Tag Archives: tabletop

Grand Archive TCG

2025 Grand Archive Ascent Utrecht Closing Ceremony Highlights

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The first European Ascent event was held in Utrecht this weekend, and it was an exciting time for the game. Make sure you check out the VOD on the official Grand Archive Youtube channell for high quality coverage of the event. The production keeps getting better with each event, and its a great place to start learning the meta.

Aside from its exciting gameplay, there was some exciting news that you aren’t going to want to miss. As always, I’ve collected all the important details in one place for you to enjoy! If you’re looking to pick up some Grand Archive, always support your LGS. If that isn’t an option, you can always get product from TCG Player using my affiliate link.

2025 Nationals Schedule Announced!

The schedule for Nationals have been announced. Specific dates are too come, but we have locations and months! It’s time to get grinding for Nationals!

Day 2 Promos

Like last year, players who qualify for Day 2 will receive a unique Sword of Seeking promo you aren’t going to want to miss out. This card is so pretty and it makes me wish I was better at the game.

Nationals Prize Card

Nationals finalists will get their hands on a beautiful Eternal Magistrate alt art. If haven’t been motivated to get good this season, you’re going to want to after seeing it.

Nationals Pre-registration Gift

Players who pre-register for Nationals will receive a special backpack. I’ll try to make the announcement as soon as pre-registration goes live, but the official Discord is a fantastic place to stay on top of the announcements.

Ascent Worlds

Ascent worlds will be in Anaheim this year, June 27 to the 29th. Tickets go on sale on the February 2nd, so make sure you start planning accordingly. Remember, this year you can qualify for worlds through normal means or the gauntlet, so keep on grinding!

Worlds Promo

This year’s worlds promo is a beautiful Spurn to Ash that belongs in everyone’s collection.

and there is a VIP variant!

Developer Stream Announcement

The most exciting news is the Developer stream happening on February 1st. This will officially kick of the Abyssal Heaven spoiler season, and have some important notes on the upcoming supplement set. You aren’t going to miss out, but I’ll be covering the key points shortly after. Stay tuned for that.

Board Games and TCGs

Wasted my Money on the GameStop Premium Deck Box

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I was at Gamestop the other day and decided to treat myself with a new deck box for my Grand Archive deck. The one I was using at the time was ratty and falling apart. I chose to pick up the GameStop Premium Trading Card Deck Box, but this thing was anything but premium.

What I liked

The deck box has a slick black vinyl texture with red stitching along its edges that gives the box its alluring elegant feel. There are strong magnets on the flap for secure storage, and two plastic dividers to keep your cards organized. The inside also has this sleek black for the matching aesthetic. It’s a nice looking box, but those looks fade fast.

Review

The plastic covering the bottom of the deckbox came undone on the second day, exposing my cards to the box’s cheap interior cardboard. I should have taken this moment to get my money back, but I wanted to see what would happen. The red stitching that runs along the edges started to come undone shortly after. After my third locals, I started to notice the inside fold of the flap starting to tear away. I am very careful with my trading card and accessories and was surprised at how rough the box looked after only a few uses. It would have been better if I bought cheap plastic ones instead.

I wasn’t expecting a high quality product that would last me forever, but I did expect it to at least make it through the year. I might have gotten a defective unit, but if Gamestop is truly attempting to make their transition to an LGS, they need to do better. If you only have 20 bucks to spend on a deck box, you can do better.

Board Games and TCGs, Uncategorized

Enhance Your Hero Realms Experience with Character Packs

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I was sent the five Hero Realms character packs 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’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 are the Character Packs?

The character packs introduce the class system to the fantasy-themed deck-building game. The playable characters I received were cleric, fighter, ranger, wizard, and thief. Each pack comes with two special ability cards unique to the corresponding class, and a few uniquely themed resource and attack cards. These packs will act as a player’s starting deck. The packs also have a unique character card and authority tracker for flavor.

You will need the base game if you want to play with these cards. Make sure you check out my review of Hero Realms if you don’t know what I am talking about.

Cleric Pack

Fighter

Wizard

Thief

Review

If you haven’t played hero realms yet, it is worth checking out. The game is easy to learn and teach, and has some terrific flavor. The cards are high quality, and the texture is wonderful. Make sure you check out my full review!

While the character packs aren’t a necessity, they do not disappoint. The packs are all printed with the high quality and care that I have come to know from Wise Wizard Games. The flavor of each pack is fantastic in both mechanics and art. This game has some fantastic art, and if you like fantasy, you’ll love these character cards.

Power level-wise, the classes feel pretty even. Most games were decided based on RNG, and none of the classes seemed unfair. I preferred using the cleric because I am always the group’s cleric. You can get away with only buying one character pack. I played a few games against a character without one and while the abilities do offer a slight advantage, it was manageable. That said, I would have preferred to play with a class because the class abilities add a fun dynamic to the game.

If you don’t sleeve your cards, you can pack the character packs snugly with the base game, but the box will only fit one character and the base game. You’re going to have to get creative with storage if you are like me and sleeve everything. This isn’t a criticism of the game, but rather something to think about if you’re getting ready to purchase.

I love Hero Realms because of the flavor and gameplay, and I recommend you at least start with that. If you want a way to spice up your Hero Realms game night, you’re going to want to check out the character packs. They aren’t necessary, but they are worth the money.

You can pick up the five-character card bundle on Amazon for $24.94, or the cleric, fighter, ranger, wizard, and thief separately using my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do.

Board Games and TCGs

Star Trek: Star Realms is a fun Deck Builder, not just for Trekkies

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I was sent a free copy of Star Trek: Star Realms to 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 Realms is 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.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: New Set Announced at Ascent Toronto

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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!

Board Games and TCGs

Star Realms Frontiers is a Great Deck Building Experience

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I was sent a free copy of Star Realms: Frontier 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 want to pick up Star Realms or 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: Frontiers does 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.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Mortal Ambition – Jin Starter Deck List

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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.

Material Deck

  • Spirit of Wind
  • Jin, Fate Defiant
  • Jin, Zealous Maverick
  • Bauble of Abundance
  • Life Essence Amulet
  • Safeguard Amulet
  • Executioner’s Spear
  • Steel Halberd
  • Slate Whetstone
  • Shuang Ji of Sacrifice
  • Berserker Plate

Main Deck

  • Safeguard Paladin x 4
  • Veteran Soldier x 3
  • Trusty Steed x 3
  • Banner Knight x 2
  • Swift Recruit x 4
  • Eminent Commander x 4
  • Savage Swing x 4
  • Pierce the Heavens x 4
  • Wind Cutter x 3
  • Idle Thoughts x 4
  • Regenerate x 3
  • Favorable Winds x 4
  • Materialize Polearm x 3
  • Reclaim x 2
  • Enrage x 4
  • Hemorrhaging Rend x 2
  • Exia Sight x 2
  • Bloodbond Bladesworn x 2
  • Mend Flesh x 2
  • Relentless Outburst x 1
Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Kongming Starter Deck List

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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.

Material Deck

  • Spirit of Water
  • Kongming, Wayward Maven
  • Kongming, Ascetic Vice
  • Kongming, Fel Eidolon
  • Bauble of Abundance
  • Fan of Seven Debts
  • Life Essence Amulet
  • Shard of Empowerment
  • Tariff Ring
  • Sweet Ambrosia
  • Coronal of Rejuvenation
  • Entrancing Filigree

Main Deck

  • Ardent Cloudstriker x 4
  • Formidable Youxia x 4
  • Harmonious Mantra x 4
  • Heighten Spellcraft x 4
  • Idle Thoughts x 2
  • Spirited Neophyte x4
  • Wisdom’s Reprise x 3
  • Cone of Frost x 3
  • Coriolis Ward x 4
  • Hydroguard Retainer x 3
  • Rising Tides x 3
  • Taiji of Crystal Strategems x 4
  • Tsunami of Nanyue x 3
  • Water Barrier x 2
  • Devoted Bloomweaver x 4
  • Leeching Bolt x 3
  • Planar Abyss x 1
  • Ruinous Pillars of Qidao x 2
  • Tera Sight x 3

Grand Archive TCG

The Mortal Ambition CSRs are Going to Move Packs!

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The Mortal Ambition collector rares have been revealed, and you will want to chase these. I hope my preorder unearths one, but I am never so lucky. The set releases on October 11th. It is a little too late for preorders, but you can probably pick product up from your LGS at launch. You can also pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player, but I would wait til after launch for the prices to stabilize a bit. I’m hoping there is enough demand for a second printing because this set is going to be fantastic for folks trying to pick up the game for the first time.

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.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: Most of the Mortal Ambition Set List Revealed!

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The Mortal Ambition set list is live, and the art is just as good as I expected. There is a good amount of valuable reprints, new powerful cards I am desperate to try, and some fantastic CSRs to collect. Make sure you always support your LGS, but you can always pick up Mortal Ambition on TCG Player through my affiliate link. I would wait for release for pricing to stabilize though.

Water

Fire

Wind

Norm

Exia

Tera

Luxem