Tag Archives: trading card game

Kryptik Launches Ambassador Program in Attempt to Save Game

Kryptik Studios LLC has announced the launch of its ambassador program to raise funds for its next set. For those out of the loop, there was a sudden announcement on the official Discord that the Kryptik TCG was moving to an LCG model. After a passionate outcry from its devoted community, a change of leadership, and a divorce from its old printer, the Kryptik TCG found its push. The TCG would continue, but not without challenges.

The poor quality of older sets has left many local game stores and players distrustful. The split from Speed Robo Games was a step in the right direction. Reviews for the final Speed Robo set are not good, and the samples I received look terrible. The foiling is ugly, the card stock is thin and cheap, and they came curled. We can only hope their new printer does better.

But the damage has been done. Many of the early adopting stores and players burned by early quality issues won’t return, and others will need a lot of convincing. It is going to be a difficult endeavor, especially since the TCG space is ruthlessly competitive, but there seems to be a supportive community working tirelessly with the devs to give the game the traction it deserves.

The ambassador program launched on August 22nd and has already raised $20,000, according to Kryptik Chris’ announcement on Discord.

The announcement reads:

@everyone After 36 hours, we have raised over $20,000! We are steadily climbing towards resurrection! There are still spots available at each tier, so no one has missed their shot yet! Let’s keep those numbers climbing and we’ll make it to top!

This is a very positive look for the game and it shows how devoted fans of the IP truly are. But what is in the program, and is it worth it?

The Ambassador Program

The ambassador program are direct to consumer products and services offered by Kryptik Studios in order to raise the money they need to bring their next set to Kickstarter. The tier break down is as follows:

The program is still live as of writing this. Make sure you head over to the official website if you plan on supporting.

Impressions

The ambassador program was revised after input from the Kryptik community. While it makes me happy that the game is listening to its players, it doesn’t feel worth it for someone trying to get into the game for the first time. It would be more cost-effective for new players to pick up older products from TCG Players. Unless you’re already a fan of the game and believe the game will succeed, none of the tiers seem worth it. Why would I spend money on promos that will be worthless if the game fails down the line? Like I’ve said before, the game is going to need to do more than launch these kinds of programs to build its player base. I’ll be rooting for them either way.

Weekly Tournaments

If you want to play Kryptik, there are official weekly tournaments running Sundays noon EST. You’ll need to own Tabletop Simulator with the official Kryptik TCG module and join the official Discord. The community is beginner friendly, so don’t worry if you don’t know how to play. These tournaments are a great way to enjoy the game with other fans and possibly earn some cool prizes. These events need more people, so make sure you join even if you’re just wanting to try out the game. Who knows? You might like it!

Paragon: Monster & Mayhem Kickstarter Relaunches Oct. 1st!

After a very successful Kickstarter campaign and a bit of community feedback, the people behind Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem have decided to relaunch a bigger and better campaign on October 1st. Mark your calendars. If you have backed the initial project, you should have gotten an email explaining the change. Original backers will also get 6 packs and a serialized Alt Art Flameskull card. If you’re looking for a new fantasy-themed TCG with creative gameplay, you’re going to want to check out Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem. Make sure you follow the Kickstarter to be notified when it goes live.

What is Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem

Paragon is a tactical TCG coming to Kickstarter on October first. Players face off against each other in a battle arena where they take control of a Paragon and their allies in an epic battle to the death. The game features creative movement, mana, and health mechanics making for interesting and creative interactions. if you want to play the game or help play test, make sure you join the official Discord server. It is pretty active and there are always people willing to play. Just make sure you have access to Tabletop Simulator and the official Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem module. Make sure you start with the Starter Deck Sample Module first though to see where you stand.

There will be an official Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Draft on Staturday August 31st at 6PM PST. This is a great chance to get together with the community and try out the game. Prizes:

  • 1st Place – 1 Golden Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Booster
  • 2nd Place – 2 Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Boosters
  • 3rd Place – 1 Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Booster

Gameplay

Rulebook

There isn’t an official rulebook yet, the game is still in production, but there is a quickstart guide available to get you started. The book is pinned on the official discord, but I’ll leave it below for your convenience.

Changes in the Kickstarter

The new kickstarter is launching with 251 unique cards and alt arts to pad it out to 560. There will also be box topers, case topers, and some extra goodies. I’ll leave the graphic below for the full details.

Conclusion

I am interested because the art looks cool. Check out the cards revealed so far! I love the deep fantasy vibes and the flavor of the cards. I need to see more, but I am impressed with the art I’ve seen so far. I am also impressed by the developers. They seem to be incredibly involved with the community, and obviously listening to their listening to suggestions. If you’re looking for a new fantasy TCG, you might be looking for Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem. There is always risk in backing a Kickstarter, so make sure you do your own due diligence.

The campaign launches on October 1st. Make sure you’re following the campaign to be alerted when it goes live. The game was already fully funded once, I have no doubt they can do it again.

All the Paragon: Monsters and Mayhem Cards Revealed So Far

If you haven’t backed Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem yet on Kickstarter, you still have time. It is a great way to help support an indie TCG in getting on its feet and earning some exclusive products. Be aware that there is always risk when backing a Kickstarter. I’ve done a more detailed post about the gameplay already, make sure you check that out first.

If you want to try out Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem, there is a free TTS module available with a few starter decks to get you started. There is also a pretty active Discord you can join.

The creators have revealed a few of the cards for their inaugural set, and they look amazing. I am a huge fan of the dark and gritty fantasy feel. This is such a good looking game.

As a disclaimer, I am not affiliate with the Paragon: Monster & Mayhem. I wasn’t even asked to cover this game. I just thought the game looked cool and I thought I would share.


Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem Announces Community Day!

After a very successful Kickstarter campaign, Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem celebrates with some new stretch goals and announces its first round of community days. With fifteen days left on the campaign, it is not too late to get in early on a game that promises to revolutionize the TCG space with its creative gameplay and fantastic flavor. I am a huge fan of the art, and there are a good amount of goodies available to make backing extremely tempting. Make sure you head on over to the Kickstarter and put in your pledge before the pledge ends on August 29 at 1PM PDT. Make sure you tune into the first community day on August 14 at 3PM over on the official Discord.

As always, there is always risk backing projects on Kickstarter. Spend your money responsibly.

What is Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem

Paragon Monsters & Mayhem is a two-player tactical trading card game. It features a grid system with interesting combat, movement, and mana mechanics. As a Paragon, you control the powers monsters, and mayhem as you face off against other equally worthy Paragons thirsting to be the best. Can you harness the powers of your deck to vanquish your foes, or will you be left holding your cardboard?

Gameplay

It’s better to see gameplay than to read about it. The developers of the game have a solid tutorial and some gameplay on their YouTube. Make sure you give them a follow to stay up to date on all the news. I’ll link the videos below for your convenience.

Impressions

The game looks fun. I need to do some testing, but I am interested. The art is great, the flavor is solid, and the gameplay looks interesting. There also seems to be a lot of passion behind the project, but I’ll need to see some product before I can make my judgement. I am excited to join the community night to learn more about the game, cards, and to get to know some of the people behind it. Make sure you tune in at 3PM tomorrow on the official Discord.

If you would like to try the game before you make your commitment, there is an official TTS module on steam with demo decks to get you started. I’m sure you can find people to play with on Discord if you ask nicely. If you’re ready to pull the trigger, you have 15 days as of writing this post to pledge over on the official Kickstarter. Might be your only chance to get some neat exclusive product.

As a reminder, I am not affiliated with the game, nor was I asked to cover this game. I thought it looked cool and thought I would share.

Genesis: Battle of Chapions: Path of Fire Visual Deck List

With the release of Invasion, Edge of Exile also released five new starter decks. These starter decks feature a sleek and modern new design as well as some reprints. I’ll be posting decklists soon, starting with the Playing with Fire Purple deck. This is probably my favorite deck because of its theme. I am still working on getting the modern versions of the list, but I think it’s cool to see some of the older cards mixed in. Most of the cards feature the same art except for Death’s Companion.

If you want to learn about Genesis: Battle of Champions, head on over to the official website.

Full disclosure: I was sent these decks for free, full review is coming soon.

Champion

Harlequin

Deck

Blood Feast
Blood Speer
Dhuma Ejitr
Fire Break
Flame Jet
Inferno Crawler
Oten
Blood Rakshasa
Deaths Companion
Emergent Worm
Fire Pillar
Inferno Ghoul
Lambs for the Slaughter
Scavange Parts

Subconscious

Pox Spreader

Deck List

Champion
1 x Harlequin

Deck

  • 3 x Blood Feast
  • 4 x Blood Rakshasa
  • 3 x Blood Spear
  • 3 x Death’s Companion
  • 4 x Dhuma Ejitr
  • 4 x Emergent Worm
  • 5 x Fire Break
  • 4 x Fire Pillar
  • 5 x Flame Jet
  • 4 x Inferno Ghoul
  • 2 x Inferno Crawler
  • 4 x lambs for the Slaughter
  • 3 x Oten
  • 2 x Scavenge Parts

Subconscious

3x Pox Spreader

Grand Archive Announces New Ban and Restricted List Aug. 5th

The new Grand Archive ban list has been posted, and it is not the huge meta shifting announcement it was made to seem. They got me. The biggest change this time around is the Stonecale Band nerf, and Corhazi outlook being moved categories. I’m okay with the changes, and the explanation makes sense to me. Make sure you check out the official ban announcement if you want to know more.

Stonescale Band Errata

Stonescale Band has new text and made slower. This was done in hopes to re-balance the, and hopefully refresh the Silvie deck list. I think most people are getting tired of seeing her in the format. The new text reads:

The next ally card you activate this turn can be activated as though it had fast activation.

Limiting the amount of allies it can summon one ally per activation and increasing the cost is sure the slow the deck down, but will it be enough to change the format? We will have to wait and see.

More on the proxia vault cards

Banned Cards

There are new new banned cards, but make sure you keep these out of your deck if you’re heading to an official event.

Watch List (Most Likely to be Banned)

Cohazi outlook has been moved to the watch list. While this list isn’t an outright ban, it is a card that is being considered for a future ban. You can still enjoy the playing your wind decks, just don’t be surprised when she gets added to the ban list.

Watch List (Safe to Use)

Creative Shock has been removed from the watch list, and is longer considered for a ban. Although cards on this list are never in any real danger, it is nice to see cards being removed. Stonescale Band is the only new addition to the list. It is still safe to use, but Weebs of the Shore are keeping an eye on how it performs in the meta moving forward. This is an understandable move, especially since the meta seems to be dominated by the same three decks at the moment.

Grand Archive TCG Meta Watch: Ascent Chicago Top 3

Chicago Ascent just ended and unfortunately, there were no major updates to the format. The Re:collection decks showed up in full force with Tristan taking top spot. Hopefully today’s bans will create enough ripples in the format that we’ll get to see a different grouping at Ascent Singapore. The nerf to Stoneband Scale should help cull some of the Silvie decks. Either way, here are the top three performing decks in the meta right now. I’ll leave affiliate links to singles for those who need them. Check out the official event page for the full lists.


1. Wind Tristain – Lifdrasyl #291 (9/1/3)

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck
1 Spirit of Wind
1 Tristan, Underhanded
1 Tristan, Hired Blade
1 Tristan, Shadowdancer
1 Tristan, Shadowreaver
1 Assassin’s Ripper
1 Backup Charger
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Nullifying Lantern
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Windwalker Boots
1 Shadow’s Claw

Main Deck
4 Dungeon Guide
2 Incapacitate
4 Mastermind Scheme
4 Sadi, Blood Harvester
3 Slice and Dice
3 Blackmarket Broker
4 Corhazi Outlook
4 Dream Fairy
2 Ensnaring Fumes
4 Fairy Whispers
3 Reclaim
1 Scout the Land
4 Stifling Trap
4 Surveil the Winds
3 Veiling Breeze
4 Windmill Engineer
2 Zephyr
1 Shadow Resonance
4 Shadowstrike


2. Fire Lorraine – Matt #162 (9-2-2)

Material Deck

Main Deck

Material Deck
1 Spirit of Fire
1 Lorraine, Wandering Warrior
1 Tristan, Underhanded
1 Tariff Ring
1 Channeling Stone
1 Discordia, Harp of Malice
1 Flash Grenade
1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Smoke Bombs
1 Sword of Seeking
1 Wind Resonance Bauble

Main Deck
3 Library Witch
4 Resolute Stand
1 Stalwart Shieldmate
3 Cemetery Sentry
4 Clumsy Apprentice
4 Creative Shock
4 Cremation Ritual
4 Embersong
4 Erupting Rhapsody
4 Fiery Momentum
3 Fireball
1 Flamebreak Chorus
4 Hasty Messenger
4 Increasing Danger
1 Reduce to Ash
4 Tempered Steel
4 Under Fire
4 Vermilion Decree



3. Silvie

Material Deck

Material Deck

Material Deck
1 Spirit of Slime
1 Silvie, Wilds Whisperer
1 Silvie, With the Pack
1 Silvie, Slime Sovereign
1 Backup Charger
1 Beastbond Ears
1 Quicksilver Grail
1 Safeguard Amulet
1 Covenant of Thorns
1 Gaia’s Blessing
1 Stonescale Band
1 Verdant Scepter

Main Deck
4 Baby Gray Slime
2 Bestial Frenzy
3 Blissful Calling
4 Dungeon Guide
3 Escape the Wreckage
4 Forest Cake
4 Limitless Slime
1 Turbo Charge
4 Baby Red Slime
1 Red Slime
3 Slime Eruption
3 Baby Blue Slime
4 Gather Slimes
4 Baby Green Slime
3 Slimeshield
4 Storm Slime
4 Ethereal Slime
2 Slime King
1 Tera Sight
2 Vampiric Slime


Huge News From Grand Archive Ascent Chicago 2024

Ascent Chicago just ended, and while there weren’t too many drastic changes to the meta, there were a few exciting announcements that we will need to go over. We got an update on the judge program and some very cool spoilers. If you’re looking for Grand Archive cards, get them over at TCG Player through my affiliate link. It really helps me out.

Errata to Silvie

There is a promise of some meta-shifting bans coming tomorrow. Meanwhile, there was an errata that is already creating ripples in the format. Effective August 4th, Stonescale Band has been slowed in the hopes of removing a bit of Silvie from the format. The cost to cast has been changed from 0 to 1, and the activation cost has been changed from 1 to 2. The effect now reads:

The next ally card you active this turn can be activated as though it had fast activation

This slows the card as you are no longer allowed to activate as many slimes as you can. It is unclear how much this change will break the deck, but a slower Silvie can’t be good for popularity. We will have to see if any of the other bans affect archetype, but hopefully this shifts the deck list a bit.

Mortal Ambition Spoilers

In the most exciting news, we got spoilers for the upcoming Mortal Ambition set. The set releases on October 11th, so make sure you put in your preorders. The flavor for this set is fantastic, and the art for these spoilers is so pretty. I hope the screenshots do them justice. I’ll post more high-definition images when they become available.

The Collector Rare

We also got a look at a collector rare and this card is so pretty! If this card doesn’t move boxes, I don’t know what will. As a collector, I am all in!

Developer Live Stream Announcement

There will be a developer livestream on September 14. While this news may not be exciting for everyone, this means more spoilers and some cool gameplay insight if you’re into that kind of thing. I’m hoping they run the online store so that I can finally get my hands on some supporter packs!

Reprints in Bound!

One of the biggest frustrations for new players of Grand Archive is the price of singles. Stock is limited, and prices for important staples make the game unfeasible for some. I still kick myself for not buying into the game sooner. In a bit of expected news, Alchemical Revolution Altered Edition has been announced. The set is expected in January 2025, and it is the perfect time to buy into the set if you missed out on it the first time. I need some Arisanna cards for I deck I’m building that I know won’t win me any prizes. The set is coming with some very important changes, so make sure you get those wallets ready!

Academy Teacher Promo

The Academy Teacher promo has been revealed, and it is such a pretty card. The Academy program is a special promotion to help promote the game to new stores. Experienced players who help stores teach new players how to play the game will receive a special copy of Vaporjet Shieldbearer and it has me reaching for my teacher’s hat. The program starts in September, stay tuned for more news.

The Judge Program

With the growing popularity of the game comes the increased demand for judges. The judge program for the MRC season awards judges with an exclusive and beautiful Careful Study card based on their level. The test to become a judge goes live on August 9th, so make sure you sign up when you can. There doesn’t seem to be a limit on how many times you can try the test, but there is a week cooldown for failed tests. Study hard and good luck!

Kryptik Studios LLC Announces Start of New Competitive Season

The Kryptik TCG recently changed leadership after announcing that it would no longer exist as a TCG. There was talk of turning the game into an LCG, but the community came together to give the TCG its second life. You can read about the drama in my previous post.

This announcement caused a few ripples in the community. Some fans felt disheartened by the news. To them, it felt like they wasted money on another dead TCG busy making empty promises. The damage has been done and there is no mending this relationship. Despite a small exodus, some fans stuck around and continue to hold on to hope for the game that they love. A lot of the hope seems to be inspired by the passion the new leadership continues to carry for Kryptik. I for one am curious to see where this passion takes them.

Passion alone won’t be enough to restore the faith that has been lost. There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and a bit of radio silence since the change. Today, the silence has been broken, and a new competitive season has been announced on the official Discord. Starting August 17th, Kryptik Studios LLC will be hosting online tournaments on Discord through Tabletop Simulator.

The Announcement:

We are happy to announce that we are going to start hosting weekly tournaments through Tabletop Simulator (TTS). We will be using a points system called Kryptik Currency, which will allow participants to spend their Kryptik Currency to get promotional cards, sealed products and more. Each season will last 6 weeks beginning on August 17th. At the end of each season, we will give out prizes to the top 11 ranked players. We will be announcing additional prizing in the weeks leading up to the tournament season. At the end of four seasons, there will be a tournament between the top 8 players with the highest total points with additional exclusive prizing.

The prizing for the first season is as follows:

  • 1st Place
    • 1 set of Overlord Wave 2 Genesis Promos
    • 9 Randomized Foil Lore Cards Story Choice: Does Selene seek retribution against Livia for the death of Boudicca?
  • 2nd Place
    • 1 set of Overlord Wave 2 Genesis Promos
    • 6 Randomized Foil Lore Cards Story Choice: How does Andras handle Dookraka, his friend and mentor’s death?
  • 3rd & 4th Place
    • 1 Flanagan, 1 Davy and 1 Tocho Wave 2 Genesis Promo.
    • 3 Randomized Foil Lore Cards
  • 5th – 8th Place
    • 1 Sylvi and Dumuzi Wave 2 Genesis Promo.
    • 3 Randomized Foil Lore Cards.
  • 9th – 11th Place
    • 1 Midnight Meander Wave 2 Genesis Promo.
    • 3 Randomized Foil Lore Cards.
  • Players will also be able to earn points for the season called Kryptik Currency, which can be exchanged for products in the future. The point breakdown works as follows…
  • Participation in all rounds of the tournament: 5 KC (Kryptik Currency) Loss: 1 KC Draw: 2 KC Win: 3 KC Special Rules Bonus (Per Event): 5 KC

Players will also be able to earn points for the season called Kryptik Currency, which can be exchanged for products in the future. The point breakdown works as follows:

  • Participation in all rounds of the tournament: 5 KC (Kryptik Currency)
  • Loss: 1 KC
  • Draw: 2 KC
  • Win: 3 KC
  • Special Rules Bonus (Per Event): 5 KC

    It is cool to see official events because as cool as it is to collect the cards, there needs to be a thriving player base to move cardboard.

    Attonement

    While not everyone got a chance to get their hands on the limited run of Atonement by Speedrobo games, we were assured that there is an official run coming. Although, you might not have missed out on much. Some of the folks who received their Wave 0 have voiced complaints about the smell and quality of the product. The promo cards I received as compensation after an error on their part made me lose my preorder are already curled. Dropping Speedrobo Games as their official printer is starting to make a lot of sense.

    In an official post on the discord, the community manager has made this promise:

    In the near future, you will see how atonement was meant to be. W0 will become an afterthought. We are returning to our roots. Enlisting the best of the Genesis artists to create artwork we have all come to love.

    It is very good to see a company acknowledging their mistakes and working with their community to do better. We will have to wait for the next Kryptik product to see if they can keep their promise. In the meantime, updates are being made to the official Kryptik Tabletop Simulator module to include the new Atonement cards, and they look sick!

    Conclusion

    I can’t wait to see where this new leadership takes this game. What I’ve seen so far is impressive, but I will need to see some new product before I go make any firm decisions. I’ll keep following the game and wishing them the best.

    If you want to learn more about Kryptik, make sure you join the official Discord, and make sure you start getting ready for the new season!

    Grand Archive TCG Meta Watch: IanTCG Regionals Top 3

    MRC is looking to be a fantastic season for wind. Wind allies continue to make their sweep with Tristan and Lorraine clinging to their spot as the big bad decks of the format. With Ascent Chicago around the corner, it might be a good idea to start teching against wind. Make sure you get your tickets if you haven’t done so.

    Here are the top three decks for the IanTCG regionals. I’ll leave TCG Player affiliate links for those who need them.


    1. Yoroi: Wind Tristan

    Material Deck

    Main Deck

    Material Deck
    1 Spirit of Wind
    1 Tristan, Underhanded
    1 Tristan, Hired Blade
    1 Tristan, Shadowdancer
    1 Tristan, Shadowreaver
    1 Assassin’s Ripper
    1 Backup Charger
    1 Quicksilver Grail
    1 Safeguard Amulet
    1 Windwalker Boots
    1 Gloamspire Mantle
    1 Shadow’s Claw

    Main Deck
    4 Dungeon Guide
    2 Incapacitate
    4 Mastermind Scheme
    4 Sable Remnant
    4 Sadi, Blood Harvester
    2 Slice and Dice
    1 Turbo Charge
    4 Corhazi Outlook
    4 Dream Fairy
    2 Ensnaring Fumes
    4 Fairy Whispers
    2 Innervate Agility
    4 Reclaim
    3 Stifling Trap
    4 Surveil the Winds
    4 Veiling Breeze
    4 Windmill Engineer
    4 Shadowstrike


    2. HenkieTheGoat: Wind Agro Lorraine

    Material Deck

    Main Deck

    Material Deck
    1 Spirit of Wind
    1 Lorraine, Wandering Warrior
    1 Lorraine, Blademaster
    1 Backup Charger
    1 Grand Crusader’s Ring
    1 Nullifying Lantern
    1 Prototype Pistol
    1 Safeguard Amulet
    1 Sword of Seeking
    1 Tariff Ring
    1 Wind Resonance Bauble
    1 Windpiercer

    Main Deck
    2 Charged Mannequin
    4 Gildas, Chronicler of Aesa
    4 Lurking Assailant
    4 Aesan Protector
    4 Andronika, Eternal Herald
    3 Armored Valkyrie
    4 Dream Fairy
    4 Eternal Magistrate
    2 Rallied Advance
    3 Reclaim
    2 Rose, Eternal Paragon
    4 Shimmercloak Assassin
    4 Stifling Trap
    2 Swift Recruit
    4 Veiling Breeze
    2 Winbless Rangefinder
    4 Windmill Engineer
    4 Windrider Vanguard


    3. Flyingapple: Norm Silvie

    Material Deck

    Main Deck

    Material Deck
    1 Spirit of Slime
    1 Silvie, Wilds Whisperer
    1 Silvie, With the Pack
    1 Silvie, Slime Sovereign
    1 Backup Charger
    1 Beastbond Boots
    1 Quicksilver Grail
    1 Covenant of Thorns
    1 Gaia’s Blessing
    1 Horn of Beastcalling
    1 Stonescale Band
    1 Verdant Scepter

    Main Deck
    4 Baby Gray Slime
    3 Blissful Calling
    4 Dungeon Guide
    2 Engineered Slime
    3 Escape the Wreckage
    4 Forest Cake
    4 Limitless Slime
    4 Baby Red Slime
    3 Slime Eruption
    4 Gather Slimes
    4 Baby Green Slime
    1 Green Slime
    3 Slimeshield
    4 Storm Slime
    2 Twilight Slime
    4 Ethereal Slime
    2 Gaia’s Songbird
    2 Hymn of Gaia’s Grace
    1 Slime King
    2 Vampiric Slime