TCGs at The Arena – Part 1

Hello everyone!

I wanted to write one article about all the TCGs that I plan on offering in my store, but the article got to be quite long so I decided to split it into two parts. Part 1 will focus on: Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Lorcana, UniVersus, and Flesh and Blood. Feel free to scroll to whatever you feel like reading about. This article is meant to provide basic information about these games and my opinion on them. Read on to find out the updated schedules for each of them.

A blast from the past
Magic: the Gathering

Magic: the Gathering has been on a high recently. The new Bloomburrow edition has had an interesting impact on the MtG community and I dare say for the better. The overall feel of this set is like a throwback to olden times such as Lorwyn and Shadowmoor, a more thematic time with an emphasis on how a set presents itself to the public.

From what I’ve gathered at the Prerelease and in the following week, people enjoy the set. I am glad Wizards of the Coast have made a switch and provided us with a set that will go down in the history of MtG as having some of the best artwork we’ve seen since the beginning of this ground-breaking trading card game. I am a massive fan of the entire theme and am very happy about this set. The most interesting artwork that I believe emphasizes how adorable this set is Sword of Fire and Ice.

Bloomburrow looks and feels magical, as it should be in the world of Magic: the Gathering. Good job Wizards. You did well.

Weekly events for Magic: the Gathering at the Arena:

• Learn to Play – every day from 15:00 to 16:00
• Tuesdays – Modern – 18:00 – 15€ (3 Boosters per Person in Prize Pool + Promo Packs based on player attendance*)
• Wednesdays – Standard – 18:00 – 15€ (3 Boosters per Person in Prize Pool + Standard Showdown Promos + Promo Packs based on player attendance*)
• Thursdays – Booster Draft – 18:00 – 30€ (3 Boosters per Person in Prize Pool + Promo Packs based on player attendance*)
• Friday Night Magic – Commander – Beginner Friendly – from 14:00 to 20:00 – 10€ (1 Booster + 1 drink + 1 Stamp** per participant) – Maximum space available is for 12 Players!
• Saturdays – 4/6 Booster Sealed Deck – 35€/45€ – (3 Boosters per Person in Prize Pool + Promo Packs based on player attendance*)
  *as long as stock lasts
  **6 Stamps = 1 Promo Pack

Nostalgia, but with power-creep vibes
Yu-Gi-Oh!

In 2024, Yu-Gi-Oh! finds itself at a crossroads, balancing nostalgia with innovation. The game continues to evolve with new mechanics and card types, but is it attracting a fresh generation of duelists? The game will maintain its loyal fanbase, but starting Yu-Gi-Oh! is like writing a bachelor’s degree. One needs to read an entire library to consider being competitive. The game lacks additional formats to attract new players without it being so oppressive when playing versus newbies in Advanced, the most popular format for Yu-Gi-Oh!. I fear for the game’s longevity when there are many other options to choose from nowadays in terms of anime-themed TCGs.

Reflecting on its journey, Yu-Gi-Oh! remains a testament to the enduring appeal of strategy and creativity in card games. However, the community faces challenges, such as the need for better accessibility and balancing power creep. The game’s future hinges on Konami’s ability to listen to its players and adapt, ensuring that Yu-Gi-Oh! remains not just a game, but a cherished part of pop culture. I hope that things will improve, but as it stands I don’t know if the game will fade away and only retain its most loyal fanbase, while newer players will simply choose something else that’s more accessible.

One of the answers that Konami can have to this is a new format. Something that doesn’t punish new players for not knowing the entire metagame of the past 5-10 years, while also still keeping the game deep enough in terms of knowledge that the veteran players can still show the skills they have accrued over the years. Recent articles online say that the player base has stagnated with growth seen as a miracle. I wouldn’t be that negative about the situation, but it’s also true that the game doesn’t do a good job retaining prospective new duelists when their experience is a turn-one loss when playing in Locals, 3 or 4 rounds in a row.

Maybe Speed Duel was always the answer, but it never really took off…Let’s hope for better days.

• Learn to Play – Fridays from 16:30 to 17:30
• Wednesdays – Speed Duel – 18:00 – 10€ (3 OTS Packs per Person in Prize Pool, 2 OTS Prize Guarantee)*
• Thursdays – Edison – 18:00 – 10€ (3 OTS Packs per Person in Prize Pool, 2 OTS Prize Guarantee)*
• Fridays – Advanced – 18:00 (3 OTS Packs per Person in Prize Pool + 1 Stamp**, 2 OTS Prize Guarantee)* – Maximum space available is for 12 Players!
  *as long as stock lasts
  **6 Stamps = 1 OTS Promo Pack

Welcome to a pirate’s life!
One Piece

One of the most popular animes in history has decided for a few years now to become the king of anime TCGs, and it has done exactly that. In the blink of an eye and pirate fashion, the game stole parts of the player base from various games, one being the aforementioned Yu-Gi-Oh! One Piece TCG plays out in a simple way, yet the game is delightful as a hobby activity. It doesn’t feel overly elaborate which in turn lets people enjoy the game without it feeling like a burden to keep up with the newest meta.

The One Piece TCG’s rise underscores the changing landscape of trading card games, where simplicity and accessibility often trump complexity. Getting new players is as easy as picking up a starter deck and going to the local event. Will new players win with the deck? Most likely not, but the experience is different because the game takes a while to end.

The One Piece TCG’s success is a testament to the power of simplicity and charm. It captures the adventurous spirit of its source material, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of Luffy and his crew without being bogged down by overly complex mechanics. This accessibility has made it a favorite among both new and seasoned card game enthusiasts, offering a refreshing alternative to more intricate games.

The One Piece TCG’s journey is a pirate’s tale of seizing opportunity and carving out a niche in a crowded market. Its success has prompted other games to rethink their approaches, emphasizing the importance of player experience over sheer complexity. As it sails forward, One Piece TCG is not just riding the wave of its anime’s popularity but is charting its own course, proving that sometimes, less is more in the world of trading card games.

• Learn to Play – Fridays from 16:30 to 17:30
• Tuesdays – Locals – 18:00 – 10€ (3 Wins: 4 Boosters, 2 Wins: 2 Booster, 0-1 Wins: 1 Booster)
• Thursdays – Locals – 18:00 10€ (3 Wins: 4 Boosters, 2 Wins: 2 Booster, 0-1 Wins: 1 Booster)

A different nostalgia featuring Disney’s classics
Lorcana

Disney’s Lorcana has quickly ascended to prominence in the trading card game world, enchanting players with its blend of beloved characters and accessible gameplay. Drawing from the rich tapestry of Disney’s animated history, Lorcana offers a magical experience that appeals to fans of all ages. I happen to be one of the people who enjoy Disney movies a lot. I have watched everything that is Disney and Pixar-related. Getting to play with cards that have the characters I adored growing up is super nice.

I can see why the success of Lorcana lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia while providing a fresh and innovative approach to the TCG format. Players can build decks featuring iconic Disney heroes and villains (Hades :D), each card capturing the essence of its character. This thematic richness adds a layer of storytelling to each match, transforming every game into a journey through Disney’s enchanting worlds.

Its rules are simple yet engaging, making it easy for newcomers to dive in while still offering depth for seasoned players. We can clearly see a shift in the way TCGs are being offered to the public nowadays.

Lorcana’s rise highlights a shift in the TCG market towards games that prioritize thematic coherence and player enjoyment over complexity (see One Piece). Its popularity demonstrates that a well-crafted game, rooted in a beloved franchise, can captivate a diverse audience. As Lorcana continues to grow, it sets a new standard for what a trading card game can be, proving that the magic of Disney transcends mediums and continues to inspire and delight.

There are two things that worry me about the future of Lorcana: the fast-paced set releases and the metagame being dominated by 2 or 3 decks. I will attribute both to the company’s eagerness to get the game going. They must be very focused on competing with the bigger giants out there and want to make a buzz by drowning out the smaller competition with multiple releases. I hope this doesn’t become the norm and that we will see a slowdown in releases. Wallet fatigue is a real thing and being pressured to keep up with constant releases is not the ideal way to establish a loyal fanbase.

But I’m sure Disney knows what it’s doing. After all, it’s a billion-dollar global corporation that stepped into the TCG world. What could possibly go wrong? 🙃

• Learn to Play – Wednesdays from 17:30 to 18:00
• Wednesdays – League Play – 18:00 – 10€ (1 Booster per Person, 3 Promos randomly given out to participants – Starting when Promos are in stock!)

Anime TCGs are on the rise!
UniVersus

UniVersus has carved out a unique niche in the trading card game world, drawing players in with its dynamic gameplay and crossover appeal. Popular franchises found in UniVersus:

• My Hero Academia
• Attack on Titan
• Cowboy Bebop
• Trigun Stampede
• Yu-Yu-Hakusho
• Spy X Family
• Godzilla
• Critical Role
• Tekken
• Star Trek (why?)

I am sure they will integrate more and more animes as time goes by. I am hoping for Samurai Champloo, but knowing how licensing works, it’s going to be something of a challenge either way to get anything in.

UniVersus offers a diverse and ever-expanding universe for fans to explore. This blend of different worlds creates a rich and varied gameplay experience, allowing players to mix and match their favorite characters in battles that are both strategic and thrilling.

The appeal of UniVersus lies in its innovative mechanics and the way it captures the essence of each featured franchise. Each card not only represents a character but also embodies their abilities and personality, making every game a vivid reenactment of epic showdowns. The rules are designed to be accessible, encouraging new players to join while providing enough depth to keep veterans engaged.

UniVersus stands out by embracing the idea of a multiverse, where heroes and villains from different realms can clash or team up. This concept has resonated with a broad audience, attracting fans of various genres and series. As UniVersus continues to expand its roster and introduce new mechanics, it remains a testament to the power of crossover appeal in the TCG market. Its success highlights the potential for trading card games to bring together diverse fandoms under one roof, creating a shared space for storytelling and competition. With its innovative approach and dedicated fanbase, UniVersus is set to continue making waves in the world of trading card games.

At least I hope it will. This seems like a promising game, but it has a lot of work to do to make a name for itself in the European market. The European TCG players are very resilient to change and new things. Why try a new game when you can just…not? But maybe, just maybe, this won’t be the story of UniVersus.

Plus Ultra! 🙂

• Learn to Play – Thursdays from 16:00 to 17:00
• Thursdays – Casual Tournament – 18:00 – 10€ (3 Booster per Person ion Prize Pool – 2 Booster Guarantee + 1 Stamp*)
  *6 Stamps = 1 Booster

Saving the best for last
Flesh and Blood

I have recently been having an absolutely awesome time playing Flesh and Blood. It’s a great distraction that challenges me on many levels of gameplay mechanics. I am also getting obliterated in some games which, in turn, pumps me up even more. I will expand on this game more than on the others because I am biased and I am not even going to hide it 🙂

I would like to give you a few reasons why you should try this game. For starters…

• Amazing strategic play with innovative gameplay mechanics

Flesh and Blood stands out with its unique resource system and tactical depth. The game focuses on hero-centric combat where every card can be used for multiple purposes: as an action, equipment, or resource. This multi-use card system adds layers of strategy and decision-making, making each game a dynamic and engaging experience. Every game is so incredibly unique, it just feels like a re-enactment of an RPG fight.

• Rich and immersive lore

Speaking of RPGs, this game is one of the most thematic games I have played when it comes to the cards that fit into the decks. While there are Generic Actions and Generic Equipments, 90% of the decks are class-specific which sets the mood and the feeling of playing the chosen hero from the get-go. Set in the vibrant world of Rathe, Flesh and Blood offers a deep narrative that enhances the gaming experience. Each hero, weapon, and piece of equipment has a backstory that adds to the immersive feel of the game. This rich lore not only appeals to fans of fantasy but also creates a cohesive universe that players can get lost in. I certainly have. There are many short stories for each of the heroes available on the official website.

• High-quality production values

The game is known for its high production quality, with beautifully illustrated cards and premium materials. The artwork is detailed and evocative, bringing the world of Rathe to life. Additionally, the cards are made to be durable, ensuring that they withstand many intense battles.

• Competitive play and community

Flesh and Blood has a strong emphasis on competitive play, with a well-supported organized play system. Simply put, this game picked up where Magic the Gathering left off. There is a robust system in place for competitive play while also having a very low barrier of entry to learn the game and enjoy it in your very first tournament. The game has fostered a vibrant and welcoming community, making it easy to find opponents and make new friends.

• Accessibility and Support

And this leads me to my last point which is how easy it is to embark on a new journey into the world of Flesh and Blood. While the game offers deep strategic elements, it is also designed to be accessible to new players. The rules are straightforward enough for beginners to grasp quickly, yet offer enough complexity to keep experienced players engaged. Additionally, the publisher, Legend Story Studios, provides excellent support with regular updates, new releases, and community engagement, ensuring the game continues to evolve and improve.

There’s honestly so much more to say about the game (the self-balancing mechanic of the game of the Living Legend rules, the multiple format plays found in booster draft, sealed, etc.), but my overly gushing review might put off some people. Some might think: he’s overhyping, it can’t be that good. And I will agree with anyone who wants to have that mentality in the sense of “It’s fine if you don’t want to try it”. I really like it and my biggest hope for this game is that it won’t go down the line of cash-grab and milking the community for all it’s worth. I am optimistic that this game is the one that stands out the most as a contender for the best TCG that’s currently on the market.

As for me, I want to get better at this game and will most likely travel to bigger tournaments again. If I would admit something to myself after this long break from TCGs, it’s that I did miss the adrenaline pump from being in the top 8 of a major tournament.

My days as a top-tier player in Magic: the Gathering are well behind me, but I see no reason why I can’t give Flesh and Blood a whirl and jump into competitive. I have landed on a specific hero called Riptide. It’s a ranger that uses traps to his advantage, defending damage while slowly picking at the opponent. I like the playstyle and I plan on experimenting with some more builds that fit me better. Up to now, I tried out lists from various top-place decks, but I feel like they are missing something. It kind of feels like those lists are undecided about which way they want to go: shoot a lot of arrows or have a lot of traps. Balancing the ratio of arrows vs. traps is where this deck can outshine a lot of others and the goal is now to find out where that sweet spot is. I’m going to make Riptide work if it’s the last thing I do 🙂

Flesh and Blood is by far the most balanced TCG I have ever played. The luck factor is still there, but it’s much more manageable than in other TCGs. If you are a fan of high strategy, complicated turns, and excellent lore and theme, this game is for you. Easy to learn, hyper-difficult to master.

But the question that remains: Is it worth playing Flesh and Blood? Yes. Yes. And, of course, YES!

Welcome to the new classic TCG!

Weekly events for Flesh and Blood at the Arena:

• Learn to Play – every day from 14:00 to 15:00.
• Tuesdays – Blitz – 18:00 – 12€ (3 Boosters per person in Prize Pool + Rainbow Foils for participants*)
• Wednesdays – Commoner – Beginner Friendly – 12€ (3 Boosters per person in Prize Pool + Rainbow Foils for participants*)
• Thursdays – Booster Draft – 18:00 – 24€ (3 Boosters per person in Prize Pool + Rainbow Foils for participants*)
• Fridays – Ultimate Pit Fight – Beginner Friendly – 10€ (1 Booster + 1 drink + 1 Stamp** per participant)
• Saturdays – Armory Event (various formats, more info in WhatsApp group) – 18:00 – 12€/24€/36€ (3 Boosters per person in Prize Pool + Cold Foil for 1st Place and Rainbow Foils for participants*)
  *as long as stock lasts
  **6 Stamps = 1 Booster Pack of choice

End of Part 1

This article went a little bit longer than I wanted it to. I will post about other games in a future article soon. Will you try any of the games I mentioned? Do you think there is something about some of them that doesn’t sit right with you? Did I put you off with my Flesh and Blood presentation or did it hype you to try it? Leave a comment!

See you in the Arena!
– Adrian