Tag Archives: tabletop

Universus – Attack on Titan: Apocalypse First Impressions

May 17, 2025 josechurape Leave a comment

Disclaimer

Universus sent me a few packs and a playmat to cover their game. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let sway my opinions. I will be doing pack opening and a review of the playmat so stay tuned for that. I will also be using my TCG Player affiliate links throughout the article, but always support your LGS first.

Attack on Titan: Apocalypse

Universus has just released their newest expansion, Attack on Titan: Apocalypse, and I already see a few cards I want for my collection. If you haven’t had chance to play Universus, it is definitely worth trying once. The game has a unique flow and flavor, and it includes some very recognizable IPs. I recommend picking up a couple clash decks to get a feel for what to expect. I had a lot of fun with the Solo Leveling deck, but you can always pick your flavor.

Apocalypse is introducing 180 new cards to finish off the Attack on Titan saga. Players are going to want to chase the six serialized chrome cards with special art from the creator of the anime, but there are some neat cards I wouldn’t mind cracking.

Chrome Rares

The serialized chrome rares, and I am sad I will never get to see one in real life. The art on these look so good, and you know there are going to shine on the table (even the flimsy plastic ones). I can only hope they don’t have the foil lines that seems to be common issue across the thread. I don’t mind it too much on regular foils, but I would expect the serialized cards to be perfect. Either way, good luck finding your copy! I’m aiming for Erin, but will settle for any.

Ultra Rares

The problem with the attack on titan set, at least from a collectors perspective, is the manga art doesn’t grab the attention like other games. At least the common ones anyway. After seeing them in my binder and seeing the whole story, the game grew on me. What this game does have going for it are its ultra rares and alt arts. The unique art for the Attack on Titan cards are incredible, especially in person. Some have a very nice texture to them. I am a huge fan of the use of color. Here are some of my favorites from the Apocalypse set:

Ultra Rare Alt Arts

It is a shame that the images for the alt art cards do not do them justice. I have pulled a couple from the Attack on Titan alt art cards, and they are amazing. I am a huge fan of the texture and the hand drawn feel. They are definitely worth chasing. Here are my favorites from Apocalypse, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go hunting for everything else!

Character Alt Art

This is where the set disappointing a bit. While there are some alt cards I wouldn’t mind pulling, there are some that I would be sad if I did. Maybe they look better in person, but I prefer the Heroes of Exandria alt cards better. That said, here are my favorites Apocalypse alt art cards:

Secret Rares

The secret rare design is my absolute favorite part of the Attack on Titan cards. They have such a unique style and presentation, and they look so good in person. I do have a couple, and while they aren’t going to buy me a house, they are my favorite parts of my collection. I don’t think Apocalypse has the strongest collection of secret rares, but it does have a few pieces I want for my collection.

Impressions

I only play casually and mostly just collect. I do get the cards for free, but I don’t let that sway my opinion. Apocalypse doesn’t excite me as much as Heroes of Exandria did, at least the art doesn’t. I think the manga art is fine, but it doesn’t have the same pop the comic book style of Heroes of Exandria. As a casual player, there are some cards I want to add to a couple of my decks. That said, I need to open a few more packs and watch how the meta shifts to form a better idea on the set.

If you want to pick up Universus Attack on Titan: Apocalypse, always ask your LGS, but TCG Player has what you need if that isn’t an option.

Board Games and TCGs, Uncategorized

Why Alchemy RPG is the Best Virtual Tabletop for Storytelling

April 11, 2025 josechurape Leave a comment

Introduction

I have been running my recent campaign with Alchemy RPG, and I have a few opinions that might prove helpful if you are in the market for a new TTRPG. I have run a DND module and am currently running Mutant RPG. I also bought both modules I’ve used to run my games, but the books were given to me by the publisher to review for my blog. That said, this will be my honest review of the virtual table top.

What is Alchemy RPG

Alchemy RPG is a VTT that aims to enhance games played through theater of the mind. It provides players with not just the rules they need to run their games, but modules with striking visuals and powerful soundscapes to set the mood. The platform has an expanding library of sounds, visuals, and systems to explore, but players have the freedom to run their games with their own media. If you only run your games online, Alchemy does have voice, text, and video chat function. This is great for those who don’t want to have another program open. There are also some nifty features for content creators who like to stream their games online.

Running a game on Alchemy RPG is free. A GM can host up to three games for free, and players can create/import up to three characters. There is a paid subscription service. $8 a month or $88 a year gets you unlimited characters, campaigns and universes. Games can be run from the many available modules that can be purchased in the shop, but there is nothing stopping a game master from programing everything by hand. While GMs can make due without modules, they grant access to resource books, pre-programmed functions and items, and tailored visuals and sounds. It also saves a lot of time.

Review

Alchemy RPG has interesting functions and unique offerings that should be considered when choosing a VTT, especially when running games through theater of the mind. While the game does offer options for battle maps and quick combat, other VTT’s handle combat and battle maps better.

It took me a couple of sessions to start enjoying Alchemy, but it was mostly because I was set in my ways. I have used a few different VTTs trying to find the right home for our games. I look for something that is easy to use, even easier to teach, and has cool features for combat. At least it was at first. As we’ve grown together, combat on a map became less and less important. I enjoy the story telling part of the hobby, and my campaigns saw the shift to theater of the mind.

I made my shift to Alchemy because I wanted a VTT that let me focus on the story telling, gave me access to the rules, but was easy for my players to learn. Alchemy does all of that, and I have the option of running combat on a map if I really want to.

Setting up a campaign in Alchemy is incredibly easy. If you use the modules, you just need the funds to do so. If you have the time, inputting all the rules, creatures, items, and visuals is easy but time consuming.

Onboarding players is incredibly easy. Not everyone at my table is tech savvy, so I always try to find solutions that is the least work. The last thing I want to do is frustrate my players before the game even starts. Character creation is both systems was very easy, especially for my less savvy players. I do like that I can edit character sheets from my end if they ever gets stuck tho.

Running the actual game is great. The moving visuals create a striking backdrop, and the UI is clean and easy to navigate. Clicking through the different menues, switching between characters, and most importantly, rolling is all easy to do. The audio is a little hard to hear, but you can always add your own and at least it isn’t distracting. Most importantly, I love how easy things are to set up, like on the fly encounters, or creating new units or items.

My only complaint is that you still need a rulebook even if you buy the module. I found some of the bock of texts hard to read and navigate, especially when running a prewritten adventure. This might be the font and my dyslexia, but it is a problem I have. It is not undoable, but searching a PDF or flipping through a book is a better experience.

Overall, I love Alchemy because it doesn’t distract from the narrative. Being easy to learns means we can start quickly. Everything being preprogrammed and working properly not only cuts my prep time, it means we spend more time playing the game. If you play tabletop RPGs to create a collective story with your friends, I don’t think there is anything better than Alchemy RPG.

Board Games and TCGs

I ran Session Zero of my Mutant: Year Zero Campaign

March 27, 2025 josechurape 1 Comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Mutant: Year Zero core rulebook to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. These will be my honest impressions of the game.

What is Mutant: Year Zero

Mutant: Year Zero is an RPG about surviving the end of the world. After humanity has been descimated by plague and war. Those left on this dying planet have developed strange mutations and must fight to survive. Factions have formed, some creating new life on the ruins of the old cities, others roam the Zone in search of survival. You are one of the lucky few to venture into this rotting landscape in search of a new way to survive. What secrets will you uncover? What stories will create?

Why Session Zero?

After taking a short break for life events, our play group got back together for a new campaign, and a new system. We were all excited to be back together, and even more excited to start our new adventure. I’ve learned the importance of hosting a Session Zero before the start of a new campaign over my short life as a game master. Session Zero is the space where the group can talk about rules and expectations (because we all have the right to a safe space to roleplay), and create our characters.

I like to have my players create their characters together because we’re a play group of busy dads, and I don’t want to give them homework. Since I am always jumping between systems and platforms, my players always have questions, and it is nice to have a space where we can learn things together. It also helps break the ice as they start planning their characters. Some players come with ideas and building takes seconds, others will take their time to do it during the session. We have fun talking about different mechanics and characteristics.

After we create our characters, I like to slowly introduce mechanics. I give them a space to Roleplay to help them get into the space, I through some checks and a bit of combat to give them a taste of what is to come. Depending on how long the planning session takes, I try not overwhelm my players with too much content on the first day.

I used to skip session zero and go strait into the first game. I’ve learned that having that space where we can jokes around, answer questions, and build our characters gets us ready for the upcoming adventure and gets us started on a strong note.

Impressions

Setting up for our Mutant campaign was easy. The book lays the character creation process clearly, and using the official Alchemy RPG module made things even easier. Most of my players created their character from scratch, but one of my players edited one of the premade characters. How balanced each method is yet to be seen. The most exciting part of character creation is rolling for the mutation. Mutations are random and permanent in this game, and that first gamble of the game shapes a players identity. At least it did at my table.

I very much appreciate how each player focused on a different part of the book. One was more interested in the lore, another the mechanics, and together we were able to answer most questions. I found the more we talked about the game, the more excited we grew. My players are itching to use their mutations and explore this new world, and I can’t wait to run it for them.

I am running the included Path to Eden adventure, and so far, I’m hooked. The lore is interesting, and I like that it gives me the freedom to create the adventure I want between the meta narrative its left for me. I will need to do a bit more digging, but so far, we are happy with the system. Stay tuned to see if that changes.

You can pick up the Mutant: Year Zero Core Rulebook on the official Free League Publishing website.

Board Games and TCGs

Doomlings Game Review: A Fun, Simple, Cute Card Game

March 18, 2025 josechurape Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Doomlings base game 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.

What is Doomlings?

Doomlings is a cute and simple card game for 2 to 6 players. Games last about 20-45 mins to play, and learning only takes about five minutes.

Players are on a race against time as they build the strongest Doomling before catastrophe destroys erases everything. Players use their collection of cards, called traits, to build a powerful gene pool before the end of the game. Traits give players abilities, but most importantly, points. There are also ages cards that change the rules of interaction each round. They can do things like change hand sizes or affect certain colors. Events can also be catastrophes, and drawing three catastrophes ends the game. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. Use the official web app to tally scores easily.

What’s in the box?

167 Unique Doomling Cards
Rulebook
Nice Box for Sleeved Storage

How to play

The official how-to-play video is the best resource to get you started. While the instructions are clear and the game is easy to learn, the video is invaluable.

Card Art

Catastrophe

Ages

Traits

Review

Doomlings is a very cute game that is worth looking into id you need something simple, quick, and a lot of fun.

The game comes in a good-sized quality box that will fit a sleeved deck and a few expansions easily. You are going to want to sleeve these cards. While the card and print quality is durable enough to survive the first few play through, the cards are a difficult to shuffle. The cards are textured, and the texture feels nice, but it prevents a bit of the randomization you can get with sleeves. A noticed a bit of damage after the first few shuffles, but I am also a crazy person who sleeves everything.

The artwork for this game is simple, thematic, and cute. I enjoyed that each color had a unique flavor without being too busy. The focus for a game like this should be the rules and interactions, and the art is good enough to see on the table. It is a really cozy feeling game considering the it deals with the end of the world.

Gameplaywise, the game is solid. I like that it is very easy to learn, and even easier to teach. Set up takes only a few minutes (including teaching), but I recommend you check out the official how-to-play video to fill any holes. The mechanics are sound and there is room for some sneaky strategy. You are going to hate a few of your friends, but you will have fun doing so. I like that no two games were ever the same, and my strategy always changed thanks to the draw and hand mechanic. I just wish I sleeved my cards before hand for a more randomized experience.

Doomlings is a fantastic game to pull out when you have company that doesn’t play many board games. There is enough strategy involved to keep things competitive without alienating the more casual gamer. The is very easy to learn, even if there is no prior board game experience. We had a lot of fun playing the game at our table, and I can guarantee it can find its place on any table.

You can pick up Doomlings on Amazon for $24.99 using my affiliate link.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: Distorted Reflections Teased at Ascent Seattle

March 17, 2025 josechurape Leave a comment

There are a few exciting announcements that dropped that you might have missed. Grand Archive’s 7th set has been announced, and the hype is real. If you’re looking to pick up product, always support your LGS, but using my TCG Player affiliate links to pick up product like the newest Guo Jia and Diao Chan Recollection Decks or a box of Abysal Heaven.

Worlds Reminder

As a reminder, worlds is coming up in June so make sure you are grinding those points efficiently. Tickets are still on sale and it would be a good idea to start planning accommodations.

Distorted Reflections

Distorted Reflections has been leaked for a July release, and it looking like the magical girl set I didn’t know I needed in my life. The set will focus on the Guardian and Ranger classes, with a whimsical flavor I am most excited about.

The set takes archivist to Wonderland, a world ruled by the Queen of Heats. If you are a fan of the literary classic, this might be the set for you.

The set will introduce 222 unique cards, with 234 foil variations. This will be a 24 twelve pack booster box. MSRP:

Pack: $4.49
Box: 107.99

As a reminder, 1st Edition boxes will include unique art, so make sure you buy in early. Once it’s gone, its gone.

Ciel, Mirage’s Grave Starter Deck

Ciel will hit the format as one of the sets two starter decks. Ciel is a fire/umbra deck launching with a MSRP of $14.99.

Diana Moonpiercer Starter Deck

Diana is back, and with a new flavor. She is still a ranger, but this time fighting using the Water and Astra elements. Hopefully this will bring her back into the scene. The starter deck also MSRPs at $14.99. I am very excited to see what the CSR for this line looks like.

Universus

Universus TCG: Heroes of Exandria: Beau Starter Deck List

March 12, 2025 josechurape Leave a comment

Introduction

Universus just released their Heroes of Exandria set and that means we got the Beauregard Starter deck list! Always support your LGS, but you can pick up your copy on TCG Player or GameNerdz using my affiliate links.

Decklist

Beauregard Lionett, Looking for a Brawl

4 x Swift Change
3 x Subdual Technique
3 x Strong Windup
4 x Radiant Visage
4 x Mystic Recovery
4 x Martial Prowess
4 x Everlight’s Grace
3 x Combat Evaluation
4 x A Day for Relaxing
2 x Spireling Fetch
3 x Upward Disarming Swing
4 x Staff Crack
2 x Predators Pounce
4 x Heavy Kick
2 x Great-Axe Chop
4 x Furious Charge
2 x Quest Board
2 x Peerless Footwork (Foil)
2 x Shoulder Toss (Foil)

Visual List

Universus

Universus TCG: Heroes of Exandria – Percy Starter Deck List

March 10, 2025 josechurape Leave a comment

Where to Buy

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

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: Diao Chan Re: Collection Deck List

March 8, 2025 josechurape Leave a comment

Introduction

Abyssal Heavey has officially released, and that means we finally have the Diao Chan Re:Collection deck list!

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.

Deck List

Materal Deck
1 x Spirit of Water
1 x Diao Chan, Enchantress
1 x Diao Chan, Dreaming Wish
1 x Diao Chan, Idyll Corsage
1 x Cleric Robes
1 x Glimmer Essence Amulet
1 x Scepter of Fascination
1 x Tariff Ring
1 x Crystalline Mirror
1 x Hairpin of Transcience
1 x Kaleidoscope Barrette
1 x Staff of Blossoming Will

Main Deck
3 x Fractal of Insight
2 x Idle Thoughts
3 x Shimmering Refraction
3 x Unstable Fractal
3 x Acquiescing Rejection
3 x Chill to the Bone
4 x Dissuading Halt
4 x Eventide Lure
3 x Fractal of Refreshment
2 x Frostbind
3 x Frostlorn Caress
3 x Frostnip Piroutte
2 x Glimmering Refusal
2 x Protective Fractal
1 x Redirect Flow
2 x Refracting Missile
2 x Torpid Fractal
3 x Bloom: Summer’s Glow
2 x Bloom: Winter’s Chill
3 x Blossoming Denial
2 x Ripples of Atrophy
3 x Season’s End
2 x Shriveling Vines

Material Deck (Visual)

Material Deck (Visual)

Tokens

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG – Guo Jia Re:Collection Deck List

March 8, 2025 josechurape Leave a comment

Introduction

Abyssal Heavey has officially released, and that means we finally have the Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored Re:Collection Deck list

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

Main Deck (Visual)

Main Deck (Visual)

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Abyssal Heaven Spoiler Season is Upon Us!

February 2, 2025 josechurape Leave a comment

Introduction

The Abyssal Heaven spoiler season has officially started! As always, I will collect all the spoilers in one convenient spot, and will be updating this post as soon as I can, but new updates should be up by the end of the day. The newest spoilers will always be on top. Make sure you get your preorders in, and don’t forget to support the official creators!