I was sent a copy of Old Skies 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.
Time travel is real, and is controlled by the ChronoZen agency. Those who can afford it can travel back into any time, provided it doesn’t mess with the master timeline. Your job is to keep close watch on these travelers while still making them happy. The story follows seven travelers across 100s of years of history in a point and click adventure you will never forget. What people will you meet? What stories will they tell? Can you keep your clients from messing with the timeline?
Review
Old Skiesis a wonderful piece of interactive fiction that you need to try at least once. The game looks very good with cool art and flavorful time periods. The story itself is good, with a cast of fantastic voice actors to bring each story to life. Most importantly, the puzzles are creative and manageable. They provide enough of a challenge to keep things engaging, without becoming frustrating. I didn’t feel the need to use a guide, but I am sure there are some great ones out there if you need them.
As far as time travel stories go, Old Skiesdoes the narrative well. Everything made sense, even the more magical parts of science, and it was an interesting adventure to read. The characters are pretty well written. There are some cliches here and there, but nothing that ruins the story. Each story was interesting, and honestly the reason I kept playing. It is a solid length and I recommend it to anyone looking for a new visual novel.
As for the Steam Deck experience, this is a fantastic title to add to the collection. The resolution is perfect. The words are legible, and everything is easily visible. Most importantly, the controls works great, making this the perfect game to play in bed when you just want to wind down and enjoy a good story.
You can pick up Old Skiesfor $19.99, and it is definitely worth it for that price.
I was sent a free copy of Star Trek: Star Realmsto review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions of the game. This will be my honest review. Make sure you check out my review for Star Realms: Frontiers.
I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.
What is Star Trek: Star Realms?
Star Trek: Star Realms is the officially licenses reskin of the popular Wise Wizard Games. This is a 2-4 player deck building game where players build a powerful space fleet and reduce their opponents authority to zero. Players take turns buying ships, collecting resources, and attacking their opponents.
Whats in the box?
You get everything you need to play in a very neat and compact package. The game includes:
130 game cards
Point counters
Playmat
Rulebook
How to play Star Realms
The included rulebook does a good job of teaching players the flow of the game, but here is a great tutorial by The Board Meeples for you visual learners.
Review
Star Trek: Star Realmsis a high-quality board game with sturdy and well-printed cards. The packaging is fantastic. The box art is cool and iconic. The game pieces are packed neatly inside a cardboard insert with the schematics of the iconic Galaxy class ship. The box can fit all 130-sleeved cards and its contents without having to toss out the insert.
The playmat is nice glossy paper, but it won’t survive as long as the rest of the game. This isn’t a huge deal because it isn’t really needed once players learn the rules. It is a fantastic extra to have when learning the game, but it becomes less valuable the more you play. The damage counters are cool and well-made, but I would rather use an ap.
The card quality is fantastic. The card stock has a good thickness and weight, and the cards feel sturdy. I still advise sleeving since you will be shuffling a lot, but the cards can take a good enough beating before having to buy a new set. Unfortunately, the art is a bit disappointing. Fans of the series might appreciate the style, but the illustrations are too dark. Most of the time, I didn’t know what ship I was looking at. The art in the mainline games is a lot better.
That said, the mechanics and flavor are fantastic. Each faction feels unique, the game is easy to learn, and it is a lot of fun to play. Once I got a few games in, I didn’t mind the art because the flavor of faction made up for it. I am speaking as a casual Star Trek fan, and while I can recognize a few of the names, I can’t tell you how accurate of an adaptation this game is.
If you’re looking to start your journey into Star Realms, the Star Trek version is a fantastic place to start. The rulebook is clear, the game is easy to pick up and teach, and the game is a lot of fun. I do wish the game had solo options like Frontiers did, but nothing is stoping you from playing yourself. If you’re looking for a fun deck familiar deck builder to play with your friends, check out Star Trek: Star Realms.
You can pick up Star Trek Star Realms on Game Nerdz ($18.97 + shipping) or Amazon ($24.99) using my affiliate links.
I was asked to cover PROJECT TACHYONon my blog. I’ve been on a Metroidvania kick lately, so I figured, why not? Since the game is still a demo, I will be a bit more lenient. Regardless, these will be my honest impressions of the demo.
PROJECT TACHYON is a cyberpunk action roguelike coming to Steam.
Project OMEGA was created as was designed to be the Tamageria Republic’s ultimate defense against their enemies. Unfortunately, the advanced AI has other plans for the republic. A massive uprising led by OMEGA spreads across the planet, and the only solution seems to be to nuke the planet.
A few of the smartest minds left believe they have an alternative, Project Tachyon. Project Tachyon allows select users to return to a single point in time after deft, undoing any mistakes they’ve made along the way. Through this technology, they hope to learn all they can about Project OMEGA and defeat the AI without sacrificing innocent people. Only one member is compatible with the Project Tachyon technology. Will she be enough of the world for annihilation?
Gameplay
PROJECT TACHYONis a 2D action platformer where players fight their way through a dungeon filled with enemies using an advanced arsenal of weapons. These weapons can be changed and upgraded throughout the run.
Players start their run at Project Tachyon headquarters where they can use resources they gather during their runs to buy upgrades. Sigma will then run through the same level to shut down OMEGA. Because Sigma can reset the timeline after death and remember its details, all maps, and encounters will be the same between runs. Memorizing maps and encounters along with the upgrades players purchase throughout their run help her get farther each time.
Does it work on the Steam Deck?
Yes it does, and I can’t wait for the full version. Everything is visible at the aspect ratio, and although there is some roughness to the DEMO, it works well enough to get me interested in a full version. Aiming is a little awkward, but that might be more of a personal issue than an issue with the game. I will need the full version for further testing.
Impressions
The Demo is a little rough. The game has a few missing elements and a few mechanics that don’t always work, but it is a solid demo regardless. My biggest issue was with the aiming. It felt awkward and made some encounters harder than they needed. The game does offer an auto-aim feature that seems good enough for casual play, but I found it lacked the efficient accuracy needed for the harder fights. Regardless of these issues, the demo works well enough to have me curious about a full version.
If you enjoy the Metroidvania genre, you might want to consider looking into PROJECT TACHYON. The game has cool art, a solid story and flavor, fantastic voice acting, and interesting gameplay. Until we get news on a more complete version, I recommend you at least try the Steam Demo. Don’t forget to add it to your WISHLIST!
I’ll be working on getting a full version. Stay tuned for that.
I was sent a free copy of Star Realms: Frontierto 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 want to pick up Star Realmsor any other board games at fantastic prices, get them over at Game Nerdz through my affiliate link.
What is Star Realms: Frontier?
Star Realms: Frontiers is a 1-4 player deck-building card game. Gather your resources and build the best fleet in the galaxy. Loyalty to certain factions may help a player cement their place in the galaxy, but only those with the fastest, ships and abundant resources can rule it. Do you have what it takes?
What’s in the box?
Star Realms: Frontiers comes with 152 cards, including an 80-card trade deck and 8 oversized challenge cards for solo and cooperative play.
Quality
The quality is fantastic. This is a beautifully printed game with high-quality pieces. I am very happy with the weight and thickness of the cards, and they feel durable enough to survive a few years of consistent use. I sleeved them like a crazy person, but the sleeved deck fits snugly in the compact box for easy storage. I like to sleeve card games where I have to shuffle a lot to keep the cards in good condition and because it makes shuffling the decks easier.
Gameplay
Players will take turns spending and generating resources, and attacking their enemies. Each player and NPC starts with a set amount of Authority and the same basic deck. Authority is lost through combat. A player or NPC loses the game when Authority drops to zero. During a turn, players can cast cards that generate resources to buy ships, stations, or bases. Players can also summon units to attack.
As the game progresses, players will upgrade their decks. Building towards a certain faction can give players access to more power, but they are always at the mercy of RNG, especially in bigger games. While going in with a strategy is important, being flexible and adapting to the changes in the trade deck is what wins games.
For those who want to play alone or the group that needs a challenge, Star Realms: Frontiers comes with 8 challenge cards that successfully adjust the difficulty. Players have the freedom to adjust the game to their skill level, but also have access to the added flavor of each imaginative scenario.
How to Play
The instructions were a bit confusing, so I recommend looking up a guide. Whose Turn? does a decent job explaining the rules. I’ll leave his video bellow:
Review
I love deck builders and Star Realms: Frontiersdoes not disappoint. The art and flavor did a lot to attract me at first, but the gameplay kept me playing. I love that no two games were ever alike, nor did I ever use the same strategy twice. What I found impressive was that the game never felt solvable. I am sure this opinion will change with more play-throughs, but the game feels fairly balanced.
I don’t always have people to play with, so I appreciate the inclusion of a solo mode. Solo mode has players solve different scenarios. Players are given NPCs and rules on how to run them. If the encounter is too easy, the game provides additional challenges to help adjust the difficulty. Each scenario feels unique, and the challenges add enough depth to keep the game fun and interesting. You can run scenarios with your friends, but I don’t have to friend group to test this properly.
If you enjoy deck-building games, this is a fantastic and compact one to keep on your shelves. Setup is easy and the games go fast, but the onboarding can be a little tricky. Even for the experienced gamer, there is going to be some initial confusion. The game isn’t impossible to learn, but it does require a bit of extra effort. Once players can overcome this hurdle, Star Realms: Frontiers is a very good time. I recommend it to everyone.
You can pick up your copy of Star Realms: Frontiers on Game Nerdz (17.47) or Amazon ($29.99) through my affiliate links.
The Replicant Rebellionexpansion is officially live on Kickstarter! If you’ve been enjoying the Blade Runner Roleplaying game, or are looking for something to spice up your next campaign, you’re going to want to back this project.
Replicant Rebellion is already fully funded, and if history is anything to go by, this is going to be a spectacular book. I am already a huge fan of the revealed art. Let’s dive into the expansion and get excited!
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InReplicant Rebellion, players run their crews in secret operations in the name of the cause. They can help fugitive Replicants hide, sabotage the Replicant trade, fight against enemy crews, and much much more. This 200+ page book is sure to have something for your table. Players must be careful to keep their intentions concealed from the Blade Runners and their records clean. How much are you willing to give up for the cause?
Art
I was sent a few of the Blade Runner books to review for my blog, and they are so pretty. The art in these books is just too good to overlook, especially if you’re a fan of the source material. What I’ve seen so far from Replicant Rebellion is no exception:
Thoughts
If you are thinking of picking up this book, please keep in mind that you will need the core rulebook to run it. The Blade Runner RPG has a solid system that is easy to learn and pick up, and the book is so pretty.
As for the expansion, I think the concept is great. Flipping the roles so that a player can experience both sides of society is such a cool way to refresh a campaign. I’ve been running TTRPGs for a few years now and understand the pain that comes with burnout. Sometimes you need to take a break to recharge. Other times you need to switch systems and experience something different. Having to play the same system from a different angle is fantastic because no one has to learn new rules, and you don’t need to stop playing.
Sure you can make up your own world with and homebrew your lore and rules to keep things fresh, but some of us don’t have the time. It’s also nice to have a reference ready in case it is ever needed.
The book looks great, the concept is fantastic, and as a fan of the base material, I am all in. I will probably be getting my copy for review, so make sure you stay tuned for that. Until then, make sure you back that Kickstarter!
I was sent a free copy of the Building Better Worldsexpansion for the Alien Roleplaying Game to review for my blog. I haven’t had a chance to run the system yet, but I have read through the books. This will be my honest impressions. If you’re thinking of running Alien RPG at your table, you need to start with the core rulebook, Building Better Worlds is meant to be a supplement. I have detailed write-ups for the core rulebook and the Heart of Darknessmodule you should also check out.
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Free League Publishing continues its streak of high-quality rulebooks with this beautifully printed expansion. While the pdf won’t be printer-friendly, fans new and old of the Alien franchise will appreciate the beautiful artwork that lines its pages. Even if you don’t like physical media, you might want to make an exception. Feeling the pages between your fingers, and smelling that new book smell makes the experience hit different. Don’t get me wrong, the PDF is enough, but if you have space on your shelf, the book is pretty sweet.
What is it?
Building Better Worlds is meant to be an aid for the Game Mother who needs it. The book includes:
Rules for Colonization
New Feats and Personal Agendas for existing classes
Two new classes: Entertainer and Wildcatter
New Weapons
New Vehicles and Ships
New Planets and Systems
New Aliens to fear
7 Expeditions to run
Lots of flavor and backstory.
If you need ideas on what to run, new creatures to fill your adventures, or gear for your players, you might want to look into this expansion. It is by no means a necessity, but it is a great resource.
Impressions
I didn’t have much interest in the Alien universe prior to picking up the RPG. It wasn’t until I started reading the lore and timeline that I decided that I needed a better understanding. I’ve started making my way through the novels and movies, and it’s given me a better appreciation for how much flavor and care is put into these books.
I appreciate that the book includes timelines of important dates because it makes it easier to keep track of everything that is going on. If you don’t know anything about the alien universe, you will before you run your session zero. The book does a great job of laying out the lore and history in a way that makes sense but also fits its dark sci-fi theme. It gets deep, and I would almost recommend it as reading material.
If you need something to spice up your next campaign, the monsters in this book are pretty spicy. There are some brutal creatures that can end an adventure. I don’t think my playgroup would care too much about the colony mechanics, but the expeditions seem fun and there are some vehicles and weapons I’m sure they’ll want to work towards.
If you’re looking for a brutal and unforgiving system to run at your table, you run Alien RPG. If you need ideas for your next campaign, Building Better Worldsseems like a nifty little expansion.
There are only ten days left on the Coriolis: The Great Dark Kickstarter, so go back the campaign if you are looking for a lore-rich, dark sci-fi adventure to run at your table. The campaign only has one stretch goal left, which means backers are receiving a nice amount of goodies. If you like physical media, it is your only chance to score a pretty special edition version of the rulebook.
Since my last post, the publisher has released a free quickstart guide on DriveThru RPG to give people a chance to explore the system without any of the commitments. The quickstart guide includes a more streamlined and condensed version of the rules, but it will include everything you need to run a meaningful oneshot. It includes some of the rules, a pre-written adventure, and pre-generated characters. I did notice some grammar issues, but the game isn’t out yet and this isn’t the final version. I’ll leave copies of the PDF here, but you can always get them on DriveThru RPG.
The Mission
A prospecting expedition has gone awry. The blight has taken its victims, and only one survivor made it back to Astroid City. The Explorer’s Guild will now send its best crew into the depths of Gilen’s point to retrieve any survivors and extract any valuable artifacts. But this mission is not without its typical dangers. The shady criminal organization, Black Toad, also has its sights on the contents of Gilen’s point and will do anything to get there first. Can the explorers survive another day in the depths of the Great Dark, or will they be another casualty the unforgiving void of space?
Impressions
Coriolis: The Great Dark uses the Year Zero system. If you’ve played any game that runs Year Zero before, you know how to play Coriolis. There are some shifts in mechanics for flavor, but most of it will feel familiar. If you haven’t played any game in the system, Year Zero is incredibly easy to learn. The system uses D6es and you pass checks when you roll a 6.
What makes Coriolis unique is its lore and flavor. Coriolis is a neat story about space settlers trying to find their place in the universe. It the Great Dark is a sequel, but I didn’t feel like I needed to have played the original to understand what was going on. There are some references, but the guide does a good job at explaining everything you need to get started. I assume the full version will as well.
Coriolis: The Great Dark features neat mechanics that help foster this sense of surviving in this unknown and unforgiving ancient place in space but also fuels a sense of wonder and exploration. It’s a neat concept that I would love to see a more complete version, but the quickstart gives a solid snapshot.
I haven’t had a chance to run through the quickstart, but it seems like a solid adventure. It comes with maps, handouts, and pre-generated characters to get you started. It is an incomplete version of the game, but it should provide you and your table with a solid understanding of what to expect. Ultimately, if you’re thinking of running Coriolis: The Great Dark, or are looking for a new Sci-Fi TTRPG to run at your table, you should start with the quickstart guide and move from there. It’s a good idea to check if the system is a good fit for your table. If you end up liking it, go back the Kickstarter!
I’m impressed with what I’ve seen so far, I can’t wait to see more. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
Coriolis: The Great Dark RPG just launched on Kickstarter, and it was fully funded in only seven minutes. At $381,234, it has unlocked seven of its eight goals, which means backers will get some exclusive goodies. If you’re looking for run a dark adventure about space exploration and discovery, you might want to go back Coiolis: The Great Dark on Kickstarter.
What is Coriolis: The Great Dark
Coriolis: The Great Darkis the sequel to The Great Horizon, Free League Publishing’s first sci-fi TTRPG. The campaign takes place a couple of generations after the events of the first and explores the evolution of a culture pioneering through space. This means there will be new mechanics, new ideologies, and new goals introduced in this unique yet stand-alone adventure. While playing the original game may help players catch on to the nuances and history, it isn’t necessary for jumping into this new adventure.
Some brave inhabitants of the Ship City take on jobs for the Explorers Guild to delve into the unknown in search of resources, information, and a better life. These expeditions eventually uncover abandoned ruins that spark a new era of exploration and adventure. What secrets will be uncovered within these ruins? Where will these answers take you?
Spreads
Art
Q&A
Kickstarter Levels
Digital Edition ($24)
Digital PDF of the Core Rulebook
Digital Combo ($43)
Digital Pdfs of the Core Rulebook & Campaign
Standard Edition ($48)
Standard Edition of Core Rulebook
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
Kickstarter Exclusive Collectors Edition ($87)
Deluxe Collectors Edition of Core Rulebook
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
Standard Combo ($87)
Standard Edition of Core Rulebook
Campaign Boxed Set
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
Collectors Combo ($125)
Deluxe Collectors Edition of Core Rulebook
Campaign Boxed Set
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
Deluxe Bundle ($154)
Deluxe Collectors Edition of Core Rulebook
Campaign Boxed Set
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
GM Screen
Extra Dice set
Conclusion
If you’re trying to support a very cool-looking game, now is the time to do it. The flavor is cool, the art looks amazing, and the quality is going to be spectacular based on the other books I’ve gotten from the publisher. Most of you can probably wait for the full release of the game, but now is the time for some very cool exclusives, like the collector’s edition rulebook. Backing a Kickstarter always has its risks, but Free League Publishing regularly delivers on its promises. Go check out Coriolis: The Great Dark, and back it today!
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The official Tales From The Loop Alchemy module is live on the marketplace, and in celebration, StartPlaying is hosting A Weekend in the Loop! Players from around the world wanting to join a game run by experienced and vetted game masters should take advantage of the event. StartPlaying is a site that connects players with professional Gamemasters. Sessions are paid, but steps have been taken to eliminate any guesswork that would go into finding some random on the internet. The event runs from March 7 – 10. There are seats available as of writing this.
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Alchemy RPG is a VTT that aims to enhance the focus on the story rather than combat through ambient sounds, music, visuals, and easy-to-use system integration. While DMs and players can upload their content to the platform to use freely, Alchemy RPG sells specially designed modules for its systems. Alchemy works closely with publishers to produce high-quality animated images and immersive soundscapes for these modules that are sure to bring your next story to the next level.
The platform also has an integrated voice chat function, end-user customization, and most importantly, it is easy to use.
The Alchemy Module
The emphasis on storytelling makes Alchemy RPG an excellent VTT for running a Tales From the Loop Campaign. There is no combat in the system. The focus of the RPG is to create this collaborative adventure with your friends. I’ve messed around a bit with the module, and am impressed with what it can do. Full disclosure, I did receive a copy of the module for free, but that doesn’t affect my options.
The VTT is easy to learn, which is important when you’re bringing people from different backgrounds to the table. I run games for a table of busy dads, and they don’t have the time to learn anything complicated. Simplicity is crucial for my pitch, and Alchemy RPG does it beautifully. I appreciate that moving parts like images and soundscapes are cool and impressive, but they aren’t distracting.
Most importantly, I like the convenience of the module. All the core rules and mechanics are preprogrammed, and I can easily pull and reference rules as needed. If you’re running a prewritten adventure, everything you need to run it is ready and neatly organized. Programing homebrew or anything outside of the modules doesn’t seem too tricky, but as a busy Dad myself, I appreciate not having to do it.
What is Tales From the Loop
I’ve done a post on the Tales From the Loop where I go into more detail that you should read if you have time. Tales From the Loop is essentially Stranger Things. In this alternate 80 timeline, technology has advanced unprecedently. Governments around the world race for supremacy, but there is a cost. In the small towns near these research facilities, strange things start to spring up. Only the kids in these sleepy boring towns seem to notice, and it is up to them to uncover what is going on. Gather your friends on a mystery adventure you’ll never forget.
The game doesn’t have combat or death, and the focus of the system is to create this collaborative narrative together. This means it can be a bit more roleplay-heavy than the typical RPG, but that isn’t always a bad thing. I’ve been playing with my current group for a couple of years now, and we’ve come a long way from the murder hobos we used to be. While I don’t think we’re ready for Tales From the Loop, we’re getting there. I recommend you check it out, it might surprise you how much you want it at your table.
I know I am very late, but it’s been a busy season for me. I’ll try to finish this up as soon as I can. Make sure you always read the original. If you enjoy this project, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.
Fenriloogamon drops from the Digivolution light onto all fours. The atmosphere around its body burns from its heat. Each mighty paw leaves behind a molten print as it sparks into an unextinguishable blue flame. Bright blue fur spills Brom between its platinum armor that rattles elegantly with each step. Fenriloogamon’s tail wags as it turns its attention to the professor.
“Here I am, Professor. I’m finally part of the club,” Eiji and Fenriloogamon taunt in unison. They stare down at the professor with a hungry determination.
“Remarkable,” the professor lets out. “I never thought your desire to save Leon would be enough to trigger your mega Digivolution. You are full of surprises Mr. Nagasumi.” He chuckles.
“Aren’t friends important to you?”
“I don’t see a need. People are either useful or they aren’t. Why complicate things further?”
“So that’s all we were to you? Useful?”
“Very,” the professor says with a smirk. “Which reminds me. I still owe you a fat bonus.”
“How fat?”
“Don’t tell me you’re reconsidering my offer?” Ryusenji jests.
“Nah, there’s nothing to consider. I already know the type of person you are.” Inside Fenriloogamon’s Digicore, Eiji looks over his monitors. He examines the readouts before cracking his knuckles. “We’re going all out bud,” he says to Fenriloogamon.
Fenriloogamon leaps into the air, unleashing a mighty roar that shakes the Source Domain.
RAGNAROK HOWLING!
Yulin watches Fenriloogamon charge toward the professor. She felt safe behind the pillars and slabs that surrounded her. The Tyrannomon that brought her here stands nearby with an unconscious Ryudamon at its feet. A second Tyrannomon carefully lowers Pulsemon and Black Agumon on the ground nearby.
Kosuke rides in on the third liming Tyrannomon. He gives it a gentle pat on the head as he gets off and begins limping towards Black Agumon.
“Kosuke…” Yulin lets out.
Kosuke limps past her and drops in front of Black Agumon. “Forgive me,” he makes out weakly. “Your warning wasn’t about the Source Domain. It was about Ryusenji.” Kosuke clutches his fist tightly.
“What’s in your hand?”
“I’m here to put an end to it,” he says as he reaches towards the Black Agumon. Yulin can make out the syringe in his hand. Black Agumon stares back with an unchanging blank expression.
“I can’t hear Dorumon anymore…he took everything from me..If only..” his voice trails.
“Snap out of it Kosuke!” Yulin says sternly. “At least wait to see what the kid can do.”
Fenriloogamon burns a pale blue in the distance.
Fenriloogamon releases a searing shockwave towards Dorugoramon. The attack sends Dorugoramon skidding several meters back. Fernriloogamon readies its next attack, leaping through the air until it was directly overhead. It rains down fiery beams from its limbs.
JOTUNHEIMR GALE!
Kosuke turns towards the battle for the first time since it started. “I don’t believe it.” Kosuke watches in amazement. “The kid actually did it.”
“It’s easy when you’ve got nothing to lose.” Yulin interjects.
“He’s fighting for his friend. That’s not nothing.” Kosuke follows the fight carefully. “He’s always been determined to be on the winning team.”
“You used to be like that, once,” Yulin says as she moves closer to Kosuke.
“Maybe I was,” he says quietly.
“We were all like that once. Now, we just have to do what we can.” Yulin places her hand gently on his shoulder.
Kosuke looks over to her and smiles. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.” He lets out a sigh as he tightens his grip around the syringe.
A blinding pillar of light shoots up from the center of the stone pillar, pulling Durogramon and Fenriloogamon’s attention from the battle.
“What was that?” the professor asks.
“Eiji,” Fenriloogamon calls out. “It’s them!”
The light begins to pulse.
“Did he?” Eiji looks down to search for Kosuke, but there was no sign of him or the Tyrannomon. “He must have administered the Medicine.” The beam turns a familiar warm yellow hue. “LEON! PULSEMON! COME BACK!” They shout.
Leon lays lifelessly in his bed. Wires and tubes run from various machines into his body. A sudden jolt wakes one of the monitors as it fills with unusual activity as the Digimon Linker on Leon’s wrist flickers to life.
The pillar of light fades. Suddenly a bolt of lightning jumps from the center of the stone circle.
“Pulsemon!” Eiji cries with joy.
“Sorry we’re late.” Pulsemon and Leon say at once. “You look…different.”
“Leon? Is it really you?”
“Who else would it be?” they answer.
“Isn’t this sweet?” Ryusenji interjects.
“Professor?” they turn to the silver dragon now staring down at them. “Why are you inside Dorugoramon?”
“I’m here to stop Eiji and the rest of the Sons of Chaos,” the professor explains sheepishly.
“You’re fighting Eiji?”
“He betrayed us Leon. He’s siding with the enemy. They’re trying to destroy the Digital World.”
“Don’t listen to him Leon! He’s the bad guy, not us.”
Leon and Pulsmon look around them. They take in the strange new scenery. Their talon scratches at their chin as they continue to process. They nod suddenly and let off a snap. A spark flashes and consumes their body as they Digivolve.
When the sparks fizzle out, Kazuchimon stands between the Eiji and the Professor.
“How..how is that possible?” Yulin asks, watching the new Kazuchimon spring to life. “He was DMIA.”
“The recovery medication was originally designed to extend the amount of time someone can be mindlinked.” Kosuke watches in amazement. “The drug worked.” He had done all he could do.
“Remember Leon. Remember what he did to you. He’s made his choice. Now join me and help me defeat him.”
“Don’t listen to him, Leon. He’s using you!” Eiji yells as he watches Kazuchimon swing around to stand beside Dorugoramon. Kazuchimon begins collecting electrical energy in its fists.
SHINDEN SHOURAIKO!
Kazuchimon releases the energy in a powerful strike, exploding with powerful force against its unsuspecting target.
Kosuke lets out an anguished scream as he falls to the ground in pain.
Dorugoramon’s arm smolders. Black fumes rise from the wounds. “Leon?” Ryusenji lets out. “Why?”
“You didn’t bring me back professor,” they respond. “Tartarus did.” They release a flurry of blows, each one connecting violently against the silver dragon. Dorugarmon falls to the ground and the attacks stop. “And it was Eiji who came after us.
“Leon!” Eiji exclaims.
Kazuchimon rushes to Fenriloogamon’s side. “It’s hard to explain…but we heard the whole thing.”
Eiji smiles. “So you’re saying you’re siding with us Code Crackers?”
“Kazuchimon smiles. “Never.” It draws its lightning blade and points it at the professor.
“You’re making a huge mistake Leon!” The professor shouts.
“So be it.”
“We’ve got your back,” Eiji and Fenriloogamon say as they move next to Kazuchimon. The two Digimon ready for their next attack.
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
Kazuchimon and Fenriloogamon open up a private channel.
“Hey Leon…” Eiji says sadly.
“Don’t worry about it.” they reply before Eiji can apologize.
“Give up quietly professor,” Kazuchimon commands.
The professor cackles. “This is my domain now. You don’t stand a chance!” A tree diagram splits the sky above them.
“What’s going on?” Leon shouts.
“Something’s happening to the alter!” Eiji yells.
“Did you already forget that I cracked the Source domain?” the professor gloats. “I’ve run out of patience.”
Dorugoramon’s body begins to bend and stretch suddenly.
“Kosuke!” Yulin shouts as she watches her old friend fall to the ground unconscious.
Dorugoramon continues to contort violently. A strange force pushes against its insides, trying to burst from within.
“It’s downloading data directly from the source Digimon. He’s going to kill them if he keeps this up!”
“This is bad!”
“Lets go Kazuchimon!” Fenrilogamon barks. The two Digimon charge at their terrifying new foe.
