I was sent Card Detective free to review for my blog. 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, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.
Card Detectiveis a story-rich deck builder available now on Steam for $3.99. Play as investigative reporter Hazel Gong as she stumbles into one of the biggest mysteries of her career. An accident at a construction site unearths a dead body. The circumstances surrounding the death are a mystery, and it is up to Hazel to solve it. Gather the suspects, ask pressing questions, and figure out who did it in this unique and creative experience.
There is no denying that Card Detective looks good. I am a huge fan of the artwork, an even bigger fan of the comic book-style narrative and its fantastic soundtrack.
Card Detective is a unique deck builder, with gameplay helps it stand out against the rest of the genre. The goal of each encounter is to determine how to extract the truth with a deck of questions you construct throughout the game. Each encounter feels like a puzzle where you have to ask the right questions to get to the truth. There are moments when there is very little guidance or direction, but figuring things out on your own can be satisfying.
My issue with the game is that the story isn’t interesting. There are translation issues that make it an awkward read, and there wasn’t enough substance to hook me. After a couple of interrogations, the game got stale. While I appreciate everything Card Detective tries to do, the game needs better card mechanics and a better story.
Card Detective isn’t the worst way to spend $4. I liked the unique experience it offered and loved the aesthetics, but it didn’t do enough to earn a recommendation. I’m probably going to forget I played it. If you want a unique deck builder you might not finish, check it out on Steam. Otherwise, I would spend my money elsewhere.
The team at Alchemy VTTis holding 1-hour workshops to teach players how to play Vaesen. Alchemy VTT aims to create an immersive experience that is easy to use and even easier to stream to your favorite platform. With features like integrated video chat, automated NPCs, and animated spells and effects, Alchemy VTT is sure to be a spectacular hit at some tables. You will need to buy your content and pay a subscription for added features, but it might be worth it for the experience it provides.
The seminar will feature the official Vaesen module for Alchemy VTT. The team will go over how to get started with game and character creation, and showing off some of the immersive gameplay Alchemy is capable of. If you are interested in checking out Vaesen or Alchemy VTT, make sure you sign up for one of the available time slots. (As of writing this)
DATE
TIME
12/27/2023
6 AM
12/28/2023
10 AM
1/2/2024
2 PM
I was sent a book to review before this announcement, so I’ll be joining the seminar for the free overview. I also don’t mind looking into a new VTT. The trailer made it look like such a neat experience, especially with all the integrated features.
The event is free to join, all you need is an Alchemy VTT account and you must join the official discord. It is really cool to see a VTT work closely with developers to not only create a catered experience for their players, but to also onboard new ones. So if you have an hour to spare and want to check out a new game, make sure you check out the seminar! Seats are filling up fast!
If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.
What is Vaesen
In dark forests, beyond the mountains, by black lakes in hidden groves. At your doorstep. In the shadows, something stirs. Strange beings. Twisted creatures, lurking at the edge of vision. Watching. Waiting. Unseen by most, but not by you. You see them for what they really are. Vaesen.
Welcome to the Mythic North – northern Europe of the nineteenth century, but not as we know it today. A land where the myths are real. A cold reach covered by vast forests, its few cities lonely beacons of industry and enlightenment – a new civilization dawning. But in the countryside, the old ways still hold sway. There, people know what lurks in the dark.
They know to fear it.
– From the Free League Publishing website
Vaesen is a horror RPG where players solve supernatural mysteries. The art is beautiful, and the flavor is fantastic. I’ll need to run a few games in the system to judge it even further, but it has my attention. The core book will have everything you need to get started, like the rules, pre-generated characters, and a prewritten mystery. If Vaesen appeals to you, make some time to join in on the seminar.
Where to Buy
You can pick up the core book from the official Free League Publishing website ($52.91 + shipping). You also get access to the PDF so you won’t have to wait to get started. The core book is also available on Amazon ($64 book only) and DrivethruRPG ($24.99 pdf only).
The Core Rule book includes:
Ten ready to use archetypes let you create a character in minutes – or use the included life path tables and let the dice decide.
Quick and flavorful rules for combat, investigations and horror.
Rules for developing the player characters’ headquarters during campaign play.
A detailed gazetteer of the Mythic North setting and the town of Upsala.
A score of bloodcurdling vaesen to encounter, all beautifully illustrated by Johan Egerkrans.
An introductory Mystery called The Dance of Dreams.
The Final Shape releases on June 4th. I was sent a copy to cover the release. I haven’t played in a while, so I’ll be taking time to gear up and get ready for the expansion. With the Giving event and trying to regain my bearings, it’s going to be a busy week. Those of you thinking of hopping onto Destiny make sure you head over to Epic Games and grab the Legacy Collection. The collection is free until December 20 and includes The Witch Queen, Beyond Light, and Shadowkeep DLCs. That should be enough to keep you busy until the summer. If you have Destiny 2 on Steam, the DLC doesn’t carry over. You’ll have to play the Legacy Collection on Epic Games.
I am going to have to keep a calendar. With how much I need to catch up on, it is a bit of a daunting task. At the moment, I am working on collecting the Dawning Event while I go through the bits of the story I haven’t finished, and work on the Season Pass. The Season of the Wish just kicked off which means new rewards and cosmetics, but most importantly, a new raid and weapon. I am nowhere near ready for that yet, but I can still appreciate how cool the Wish Keeper looks.
I mean this bow looks sick, and the effects look like the best time! To obtain the Wish Keeper, Guardian’s must complete the newest Dungeon, Warlord’s Ruin. Guardian’s will travel to the Black Garden and uncover the remains of an ancient Ahamkara. The Raid is up, the bow is live, and there are already a ton of tutorials to get you ready! Go join a fire team and go get that bow!
I know this is late, but work has been crazy. Make sure you always support the original. If you enjoy this project, please leave me a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Thank you for reading!
No one will stand in my way. I’ll turn the whole Digital World upside-down if I have to. I will find her. I will get her out.
The center of the wall slum erupted in chaos as Code Crackers and guardians clashed. The plan had worked, and now Code Crackers from around the world gathered for one crucial push towards the Gateway. To them, this was all a game. But to those in the higher echelons of the Sons of Chaos, it was a chance to break through. The network was taking its bold step at something that had never been done, and the outcome was sure to create ripples.
A battle rages at the center of the Wall Slum. Rockets fly in every direction. Beams of burning light light up the sky. Lightning bolts reach out hungrily and explode violently. The Wall Slums glows brightly with explosions and newly formed fires. The laughter of Code Crackers slowly creeps through the chaos. To them, this is just a game. But to the few in the upper echelons of the Sons of Chaos, this was their chance to break through the gateway.
Perched above the chaos, at the edge of the caldera, Dorugoramon watches intently. Explosions reflect off its body, giving it a warm glow. Its long neck stretches as it examines the battlefield. Long sharp blades come down its wings where the bones should be. They twitch as it smirks. Its claws itch in anticipation.
All the pieces are in play. Kosuke thinks to himself.
Suddenly, a blinding beam of light falls from the sky. It slowly dissipates to reveal the gold-armored dragon, Ouryumon. Each taloned hand holds a sharp golden blade that seems fixed on its prey. Dorugoramon has taken flight, and the two dragons charge fiercely at one another.
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
“Not even a hello, Yulin?” Kosuke asks calmly.
The two Digimon clash as blades and swords collide, creating white hot sparks with each impact. Yulin lets out a gasp as Kosuke’s voice reaches her. She knew she would have to face her old friend, but she wasn’t ready to hear his voice so soon.
Ouryumon doesn’t break its stride. All four of its blades slash furiously against swift silver claws. Ouryumon usually only needed two blades to best his opponents, but Dorugoramon was no ordinary Digimon, and Kosuke was no ordinary Code Cracker.
“So this is what the captain of the Digipolice is capable of…should I call you the Crossroads Witch? For old time’s sake?” Tartarus taunts.
The two dragons separate for a moment. Ouryumon growls as it readies its swords for the next attack. “That person doesn’t exist anymore.” A hint of sorrow seeps into Yulin’s words.
“Didn’t expect to fight a mega so soon.”
“You digivolved first.”
“What an honor..” The two clash again, this time with a more intense ferocity.
“What do you hope to achieve from all this?” Yulin asks. The Golden dragon grits its teeth in frustration.
“You’re about to witness the greatest revolution in human history! Isn’t that right Dorugoramon?”
Dorugoramon clasps its talons together, stretching them away from its body. Glowing light begins to gather between its palms.
DORU-DIN!
A shockwave of pure destructive energy rips through the air. Ouryumon’s blades raise quickly, blocking the attack with a loud clang that rings over the battlefield. Some of the attack crashes onto unsuspecting Digimon and Gatekeepers, sending them flying in every direction. The rest explodes into the wall behind Oryumon. Large chunks of the wall fall towards the gate, leaving a massive hole behind.
Sastuki watches the clash from below, marveling at their sheer destructive power.
“Captain!” she shouts involuntarily. She had never seen the captain go all out before, or seen a Digimon capable of keeping up with her.
The squad of Cargodramon carrying additional units descended upon the caldera, dropping heliborne units that quickly formed along the interior wall. Numemon slides down after them. Its eyes bob through gaps of the Mekanorimon it sits inside of.
“All squads, get in position! The Sons of Chaos are our targets, don’t worry about anyone else,” Satsuki orders. “Don’t let them open the Gateway!”
The Commandramon and the officers pilot their answer with a resounding “Yes sir!” as they scurry into position.
“Ememy sighted. 9 O’clock,” one of the Commandramon warns. Satsuki turns to asses the danger. A swarm of Gatekeepers charges towards them. Satsuki clicks her tongue, spinning the Mekanorimon around. She targets a single Gateker before firing a Twinkle Beam. The hot laser flies through the air, vaporizing the Gatekeeper.
“Open fire!”
Bullets rain down from the Cargodramon’s rattling guns, annihilating the oncoming swarm. The stench of gunpowder fills the air. “So we gotta fight those things too…great!” Satsuki huffs. “I could take these guys out easy if I could just go ultimate.” But Satsuki was under strict orders. She would act as squad leader and pilot the Mekanorimon. Satsuki grows frustrated as she can make out the sounds of the clash above her.
“Seals one, reporting in,” a voice interrupts Satsuki’s thought.
“This is Satsuki. Do you have eyes on the target?”
“Search is underway,” the Sealsdramon replies as it searches the battlefield for the SoC leadership.
“Keep looking. Tartarus’ big splash here might be a diversion. The other could be lurking, waiting to strike.”
“Copy that. Over.”
A loud thud startles Satsuki, as something suddenly lands on top of the Mekanorimon’s domed head. She lets out a yelp. Someone was using her as a stepping stone to join the fray behind her.
Loogamon and Eiji stand facing Sastuki, its tail wags excitedly. Satsuki becomes consumed with rage.
“Eiji and your stupid mangy mutt,” she growls.
“Wait…how did you know my name?”
“Who are you calling mangy?” Loogamon snarls.
“Wait I know that voice…”
Loogamon looks around at the uniformed Digimon surrounding him. “Dammit Eiji…We landed in the middle of a Police unit.”
Sastuki smirks. “This is going to be so much fun!”
“Sastuki?” Eiji says as they search for her Numemon. “So you can pilot the Maenormon?” He asks, finally noticing Numemon’s eye stalks poking out.
“So the slug found its shell,” Loogamon says with a snicker.
“Careful Loogamon, she’s crazy.”
“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!”
GYRO BREAK!
Mekanorimon’s arm begins to spin rapidly, letting out a terrifying mechanical whirr. It heaves forward, launching a corkscrew punch flying towards Loogamon. Loogamon hops out of the way. The arm drills into the empty space Loogamon leaves behind.
“Urgh!” Eiji lets out as a hunk of rock smacks him in the chin.
“This is war Eiji Nagasumi!” Satsuki shouts as she aims her next attack. The Commandramon move into position and train their riffles at the wolf.
“Eiji, get into the core!” Loogamon yells. Eiji had already vanished.
“So what am I wanted for now?” Eiji asks from the safety of the Digicore.
“Wanted? This isn’t some ordinary Patrol. This is war. The Sons of Chaos will answer for their crimes!”
“What?”
“We’re taking you out, whether you like or not. Fire!”
Muzzles flash as the Commandramon unleash a hail of bullets Loogamon. But Loogamon had anticipated the attack and dives behind a nearby boulder. The bullets clang on the stone around them.
“Are you okay?”
“She’s got a squad of 100 or more out there. This is an upgrade from the last time we fought her.”
“She said she this was war.” Eiji begins thinking of ways to deal with Satsuki. As the bullets crash nearby, Eiji realizes this isn’t a game anymore. It never was.
“If it was just Numemon, we’d have nothing to worry about,” Loogamon adds.
The rudders of the Corgodramon circle overhead. Occasionally, they let down a rain of bullets to chip away at their cover, pinning Loogamon to his hiding spot.
Satsuki watches Loogamon through a live feed from one of the Cargodramon. “Ready one of the DCD bombs,” she commands. “We’re going to smoke them out.”
“This is Seals One. Target aquired!” A voice shouts urgently over the radio.
“Send me the coordinates!”
“I would but…they’re nearly on top of you!”
An explosion lights up the sky as the Cargodramon takes a hit from the side. Smoke fills the around it as it spins towards the ground. The remaining Cargodramon scatter.
“Starting without me Eiji?” Mervin says as Airdramon appears through the smoke.
I was sent Rhapsody III: Memories of Marl Kingdom for free to review for my blog. 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.
Rhapsody III: Memories of Marl Kingdom has finally come to the West, and fans of the original can now enjoy this cute and quirky RPG on their favorite modern console.
Synopsis
Though true love is the destination, there are many magical paths that can lead you to it. Experience the stories of Cornet, the queen of Marl Kingdom, her daughter Kururu, the “Tomboy Princess,” and other lovestruck souls in Marl Kingdom, all of which span the past, present, and future of the Rhapsody series. Tales of true love both new and old await you, including the fate of Kururu’s impending marriage, two star crossed lovers and their warring families, and the journey of Cornet’s mother, Cherie. The trials and tribulations each of these characters face will put their hearts to the test like never before. Will true love truly prevail?
Gameplay
Combat is straightforward, but the randomness of the ally attacks is what makes it exciting. I loved it when my little buddies took the initiative and took the last hit on a boss I had trouble with. There is a grind like there is in most games of the genre, but there is an auto-battle feature that makes it manageable.
If you enjoy retro RPGs, especially from the early 2000s, you’re going to want to look into this game. While the game runs fine, it feels like an older game. This isn’t a criticism, but it is something to think about. The PC port runs fine, but there are some stutters in performance, and some of the interactions are a bit finicky. I enjoyed it for the cute retro experience that it is.
Story
The story is adorable. I love the tone, and the musical numbers were appreciated. I haven’t played any other games in the Rhapsody saga, but I didn’t feel the need. The story is relatively self-contained except for a few references to previous titles. Even when these references showed up, I didn’t feel like it took away from experience. The characters are all unique and adorable, and I enjoyed the general silliness of the adventure.
Conclusion
Despite some minor performance issues, I enjoyed the game. The art is cute, the music is fantastic, and the gameplay is relaxing. I loved reliving the classic era of RPG and found the game’s quirks a refreshing change of pace. If you enjoy retro RPGs and want something cute to fool around in, check out Rhapsody III: Memories of Marl Kingdom.
You can pick up Rhapsody III: Memories of Marl Kingdom for $49.99 on PlayStation, Switch, and Steam ($24.99). There is also a collectors edition available on the official NIS store for fans of the series who want some extra goodies. The bundle includes:
Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles Deluxe Edition
“Memories in Melody” Hardcover Art Book
“Ballad of the Little Princess” 2-disc Original Soundtrack
“Memories of Marl Kingdom” 2-disc Original Soundtrack
I was sent Loot River forfree to review. 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.
Loot River is a unique roguelike that combines the bleak and unforgiving grind of a Dark Souls game with Tetris. Players must fight through endless and dangerous catacombs where they fight monsters, find treasure, and defeat bosses. With the power of the Relic, players can move the ground to travel through its darkness, solve puzzles, and manipulate enemies. Can you find the end before you meet yours?
The game does a fantastic job of blending the two genres to create a unique and memorable experience. The souls-like elements are simple but unforgiving. The Tetris part creates the game’s unique movement and adds dimension to the combat. The combat is simple but with enough strategy to make it engaging.
Players start each run with a simple weapon and have access to a basic attack, thrust, parry, and dodge. You can move your character, but you can also move the platform you’re standing on independently. You must use a combination of these actions to defeat your enemies and clear each level. These elements come together to create Loot River’s creative combat system.
Throughout a run, you will pick up weapons and gear. This gear is randomly generated, and you lose it when you die. I felt like the RNG was fair enough, but some runs were easier than others. You can also find and buy permanent upgrades to make runs easier. The more you play, the more upgrades you’ll have access to.
Like most games in the genre, Loot River’s gameplay is repetitive. The RNG and procedurally generated levels help mitigate some of the monotony, but you’re still repeating the same actions. I find comfort in the repetition, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. There is also a leaderboard and level editor coming on December 19 with the PlayStation release.
My favorite aspect of the game is the aesthetic. I love the minimalistic pixel art, and the soundtrack is amazing. Most importantly, the game is fun. If you’re looking for a new roguelike to fill some time, check out Loot River. The game is $25, which I find a little high, but the devs continue to release updates so take that as you will. I’d wait for a sale personally.
Loot River is available nowon Xbox and Steam for $24.99. It’s free if you have Game Pass.
I was sent a copy of H.P. Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horrorillustrated by Baranger to cover on my blog. I am very grateful for the opportunity, but these will be my honest impressions. If you enjoy my content, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends! You can also always buy me coffee.
Impressions of the Book
Our friends at Free League Publishing have a series of Lovecraft books they’ve been releasing works of Lovecraft illustrated by Baranger, and if you’re a fan of Lovecraftian horror, you need to get yourself some copies. As of writing this, you can pick up The Call of Cthulhu, The Dunwich Horror, and At the Mountains of Madness Vol 1 & Vol 2 for $33.87 each. You can pick up both volules of At the Mountains of Madness for $52.53. If the quality and detail of my copy of The Dunwich Horror is anything to go by, you can’t go wrong with any of these books.
The book turns Lovecraft’s classics into a unique storybook that you’ll need to hold to appreciate. This is a massive book, it does not fit on your traditional shelf. It was designed to fit the story without compromising Baranger’s illustrations, and it works. The illustrations are beautiful and full of rich detail and imagination. I love the style and attention to detail. The way the scenes he chooses to illustrate and the way they interact with the narrative give this classic new life. I love seeing how art inspires art, and this book is a wonderful example of that.
The quality of the book is exceptional. The binding is great, and the work is printed on high-quality paper. I felt guilty flipping through the pages, even though the book is going to outlive me.
If you’re a fan of Lovecraft, the Baranger-illustrated versions are a wonderful addition to your collection. I recommend you get them all, but The Dunwich Horror is a good place to start.
Impressions of the Story
I love H.P. Lovecraft’s clinical and calculated voice. The way he crafts his images describes the sleepy town and contrasts it against the peculiarity of this family creating this decaying image of society. You have this sleepy town of Dunwich that exists isolated outside of industrialized America. Despite the town existing in the middle of all this natural beauty, the isolation sets up the horror. Readers get the sense that whatever happens in Dunwich is inescapable because of how removed it is from the rest of the world.
What’s more terrifying are these ancient evils that exist around mankind. All the institutions, science, and discoveries that have come into existence throughout are meaningless against the might of a single failed ritual. They are meaningless against the might of this other terrifying world. Ultimately, it’s these ancient magics that somehow have seeped into the world that save humanity for the time being, but the danger still exists, and next time it might be successful.
I love how Lovecraft is able to create all this magic, world, and lore in such a small amount of space. The way he uses language, existing works of literature, and even dialect helps create such an authentic experience that the terror comes from the tale’s possibility.
Mostly, I enjoyed the tragedy of The Dunwich Horror. You have a man who spends his whole life trying to complete this ritual, but he dies before he can see it through. You get a mother who only wants to love her child, but her child hates her and becomes a monster. You have Wilbur who spends his entire existence being hated. Whose only reason to live is to complete this ritual, but he’s never strong enough. Finally, you have the horror who spends his existence alone and in agony, spending his final moments calling for a father who is never there for it.
I liked the book, and am glad I got to read it. While the Baranger Illustrated copy is a fantastic way to enjoy this book, a copy from your local library is just as good. And for those who don’t have the time, the Audiobook on YouTube is fantastic and free!
We’ve had our third session of Dragonbane, and have been enjoying every minute. It was a rough start as we learned and adjusted to the new rules, but things are running more smoothly.
What has made the transition easier has been playing on Foundry VTT using the official module. You don’t need the module to play Dragonbane. All you need is the quick start guide and some dice. You don’t even need the official module if you’re using Foundry, but it makes things so easy that you’re doing yourself a disservice by not using it.
I’ve written about why you should use Foundry VTT as your virtual tabletop, so make sure you read that post if you haven’t done so already. Foundry VTT is easy to use, it has tremendous community and dev support, and it has a lot of the features you want from a VTT for only $50. There is also a demo you can try if you need more convincing.
The Dragonbane module costs $27.22 with everything you need to play the game. You get:
144 Actors.
28 Journal Entries.
370 Items.
164 Rolltables.
20 Scenes.
5 Macros.
6 Card Stacks.
Starting a game has never been so simple. The module splits up everything you need into easy-to-search journal entries and chapters. You can choose to play one of the ready-to-play pre-generated characters. But if you want to make your own, the module walks you through the simple process of character creation where you can roll your stats, and drag and drop everything you need.
Running the prewritten adventure is even easier because you have everything you need at your fingertips. It splits up the adventure into manageable sections with quick links to help you navigate decisions. You have tables to roll from, monster stats you can easily drag onto maps, and you can roll for the monster abilities. Maps come with all the lighting effects, walls, doors, and hidden areas which is sure to impress your table. I’ve never had an easier time prepping running a game. Now this will change if you want to run your own adventure, but if you want to start with the prewritten content, the module is a boon!
The only issue I’ve been having is getting used to the system. While the system is easy to learn, my table is full of busy dads who somehow manage to make time for our weekly games. It’s been fun, and getting better as we grow more comfortable with the system.
If you’re playing Dragonbane, or thinking about running your first game online, I recommend you get this module. You’ll get more than your money’s worth, especially if it ends up being your tables main RPG.
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I was sent Headbangers Rhythm Royal for free to review for my blog. 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.
Headbangers Rhythm Royal is a quirky rhythm game out on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and Steam. Play as stylish pigeons just groovin’ and trying to have a good time. Compete against people around the world in a series of rhythm-based party games. Do you have what it takes to be the grooviest pigeon in town?
There is no denying that Headbangers Rhythm Royal is a cute game. It has a fun art style, cute characters, and a solid soundtrack. When you get past the charm, you are left with a game that isn’t worth $20.
Headbangers Rhythm Royal promises this massive party game experience that pits 30 people against each other in quirky and fun mini-games. The game fills the game with bots if not enough humans queue up. Most of the games you play will be full of bots, except for the few humans grinding for accessories. A lobby full of humans wouldn’t have made this game any more fun, but it would make the stakes real. Most of the time you’ll make it to the top 5 unless you’re unlucky and get a room with six or more people. This game isn’t dead, but it desperately needs more people.
Games are split into four randomly selected mini-games. Half of the round’s population is eliminated based on performance. Once you get into a game, you might get trapped in a minigame you hate. Not all of the games are fun, but that is to be expected from the genre. I wish there were a way to vote for a game, but the amount of bots would complicate this system. Nothing is worse than being stuck in a boring mini-game, waiting for it to be over, only to be trapped in something worse. There are a few delightful and fun games, but not enough for $20.
Headbangers Rhythm Royal is a cute party game that you’ll play until the novelty wears off. It’s not bad, but it isn’t worth $20 either. You can pick it up on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and Steam, but I’d wait for it to go on sale.
The Stuttgart Regionals were this weekend and provided a good look into how Paradox Rift is shaping the meta. I’ve been having a lot of fun with some of the new decks, and am very excited about the direction in which the meta is going. I’ll be going over the top five decks from the tournament, and leave links to the singles for those who want them.
If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you want to buy any Pokemon TCG product, likeParadox Riftor the upcoming Paldean Fates, get it over at TCG Player using my affiliate links.
1. Lost Zard
Lost Box continues to be a strong contender, and I can see why. I have a lot of fun running the variants, and its general consistency makes it a solid choice for any occasion. Congratulations to Christian Fontenot for winning it all with his Radiant Charizard variant.
I’ve been using a variation of Maraidon ex on the ladder and have been enjoying it. The deck is quick, easy to learn, and forgiving of mistakes. If you are looking for an archetype to get you started in the competitive scene, this is a great place to start. Congratulations to Simon Tschan for taking it to 2nd!
Not much more to say, Lost Box variants are consistent, and LostTina keeps showing up on top even with Jirachi in the format. Congratulations to Alberto Conti for third place!
Energy (13) 4 Jet Energy PAL 190 4 Psychic Energy 5 3 Grass Energy 1 2 Water Energy 3
4. Lost Moon
Lost Box got a bit of flavor with Roaring Moon. I’ve been meaning to get around to using Roaring Moon, and this might be the way I do it. I am curious to see how Roaring Moon’s role in the format shifts with the meta. Congratulations to Kristian Hodas for making the top four!
Energy (10) 5 Darkness Energy 7 2 Lightning Energy 4 2 Grass Energy 1 1 Gift Energy LOR 171
5. Double Turbo Mew
Last but not least we have Double Turbo Mew. I love this archetype because it was the first competitive deck I ever put together. It is so much fun to play. There are a few counters in the format, but a good pilot can always overcome all the counters in the format. I played a different flavor of this deck, but it remains a spicy contender in the meta. Congratulations to Ethan Wilde for making the top five!
