Tag Archives: tcg

Top 3 Decks From Michigan Regionals and Where to get Them

March 11, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The Michigan Regionals were this weekend, and we got to see a few familiar faces do their thing. Tonoris seems to be carving his place in the meta while Zander shows his consistency yet again. It is cool to see the small tweaks and shifts in the meta as we get closer to words. I wonder what we’ll end up with?

I went ahead and collected lists for the top three decks, and I’ve left my affiliate links for the singles. Check with your LGS for a local scene and product, or use the Store Locator to find one. The Grand Archive TCG Discord is a fantastic source of news, information, and friendly faces to share the hobby with.

If you need any Grand Archive product, like the latest Alchemical Revolution set, get it over at TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you need accessories for your cards like decks, dice, or bags, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:

1. Matt #162

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck

1 Gwendolyn, Spirit of Wind
(You can use Spirit of the Wind)
1 Lorraine, Wandering Warrior
1 Tonoris, Lone Mercenary
1 Bulwark Sword
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Life Essence Amulet
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Sword of Seeking
1 Water Resonance Bauble
1 Wind Resonance Bauble

Main Deck

4 Deflecting Edge
4 Esteemed Knight
4 Gildas, Chronicler of Aesa
4 Imperial Recruit
4 Inspiring Call
4 Lurking Assailant
4 Woodland Squirrels
4 Aesan Protector
4 Attune with the Winds
4 Dream Fairy
4 Shimmercloak Assassin
4 Swift Recruit
4 Trained Hawk
4 Windrider Vanguard
4 Zephyr

Sideboard

1 Eye of Argus
1 Ornamental Greatsword
1 Poisoned Coating Oil
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Smoke Bombs
1 Tariff Ring
1 Tithe Proclamation
1 Viridian Protective Trinket

2. Noel #276

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck

1 Spirit of Serene Fire
1 Zander, Prepared Scout
1 Zander, Deft Executor
1 Zander, Blinding Steel
1 Chalice of Blood
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Tariff Ring
1 Insignia of the Corhazi
1 Luxera’s Map

Main Deck

2 Serum of Wisdom
4 Thieving Cut
3 Vanish from Sight
4 Creative Shock
1 Focused Flames
4 Planted Explosive
4 Excalibur, Cleansing Light
4 Gleaming Cut
4 Lightweaver’s Assault
4 Luxem Sight
3 Uncover the Plot

Sideboard

1 Spirit of Serene Water
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Water Resonance Bauble
1 Caliburn of Silencing
4 Fracturize

3. NumberFour #347

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck

1 Spirit of Wind
1 Tonoris, Lone Mercenary
1 Tonoris, Might of Humanity
1 Bulwark Sword
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Ornamental Greatsword
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Tariff Ring
1 Tithe Proclamation
1 Viridian Protective Trinket
1 Water Resonance Bauble

Main Deck

4 Deflecting Edge
4 Gildas, Chronicler of Aesa
4 Heavy Swing
3 Imperial Recruit
2 Inspiring Call
4 Lurking Assailant
2 Scavenging Raccoon
2 Song of Nurturing
4 Woodland Squirrels
3 Aesan Protector
3 Attune with the Winds
2 Displace
4 Dream Fairy
2 Favorable Winds
2 Rose, Eternal Paragon
4 Shimmercloak Assassin
3 Swift Recruit
4 Windrider Vanguard
4 Zephyr

Sideboard

1 Eye of Argus
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Smoke Bombs
1 Wind Resonance Bauble
1 Rose, Eternal Paragon
3 Veiling Breeze

Pokemon TCG

Pokemon TCG: Temporal Forces Grass List and Translations

March 9, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Temporal Forces releases on March 22nd, so let’s get excited and look through the Grass cards it is bringing to the format. This set has some very cool art, and some cards you’re going to want in your collection. I do have the full list available for anyone interested. If you haven’t done so, make sure you go down to your LGS and get your preorders in. If you can’t find Temporal Forces, you can still preorder product on TCG Player using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories like sleeves or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase. It really helps me out.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials

Scyther

[C] Cut Up: 10 damage.

[C][C] Slashing Strike: 60 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Slashing Strike.

Pineco

[C][C][C] Ram: 50 damage.

Seedot

[G] Rigidify: During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

[C][C] Low Kick: 20 damage.

Nuzleaf

[G] Corkscrew Punch: 20

[C][C] Continuous Slap: 30x damage. Flip 3 coins. This attack does 30 damage for each heads.

Shiftry

[G] Expulsive Tornado: Choose 3 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. Your opponent shuffles any others, and all cards attached to them, into their deck.

[C][C] Energy Loop: 140 damage. Put an Energy attached to this Pokémon into your hand.

Shroomish

[C] Double Headbutt: 10x damage. Flip 2 coins. This attack does 10 damage for each heads.

[G][C] Seed Bomb: 20 damage.

Breloom

[C] Punch: 30 damage.

[G][C] Knuckle Impact: 120 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Roselia

Ability: Poison Point
If this Pokémon is your Active Pokémon and is damaged by an opponent’s attack (even if this Pokémon is Knocked Out), the Attacking Pokémon is now Poisoned.

[C] Leaf Step: 10 damage.

Roserade

Ability: Poison Point
If this Pokémon is your Active Pokémon and is damaged by an opponent’s attack (even if this Pokémon is Knocked Out), the Attacking Pokémon is now Poisoned.

[C][C] Bind Down: 70 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t retreat.

Turtwig

Ability: Solid Shell
This Pokémon takes 20 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

[G][C][C] Leafage: 30 damage.

Grotle

[G] Cut: 20 damage.

[G][C][C] Ramming Shell: 50 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes 20 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

Torterra

[G] Forest March: 30x damage. This attack does 30 damage for each [G] Pokémon you have in play.

[G][C][C] Jungle Hammer: 150 damage. Heal 50 damage from this Pokémon.

Shaymin

[G] Pinpoint Dive: This attack does 60 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon ex or Benched Pokémon V. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

[C][C] Rear Kick: 50 damage.

Cottonee

[G} Triple Spin: 10x damage. Flip 3 coins. This attack does 10 damage for each heads.

Whimsicott

Ability: Uplifting Heal
When you play this Pokémon from your hand to evolve 1 of your Pokémon during your turn, you may heal all damage from your Active [G] Pokémon. If you do, discard all Energy from that Pokémon.

[G] Seed Bomb: 40 damage.

Deerling

[C] Flop: 10 damage.

[G][C][C] Autumn Tackle: 40 damage. Discard a [G] Energy from this Pokémon.

Sawsbuck

Ability: Seasonal Change
Once during your turn, you may search your deck for a Stadium card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

[G][C][C] Superpowered Horns: 110 damage.

Grubbin

[C] Flock: Search your deck for up to 2 Grubbin and put them onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.

[C][C] Vise Grip: 10 damage.

Dhelmise

[C][C] Spinning Attack: 30 damage.

[G][G][C] Steel Anchor: 80+ damage. If you have any Benched [M] Pokémon, this attack does 80 more damage.

Bramblin

[C][C] Spike Sting: 30 damage

Brambleghast

Ability: Weedy Resilience
For each Prize card your opponent has taken, this Pokémon gets +50 HP.

[G][C][C] Powerful Needles: 80x damage. Flip a coin for each Energy attached to this Pokémon. This attack does 80 damage for each heads.

Rellor

[C] Slight Intrusion: 30 damage. This Pokémon also does 10 damage to itself.

Rabsca

Ability: Spherical Shield
Prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to your Benched Pokémon by attacks from your opponent’s Pokémon.

[G] Psychic: 10+ damage. This attack does 30 more damage for each Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Iron Leaves ex

Ability: Rapid Vernier
Once during your turn, when you play this Pokémon from your hand onto your Bench, you may switch this Pokémon with your Active Pokémon. If you do, you may move any number of Energy from your Benched Pokémon to this Pokémon.

[G][G][C] Prismatic Edge: 180 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Grand Archive TCG

Top 3 Decks From Houston Regionals and where to get them

March 8, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The Houston regionals were this weekend. If you missed it, the VODs are up on the Grand Archive official YouTube. It seems the meta is shaping up with some familiar archetypes, but it is nice to see some new cards starting to trickle in. Congratulations to Matt for getting first place.

A detailed list of the tournament’s standings and decklist can be found on Omnidex, but I went ahead and collected the top three for you. I’ll also leave links to the singles for those who need them. If you need any Grand Archive product, like the latest Alchemical Revolution set, get it over at TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you need accessories for your cards like decks, dice, or bags, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials:

1. Matt #162

Material Deck – 12 Cards

Main Deck – 60 Cards

Material Deck – 12 Cards

1 Spirit of Fire
1 Lorraine, Wandering Warrior
1 Rai, Spellcrafter
1 Lorraine, Blademaster
1 Arisanna, Lucent Arbiter
1 Channeling Stone
1 Discordia, Harp of Malice
1 Grand Crusader's Ring
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Sword of Adversity
1 Tariff Ring
1 Viridian Protective Trinket

Main Deck – 60 Cards

1 Dusklight Communion
4 Library Witch
4 Stalwart Shieldmate
3 Cemetery Sentry
4 Clumsy Apprentice
4 Creative Shock
4 Cremation Ritual
4 Embersong
4 Erupting Rhapsody
4 Fiery Momentum
3 Fireball
2 Flame Sweep
4 Hasty Messenger
4 Increasing Danger
3 Innervate Fury
4 Spurn to Ash
4 Tempered Steel

Sideboard

1 Azure Protective Trinket
1 Water Resonance Bauble
2 Dusklight Communion
1 Cemetery Sentry
1 Innervate Fury
2 Varuckan Acolyte

2. OkaygeBusiness #596

Material Deck – 12 Cards

Main Deck – 60 Cards

Material Deck – 12 Cards

1 Spirit of Serene Fire
1 Zander, Prepared Scout
1 Zander, Deft Executor
1 Zander, Blinding Steel
1 Chalice of Blood
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Tariff Ring
1 Insignia of the Corhazi
1 Luxera's Map

Main Deck – 60 Cards

4 Dungeon Guide
4 Exorcise Curses
4 Fast Cure
2 Gawain, Chivalrous Thief
4 Juggle Knives
1 Oasis Trading Post
3 Resolute Stand
4 Scry the Skies
2 Serum of Wisdom
4 Thieving Cut
4 Creative Shock
1 Focused Flames
4 Planted Explosive
4 Excalibur, Cleansing Light
4 Gleaming Cut
4 Lightweaver's Assault
4 Luxem Sight
3 Uncover the Plot

Sideboard – 8 Cards

1 Spirit of Serene Water
1 Grand Crusader's Ring
1 Water Resonance Bauble
1 Focused Flames
4 Fracturize

3. cactus #2143

Material Deck – 12 Cards

Main Deck – 60 Cards

Material Deck – 12 Deck

1 Spirit of Water
1 Tonoris, Lone Mercenary
1 Tonoris, Might of Humanity
1 Tonoris, Genesis Aegis
1 Fire Resonance Bauble
1 Grand Crusader's Ring
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Ornamental Greatsword
1 Tariff Ring
1 Water Resonance Bauble
1 Wind Resonance Bauble
1 Scepter of Lumina

Main Deck – 60 Cards

4 Deflecting Edge
4 Dungeon Guide
3 Esteemed Knight
4 Gildas, Chronicler of Aesa
4 Heavy Swing
4 Imperial Recruit
4 Lurking Assailant
3 Trained Sharpshooter
4 Corhazi Trapper
3 Fracturize
4 Freezing Hail
4 Frostbind
4 Frostsworn Paladin
4 Snow Fairy
4 Song of Frost
3 Storm of Thorns

Sideboard – 8 Cards

1 Bulwark Sword
1 Safeguard Amulet
4 Seeking Shot
1 Tithe Proclamation
1 Viridian Protective Trinket

Grand Archive TCG

New Grand Archive TCG Ban List Announcement, Sorta

March 6, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The March Banlist for the Grand Archive TCG has been posted. There were no changes from last month’s, but I thought I would post about them all the same. Join the official Grand Archive Discord to stay up to date with all the news and maybe find new friends in the hobby. Always check with your LGS for products and a local scene, but you can always find Grand Archive, like the newest Alchemical Revolution, on TCG Player through my affiliate links.And if you need accessories, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your order. It really helps me out.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also follow the socials:

Ban List

There are still only three cards banned in the format: Currently, Sword of Avarice, Reckless Conversion, and Crystal of Empowerment. Make sure these cards are out of your deck if you’re going to any official events.

Watch List

The official announcement splits them into categories. There is only one category for bans (see above) and the other two are watch lists for cards that might be problematic with future releases. There are currently six cards on the watch list: Creative Shock, Varuck, Smoldering Spire, Dream Fairy, Freezing Hail, Erupting Rhapsody, Scepter of Lumina. This is just a watch list, so you don’t need to take them out of your decks just yet.

Board Games and TCGs, Other TCGs

Discover Savior of Chaos, Battle Spirits Saga’s Newest Set

March 5, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Savior of Chaos just dropped for Battle Spirits Saga, and the set looks amazing. I love the flavor of some of these monsters. I bet they look even better in person. Check with your LGS for events and product. If that isn’t an option, you can get your Savior of Chaos booster boxes, singles, or any other Battle Spirits product on TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you need something to keep your cards safe like bags, sleeves, or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive Drops New Mercurial Heart Spoilers at Regionals

March 5, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Grand Archive regionals were this weekend, and it was a good time. The casters were fun to watch, and it was a good way to keep up with the meta. If you’re trying to pick up Grand Archive or just enjoy the competitive TCG scene, I recommend you watch the VOD or catch it live next time.

I know not everyone is excited about the competitive scene, but we did get some spoilers for the upcoming set, Mercurial Heart. The art for this set is incredible, and I for one can’t wait to see what these cards can do. We got four artworks teased during the event, and I’ve gathered them for your convenience.

Spoilers

Mercurial Hearts releases on May 17, so lets start getting hyped! Make sure you check my other posts for additional product announcements!

If you’re interested in Grand Archive, join the official Discord for all the news, and to find some new friends to play with. Don’t forget to check with your LGS for a local scene and product. You can also pick up shop for Grand Archive, like the new Alchemical Revolution set, on TCG Player by using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your order. It really helps me out.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also follow the socials:

Board Games and TCGs, Other TCGs

Check out the New World Beyond Spoilers: Akora TCG

March 2, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

I started opening packs of Akora on a series I am doing on my TikTok and YouTube. I wanted to open a booster pack of a random TCG as motivation and a way to catalog my progress. I started with Akora because I found a booster box of Spellbound Wings 1st edition for cheap. The more I opened the box, the more I wanted to learn about it.

I’ve sat through the learn-to-play event on their official Discord and have even started reading through the Manga. I enjoy the art and I think the gameplay loop is interesting. If you want to learn how to play Akora, check out the instructional video on the Akora TCG Youtube:

There’s also a booklet you can read on the official website, but I’ll leave it here for your convenience:

TI-Codex-Compressed Download

Spoilers

Last night, more spoilers for the upcoming World Beyond were posted and I am hyped for the set. The art looks so good, and I thought I’d share to muster up more excitement! Purple is still my favorite color, but the other colors have some interesting stuff going on. I just hope I’m not broke and can make it to a prerelease. These seem to be special full arts that you are going to have to chase, but I’m about ready to throw some money I don’t have at this problem.

Conclusion

I’m impressed so far and can’t wait to see more. Check your LGS if they carry Akora or run events. If that’s not an option, the official Discord is pretty active with passionate fans ready for a game. If you want to pick up any Akora, like their latest set Eternal Echoes, pick it up on TCG Player. And if you’re need a place to store your cards like deck boxes, back packs, or other accessories, get it over at GemTech. Use my discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

gaming news

Pokémon Presents Announces Two New Games

February 28, 2024 josechurape 1 Comment

In honor of Pokémon Day, the Pokémon Company has released a special Pokémon Presents where they have made a few exciting announcements. While I am sure there are some disappointed fans out there, there is a bit of news that I am very hopeful about. I’m only covering the news that I am most excited about, but you should check out the whole event for anything I skip.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you need some Pokémon cards like the upcoming Temporal Forces set (Booster Boxes currently $104) get it over at TCG Player using my affiliate links. It really helps me out!

Pokemon Horizons: The Series

While I was very sad for Ash and Pikachu’s adventure to end, I am very excited for the upcoming anime. Pokémon always makes for comforting anime, and we can always use a little comfort in our lives. Pokémon Horizons: The Series premiers on Netflix on March 7, so let the countdown begin!

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket

The most exciting announcement for me was the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket coming sometime this year on Android and IOS devices. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket looks like a gotcha version of the TCG. Players can open two packs a day for free, which suggests you can buy more through either an in-game currency or real money. This does raise some flags as the game can become predatory quickly, but I am not too worried. The game comes from the folks who brought us Masters, and Masters didn’t feel bad when I played it. I don’t think it will be as generous as PTCGL, but I doubt it will be as bad as Unite.

The idea of the game is to have players crack packs, and build a community around it. Players can build their collections, trade with friends and people around the world, and battle others. The idea of building a community around collecting Pokémon cards is always exciting, I just hope they don’t make it impossible to complete a set without spending hundreds of dollars.

The quick battles are what interests me the most about this app. The game promises a more streamlined gameplay with the convenience of being able to play anywhere. While I am worried about the pay-to-win potential of PVP, anything that brings people into the hobby is fine by me.

Pokémon isn’t the most complicated TCG, but I’ve seen people be intimidated by all its moving parts. Having a streamlined version of the game gets people excited about the game without overwhelming them. Depending on the gameplay, Pocket may be able to bring casual collectors into the space and turn them into players.

What makes Pocket unique is that it will introduce new art and animation of cards so that players and collectors can interact with the hobby in a unique way. Pocket introduces “immersive cards” which allow players to leap into the illustration. Again, I hope they make these easy to collect, but as a casual collector, I am excited.

I wonder if this is Pokémon answer to Heartsone? I wonder how much GOTCHA is involved? There are still a lot of questions about the game, and I’ll have to see more before I can form any impressions, but I am excited for now.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

The teaser for Pokémon Legends: Z-A is vague, but I know Lumiose City anywhere. It seems like the next Legends game is taking place entirely in Lumiose City. X and Y are my favorite generation. I put too many hours into the game, and I am excited to go back. All we can do is speculate until the next announcement, but I am excited! The game launches sometimes next year on the Nintendo Switch.

Board Games and TCGs, Other TCGs

I Learned to Play Akora TCG Today, and I Liked it!

February 27, 2024 josechurape 1 Comment

I picked up a booster box of Akora‘s Spellbound Wings 1st edition because it was cheap. I didn’t know anything about the game beforehand, I’m just broke and wanted to open some affordable booster packs. I’ve been opening a pack after every workout as a way to stay motivated. So far it’s been working, but more on that at a later date.

Today, members of the Akora team hosted a learn-to-play event on the official Discord, and I was lucky enough to join. I want to give a huge shoutout out to the folks running the event. They were nice, helpful, and super passionate. If you’re thinking of picking up Akora, join the official Discord. There will always be someone there to answer any questions you may have about the game.

How to Play Akora

If you want to learn to play Akora, I recommend you check out Jaxonation’s tutorial on YouTube. He’s a member on the Discord and seems like a solid dude. He’s a fantastic resource for beginners, but so is the rest of the community.

Thoughts on Akora

The more Akora I opened, the more I enjoyed doing so. I like the art because it feels cozy with a solid fantasy anime vibe. I love how the cards look like spell cards, and the game’s aesthetic is what made me want to learn the game.

The game is pretty easy to learn. The mechanics, card types, and turn order are easy to grasp. The hard part seems learning and mastering each color’s quirk, but that will come with practice. Even though I am sure to lose my first few matches, I feel like I have a solid grasp of how to play. Now that I kind of know how to, I want to start organizing my collection and building decks.

I like that the community came together to host this event, but it definitely needed more People. I appreciated that they didn’t cancel the event when I was the only one in the room. It was fun and informative, and I am glad I made time. If you missed the event, I am confident someone will sit down to teach you if you ask.

If you want to try Akora, there is an official module for Table Top Simulator you can mess around with. You can also find people on the Discord to play with if you ask nicely. I was told there are also tournaments on Sundays you can join if you just want to hang out and have a good time. There is also a cool print and play feature on their website, with some sample decks to get you started.

If you’re looking for a new card game with a solid community, check out Akora. From my experience, it seems like a good time.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow my socials, and share this with your friends. If you need any Akora, pick it up on TCG Player.

Weiss Schwarz

The Weiss Schwarz Chainsaw Man Set Looks Amazing

February 25, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

If you’re a fan of the Chainsaw Man anime, you’re going to want to collect the newest Weiss Schwarz set. The set features some iconic art and scenes from an incredible anime. If you haven’t had a chance to watch Chainsaw Man, I highly recommend you start it ASAP. It has a cool premise, memorable characters, and an amazing art style and animation.

I was first drawn to Weiss Schwarz because it features my favorite anime that I want to collect. The Chainsaw Man set is no exception. Check with your LGS to see if they carry Weiss Schwarz, but there is always TCG Player if that isn’t an option. If you’re looking for Chainsaw Man singles, decks, or booster boxes, get them over at TCG Player using my affiliate links.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow the socials, and share this with your friends.