Alchemical Revolutionreleases on January 26, so let’s get ready with a few more spoilers. This time we got some cool character animations and art for Arisanna, Diana, and Tonoris, and their regalia cards. I am excited because what I love the art I’ve seen so far, and there are some nifty new mechanics. Make sure you read my previous post where I talk about the new classes and elements coming with the expansion.
If you enjoy these updates, make sure you leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you get any Grand Archive Product, get it over at TCG Player!
Launch Kits
If you’re ineterested in jumping into Grand Archive, check with your LGS to see if they’ll be holding any Launch events for Alchemical Revolutions. Stores who have ordered product get special launch kits to help onboard new players. The kids include:
8 Demo kits (16 Demo Decks)
Stamped Foil Promos of the Regalia Items (You can get non-foil versions from starter decks
Holographic Poster
Demo Playmat
I love that they do this for stores to get new players in, I hope theres some active Grand Archive action near you.
Booster Box
Only 27,000 1st Edition Alchemical Revolution booster boxes will be printed, so get yours fast! Check with your LGS to see if they have any available, but TCG Player has a few for $110 (including shipping).
Skinny Minisis giving away a free set of their Frozen Foes bundle with orders over $60. With free US Shipping, now is a great time to load up on some high quality acrylic minis for your next campaign. You never need minis to play D&D, but it is always nice to have a table full of high quality figures to move around.
What are Skinny Minis
Skinny Minis sells high-quality 2D acrylic miniatures, high-quality maps, and prepacked one-shots to elevate any RPG session. They feature a very cool art style, and they have a product for just about any campaign setting. The best part about Skinny Minis is how well they store. While I would love to have a collection of high-quality minis 3D printed or otherwise, I don’t have the space for it.
If you’re for a minimalistic way to elevate your next campaign, check out Skinny Minis!
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I release my translations the Monday after the official release. Make sure you check out the original. If you enjoy this project, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!
The blast of energy connects with Ouryumon before it has a chance to react. Its twin blades drop as the wings on its back vanish. Ouryumon is sent plummeting towards the Gateway. Its body bounces once as it kicks up thick clouds of dust and debris. Yulin and her partner remain unconscious as the dust settles around them. Ouruyumon glows a sickly yellow as it dedigivolves into Ryudamon.
Dorugoramon looks down at its opponent and reverts Dorumon. “The Digicore is intact,” It says as Kosuke’s hologram appears beside it.
There’s a glimpse of sadness in his expression as he looks down at his old friend.
“I know you can’t hear me, but I’m going to restrain you,” Kosuke says as he pulls up a program that restrains Ryudamon. The program wouldn’t allow anyone to control Ryudamon as long as they were mindlinked, but it wouldn’t prevent it from moving. Kosuke lets out a loud sigh. “I’m sorry, but this was the only way.”
Kosuke turns an unremorseful gaze towards the battlefield. “Phase two is complete. Commence phase three,” he commands.
“Copy that! Note mindlink uptime is higher than anticipated, but still with in acceptable perameter,” Dorumon responds.
“Yulin is a tough girl,” Kosuke replies flatly.
“Indeed,” Dorumon responds, his gaze fixed on the restrained Ryudamon.
Kosuke opens up his coms. “You still alive Marvin?”
“Barely,” came in a shaky reply. “Looks like we’ve got plenty of time though.”
“Status report,”
“The DigiPolice’s biggest weapon is out of commission, Eiji was able to take out the two Hi-Commandramon. We’ve knocked out a third of the police force. The Wall Slum Digimon are still going strong, but it looks like the code crackers fighting the Gatekeepers are loosing steam.”
“The turning point’s approaching,” Dorumon says gravely. They couldn’t risk the battle shifting against them. Not when they were so close.
“Right then,” Kosuke says suddenly. “Time for the main event.”
Dorumon nods. “Marvin, bring Eiji over here.”
“On it boss. I’ll get ’em there without a single scratch!”
“If you’re gunna use it, now would be the time,” Kosuke adds.
“You don’t even gotta ask,” Marvin replies as he activates a tool from his console. Suddenly, a guttural unearthly groan floods the airways.
Satsuki grits her teeth as she watches over the battlefield. A third of her force was gone along with the two strongest mindlinkers and the captain.
“That damn Eiji,” she growls. “This wasn’t in the notes…” Her voice trails. Their intel had placed Eiji and his partner only at Champion level. It frustrated Stasuki to know that their intel was wrong. He had jumped a level since they last fought, and now he was…her level. Regret fills her as she thinks about their first encounter. Satsuki clenches her fists tightly. “I should have taken him out when I had a chance.”
“Squad leader,” a voice breaks her trance.
“Go ahead.” She shakes off the frustration and regains her focus.
“Orders?”
“Left flank, retreat and regroup with the remaining forces. Right flank and center, take care of the Gatekeepers. Everyone retreat after regrouping.”
“But..”
“That’s an order,” she commands, cutting off incoming protests. Yulin had given her command of the Police with the condition she wouldn’t push Numemon past champion, and they would retreat if Yulin lost.
“But the Captain?”
“I know!” Satsuki shouts as the rage continues to bubble within her. “There’s no other choice.” The Sons of Chaos had the upper hand. Fighting any longer would end in defeat.
“Tachibana, Sakurada, can you move?”
“Yeah”
“Good. I need you to retreat for now. I’ll cover you.”
“But…”
“It’s an order, not an invitation. Get moving!” Satsuki barks.
“Yes Mam!” They respond as they begin limping away toward the Cargodramon. She watches as the rest of her battered forces make their make their retreat.
“Right then, where did Eiji go?” She says as she switches coms. “Seals one come in.”
“We’ve got eyes on Tartarus. It looks like they’re getting ready for their next move.”
“Keep watching, but retreat the second things get hot.”
Marvin joins Kosuke and the others with Eiji hidden. “Alright, I brought the kid. Now if you don’t need me, I need to get going. I better take advantage while the Police are retreating.”
“You’ve done enough. Thanks. Where are you off to?”
“Gotta pick up my kid from school.”
“Right, right! You better hurry then. I’m sorry to take up so much of your day.”
“It’s fine, now I got a cool story to tell them when they’re older!” Marvin chuckles.
“I’m glad you see it that way.”
“Catch you later!” Marvin says as he and his Digimon leave.
“Are they really reatreating?” Eiji asks as his hologram appears next to Loogamon.
“They’re probably just following orders.” Tartarus responds.
Eiji turns to the unconscious Ryudamon. “Are they all right?” He sounds concerned as he examines the restraints.
“They’re just unconscious. The DigiCore is still intact. I just put them in restraints for their safety.”
“So what now?” Loogamon asks.
“Now we crack the gateway,” Kosuke says with a smile.
“We’re going to use the old interfaces on the prototype Digimon to open the gate.” Dorumon adds.
“Old interfaces?” Eiji asks, puzzled by the explanation.
“Oh? I thought the professor would have told you.” Dorumon asks, taken aback.
Eiji and Loogamon shake their heads for a moment before Eiji gets an idea. “Wait! The thing on their foreheads!” Eiji exclaims suddenly, pointing at Loogamon’s forehead.
Dorumon smiles, “Exactly! Digimon with those interfaces are known as prototype Digimon. We’re going to use them to access the backdoor that leads to the depths.”
“We’ll slip through where the system administrator can’t see,” Kosuke adds.
“Damn Loogamon, that means your forehead holds some sort of legendary power! I always knew you were incredible buddy.”
“I don’t need you to tell me I’m incredible,” Loogamon responds as its tail wags furiously behind it.
“So what do we have to do?” Eiji asks excitedly.
“You don’t need to do anything.”
“Sorry?”
“Tartarus will take care of the Gateway. The Prototype Digimon act as intermediaries while the cracking occurs.”
“That makes sense,” Loogamon says as he looks at the still-unconscious Rydamon.
“Well if you only need Loogamon’s interface, what should I do?” Eiji asks, feeling lost. Loogamon and Dorumon exchange a nervous glance.
“Pray.”
Loogamon, Dorumon, and the restrained Ryudamon form a triangle around Kosuke.
“Alright, time to move into phase three,” Kosuke announces. “Once we start the process, there’s no cancelling. Loogamon and Dorumon won’t be able to move while the Gateway is being cracked. We’re counting on the rest of the Sons of Chaos to see us through.”
“Yes sir!” comes the resounding response from the remaining members.
Kosuke starts typing quick commands on his console. “I hope this thing of yours works Marvin.”
Suddenly, the ground begins to shake as violently. The Sons of Choas close their ranks and brace for an attack as a gigantic dragon appears over them. The beast is completely metallic, with thick crimson armor covering its body. Large metal talons flex as its tail waves wildly behind it.
‘Is that a Machinedramon?” Eiji asks.
“No, but similar,” Loogamon adds.
“You’ve seen this thing before?”
“I recognize that red armor anywhere…That’s Chaosdramon.”
HYPER INFINTY CANNON!
Two red-hot beams of energy fly through the air and melt away swarms of Gatekeepers. The sky around them fills with explosions.
“A mega? Who can even pilot a Mega like that? Eiji asks stunned.
“It’s a bot,” Tartarus says.
“What? No one is controlling it?!”
Chaosdramon lets out a roar. Eiji marvels at the sheer unmanned destructive power before him.
“No one would be able to mindlink with that.” Kosuke adds finally.
“Wait what about the Wall Slum Digimon.” Eiji asks suddenly. His voice filled with genuine concern.
“I told them to leave the moment things got dicey. None of the are risking their lives if there’s no benefit,” Loogamon responds.
“We’re on the clock,” Dorumon says suddenly.
“Right.” Kosuke opens up his terminal and begins typing at it furiously. He glimpses at the unconscious Ryudamon. “Sorry Yulin. I need to borrow you for a bit.” He stops typing to take a deep breath before hitting his final command:
The Final Shapereleases on June 4th, so I’ve started the grind in preparation. Full disclosure, I was sent the expansion for free to cover for my blog when the expansion on release.
It’s been a long time since I last played Destiny, so I’ve been slowly figuring out the type of content I enjoy. The Dawning event was very helpful in getting me to stick with the game because it gave me something to work towards. I ended the event reaching the soft cap with a few nifty exotics, and a couple of seasonal items.
I’ve mostly been making my way through the story, but I was losing interest. Thankfully, this week is Iron Banner and it forced me to play PvP. Destiny 2 PvP isn’t the greatest experience, but I appreciate the break it’s giving me. It also gives me something else to work towards while I figure out my long-term goals for the game.
Iron Banner will run until the 9th, so make sure you boot up Destiny this weekend and start doing the grind. There are a few rewards you’re going to want to chase, but you’re also going to be showered with loot. Make sure you talk to Lord Saladin at the tower to start the quest and pick up your rewards.
I was sent Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic for free to review for my site. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.
Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is an adorable hidden objects game with terrific flavor and a ton of content. If you ever enjoyed the I Spy books or have kids who do, this is a great game to add to your collection. The game features an adorable art style, a relaxing soundtrack, and simple but challenging gameplay.
The gameplay loop is simple: load up a map and find the hidden objects. You’ll need to actively change the environment like digging up holes, opening doors, or changing the weather to find some objects. While the game may appear cute and childish, there is enough of a challenge to stump players. There are clues available for when you get stuck, but even then it takes a bit of work to find everything. It isn’t an impossible game, but it is a lot harder than it looks.
There are a few ways to play this game: play through the campaign, create your own maps, or play through the community maps.
The campaign has themed levels based on popular myths and legends. I enjoyed the flavor, but I loved the rate of progression. Players start each level with a small map and a small list of items to find. The maps and lists get bigger the more levels they play through, and finding the objects gets progressively harder.
The map editor is easy to use and offers a lot of customization options. I am not creative when it comes to map-making, so I only messed around with it for a bit. I was overwhelmed with how many options were available, but was even more impressed by the community content that is already available. Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is a game whose longevity hinges on its community, and the community is vibrant. I was blown away by the amount of fun and creative maps already available. There is always a danger of inconsistency with these types of games, but it’s not so much an issue with games. At least for now, you’ll be busy for a while.
I enjoyed this game for the relaxing change of pace that it is. The game is cute, simple, and relaxing, but it isn’t a game I can spend hours on. I don’t have the attention span for this kind of game, but that is a personal problem. The game runs great, and If you enjoy the genre or are looking for a change of pace, Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is a solid choice. This is also a fantastic game for kids, but it might be a little difficult if they are on the younger side.
You can pick up Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic on Steam for $12.99.
I know this one is late but the new year messed up my schedule. Make sure you check out the original. If you enjoy this project, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
The air smells like burning exhaust. Smoke rises around Soloogarmon as white-hot flames erupt from the generators on its shoulders. It grips its mace tightly as it watches the police Digimon before it. It can’t help but smirk as they tense up in preparation.
“I got a bit of my memory back,” Soloogarmon whispers.
“Yeah?” Eiji lets out a sigh of relief, seeing they are still in control.
“Yep!” Soloogarmon takes a deep breath. “I’m burning everything!” It bellows as a menacing grimace creeps across its face. The generators burn brightly, releasing a high-pitched whir as they continue to gather energy. Before the Hi-Commandramon can react, Soloogarmon vanishes. It leaves behind a swirl of smoke in its place. Suddenly, one of Hi-Commandramon’s shields begins to buckle and break under the weight of the mace. Soloogarmon stands at the other end of the impact. Its grin widens with each new crack.
“AWWOOOOOO!” Saloogarmon lets out a howl that rattles the shattered armor. Flames begin to spill from its maw.
ERUPTION HOWL
Torrents of red-hot hellfire melt effortlessly through the armor, leaving the Hi-Commandramon defenseless. It shrinks away from the heat as the other shield fruitlessly appears in feeble retaliation. The shield shrivels into a burning husk of debris. The two police Digimon spring into a defensive stance, and take careful aim in retaliation. Both grenade launchers empty furiously as twelve grenades find their target. Soloogarmon explodes into flames and vanishes behind its veil.
The flames vanish in an instant, revealing an unscathed Saloogarmon. Magical flames move around it in a protective aura. Soloormon smirks. “Is that it?” The Hi-Commandramon become visibly shaken.
“Careful, you’re taking damage,” Eiji says as he watches the monitors flash with warning.
“It’s all part of the plan!” It grips Vanargand tightly and readies for another attack. The Hi-Commandramon lift their batons for another attack. “No more games Eiji. Let’s burn ’em!”
“Their mindlinkers too. Don’t wreck their Digicores!” Eiji pleas.
“Don’t worry. They’re tough. They’re not gonna die.” Before Eiji can respond, Saloogarmon takes off into the air. A shockwave of energy explodes behind it. It lifts Vanargand
Skoll Rage!
The fight between the two legendary dragons rages furiously over the gateway. The sudden flash from Loogarmon’s evolution forces them to pause as they shield their eyes from the blinding illumination.
Yulin looks down towards the source and watches as the humanoid wolf tears through her strongest officers. With one mighty blow, it leaves the pair unconscious. Yulin grinds her teeth in frustration as she watches the unknown code cracker make a mockery of her and her unit. Something about the code cracker seems familiar. She ponders for a moment. “Is that Eiji Nagasumi?”
Kosuke chuckles, “He really did it. Isn’t he awesome?”
Yulin watches as her opponent’s attention drifts for a moment. She readies for an attack. “I’ll just have to deal with him after!”
Dorugoramon wags its finger. “None of that,” Kosuke responds. “I need both of you for this next bit.”
“What bit?”
“Don’t you see?” He shouts ecstatically as his Digimon raises his arms wide towards the sea of networks above them. “Three ultimate Digimon, each with the three key attribute. Data, vaccine, virus! We’re all here!”
Yulin tries to piece together the words but struggles to follow Kosuke’s thoughts. “What are you plotting?”
Tartarus turns to Yulin. “I’m not plotting anything. I’m just finishing what we started.”
Suddenly, it clicks. The pain and anguish Kosuke carried with him all these years could no longer be contained. The chaos of Kosuke’s obsession erupts all around her, and all she can feel is sorrow.
“Unlike you,” Kosuke continues. “I haven’t forgotten about Saya.”
His words cut Yulin deeply.
“I don’t blame you.” He continues. “Forgetting was the only way you could move forward. Isn’t that why you became a cop? To prevent others from going DMIA? Is this,” Koske motions to the chaos around him, “Your penance?”
“Don’t you dare talk to me like you still know me!” She snaps.
Kosuke smiles through his Digimon. “I know you better than anyone Yulin. But have it your way. Today’s the day we put an end to this chapter. I’m going to save Saya Yulin. I’m going to bring her back.”
“And how the hell do you plan to do that?”
“With an old relic of the Digital World. It sits down in the depths of the Digital World. It has the power to fix everything, and I am going to be the one to get it!” Dorugoramon begins to glow bright with energy as it charges an attack.
“Ouryumon!” Yulin shouts. Ouryumon begins redies its blades and begins to glow with its own aura.
“I think this counts as police brutality,” Kosuke snides.
“Some situation need a little force.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”
“That doesn’t work here…” Her words trail as she becomes filled with rage. Ouryumon crosses its blades and charges the silver dragon. Before Dorugoramon can react, the two swords plunge into Dorugoramon’s neck. “I’ll be the one who saves Saya!” Yulin snarls.
Dorugoramon shrieks in pain, and Yulin catches a glimpse of its fear. She freezes as she remembers shes a cop. Dorugoramon smirks and takes advantage of the distraction. It grabs Ouryumon’s arms and pulls the blades out. They leave behind shallow wounds.
“You lost Yulin. This is all going according to plan.”
“Dammit Kosuke!”
“Like I said, I know you better than anyone.”
Dorugoramon delivers a fierce kick that sends Ouryumon flying back, creating space between the two dragons. Dorugoramon launches itself forward, turning into pure destructive energy.
Eldritch Automata just went live on Kickstarter and has already made 13k on the first day. There is still a bit to go before they get to their $65k goal, so go back if you’re looking for a horrific mech tabletop RPG.
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Story
The world is overrun by unspeakable horrors that have left humanity hanging by its last tread. Those unfortunate to survive must face off against the ever-present threat of bloodthirsty eldritch abominations and nightmares. Hope sits on the shoulders of those few in the world who can pilot the mighty Automata, giant mechs that appeared at the start of the calamity. Piloting the Automata is no easy feat. Pilots must be of strong resolve, because the pressures of responsibility, the strain of piloting the Automata, and the constant threat from monsters and other survivors constantly eat away at their morale.
The world of Eldritch Automata is no easy picnic. Do you have what it takes to survive?
What is Eldritch Automata
Eldritch Automatais a survival horror TTRPG that uses the award-winning Year ZeroEngine. I’ve played a few games that use the Year ZeroEngine, and love it so far. It’s easy to pick up, and not an impossible transition from D&D. What makes Eldritch Automata unique is the giant mechs, Automata. I am very curious to see how the Mech and Kaiju fights work, especially when players have to worry about their morale. I bet it not only makes for fun roleplay, but will also make things tense and exciting.
Kickstarter also mentions that there will be a focus on a social aspect where players need to navigate different factions, worry about treacherous factions, and form different alliances. I already have some cool ideas for roleplay, and I am excited.
The rulebook will be about 400 pages long and include accessories, depending on the tier you support and what stretch goals get reached.
If you’re looking for a horror survival game with the potential for epic kaiju battles, go back the Eldritch Automata Kickstarter today! The campaign is live until February 1st, and the product plans to ship in August.
I was sent Onitamafor free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, or share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.
Onitama is a two-player strategy board game where players face off against each other as masters of a dojo. There are two ways to win in Onitama:
Capture your opponent’s master
Moving your master into your opponent’s shrine.
The game offers a simple setup, easy-to-learn gameplay, and an interesting loop if you enjoy chess.
Quality
The map, while beautifully printed, feels like a cheap playmat. My copy looked like the printing was already pealing, which has me doubt its longevity. You’ll get your money’s worth out of this mat, but don’t expect it to be part of the inheritance.
The game pieces are made from nice sturdy plastic. The pawn designs are cute and simple, but they do have visible injection points. You can probably sand them down, but it’s not a huge issue. The cards are big and easy to read and made on nice card stock. Mine came bent, but it made them easier to pick up.
Overall, the game comes in a decent quality. Sturdy enough to get your money’s worth, and unique enough to stand out against your collection.
How to Play
This game is the quickest game you can set up at your table, and one of the easiest to learn. Each player picks a color, sets up their meeples, and gets two cards. The game plays like chess, except game pieces move based on the cards each player has available. The cards rotate each turn, turning Onitama into a unique strategy experience. Watch It Played has a great tutorial on YouTube:
Gameplay
Matches of Onitama take about 10 minutes, which makes it ideal for people who want to play a strategy game but not spend hours on setup and gameplay. I enjoyed the spontaneity of each turn, and the limitations of the small board space make for a unique strategy experience. Onitama is a cute and light strategy game, but it isn’t for everyone. You don’t want to pull this for anyone who doesn’t like strategy or chess. Even though my wife understood how to play the game, she had a terrible time.
Conclusion
If you like strategy games but don’t want to commit to something bigger, Onitama is an excellent choice. It is a nice quality board game with a creative design and gameplay loop. Most importantly, it is a game you can pull out without investing too much time on teaching, setup, or game time.
I enjoyed it for the novelty and casual experience it offered, but it isn’t something I could pull regularly because people I know don’t like strategy games. The strategy involved isn’t intense, but the game feels enough like a strategy game to turn off the more casual players.
Pick up Onitamaat your LGS, or order it off Amazon for $29.99.
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.
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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.
