, it’s worth at least looking at the project to appreciate its art. 

I’ll be reviewing the game as soon as I get a copy. Stay tuned for that. If you enjoy these updates, make sure you leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. 

video game reviews

Lord of Nothing continues to be authentic Pathfinder experience

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I was sent the Lord of Nothing DLC for Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee. 

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is the perfect translation of the popular Tabletop RPG into a video game. If you enjoy TTRPGs, you need to win either of the Pathfinder games. You can pick up both Wrath of the Righteous and Kingmaker in a bundle on Steam for $53.98. I would wait for the winter sale coming December 21 to January 4, 2024, for the nice discount. 

The Pathfinder games offer a unique and authentic RPG experience. They feature interesting stories, great character design, and fun mechanics. You’ll have enough content to work with to get more than your money back. 

What I enjoyed most about the game is that the choices matter. Dialogue, skill checks, and combat affect how the story unfolds. You can fail checks, and death is permanent, so think carefully. Playing at lower difficulties does mitigate some of the more difficult decisions if you only care about the story. The story is fine, but the level of customization available in this game makes it stand out against the genre. 

Players have the ability to play the characters they want at the level of difficulty that works best for them. There is RNG to consider. You can always fail a check or miss an attack, but that’s half the fun of the tabletop. 

The combat system is unique. Starting an encounter pauses the game, and players queue up their attacks and spells. You can pause at any point in combat. I am terrible at strategy games, and this feature made the game manageable. While I still had trouble being tactical, I appreciated that I could get a time out and think things through. This game isn’t your traditional turn-based RPG. Characters will perform their actions automatically, and your resources are limited. If you are someone who enjoys the more logistical and tactical side of the RPG, these games should already be in your library. 

As far as the DLC goes, I enjoyed Lord of Nothing. The hook was interesting, the quests were fun, and I liked all the new characters. Lord of Nothing picks up where the last DLC ends, but it exists as its own standalone narrative. You’re going to want to enjoy the DLC in order, but you won’t need to have played them all to understand what is going on. The adventures travel to the Icy Tundra in search of Demonic shards to stop the summoning of the Big Bad. It is a fun adventure that will have you wanting more. 

This game isn’t going to be for everyone. If you don’t like strategy games like Total War, combat might be a bit overwhelming. If you don’t like the randomness of skill checks, the game can be frustrating when you fail a roll. Get these games because you love tabletops and want an authentic experience outside of your sessions. You can pick up the Lord of Nothing DLC on Steam. While I doubt it will go on sale, I would still wait for the Winter Sale to pick up everything you need. 

Board Games and TCGs, gaming news

Mech Horror TTRPG Eldritch Automata Coming to Kickstarter

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Eldritch Automata launches its campaign on Kickstarter on January 2nd, and it just might be the horror RPG you need at your table. Eldritch Automata uses the Year Zero Engine that combines anime, science fiction, and horror in what promises to be a frightening and memorable experience. I’ve gotten a taste of the Year Zero System through Dragonbane, and I’ve been enjoying it. It’s easy to learn, and unique enough to provide a memorable experience. Putting this into a world of Kaijus, mechs, and other abominations seems like a good time. 

Society has fallen. Eldritch Horrors and nightmarish Seraphs reign chaos over a dying world. Humanity’s only hope rests on the shoulders of pilots and their Automota, but this is no easy task. Pilots must brave the monsters that terrorize them and the demons that dwell inside them. Do you have the willpower and fortitude to be the hero the world needs, or will you be another resource in this game of survival? 

The game will be revealed at PAX Unplugged in Philadelphia happening this weekend. If you’re attending, make sure you hit up the Gehenna Gaming game room to try it for yourself or head over to their booth (3750) to ask them any questions. I have to see more before I buy into the system, but I am interested. I love that it will introduce mech combat, but the moral mechanic adds a level of complexity I am here for.

Make sure you add the Eldritch Automata Kickstarter to your watch list so you get notified the moment it goes live. If you enjoy these updates, make sure you leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.