Signups for the Hellbreach: Vegas closed beta is now live. Head over to the official Steam page, and don’t forget to wishlist while you’re at it.
Fight off terrifying demons in this wave-based first-person shooter. The game is giving me Left 4 Dead vibes, and I am here for it. The combat looks a little stiff, but it is too early to know for sure. I do like the atmosphere they are trying to go for, but I understand it still needs some work. I’ve already signed up for the beta, and crossing my fingers that I get in.
The beta will be to test out the online multiplayer, but there will be a single-player demo made available during Gencon 2023 for those who can’t wait to play this game. The beta will be rough, but it will be a great opportunity to help make the game launch its best version. A date hasn’t been announced, but it doesn’t hurt to sign up when it’s free.
Hellbreach: Vagas will release sometime in Q4 2024 on PC. Till then, sign up for the beta!
New Premium Bandai Gunpla preorders are live and they look sick!
I recently found my obsession with Gunpla and have been slowly filling my shelves with models with a few of the older kits. I didn’t think this hobby was for me because my ADHD is so bad, but I was surprised to find the whole process soothing and relaxing. If you’ve been considering getting into the hobby, just buy yourself a kit, some nipper, and a sanding stick and get ready to spend all your money on Gunpla!
The Premium Bandai stuff that was just put on for preorder looks amazing! They have extra parts, swag, and unique Gunpla that you won’t find anywhere else. They aren’t there for every, so make sure you get your order in before it’s too late! I am just going to focus on the Gunpla, but make sure you check out Premium Bandai for everything else. And if you’ve been enjoying these updates, or the rest of my content, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!
MG 1/100 TALLGEESE II ($46.00)
Preorder ends January 2nd, or when supplies run out. Expected to ship Feb. 2024
RG 1/144 SAZABI [SPECIAL COATING] ($105)
Preorder ends Jan 2nd, or when supplies run out. Expected to ship Feb. 2024
MG 1/100 GUNDAM SANDROCK EW (ARMADILLO UNIT) ($63)
Preorder ends Jan 2nd, or when supplies run out. Expected to ship Feb. 2024
HG 1/144 GUNDAM DEATHSCYTHE HELL ($28)
Preorder ends Jan 2nd, or when supplies run out. Expected to ship Feb. 2024
MG 1/100 STARK JEGAN ($82)
Preorders open til Jan 2nd, or til supplies run out. Expected to ship Feb 2024
MG 1/100 GUNDAM F90 ($49)
Preorders open til Jan 2nd, or til supplies run out. Expected to ship Feb 2024
HG 1/144 GUNDAM HAJIROBOSHI 2ND FORM ($32)
Preorder open til Jan 2nd, or til supplies run out. Expected to ship Feb 2024
There are other kits I haven’t included in this post because I didn’t want it to get too long. This post focuses on the August drops. Make sure you check out Premium Bandia see everything I wasn’t able to cover.
Pokémon Paradox Rift is now available for Preorder at Pokemon Center!
The upcoming Pokémon set, Paradox Rift, is set to release on November 3rd, but it will be live on Pokemon TCG live on the 2nd. The set will include:
- 13 Pokémon ex and seven Tera Pokémon ex
- 34 illustration rare Pokémon
- 15 special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
- 28 ultra rare full-art etched Pokémon ex and Supporter cards
- 7 hyper rare gold etched cards
Paradox Rift will be introducing some new mechanics that are bound to shake up the meta. I know it is a little early to be thinking of the new set, but if you want to get an early jump on Holiday shopping, or just want to open a box on launch day, go put in your pre-order in before it sells out.
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Iron Valient Elite Trainer Box ($59.99)
Paradox Rift Iron Valient Elite Trainer Box includes:
- 11 Pokémon TCG:Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift booster packs
- Each booster pack contains 10 cards and 1 Basic Energy. Cards vary by pack.
- 1 full-art foil promo card featuring a Future Pokémon
- 1 full-art foil promo card featuring a Future Pokémon with a Pokémon Center logo
- 65 card sleeves featuring Iron Valiant
- 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
- A player’s guide to the Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift expansion
- 6 damage-counter dice
- 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
- 2 plastic condition markers
- A box to hold everything, with 4 dividers to keep it organized
- A code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live
Roaring Moon Elite Trainer Box (59.99)
Roaring Moon Elite Trainer Box includes:
- 11 Pokémon TCG:Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift booster packs
- Each booster pack contains 10 cards and 1 Basic Energy. Cards vary by pack.
- 1 full-art foil promo card featuring an Ancient Pokémon
- 1 full-art foil promo card featuring an Ancient Pokémon with a Pokémon Center logo
- 65 card sleeves featuring Roaring Moon
- 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
- A player’s guide to the Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift expansion
- 6 damage-counter dice
- 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
- 2 plastic condition markers
- A box to hold everything, with 4 dividers to keep it organized
- A code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live
Paradox Rift 6 Pack Booster Bundle ($26.94)
Includes 6 Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift booster packs
Single Booster Pack ($4.49 ea)
This is just for a single pack if you need it, or if they run out of boxes.
Paradox Rift Booster Box ($161.64)
The booster box comes with 36 packs and it is a fantastic product if you love cracking packs.
That’s all that’s out so far, I am sure we’ll get different bundles and starter decks the closer we get to launch. Until then, make sure you grab your copies before the scalpers do. Till next time, thanks!
Digimon Adventure 2 Digivices are now up for preorder on Premium Bandai (Preorders Closed)
If you are a fan of season 2 of Digimon Adventures, Ken and Daisuke’s D-3 digivices were just put up for preorder on Premium Bandai, and they look cool. If you want a high-quality device or just want to relieve some season 2 nostalgia, definitely head over and check them out yourself. The devices will include scenes from the original anime, updated animations, a better build quality, and they feature voice-activated digivolutions! There is also a special game mode where you can destroy the dark towers, just like in the anime.
The digivices also come with a special art card that you’ll want if you collect the card game.
Super Complete Selection Animation D-3 ver. Daisuke Motomiya (Sold Out)
This version is no longer available. The Daisuke (Davis for the Americans) D3 comes with the Veemon which has always been a personal favorite. The digivice costs $118 which seems like a lot, but the Premium Bandai quality and the added features should justify the price. Preorders end on October 22nd, or when supplies run out so make sure you preorder yours today! The D3 is expected to ship sometime in May 2024.
Super Complete Selection Animation D-3 ver. Ken Ichijouji
Obviosly the Ken Ichijouji’s D-3 comes with the Wormmon line, but it also lets you switch “Digimon Kaiser mode” and “Ken Ichijouji mode” for alternate modes of play. Ken’s D-3 also costs $118. You have until October 22nd, or supplies run out to preorder. Head over to the Premium Bandai page to reserve yours today. It is expected to ship in May 2024.
If you are a bigger fan of the V-pets, Premium Bandai is updating the classic design with color and an LCD screen that you are going to want to add to your collection. It comes in Clear and Smoke, and preorders are open till Aug 30th or until inventory runs out. Both devices cost $60 which is pretty reasonable for what you are getting. They have updated animations, updated mechanics, cute and colorful art, and they are rechargeable!
DIGIMON COLOR ORIGINAL CLEAR (Preorder Closed)
DIGIMON COLOR Ver.2 ORIGINAL SMOKE (Preorder Closed)
That’s it for this update. Make sure you check out Premium Bandai for any of the other IPs you might be into, but be prepared to drop some money. If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to follow, like, subscribe, and share this with your friends.
Pokémon Paradox Rift set releases November 3, 2023
Pokémon just announced the release date for their newest set, Paradox Rift, so it might be a good time to start clearing out some space on your shelves. The set will introduce Ancient and Future Pokémon and Trainer cards, as well as Ace spec cards. Ancient Pokémon will be bulky and hit hard, while Future Pokémon will hit with special abilities for a more control deck vibe. The expansion will also include:
- 13 Pokémon ex and seven Tera Pokémon ex
- 34 illustration rare Pokémon
- 15 special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
- 28 ultra rare full-art etched Pokémon ex and Supporter cards
- 7 hyper rare gold etched cards
We did get some cards spoiled at worlds, and I will keep an eye out for anything new.
We did get artwork for the two Elite Trainer Boxes the set will release with, Iron Valiant and Roaring Moon.
Iron Valiant
Roaring Moon
And the Booster Pack Art
Paradox Rift comes out November 3rd, but it will be live on TCG Live November 2nd. If you’ve been enjoying my content, don’t forget to follow, like, comment, and share this with your friends!
Arcadegeddon: The flashy colorful looter-shooter that leaves a lot to be desired
I was sent Arcadegeddon as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.
Arcadegeddon is the quirky, hyperactive looter-shooter that should have been released as a free-to-play game. The game runs great, the art is unique, and the music is great, but the game is boring. Once you get past the novelty of the colorful chaos, the game feels empty. There is a story, but it isn’t very well written.
A mega-corporation is taking over gaming, and a lone arcade stands in its way for total domination. The owner asks for your help, but the fight against the corporate machine won’t be easy. Earn the trust of the local gaming gangs and make gaming fun again.
The gameplay loop is a little too simple for this game to be charging money. You dive into the dungeon, fight the swarms of enemies, complete any objectives, and move on to the next floor to do it again. The goal is to get to the highest level possible without dying, and there is even a leaderboard for further incentive. You start each run with simple weapons and find stronger ones throughout the level. The guns are fun and unique, but there is always the chance that the RNG will make your runs miserable. There are daily missions, special quests, and gang quests that you can complete throughout the run to unlock new perks, weapons, and cosmetics. I didn’t find much incentive to keep playing after the first few runs.
You can play Arcadegeddon solo or with other people. The solo experience stops being fun, and I never had any luck with the matchmaking. The game supports crossplay, but I’ve seen comments complaining about it not working properly. I didn’t see an update and couldn’t test it, so keep that in mind before you make the purchase.
I can see this game being fun with friends, but I still think $15 is too big of an ask. The game isn’t bad, but I would rather play something like Wayfinder or Destiny 2 instead. Unless there is a major update to the gameplay loop or a healthy influx of enthusiastic players, I don’t see a real reason to buy into this game just yet. There really isn’t much more I can say about this game because as flashy as it is, it wasn’t very impressive. You can pick it up on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam and Epic Games, but I wouldn’t go rushing to buy it.
Dragonbane out now!
Dragonbane just released. You can pick up your copy of the core book and everything you need from the official Free League Publishing website. I recommend you check them out if you want to experiment with a new system. They have some neat and award-winning content that might be worth a gander.
I’ve written about my excitement for Dragonbane before, I have been following the development as closely as my time allows. I believe the system introduces some neat mechanics, and the book is beautifully illustrated.
If you would like to try the system, there is a free Quickstart PDF you can download from DriveThru RPG. The guide comes with a basic rule set, pre-generated characters, and an adventure you can run through to get you started. I am still working on convincing my playgroup to try it out, but the tools are available for those who are ready. I’m hoping it can be our next campaign, even if it’s a short one.
If you would like to see live gameplay, options are a bit limited until Dragonbane gets a bit more traction. Proficiency Bonus is currently running a Dragonbane campaign on Twitch, and you can find the VODs on their Youtube channel. The first episode has some sound issues, and there is some fumbling on the rules, but I am not expecting anyone to be an expert. I like that the game doesn’t feel scripted and that I got to see the mechanics in action.
Dragonbane introduces some interesting battle mechanics and races that I would love to mess around with. Definitely check it out if you are looking for a new system, or just need a break from D&D. At the very least you will have a very pretty rule book, and maybe some cool game pieces you can use for your other RPGS.
Dragonbane Core Set ($45.61)
- Rulebook with fast and effective D20-based game rules for character creation, skills, combat, magic, and travel
- Adventures book with eleven complete adventures, to be played separately or tied together in the epic Secret of the Dragon Emperor campaign
- The booklet Alone in Deepfall Breach letting you play Dragonbane solo
- Huge full-color map of the Misty Vale
- Illustrated playing cards for adventures, treasure, and more
- Ten transparent polyhedral dice, including two custom D20s
- Five pregenerated characters
- Five blank character sheets
- Cardboard standees for characters and monsters
- Double-sided battle mat
Dragonbane Bundle ($84.62) On sale now for $63.92
- A copy of the boxed Dragonbane Core Set
- A deluxe Dragonbane GM Screen
- An extra Dragonbane Dice Set
Foundry VTT Module – Dragonbane Core ($22.71)
This is the digital only version for those of us who can only play online. This version is 60% off if you buy it with the a physical copy of the rules. I use Foundry VTT for all my D&D campaigns and can’t recommend it enough if you want to play it online. Even if you don’t buy into this system, you should definitely buy into Foundry VTT.
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Mech Cadets: a surprising little animated series I ended up enjoying
I am honestly surprised by the string of good luck I’ve been having with content I have been streaming on Netflix lately. After a season of terrible original series that nearly broke my spirit, I’ve found a few good animated series that made my Netflix subscription a bit more justifiable. Most of these discoveries were by accident, but I will not complain when I know how terrible the alternative can be.
I started watching Mech Cadet because it was the first thing to pop up when I opened up Netflix. I didn’t have high hopes for the series because it looked cheap and clunky, but was surprised when it turned out to be a solid series about Giant robots that wasn’t Gundam. The series isn’t perfect. Mech Cadets was made for a younger audience. There is a general cheesiness to the writing, and the animation is clunky. But if you can look past the flaws, the series is entertaining.
Stanford Woo is a janitor at Sky Corps Military Academy. The academy trains future Robo pilots. It has always been Stanford’s dream to become a pilot but didn’t get into the program. Only a selected few can join the academy, and even fewer become pilots. Stanford finds himself expelled from the academy, and his dreams crushed. But fate has other plans. When Stanford is at his lowest, a Robo falls from the sky and bonds with him, making him a pilot. But what should be a happy day is marred by danger. Deep in the vacuum of space, an ancient enemy inches closer to an unsuspecting Earth. Will Stanford and this new generation of pilots have what it takes to save the world?
I liked this series, flaws and all. It was a fun little sci-fi series with enough action, solid storylines, and decent character development. It is cheesy, but the cheesiness gives the series its charm. This series has a unique art style that grew on me the longer I watched. I like how everything looks like a painting. The animation is a bit clunky but does enough to tell its story. The voice acting is fantastic, even when the writing isn’t great.
What I liked most about the series is that the stakes felt real. I knew who was going to survive and where the story was going, but it didn’t matter because it felt like there was a chance that I was wrong. There was enough suspense, tension, and build-up to make the story exciting. Mech Cadets may not be the best sci-fi story, but it is entertaining.
If you have kids, throw this on. It is a solid cartoon, and you won’t hate having to sit through it. If you need some decent background noise, you might end up watching more of this than you think. Mech Cadets is a solid option if you have Netflix and are looking for something to watch.
Pokemon Worlds Results and announcements: New Mechanics and the location for next year!
The Pokémon World Championship has ended, and it was an exciting time in competitive Pokémon. Those fortunate enough to attend the event in Japan got a unique Pokémon experience, and those who got to watch got the excitement of watching pros play the games we love. I mostly watched the TCG coverage, but you can find the complete coverage of important matches of every event on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.
I did not intend to watch as much as I did. I was just going to earn my packs and move on but was quickly sucked in by the fanfare. It made for terrific background noise, and it was cool to see how people played the different decks in the meta. I learned a few tricks that have made me a better player.
Congratulations to this year’s champion, Vance Kelley! As someone who plays a lot of Mew, I was very excited to see the deck perform so well at worlds. I picked up a few new tricks that I am sure will elevate my game, but it was such an exciting match. I recommend you check it out if you have some time.
And the deck that won it all:
- Pokemon – 13
- 4 Mew V FST 113
- 3 Mew VMAX FST 114
- 1 Meloetta FST 124
- 4 Genesect V FST 185
- 1 Oricorio FST 42
- Trainer – 40
- 1 Judge SVI 176
- 2 Nest Ball SVI 181
- 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
- 4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
- 2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 172
- 2 Choice Belt PAL 176
- 1 Iono PAL 185
- 2 Switch Cart ASR 154
- 1 Box of Disaster LOR 154
- 2 Lost City LOR 161
- 2 Lost Vacuum LOR 162
- 3 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
- 1 Escape Rope BST 125
- 1 Path to the Peak CRE 148
- 1 Crystal Cave EVS 144
- 4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
- 4 Cram-o-matic FST 229
- 2 Elesa’s Sparkle FST 233
- 4 Power Tablet FST 236
- Energy – 7
- 4 Fusion Strike Energy FST 244
- 3 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151
Worlds 2024
The location for next year’s Worlds was also announced. Next year, the event will be held in beautiful Honolulu, HI.
But as exiting as this news may be, it is such a tragedy what is going on right now with the wild fires. In an efforts to help the families devastated by the fires, The Pokémon Company International has donated $200,000 to the Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund. If you have the means, please consider making a donation.
New Cards and Mechanics
They also announced that ancient and future Pokémon, and ACE spec cards will be coming to the TCG in the set we are getting in November. We got teased some very cool cards that I are sure to shake up standard.
Pokémon UNITE
It looks like Blaziken, Mimikyu, and Meowscarada are joining the roster in Pokémon
Blaziken is expected to release on September 19th, the rest are yet to be announced.
Path to the Peak
And if you haven’t done so, make sure you watch Pokémon: Path to the Peak. It is a cute miniseries you can watch free on YouTube!
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Blue Period: The stressful and inspiring anime about getting into art school
I just watched Blue Period on Netflix and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It can be a bit pretensions and cheesy when it comes to its obsession with the artistic method, but the themes it deals with and the story it tells make up for it. If you enjoy slice-of-life anime and enjoy art even a little, this is a great series to get into.
Yamaguchi is a rough character who is good at school but feels unfulfilled by his lack of ambitions. He discovers his love for art almost by accident when he is made to join the art club. For the first time in his life, he feels the threads of ambition forming within him. He sets his eyes on one of the hardest art programs in Japan and puts all his time and efforts toward making it happen. But the path to art school won’t be easy. Yamaguchi has never taken art seriously and must learn the skills many have taken years to perfect in a shorter amount of time. Will Yamaguchi’s hard work and passion be enough to get him into art school?
Blue Period is a stressful anime that will often deal with themes of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Consider how big of a trigger these themes are for you before watching this anime. Blue Period handles these themes respectfully and successfully captures the mounting stress of trying to get into a very competitive field. By the end of the series, I felt relief that the whole process was over, even though I wasn’t the one taking the test or trying to get into art school. This is a clear testament to how good the storytelling is.
Watching the physical, mental, and emotional toll the process is on the characters makes this anime hard to watch at times. The close the characters get to the exam, the darker the anime gets. This anime can be draining, but it is also inspiring to watch Yamaguchi grow through the process.
What I love most about this anime is that Yamaguchi isn’t a genius at the start of the anime. He has to learn skills that people either have naturally or have had years to learn. He will fail at times, but always learns and grows from these failures. Despite how tough he may seem about everything else, he has low self-esteem in his art. Most of the tension that exists in this series is from Yamaguchi’s apprehension. Is he really good enough for art school when there are so many talented people? What makes him more qualified than any of the other applicants? Watching Yamaguchi live with this anxiety and depression is hard, but it makes his growth inspiring to watch.
If you are looking for new anime to watch, Blue Period is a solid one to get into. The story is cool, the characters are memorable, and it makes getting into art school seem exciting. It is a little too stressful to watch if you are just trying to relax on your day off, but the journey is worth it. Go check out this short series on Netflix.
There is English dubbing available, but I could only find the Japanese trailer. The English dub is solid.