Now that the newest set is out, normally I would use this time to write up my review and do my Bingo Raffle, but this time around I wanted to do things a little bit differently. For one, Crystal Dominion seems to be an extremely polarizing set, with some people in the community loving it and others absolutely despising it. As I alluded to in the intro, the NYC crew's release event is actually scheduled for this coming weekend, and I'd really like a chance to get to actually play around with the cards and experiment with them a bit before giving my opinions on the set. It is, after all, of the upmost importance that my thoughts on a new set of trading cards be both constructive and infallible.
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| "Says the guy who claimed Ice was 'fine' in his last review..." |
That being said, this is still an important time for FFTCG content. A lot of people are going to be furiously brewing and testing out new deck builds, discovering new combos, and in general are going to have a lot of thoughts to share with everybody - ESPECIALLY about the new bans that just hit the scene. Since I'm still getting a proper feel for Crystal Dominion, I thought it would be nice to show a little bit of appreciation for other content creators in the FFTCG community.
There's always a lot of buzzing about supporting the game, but I don't think that there's enough credit being given to the people who are out there doing the hard work of making videos, streams, and blogs for everyone to enjoy - and I'm not just saying that because I happen to be one of them. Because the FFTCG is such a niche game, it really does mean a lot that we do have so many people who are willing to take the time to make content across different mediums. So I wanted to use the meager platform that I do have to shine the spotlight on some of these fine folks.
Before we get started, I just wanted to get a few quick disclaimers out of the way first. For one, this list is a non-comprehensive sampling of content creators. If you're a content creator and I missed you, please know it's not an attempt to snub you or disregard what you do. I know for a fact that Twitch is a huge blind spot for me because I have the media tastes of an aging newspaper editor whose trying to convince everyone that print's not dead. At the end of the day, I'm just some dude moonlighting as an Onion Knight online, so if I missed you, feel free to post a link to your stuff in the comments here or on Facebook and showboat!
This also isn't an attempt to do some kind of self-indulgent FFTCG content creator circle-jerk or anything like that. I've never actually met quite a few of the people on this list, and there are definitely times where I've disagreed wildly with some of their opinions. And that's okay! At the end of the day, we're all here because we genuinely love this game and want to share that love with the community. So go out there and show them some love right back! Leave a nice comment on their stuff! Hell, have an intense but polite discourse in the comments about why Dark Lord is actually the best card in the game and boost that engagement! Whatever!
At the end of the day, whether you're a veteran player or just starting out, I hope you can find some new content to enjoy this holiday season. And if you've ever spent two hours writing two paragraphs about cards, or even just put on pants to get in front of a camera and talk about your favorite new deck, I just want to tell you, you're doing great. Keep up the awesome work. 🔰
Choco Billy
Choco Billy absolutely pounds the pavement every week with the Card Combo Show, showcasing some unique, cool, and weird combos for cards that don't always see the much play in the meta. As somebody who appreciates unconventional approaches to deck building, I love watching his stuff and having that "Oh wow, I totally forgot about that card. I should try that!" moment.
ShantottoCast
Along with having indisputably excellent taste in Final Fantasy heroines, Eric and Ty of ShantottoCast have been cranking out long-format FFTCG videos for several years now. They even have been doing "Fix-it-Fridays" where they help people improve their deck submissions, which is a really clever idea. I have the distinct feeling I should be submitting some of mine to those...
ReadyCheckRaideo
There are times where it feels like squeezing water from a stone trying to think of interesting things to say for a substantial article, so anyone who can just get on camera and talk for hours about the FFTCG like the fine fellas of ReadyCheckRaideo can deserves some serious respect. If you're a fan of FFXIV, you'll want to check out their Relic Grind Podcast too.
Ohh... Raideo. Like Raids from Final Fantasy XIV... I just got it.
Final Fantasy Crystarium
As an Onion Knight who is perpetually stuck at level 1, my chances of helping other players achieve greatness in the tournament scene have always been rather slim. But the Final Fantasy Crystarium is a great resource for players who have loftier aspirations. There's all kinds of articles about different game formats, advanced rules processes, and general helpful content written by players who aren't afraid of victory like I am.
The YunaYoungTeam
I've been watching the YYT's videos so often over the years that hearing them say "two copies of Star Sibyl" is practically ASMR to me now. Whether it's in-depth deck techs, match streams, or getting your daily dose of general Scottish-ness (very important for us Americans), there's something for everyone here.
That Guy Jye
After watching That Guy Jye's content, I can't help but feel like he would probably be one of the coolest people at any given FFTCG event, so it's just lucky for all of us that he's all the way in Australia. In addition to streaming lots of different kinds of gaming content, you can find him unboxing new sets of FFTCG cards, doing spoiler videos, and more.
Travis 'Rudrose' Pfeifer
Unbeknownst to Mr. Pfeifer, he's found himself engaged in a one-sided CONTENT RIVALRY with me due to the fact that he's pretty universally liked among the FFTCG community. Expect lots of different deck builds, interviews with community bigshots, and the unrestrained energy of a theater kid at a Denny's the night after a show. Who am I kidding? Even I have to doff my Onion Helm to him for turning his Crystal Dominion spoiler into a super fun song.
RVA Returners
So I guess this is where I start shilling for the cool kids, but with all the experience that the team has, it's no wonder so many people have taken a trip to the Returners Hideout. With everything from podcasts on Soundcloud to live streams on Twitch, you can thoroughly gorge yourself on FFTCG content. They were also kind enough to have me on a few times in years past to get my thoughts on cards, which I can only hope they haven't come to regret.
KP Talks
KP Talks has some really informative blog posts and videos that are written from a fairly unique perspective: breaking down his own performance in tournaments and matches, and analyzing plays on a turn-by-turn basis. KP does a great job of explaining the rationale behind his choices, and as somebody who finds the tournament scene confusing and scary, I can't help but appreciate that.
Exdeath the Wizard
An ancient and malevolent entity who has taken to chastising foolish worms and having in-depth discussions about card games on Facebook. Unsubstantiated rumors claim that this is actually the page of Alex Hancox, which must be a pretty big deal considering that I own a card with his name on it. Either way, if you ever wanted to know what a tree in a suit of armor thinks about card games, here's your chance.
EmoTempest has a lot of different varieties of FFTCG content available for your viewing pleasure. Their Tales from the Abyss series is very entertaining, and I've always found their videos to be thoughtful and even-handed. Also God damn, just look at those slick banners. I'm still here struggling to figure out proper line spacing.
Shikadi
Have you ever been looking through the tournament results of FF Decks and seen people running something called a "Shikadi Deck"? Well this is the guy behind that. He has a real knack for coming up with game-winning combos, so it's hardly surprising that so many people hold his content in such high esteem.
TCGTacos
White Mage
I guess some of us out there have a little less trouble figuring out what our class specialization will end up being. Some of us are also a little less intimidated by hosting and creating tournaments, since White Mage here is the originator of popular Cure Series Tournament. Apparently the events are now pants-optional, which is good news for all you other mages out there.
ArmastusLive
What's equal parts exhilarating and anxiety inducing? Watching unboxings of FFTCG cards of course! There's lots of longer-format live streamed FFTCG content to chill out to on Armastus's channel, including general musings, opening boxes on the hunt for rare cards, and more.
And there you have it! These guys really are awesome, so go and shower them with all the love and praise you can manage - just don't forget to come back to your curmudgeonly Onion Knight when you need a proper dose of humor, insight, sarcasm, and general card game frippery. For now, I'm going to try to figure out if combining Dancers with Sky Pirates is actually doable or just the frenzied dream of a mad man.
Until next time - Keep on grinding,
Until next time - Keep on grinding,
