Always support your LGS, but you can pick up the Percy Starter Deck and any other Heroes Exandria products on TCG Player using my affiliate links. It really helps me out. You can also get both Starter decks bundled for cheap on Game Nerdz if you’re buying enough for the free shipping.
Introduction
Universus just released their Heroes of Exandria set, and it is already my favorite set of the year. The art is great, the card quality is nice, and flavor is all there. Fans of the series will want to at the very least get in on collecting. Can’t speak on the power level since I just got the starter decks, but I’ll come back after some proper testing. More on that later.
I got my hands on the Percy starter deck and I’ll leave the decklist for your convenience. Spoilers, you’re going to want to get this deck just to collect the beautiful Percy champion card. It’s not as cool as the art cards, but its cool enough for any collection.
Deck List
Champion
Percival De Rolo III: Pepperbox Sharpshooter
The Deck
4x Weapon at the Ready 4 x Tarot Reading 4 x Show Off 4 x Inspired Design 4 x Imprisoned Noble 4 x Found Family 2 x Electric Resilience 4 x Collecting Components 2 x Shaun Gilmore 4 x Tinker Shot 4 x Pepperbox Fire 2 x Merciless Lead 3 x Golem Beating 3 x Bang Bang 3 x Alchemical Satchel Toss 3 x The List 2 x Quest Board 2 x Science Bros (Foil) 2 x Bad News Bullet (Foil)
Visual List
Bang BangBad News BulletThe ListAlchemical Satchel TossCollecting ComponentsMerciless LeadShaun GilmoreQuest BoardElectric ResilienceTarot ReadingShow OffGolem BeatingWeapon at the ReadyScience BrosInspired DesignImprisoned NobleFound FamilyTinker ShotPepperbox Fire
If you’re new, Re:Collection decks are Grand Archive’s premium product that come with a high quality deck box, dragonshield art sleeves, three packs special packs, and a competitive deck. The box also includes a play set of all the cards in the deck so you don’t need to buy multiple copies, unless you want to chase that sweet collector rare:
You can wait for opened boxes and the prices to dip, but historically, you aren’t saving much. Especially if the deck defines the meta like Silvie did. If you’re starting out, the hardest part is choosing what flavor you want but either deck is a solid place to start. Always support your LGS, but you can pick up the Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored Re:Collection Deck on TCG Player through my affiliate link. Get in before you’re paying scalper prices.
The Deck List
Material Deck 1 x Spirit of Fire 1 x Guo Jia, Chosen Disciple 1 x Guo Jia, Blessed Scion 1 x Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored 1 x Fabled Azurite Fatestone 1 x Portentious Tanggu 1 x Fated Keepsake 1 x Rousing Rattle Drum 1 x Life Essence Amulet 1 x Tariff Ring 1 x Band of Burning Verdict 1 x Incandescent Reliquary
Main Deck 4 x Foraging Fox 4 x Fatestone of Revelations 4 x Companion Fatestone 4 x Craggy Fatestone 4 x Lavaplume Fatestone 4 x Fatestone of Unrelenting 4 x Journey’s Beginning 4 x Strengthen the Bonds 2 x Obscuring Threads 3 x Expel the Departed 2 x Idle Thoughts 4 x Broken Promises 2 x Shatter the Brittle 2 x Flamewreath Call 3 x Advent of the Shenju 3 x Peacock of Prosperity 4 x Fatestone of Heaven 3 x Light the Hunt
Companion Fatestone (Front)Companion Fatestone (Back)Craggy Fatestone (Front)Craggy Fatestone (Back)Expel the DepartedFatestone of Revelations (Front)Fatestone of Revelations (Back)Foraging FoxIdle ThoughtsJourney’s BeginningObscuring ThreadsStrengthen the BondsBroken PromisesFatestone of Unrelenting (Front)Fatestone of Unrelenting (Back)Flamewreath CallLavaplume Fatestone (Front)Lavaplume Fatestone (Back)Shatter the BrittleArcane BlastAdvent of the ShenjuFatestone of Heaven (Front)Fatestone of Heaven (Back)Light the HuntPeacock of Prosperity
Grand Archive’s newest set has been announced! While not much was revealed, we do have a name and the new RE:Collection decks.
Changes to the Proxia Vault
I think the most important announcement this time around is the change to the Proxia Vault policy. All Proxia Vault cards can be proxied indefinitely! Originally, the rule was that these cards could be proxied for the first year of release before having to use official cards. The problem with this rule is that official Proxia Vault cards aren’t accessible to everyone. Now players are free to print their own proxies and even commission their custom versions!
Kongming Deckbox
New Mortal Ambition Draft Format!
Mortal Ambition was meant to be draftable. Special draft packs will be released for events where player will get packs of world themed relics and three packs of Mortal Ambition. Santa Clara will be the first event to host Mortal Ambition drafts, so make sure you get your tickets while they are still available.
Alchemical Revolution Altered Edition
Abyssal Heaven Announced
The newest set, Abyssal Heaven, has been announced for March 7th 2025. This will be an expansion set featuring eight-card packs and a continuation of the Mortal Ambition world.
New RE:Collection Decks!
Two new RE:Collection decks were just announced, and I am extremely hyped. The last RE:Collection decks were incredible products, so make sure you have yours preordered as soon as they become available. These new decks will release with Abyssal Heaven so make sure you load up!
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.
If you’re trying to pick up the Kongming deck, make sure you always support your LGS. If that isn’t an option, you can find it over on TCG Player through my affiliate link.
If you’re looking for unique sleeves or deck boxes to keep your cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Ascent Singapore was this weekend, and we got some juicy spoilers. If you’re planning to play in the Mortal Ambition competitive season, the promos have been revealed.
Revelfest Reminder
This is your friendly reminder that Revelfest is happening October 4th – 11th. This is your chance to earn some bonus veterancy and to win a copy of that beautiful Tariff Ring Alt. Only 200 lucky winners will get a copy, and you only need to play once to be entered. Playing in multiple events doesn’t increase your chances.
Arthurian Legends is coming to Sorcery TCG on October 4th, and what I’ve seen so far is so pretty! If you haven’t put in your preorder, you’re going to want to after looking at these spoilers. Always support your LGS, but you can get Arthurian Legends on GameNerdz. GameNerdz is a fantastic place for sealed product, board games, and accessories often at great prices.
We have officially entered spoiler season for the anticipated Grand Archive set, Mortal Ambition. The set will be released on October 11th, so make sure you check with your LGS and get your preorders in if it is not too late. I know I have mine ready to go. While we wait patiently for this exciting new set, Weebs of the Shore has given a few select content creators spoilers to reveal for the next few days. I’ll be collecting them here, and updating this post as we go.
You can always pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player, but I’d wait till after launch unless you don’t mind paying scalper prices. If you’re looking for unique sleeves or deck boxes to keep your cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Edge of Exile has released a brand new animation that helps introduce new players to the unique card game and gives valid explanations on why they should give it a try. If you want to pick up some Geneis product, get it over at Indie Pro Games. I am not affiliated with either of the companies, I just like the game and want to see it succeed.
If you need sleeves or a unique deck box to protect your new Genesis cards, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Impressions
I was sent a bit of Genesis: Battle of Champions product and was very impressed with the game. Make sure you check out my full review.
My biggest takeaway from the video is Edge of Exiles commitment to keep the game affordable by only releasing two sets a year. While this may seem like a little, Sorcery can get away with one. It is also nice to have the time to get used to a set. I get that for competitive players, the shift in the format every three months is a welcomed refreshment, but as a casual, I want more time to enjoy a set before I have to worry about buying a new one. I think their commitment to their players and the local game stores is admirable, and I hope they can see success.
If you enjoy miniature wargames and TCGs, Genesis combines the best of both worlds in a unique and exciting experience. What sets Genesis apart from other games is that the people behind its resurgence are former store owners passionate about the game. After Haunted Castle Games announced its sudden closure, fans rallied to keep the game they loved alive. I’ve opened the packs and see the passion in the game mechanics, the quality of the game pieces, and the amount of work already done to expand the game’s reach. There is still a lot of work to be done, but I am impressed with what has been accomplished so far.
If you haven’t played Genesis before, it doesn’t hurt to pick up a couple of starter decks and give it a try. I’ll be following the game closely and will be giving updates when I can, but make sure you follow the official Genesis: Battle of Champions YouTube page.
The Mortal Ambition stream was extremely juicy, and I am so excited for this set. It has fantastic flavor, beautiful art, and some new mechanics. If you missed the stream, I’ve collected all the spoilers in one convenient spot. Make sure you check out the full video for lore and the full details. Mortal Ambitions releases on October 11th, so make sure you have your set preorder. I know I have mine ready at my LGS. You can pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player if that isn’t an option, but I’d wait till after launch unless you don’t mind paying scalper prices.
If you’re looking for unique sleeves or deck boxes to keep your cards safe, get them over at Gem Accessories. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
I’ll leave a table of contents so you can skip to whatever is relevant to you
New Cards
Story Art Cards
Ignite Fate
Ignite Fate Action – Mage Spell Deal 2 Damage to Each Champion Floating Memory
Cure the Flesh Action – Cleric Skill (Fast) Remove all temporary damage from target ally Draw a card into your memory
Heated Vengeance
Heated Vengeance Attack – Warrior Polearm As long as your champion has taken damage this turn, Heated Vengeance gets +3 attack (Class Bonus) On Attack: You may have Heated Vengeance deal 3 damage to your champion
Reprints!
In an effort to make Mortal Ambition a better onboarding product, we are getting some valuable reprints in this set with brand new art.
Making Unique Allies Great Again
Equestrian
Empower!
Kongming
Kongming will feature the new shifting current mechanic where cards gain a boon depending on the direction the wind is shifting. This looks like a very fun mechanic, but one that will potentially be difficult to master. I need it!
Shifting Current Boons
Some boons will be simple and strait forward
Advanced Current Booms
Some boons require the current to shift between certain diractions
Direction Matters
Terra!
Jin
Jin is a little more straight forward and a lot more beginner friendly. Jin will be introducing a new advanced class, and it is a good one!
Pole Arms
New Element: Exia
Main Deck
Material Deck
Erupting Rhapsody Ban Announcement
Erupting Rhapsody will be banned starting AMB release because it will just break the new enhance mechanics.
Beautiful Collector Rares
Ascent Events
Ascent Santa Clara has been announced for people in North Call itching for those sweet promos. There will also be a couple of exclusive shirts only available at Ascent Singapore. Make sure you get your tickets.
Mortal Ambition Launch Kit
Mortal Ambition Regional Rewards
Entry to any regionals for the Mortal Ambition season gets you a sweet binder, and top participants get some beautiful playmats
Store Champ Rewards
Revelfest Announcement!
Revelfest will take place October 4th to the 11th. This is an event where players earn double veterancy on Omnidex and enter for a chance to win a beautiful Tariff Ring art card. You only need to play once during this period. Playing multiple times won’t increase your chances.
