Tag Archives: trading card game

Alchemical Revolution Introduces Three New Classes to the format

January 7, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Alchemical Revolution hits stores on January 26th, so make sure you hit your LGS for presales and events. If your LGS doesn’t carry Grand Archive, get your product or preorders at TCG PLayer! I’ll leave links to singles for those who trickle onto this post after release.

Alchemical Revolution will introduce three new classes and mechanics to the format which I’m sure will excite some players. I am a huge fan of the art, and what I’ve seen so far from the set has me excited. I am also a huge fan of the flavor that goes into the mechanics. Let’s go through the spoilers and get hyped together!

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

Guardian

Champion

Guardian is the game’s tank. They are thick champions with mechanics focusing on defending the field. The premier Guardian champion is Tonoris, and his cards are sick. The Tonoris starter deck is up on TCG Player, but I’d wait till after release to see if the price goes down.

The art is just so good with these cards, but the flavor text suggests a neat story of redemption. I am curious to see what the back story is going to be like, but that will be for another day. The important bit is that taunt ability. All units must attack Tonoris first, and with that HP, he’s going to be a huge help in setting up smaller allies. That +3 attack he gets from his level 2 is a nice touch to get rid of some nasty threats. The trick with this class is deciding when to attack, and when to leave it awake to help defend your allies.

Weapon

Guardians hit hard, but it takes more resources to do so. This means players will have to decide how aggressive they want to be in a turn, otherwise they leave themselves defenseless. I am not a tank main, but I can appreciate the fantastic flavor.

Actions

Guardian actions focus on protecting your allies with skills like Taunt and Retaliation to mitigate the oncoming damage. What I like is this Floating Memory ability that lets players sacrifice cards to cast actions cheaply, which is almost emblematic of how a Guardian would sacrifice everything to keep their allies safe.

Allies

Alchemical Revolution introduces Foster ability, which states:

At the beginning of your recollection phase, if an ally with Foster has not taken damage since the end of your previous turn, that ally becomes fostered.

Fostered allies receive stat bonuses or activate abilities. For example:

Cleric

Champion

Clerics are spell casters whose focus is on defensive and preventative spells. This sounds like a more control-style deck style, and I already know I am not smart enough for it. But at least the Arisanna is the premier champion for the class, and she’s cute! The Arisanna starter deck is up on TCG Player, but I’d wait for after release to see if it goes down.

Gather Mechanic

Arisanna introduces the gather mechanic, which makes her my favorite champion from those revealed. Gather lets you summon a random herb each turn. You sacrifice these herbs to brew potions or cast abilities. To gather an herb you roll a D6 and summon the corresponding plant (herbs are numbered 1-6). The starter deck will include a special-themed dice, but you can always use a regular D6.

Potions

Saving Potions

There is also intensive to hold onto your potions and enhance them with other abilities later on. Some potions get stronger the longer they sit. Arisanna gameplay will have this interesting loop of brewing potions, and knowing when to use them.

Memory Manipulation

The last bit of Arisanna’s kit is memory manipulation. Special abilities and bonuses will activate based on how the memory zone is set up. I don’t think I’m smart enough for Cleric, but I am all in!

Ranger

Champion

Last but not least we have the Ranger class, and Ranger uses guns! Diana is the premier champion and she seems like a lot of fun. She doesn’t do much at level 1, but at level 2 you can summon a gun and bullet, and that could swing things in your favor. Obviously the art is fantastic, but the flavor is so good! The Diana starter deck is up on TCG Player, but I would wait till after release.

Bullets and Guns

Guns need to be loaded to attack. You won’t be able to use regular attack cards with your guns, but it doesn’t matter because bullets seem to have unique abilities and stats anyway. I am very interested to see how this reload mechanic works.

Allies

Ranger introduces the new mechanic Distant state which gives allies buffs until the end of their controller’s turn. Many Ranger units have the Ranged X keyword, which gives that unit’s attack +X power as long as they’re distant. There are cards that can make units distant, and being distant activate effects.

Reload!

Guns will take longer to set up, but that’s why you’re playing Ranger. The class will feature abilities that will get your guns loaded quickly:

Pokemon TCG

Pokémon TCG: Temporal Forces Spoilers are in with translations!

January 7, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Temporal Forces now available for preorder!

I know we are still waiting on Paldean Fates, but we did get some spoilers for the upcoming Temporal Forces, hitting shelves on March 22nd. There are some cool cards in this set, and a lot to be excited for. With the upcoming rotation shaking up the meta, it’s never too early to see what’s on the horizon. None of my decks will be legal soon, but I am very excited to play something new.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you want to buy any Pokémon product like the current Paradox Rift, or if you still need to preorder Paldean Fates, get it over at TCG Player through my affiliate links!

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.

Ponyta

[C] Charge Energy: Search your deck for up a Basic Energy card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

[R][C] Flame Tail: 20 damage.

Rapidash

[C] Combustion: 20 damage.

[R][C] Inferno Onrush: 120 damage. This Pokémon also does 30 damage to itself.

Slugma

[R] Torch Sear: 10+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is Burned, this attack does 40 more damage.

Magcargo

Ability: Lava Pools
Whenever your opponent’s Active Pokémon moves to the Bench during their turn, the new Active Pokémon is now Burned.

[R][C][C] Heat Blast: 100 damage.

Victini

[C] Flippity Flap: Shuffle your hand into your deck. Then, draw 6 cards.

[R] Burn Away: 30 damage. Discard a Special Energy from your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Heatmor

[R] Live Coal: 20 damage.

[R][R][C] Licking Fire: 130 damage. Flip 3 coins. For each tails, discard an Energy from this Pokémon.

Litten

[R] Fake Out: 10 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

Torracat

[R] Bite: 30 damage.

[R][C][C] Flare Strike: 80 damage. This Pokémon can’t use Flare Strike during your next turn.

Incineroar ex

Ability: Hustle Play
Attacks used by this Pokémon cost [C] less for each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon.

[R][C][C][C][C] Blaze Bomb: 240 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Burned.

Turtonator

[R][C] Spit-Out Shot: This attack does 40 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

[R][R][C] Steam Artillery: 100 damage.

Sizzlipede

[R] Heat Dive: 30 damage. This Pokémon also does 10 damage to itself.

Centiskorch

[R] Singe: Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Burned.

[R][R] Charring Breath: 180 damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon isn’t Burned, this attack does nothing.

Gouging Fire ex

[R][C] Heat Blast: 60 damage.

[R][R][C] Explosive Fire: 260 damage. This Pokémon can’t use Explosive Fire again until it leaves the Active Spot.

Totodile

[W] Big Bite: 10 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t retreat.

Croconaw

[W] Reverse Thrust: 30 damage. Switch this Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon.

Feraligatr

Ability: Torrential Heart
Once during your turn, you may put 5 damage counters on this Pokémon. If you do, attacks used by this Pokémon do 120 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon during this turn (before applying Weakness and Resistance).

[W][W] Giant Wave: 160 damage. This Pokémon can’t use Giant Wave during your next turn.

Carvanha

[C][C] Wave Splash: 30 damage.

Sharpedo

[C][C] Bite Away: 50 damage. Flip 3 coins. For each heads, discard a random card from your opponent’s hand.

[W][C][C] Jet Headbutt: 100 damage.

Keldeo

[W] Rapid Draw: 20 damage. Draw 2 cards.

[W][W][C] Aqua Blade: 110 damage.

Snom

[W] Powder Snow: 10 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Asleep.

Frosmoth

[W][W] Freezing Cold: 100 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t attack.

Wiglett

[W] Lucky Find: Search your deck for an Item card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

[W][W] Aqua Bomb: 40 damage. This Pokémon does 20 damage to itself.

Finizen

[W] Rain Splash: 10 damage.

[W][C][C] Sharp Fin: 50 damage.

Palafin

[W] Vanguard Punch: 130 damage. This Pokémon also does 10 damage to itself for each damage counter on it.

[W][C][C] Double Hit: 90x damage. Flip 2 coins. This attack does 90 damage for each heads.

Walking Wake ex

Ability: Azure Wave
Damage from attacks used by this Pokémon isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

[W][C][C] Cathartic Roar: 120+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is affected by a Special Condition, this attack does 120 more damage.

Pikachu

[L] Random Spark: This attack does 10 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

Raichu

[L][C] Entangling Bolt: This attack does 50 damage to each other Pokémon in play with any damage counters on it. (Both yours and your opponent’s. Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

[L][C][C] Electric Ball: 120 damage.

Electabuzz

[L] Chop: 20 damage.

[L][C][C] Electric Punch: 50 damage.

Electivire

[C][C] Short Circuit Knuckle: 40+ damage. If your opponent has any [W] Pokémon in play, this attack does 120 more damage.

[L][L][C][C] Electroslug: 140 damage.

Charjabug

[L][L] Static Shock: 60 damage.

Vikavolt

[L] Mach Bolt: 50 damage.

[L][L] Serial Cannon: 120+ damage. This attack does 80 more damage for each of your Benched Charjabug.

Zeraora

[C] Shocking Knuckle: 20 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

[L][L][C] Strong Volt: 120 damage. Discard an Energy from this Pokémon.

Yamper

[C] Whimsy Tackle: 20 damage. Flip a coin. If tails, this attack does nothing.

Boltund

[C] Electrifying Dash: 50 damage. Search your deck for up to 2 Basic [L] Energy cards and attach them to your Benched Pokémon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.

Wugtrio ex

[W] Triple Pump: Discard up to 3 Energy cards from your hand. This attack does 60 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon for each Energy card you discarded in this way. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

[W][W] Stun Hold: 120 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t retreat

Iron Hands

[L][C] Volt Wave: 30 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

[L][L][C] Super Alloy Hands: 80+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is a Pokémon ex or Pokémon V, this attack does 80 more damage.

Iron Thorns

[L][C] Destropressor: 70x damage. Reveal the top 5 cards of your deck. This attack does 70 damage times for each Future card you find there. Then, discard the revealed Future cards and shuffle the other cards back into your deck.

[L][L][L][C] Megaton Lariat: 140 damage.

Mr. Mime

[C] Mime Show: Your opponent reveals their hand. You may use the effect of a Supporter card you find there as the effect of this attack.

[P] Eerie Wave: 20 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused.

Marill

[C] Ball Roll: 10x damage. Flip a coin until you get tails. This attack does 10 damage for each heads.

[P][C][C] Magical Shot: 40 damage.

Azumarill

[C] Play Rough: 30+ damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 more damage.

[P][C][C] Power Tackle: 140 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Girafarig

[P][C] Psychic Assault: 20+ damage. This attack does 10 more damage for each damage counter on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Latias

[C] Allure: Draw 2 cards.

[P][C] Lagoon Flight: 60 damage.

Bronzor

[P] Mirror Attack: 10+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is a [P] Pokémon, this attack does 30 more damage.

Bronzong

[P] Evolution Jammer: 30 damage. Your opponent can’t play any Pokémon from their hand to evolve their Pokémon during their next turn.

[P][C][C] Super Psy Bolt: 100 damage.

Solosis

[C] Surprise Attack: 30 damage. Flip a coin. If tails, this attack does nothing.

Duosion

[C] Double Trick: 30x damage. Flip 2 coins. This attack does 30 damage for each heads.

Reuniclus

[C] Summoning Gate: Look at the top 8 cards of your deck and put any number of Pokémon you find there onto your Bench. Shuffle the other cards into your deck.

[P][C] Brain Shake: 100 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused.

Elgyem

[P] Hide: Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to this Pokémon.

Beheeyem

[P] Cosmic Beat: 20x damage. This attack does 20 damage for each of your Pokémon in play.

Cutiefly

[C] Mini Drain: 10 damage. Heal 10 damage from this Pokémon.

Ribombee

[C] Bzzz-ness Wages: 30 damage. If the Defending Pokémon is Knocked Out during your next turn, take 2 more Prize cards.

Scream Tail

[C] Songful Encouragement: Heal 100 damage from 1 of your Benched Ancient Pokémon.

[C][C] Hyper Voice: 40 damage.

Flutter Mane

Ability: Witching Hour Flutter
As long as this Pokémon is in the Active Spot, your opponent’s Active Pokémon has no Abilities, except for Witching Hour Flutter.

[C][C][C] Flying Curse: 90 damage. Put 2 damage counters on your opponent’s Benched Pokémon in any way you like.

Iron Valiant

[P] Calculate: Look at the top 4 cards of your deck and put them back in any order.

[P][P][C] Majestic Sword: 100+ damage. If you played a Future Supporter card from your hand during this turn, this attack does 100 more damage.

Iron Valiant

[C] Twin Lasers: 20 damage. This attack also does 20 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

[P][P][C] Zen Blade: 120 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Zen Blade.

Iron Crown ex

Ability: Cobalt Command
Your Future Pokémon’s attacks, except any Iron Crown ex, do 20 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon (before applying Weakness and Resistance).

[P][C][C] Twin Shotels: This attack does 50 damage to 2 of your opponent’s Pokémon. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by Weakness or Resistance, or by any effects on those Pokémon.

Meditite

[F] Slap: 10 damage.

[C][C] Kick: 30 damage.

Medicham

[F] Low Sweep: 40 damage.

[C][C][C] High Jump Kick: 110 damage.

Relicanth

Ability: Memory Dive
Each of your evolved Pokémon can use any attack from its previous Evolutions. (You still need the necessary Energy to use each attack.)

[R][C] Razor Fin: 30 damage.

Drilbur

Ability: Dig About
When you play this Pokémon from your hand onto your Bench during your turn, you may search your deck for up to 3 Basic [F] Energy and discard them. Then, shuffle your deck.

[F][C] Sand Spray: 20 damage.

Excadrill

[C] Mud Shot: 20 damage.

[F][F][C] Wild Tackle: 180 damage. This Pokémon also does 50 damage to itself.

Golett

[F] Iron Defense: Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, prevent all damage done to this Pokémon by attacks.

[C][C][C] Punch: 40 damage.

Golurk

[F] Iron Defense: Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, prevent all damage done to this Pokémon by attacks.

[C][C][C][C] Fighting Fist: 120+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is a Pokémon ex or Pokémon V, this attack does 120 more damage.

Rockruff

[C] Paw Punch: 10 damage.

Lycanroc

[C] Turbo Edge: 50 damage. Attach up to 2 [F] Energy cards from your discard pile to your Benched Pokémon in any way you like.

Mudbray

[F] Smash Kick: 10 damage.

[F][C][C] Mud-Slap: 50 damage.

Mudsdale

[F] Mud Stock: Attach a Basic [F] Energy card from your discard pile to each of your Benched Pokémon.

[F][C][C] High Horsepower: 140 damage. This Pokémon also does 40 damage to itself.

Rolycoly

[F] Rolling Tackle: 10 damage.

[F][C] Power Gem: 30 damage.

Carkol

[F] Knock Away: 20+ damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 40 more damage.

[F][C][C][C] Boulder Crush: 80

Coalossal

[F] Gatling Tar: 40+ damage. This attack does 80 more damage for each [R] Energy attached to this Pokémon.

[F][C][C][C] Cragalanche: 150 damage. Discard the top 2 cards of your opponent’s deck.

Great Tusk

[C][C] Ground Collapse: Discard the top card of your opponent’s deck. If you played an Ancient Supporter card from your hand during this turn, discard 3 more cards.

[F][F][C][C] Giant Fangs: 160 damage.

Great Tusk

[F][C] Lunge Out: 30 damage.

[F][C][C] Angry Charge: 80+ damage. If your Benched Pokémon have any damage counters on them, this attack does 80 more damage.

Sandy Shocks

[F] Magnetic Blast: 20+ damage. If you have 3 or more Energy in play, this attack does 70 more damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by Weakness.

[F][C] Power Gem: 60 damage.

Iron Boulder ex

[F][C] Repulsor Axe: 60 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, if this Pokémon is damaged by an attack (even if it is Knocked Out), put 8 damage counters on the Attacking Pokémon.

[F][F][C] Power Stomp: 200 damage. Discard 2 Energy from this Pokémon.

Ekans

[D] Mixed Poison: Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused and Poisoned.

[D][D] Bite: 30 damage.

Arbok

[D] Panic Poison: Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Burned, Confused, and Poisoned.

[D][D] Darkness Fang: 70 damage.

Gastly

[D] Mysterious Beam: Flip a coin. If heads, discard an Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

[D][D] Suffocating Gas: 30 damage.

Haunter

[D][D] Super Poison Breath: 30 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Poisoned.

Gengar ex

Ability: Gnawing Curse
Whenever your opponent attaches an Energy card from their hand to 1 of their Pokémon, put 2 damage counters on that Pokémon.

[D][D] Tricky Steps: 160 damage. You may move an Energy from your opponent’s Active Pokémon to 1 of their Benched Pokémon.

Poochyena

[D][C] Gnaw Off: 30+ damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 20 more damage.

Mightyena

[D][C] Kick Away: 50 damage. Switch out your opponent’s Active Pokémon to the Bench. (Your opponent chooses the new Active Pokémon.)

[D][D][C] Sharp Fang: 130 damage.

Sableye

[D] Claw Slash: 20 damage.

[C][C] Damage Collector: Move any number of damage counters from your opponent’s Benched Pokémon to their Active Pokémon.

Farigiraf ex

Ability: Armor Tail
Prevent all damage done to this Pokémon by attacks from your opponent’s Basic Pokémon ex.

[P][C][C] Dirty Beam: 160 damage. This attack also does 30 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

Roaring Moon

[D][D] Vengeful Feathers: 70+ damage. This attack does 10 more damage for each Ancient card in your discard pile.

[D][C][C][C] Speed Wing: 120 damage.

Forretress

[M] Spike Cannon: 30x damage. Flip 3 coins. This attack does 30 damage for each heads.

[C][C][C] Steel Tackle: 130 damage. This Pokémon does 40 damage to itself.

Scizor ex

[C][C] Steel Wing: 70 damage. During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes 50 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

[M][M] Cross Breaker: 120x damage. Discard up to 2 [M] Energy from this Pokémon. This attack does 120 damage for each Energy card discarded in this way.

Mawile

[C][C] Teasing Invitation: Switch in 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon to the Active Spot. This attack does 30 damage to the new Active Pokémon.

[M][M][C] Sharp Fang: 100 damage.

Beldum

[M] Dig Claws: 10 damage.

[M][C][C] Iron Tackle: 50 damage. This Pokémon also does 10 damage to itself.

Metang

Ability: Metal Maker
Once during your turn, you may look at the top 4 cards of your deck and attach any number of Basic [M] Energy cards you find there to your Pokémon in any way you like. Shuffle the other cards and put them on the bottom of your deck.

[M][C][C] Beam: 60 damage.

Metagross

[M] Meteor Mash: 60 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon’s Meteor Mash attack does 60 more damage (before applying Weakness and Resistance).

[M][C][C][C] Lustrous Blast: 200 damage. Discard 2 Energy from this Pokémon.

Meltan

[M][M] Headbutt: 50 damage.

Melmetal

[M][M][C] Hammer In: 120 damage.

[M][M][M][M][C] Iron Bash: 230 damage.

Iron Treads

Ability: Dual Core
As long as this Pokémon has a Future Booster Energy Capsule attached, it is [F] and [M] type.

[M][C] Passing Wheel: 60 damage. Move an Energy from this Pokémon to 1 of your Benched Pokémon.

Koraidon

[F][C] Primeval Battering: 30x damage. This attack does 30 damage for each of your Ancient Pokémon in play.

[F][F][C] Shred: 130 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Koraidon ex

[C][C] Vengeful Hammer: 20+ damage. This attack does 10 more damage for each damage counter on this Pokémon.

[R][F][F] Kaiser Tackle: 280 damage. This Pokémon does 60 damage to itself.

Miraidon

[C] Accelerating Peak: 40 damage. Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Energy cards and attach them to your Future Pokémon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.

[L][L][P] Sparking Strike: 160 damage.

Miraidon ex

[L][P] Repulsion Bolt: 60+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon already has any damage counters on it, this attack does 100 more damage.

[L][P][C] Cyber Drive: 220 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Cyber Drive.

Raging Bolt ex

[C] Bursting Roar: Discard your hand and draw 6 cards.

[L][F] Climactic Descent: 70x damage. You may discard any amount of Basic Energy from your Pokémon. This attack does 70 damage for each card you discarded in this way.

Lickitung

[C] Tongue Reel: Your opponent reveals their hand. Put up to 2 Basic Pokémon you find there onto your opponent’s Bench.

[C][C][C] Strength: 50 damage.

Lickilicky

[C][C] Body Slam: 50 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

[C][C][C][C] Tonguenado: 70x damage. Flip 4 coins. This attack does 70 damage for each heads.

Hoothoot

[C][C] Silent Wing: 20 damage. Your opponent reveals their hand.

Noctowl

[C][C] Talon Hunt: 70 damage. You may search your deck for up to 2 cards and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

Dunsparce

[C] Gnaw: 10 damage.

[C][C] Dig: 30 damage. Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent’s next turn, prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to this Pokémon.

Dudunsparce

Ability: Dashing Draw
Once during your turn, you may draw 3 cards. If you do, shuffle this Pokémon and all attached cards into your deck.

[C][C][C] Land Crush: 90 damage.

Skitty

[C] Call for Family: Search your deck for a Basic Pokémon and put it onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.

[C][C] Tackle: 20 damage.

Delcatty

[C] Tail Trickery: 30 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused.

[C][C][C] Energy Mixer: 110 damage. You may move any amount of Energy from your Pokémon to your other Pokémon in any way you like.

Chatot

[C] Acapella: Search your deck for up to 3 Basic Pokémon and put them onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.

[C] Gust: 20 damage.

Pidove

Ability: Emergency Evolution
Once during your turn, if this Pokémon’s remaining HP is 30 or less, you may search your deck for an Unfezant or Unfezant ex and put it on this Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck.

[C] Gust: 10 damage.

Tranquill

[C] Speed Dive: 20 damage.

[C][C] Jet Wing: 70 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Unfezant

[C][C] Reverse Wind: 70 damage. You may put 2 Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon into their hand.

[C][C][C] Boundless Power: 180 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Minccino

[C] Beat: 10 damage.

[C][C] Cleaning Up: Discard up to 2 Pokémon Tool cards attached to your opponent’s Pokémon.

Cinccino

[C] Gentle Slap: 30 damage.

[C][C] Special Roll: 70x damage. This attack does 70 damage for each Special Energy card attached to this Pokémon.

Drampa

[C] Gentle Slap: 20 damage.

[C][C][C] Raging Charge: If all of your Benched Pokémon have at least 1 damage counter on them, this attack does 120 more damage.

Iron Jugulis

Ability: Auto Marshal
If this Pokémon is in the Active Spot and is damaged by an attack from your opponent’s Pokémon (even if this Pokémon is Knocked Out), put 3 damage counters on the Attacking Pokémon.

[C][C][C] Blasting Wind: 110 damage.

Awakening Drum

Draw a card for each of your Ancient Pokémon in play.

Bianca’s Sincerity

Heal all damage from 1 of your Pokémon that has 30 HP or less remaining.

Buddy Poffin

Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Pokémon with 70 HP or less and put them onto your bench. Then, shuffle your deck.

Cryptomaniac’s Deciphering

Search your deck for 2 cards, shuffle your deck, then put those cards on top of it in any order.

Dangerous Jungle

During Pokémon Checkup, put 2 more damage counters on each Poisoned Pokémon (except any [D] Pokémon).

Emergency Board

The Retreat Cost of the Pokémon this card is attached to is [C] less. If that Pokémon has 30 HP or less remaining, it has no Retreat Cost instead.

Eri

Your opponent reveals their hand. Choose up to 2 Item cards you find there and discard them.

Explorer’s Guidance

Look at the top 6 cards of your deck and put 2 of them into your hand. Discard the other cards.

Full Metal Lab

All [M] Pokémon (both yours and your opponent’s) take 30 less damage from attacks from the opponent’s Pokémon (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

Hand Trimmer

Each player discards cards until they have 5 cards in their hand. (Your opponent discards first. Players with 5 or fewer cards in their hand don’t discard any cards.)

Heavy Baton

If the Pokémon with a Retreat Cost of exactly 4 this card is attached to is your Active Pokémon and is Knocked Out by damage from an attack from your opponent’s Pokémon, move up to 3 Basic Energy cards from that Pokémon to your Benched Pokémon in any way you like.

Hero’s Cape

The Pokémon this card is attached to gets +100 HP.

Master Ball

Search your deck for a Pokémon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

Maximum Belt

Attacks used by the Pokémon this card is attached to do 50 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon ex (before applying Weakness and Resistance.)

Morty’s Conviction

You can use this card only if you discard another card from your hand.

Draw a card for each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon.

Order Box

Search your deck for up to 2 Item cards, reveal them, and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

Your turn ends.

Prime Catcher

Switch in 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon to the Active Spot. If you do, switch your Active Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon.

Reboot Pod

Attach a Basic Energy card from your discard pile to each of your Future Pokémon in play.

Salvatore

Search your deck for a Pokémon, except any Pokémon with an Ability, that evolves from 1 of your Pokémon in play and put it on that Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck. (You can use this card on a Pokémon that was put into play when setting up to play or on the turn it was put into play.)

Mist Energy

As long as this card is attached to a Pokémon, it provides [C] Energy.

Prevent all effects of attacks from your opponent’s Pokémon done to the Pokémon this card is attached to. (Existing effects are not removed. Damage is not an effect.)

Neo Upper Energy

As long as this card is attached to a Pokémon, it provides [C] Energy.

If this card is attached to a Stage 2 Pokémon, this card provides every type of Energy but provides only 2 Energy at a time instead.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: Alchemical Revolution Releases January 26th

January 6, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Alchemical Revolution 1st edition releases on January 26th, so don’t forget to put in your preorders. 27,000 1st edition boxes and 2,500 starter deck displays have been printed for this run. The 1st edition booster boxes won’t be reprinted and the starter decks might, so make sure you put in your preorder. Always support your LGS, but you can pick them up on TCG Player.

If you like anime, you are going to want to look into Grand Archive. I love the art, and this upcoming set looks amazing. Alchemical Revolution will include 214 movie cards and 227 foil variations. The set will introduce three new classes (Guardians, Cleric, and Ranger), three new elements (Neos, Astra, and Umbra), and three new starter decks (Arisanna, Diana, and Tonoris). I’ll be doing a deeper dive on the set in a future post, so stay tuned for that.

Booster Boxes will MSRP for $107.99, individual starter decks for $14.99, and you can pick up the starter deck displays for $134.99. You can pick up booster boxes close to MSRP ($110 including shipping) on TCG Player, but I would look for decks elsewhere. Currently they are out of stock, but you can keep checking to see if they go up after release. I’ll leave links just in case.

The best way to start is to check to see if your LGS will be holding any events for the release. There is also official print & play support for those of you who want to try it first, and an active discord for when you get hooked. I for one can’t wait to see more of the set because what I’ve seen so far has my hyped.

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

digimon tcg

Digimon TCG: Animal Colosseum is bringing some amazing alts!

January 1, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Animal Colosseum releases on January 19th, so let’s get excited by looking at all the alt art cards. This set has some amazing art. It was hard to choose a favorite, but the retro frame MetalGarurumon (X Antibody) alt stands out the most. If you enjoyed the Digimon Dawn and Dusk games, the alts for the mascots are amazing! You’re definitely going to want some of these in your collection.

Weiss Schwarz

Weiss Schwarz TCG – Guilty Gear -Strive- Set List

December 31, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

I’ve been looking at the Weiss Schwarz TCG for a bit now because I like the art. Weiss Schwarz prints sets of popular IPs like Avatar the Last Air Bender, Sword Art Online, and Overlord, to name a few. There are some sets I am definitely thinking of collecting since the booster boxes aren’t expensive.

I’ll kick things off by showcasing the latest set, Guilty Gear -Strive-, released on December 15, 2023. I’ve never played the game, but some of these cards look so cool. A booster box of Guilty Gear -Strive- is only $60 on TCG Player which is cheap for a TCG.

Always support your LGS, but you can pick up Guilty Gear -Strive- or other Weiss Schwarz from TCG Player. I’ll leave links to the singles for anyone who wants them. If you like any of the IPs they cover or just want to collect some cool anime cards, check out Weiss Schwarz TCG.

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

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Fractured Crown (FTC) Card List

December 30, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

I’ve been looking at Grand Archive cards for a while because I like the art, and it seems like a neat game. If you like anime and want some neat collectibles, you might want to look into the TCG. I know I am a little late, but let’s start this showcase with the Fractured Crown set. The set has some very cool cards, and some that I want to get a hold of. The Fractured Crown booster box is only $45, which is very tempting.

Check with your LGS to see if they carry Grand Archive, but you can always pick up Fractured Crown and other Grand Archive products from TCG Player. I’ll also leave links to singles for those who need them.

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

Board Games and TCGs, Pokemon TCG

The Top 5 archetypes in Pokémon TCG since San Antonio

December 23, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

The San Antonio Pokemon regionals happened over the weekend, and we got to see some new archetypes hit the format. Charizard ex Finally takes the gold, and the Snorlax control continues to perform well. I’ll be listing the top five archetypes based on placement, and leave links for the singles using my affiliate links.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you’re looking for any Pokemon product, get it over at TCG Player.

1. Charizard ex

I know Charizard has its hate since it was released with Obsidian Flames, but it is such a good card. It’s bulky, it can hit hard when you’re behind in prizes, and its ability lets you power up your Pokémon. It’s not unbeatable, but it creates situations that are hard to come back from. The deck is easy to learn, and will make up most of your matches on PTCGL until the next tournament. Congratulations to Azul Garcia Griego for taking first place!

Pokémon (17)
3 Charmander MEW 4
1 Charmander PR-SV 47
1 Charmeleon OBF 27
3 Charizard ex OBF 125
2 Pidgey MEW 16
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Rotom V CRZ 45
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Mew CEL 11
1 Manaphy BRS 41
1 Jirachi PAR 126

Trainer (36)
4 Arven OBF 186
3 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
3 Iono PAL 185
1 Professor’s Research SVI 189
4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
4 Rare Candy SVI 191
2 Level Ball BST 129
2Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
1 Justified Gloves CRE 143
1 Vitality Band SVI 197
1 Lost City LOR 161
1 Artazon PAL 171
1 Collapsed Stadium BRS 137

Energy (7)
7 Fire Energy 2

2. Lost Tina

To no one’s surprise, Losttina continues to do well in the tournament despite Jirachi entering the format. There’s nothing wrong with silver, and if you’re looking for a fun deck to play, this is a solid choice. I’ve played a variation of this on PTCGL and loved every minute. Congratulations to Grant Hays for 2nd place!

Pokémon (14)
4 Comfey LOR 79
3 Giratina V LOR 130
3 Giratina VSTAR LOR 131
2 Sableye LOR 70
1 Cramorant LOR 50
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46

Trainer (33)
4 Colress’s Experiment LOR 155
2 Roxanne ASR 150
1 Iono PAL 185
1 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
4 Mirage Gate LOR 163
4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
3 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Super Rod PAL 188
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Switch Cart ASR 154
2 Escape Rope BST 125
1 Switch SVI 194
1 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
Path to the Peak CRE 148

Energy (13)
4 Jet Energy PAL 190
4 Psychic Energy 5
3 Grass Energy 1
2 Water Energy 3

3. Palkia VStar

Palkia VStar also made its appearance. Palkia VStar has always shown up to tournaments, but San Antonio is where it truly shined. This is going to be an archetype to look out for. Congratulations to Joseph Nawal for taking Palkia VStar to 3rd place.

Pokémon (15)
3 Origin Forme Palkia V ASR 39
2 Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR ASR 40
2 Ice Rider Calyrex V CRE 45
1 Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX CRE 46
1 Chien-Pao ex PAL 61
1 Suicune V EVS 31
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 46
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Mew CEL 11
1 Spiritomb PAL 89

Trainer (37)
4 Melony CRE 146
4 Irida ASR 147
1 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
1 Roxanne ASR 150
4 Cross Switcher FST 230
4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
3 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
2 Switch SVI 194
2 Escape Rope BST 125
2 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
1Nest Ball SVI 181
1 Hisuian Heavy Ball ASR 146
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Canceling Cologne ASR 136
1 Energy Switch SVI 173
1 Collapsed Stadium BRS 137

Energy (8)
8 Water Energy 3

4. Snorlax Stall

I know there is a lot of hate for Snorlax control because it makes for boring games, but it’s a valid strategy. I am just happy to see the format change, and it’s a great excuse to bust out Alakazam ex. Congratulations to Calvin Conner for making top 5.

5.Maraidon Ex

This doesn’t surprise me at all, Maraidon ex is strong right now. I’ve been playing it on the ladder and love it. It is easy to pick up and pilot, and it is a really quick deck. With the inclusion of Iron Hands ex, this deck is a beast! Congratulations to Nick Robinson for getting 7th place!

Pokémon (14)
2 Miraidon ex SVI 81
2 Iron Hands ex PAR 70
2 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Raikou V BRS 48
1 Raichu V BRS 45
1 Mareep EVS 54
1 Flaaffy EVS 55
1 Zapdos PGO 29
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
1 Lumineon V BRS 40
1 Spiritomb PAL 89

Trainer (29)
4 Peony CRE 150
2 Boss’s Orders PAL 172
1 Raihan CRZ 140
4 Electric Generator SVI 170
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
2 Escape Rope BST 125
1 Switch SVI 194
1 Nest Ball SVI 181
1 Lost Vacuum CRZ 135
1 Super Rod PAL 188
2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
2 Beach Court SVI 167
1 Collapsed Stadium BRS 137

Energy (17)
16 Lightning Energy 4
1 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151

Board Games and TCGs, digimon tcg

All the Black cards from Animal Colosseum – Digimon Card Game

December 19, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

Animal Colosseum releases on January 19th, so let’s look at the black cards hitting the format. There is a bit of overlap with my previous post. The monkeys are specifically spectacular, especially the Etemon. I love the flavor of the card and how vibrant the concert seems. Black is my least favorite color of the set so far, but I still see a couple of cards I’d love in my binder.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you want to can preorder Animal Colosseum or buy any of the existing sets like Blast ACE, get it over at TCG Player through my affiliate links!. I’ll also be leaving links to the singles where available, but I would hold off till after the set releases and the prices stabilize.

digimon tcg

Animal Colosseum Digimon TCG Theme Set Releases January 19th

December 17, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

The Animal Colosseum booster for the Digimon Trading Card Game hits stores on January 19, so lets start getting excited. If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Always support your LGS. But if that isn’t an option, you can preorder Animal Colosseum or buy any of the existing sets like Blast ACE, get it over at TCG Player through my affiliate links!

There is a lot to go over so I’ll leave a table so you can skip to the information that is important to you:

What is Animal Colosseum

Animal Colosseum is a themed booster that will introduce 74 new cards into the format:

22 Common
18 Rare
12 Super Rare
2 Secret Rare
Plus Alt art cards and box toppers

The set will also include the new Fortitude keyword, some beautiful alt arts, and some cool box toppers to chase. It will also include a flavorful line up of Digimon like:

The Four Sovereigns and their Devas

A Wild Fanglongmon Appears

Digimon from the Dawn and Dusk Games

MetalGaurumon Alt

Fortitude

Pokemon TCG

You’re going to want to chase the Paldean Fates Alt Cards

December 3, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

Paldean Fates is coming to us on January 26th, so let’s look at the alt art cards. This set has some pretty cards you aren’t going to want to miss. I love the gold cards, and I definitely need some of the shiny ex’s for a few of my decks. Check with your LGS to preorder any product, but I’ve collected some links if that isn’t an option.

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.