State of the Armory: October
I’m coming at you for the first time in what hopefully would be a monthly article reviewing the armoury events that are happening in October.
I’m coming at you for the first time in what hopefully would be a monthly article reviewing the armoury events that are happening around Singapore in October (mostly on Discord though because of the ‘endemic’).
First, a little self-introduction. I’m Brandon, also known as BeefTheNoob. Not to be confused by the many people named Brandon in the FAB community, I am an 18-year-old student on a tight budget. Therefore, my reviews would tend to skew more towards budget players and the inherent value that such events provide. With this in mind, let’s move on to my first ever armoury review.
Disclaimer: The following reviews are in no way representative of the communities’ views towards these LGS. These reviews are my raw (and unsponsored) thoughts and opinions.
Bricksplay
Location: (Online) 183 Toa Payoh Central, #02-278, Singapore 310183
Time: Monday 8pm
Format: Classic Constructed
Cost: $10 (comes with 1 UL pack)
Level of Competition: Seeds of Agony (High)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact: Victor Teo 9853 6953
On the surface, this seems like a great place to grind out CC games, even better if you’re on a budget. First place gets a [RF Oldhim] which does seem to be the norm. The [CF Titan’s Fist] is a little more complicated to get though. The number of wins + 1 = the number of CF raffle tickets you get, which will then be used in the raffle for that sweet hammer (although my favourite is still Anothos).
Playmat wise, 2 is given out monthly, with the number of chances one has equal to the number of armories attended. Do bear in mind that attending just one armory does not give you a chance at all, but even if it did, you gotta be really lucky to get one so uhm… join 2 at least.
I am getting a strong impression that their community is large and growing, which makes it an almost guarantee that their armory would fire. One should note that this is also the shop that hosted Singapore’s first RTN, which solidifies its image as a competitive place to jam out games.
Verdict: Want to get better at CC? Fight off the Monday blues? This armory is just right for you. More players mean more competition, which is perfect for spikes unlike myself. Newbies? You might want to take a step back and cower in fear before attending this armory.
Card Nation
Location: (Online) Blk 132 Marsiling Rise #01-226 Singapore 730132
Time: Saturday 8.30pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $10 (comes with 1 Mon pack)
Level of Competition: Red Pummel (Moderate)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact: Card Nation 9008 8091
Card Nation’s exchange system is a little different. Packs are not homogenous, meaning that you have to accumulate 20 packs of Monarch specifically to exchange for a box.
As for prizing, it’s also different too. This time, the top player gets [CF Titan’s Fist] while the rest of the players have a chance to receive the [RF Oldhim] and 6 [RF Polar Blast]. This sets the shop apart from the rest as top players are rewarded with that CF instead, which is more often than not worth more.
As for the playmat, it runs on a point system, where every armory nabs you points = no. of wins + 1. 40 points to exchange for a playmat, which is randomly chosen via a wheel.
Verdict: Card Nation is the place to go if you are looking to put your skills to the test and grind for that hammer and playmat. However, for value hunters who are looking to crack open boxes, there are better options out there to accumulate and exchange boxes of your choice.
Daimonji
Location: (Online) 1 W Coast Dr, #01-38 Newest, Singapore 128020
Time: Friday 11pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $15 (comes with 2 UL packs)
Level of Competition: Red Pummel (Moderate)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 2 months for a box)
Contact: Yang 9777 8703
Want to cool off after a tough week at work? Just finished Mana Pro’s armory and itching for more? Look no further than Daimonji’s late night armory. Usually running till about 1am, Daimonji’s armory is what keeps me awake on Friday nights.
The prize structure at Daimonji is as follows. First place gets a [RF Oldhim] while Top 2-7 gets a [RF Polar Blast]. Another [RF Oldhim] as well as the widely sought after [CF Titan’s Fist] is up for lucky draw. This looks like an even mix of fun and spike to me. Extra packs are also given out if there are 16 players or more.
One playmat will be given out to a player that has joined at least 2 armories. The other? The People’s Champion (uhm what’s this?)
Anyways, Daimonji also has a different pack system as compared to other shops. Monarch boxes need only 14 packs to exchange while Welcome to Rathe need the usual 20. Arcane Rising and Crucible take 22 packs. So… if you want to hop on the Prism hype after the Vegas Calling, here’s a good place to start. Do bear in mind that packs expire at the end of December for this year so you might want to start accumulating soon.
Verdict: Daimonji is a great place for players to kick back and relax after an exhausting week. You’ll find me here on Fridays, impatiently waiting for the armory to start and hurriedly rushing off to play late night mahjong after.
PS : Don’t tell anyone but uhm keep a lookout for flash deals regarding pack exchanges ahem ahem.
Dueller’s Point
Location: (Online) Hougang Ave 10, Blk 450, #B1-541 Singapore, Singapore 530450
Time: Monday 8pm
Format: Classic Constructed
Cost: $10 (comes with 2 UL pack or 1 TOA 1st edition)
Level of Competition: Red Pummel (Moderate)
Store packs for box: Yes (24 packs) (Around 3 months for a box)
Contact: Kwok Yang 9476 6080
At first glance, DP offers great value for money, seeing that you get 2 packs instead of the usual 1 at this price point.
Prizing wise, the [CF Titan’s Fist] is given out in the lucky draw, with your chances to win = number of wins + 1. This is followed by 6 [Polar Blast] that are given away to non-prize winners with equal chances. Do take note that you need to play at least 2 rounds to qualify.
At the end of the month, 4 [RF Oldhim] and 1 playmat would be given out to players, with their chances being the number of armories attended + number of wins throughout the month.
Verdict: While this armory seems fairly competitive, one might argue that the competition is at a low cost as a result of the 2 UL packs. This armory is for therefore welcoming to both new and seasoned players. I will head over there as soon as my heart stops beating crazily whenever I play in a competitive event.
Flagship Games
Location: (Online) 45 Jalan Pemimpin 03-01A Singapore 577197
Time: Saturdays 2pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $10 (comes with 1 UL pack)
Level of Competition: Red Pummel (Moderate)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact: Sam 96318356
At Flagship, the price structure is fairly balanced, with 4 [RF Polar Blast] being given to the top 4 as well as to 4 other lucky draw winners. Every win nabs you an additional shot at the [CF Titan’s Fist], with a base of one chance per person. First place brings home a [Oldhim RF].
At the end of the month, 1 playmat will be given out to participated, who have chances equal to the number of armories they have participated in.
Verdict: Sadly, this armory falls short in value for me as compared to other armories which give away 8 [RF Oldhim] throughout the month. Other than that, this seems like a fairly decent option for Saturday armories if the rest are overcrowded. You might just have a higher shot at 1st place and lucky draw.
PS: A little ice quake told me that most prizes are won by people with only one chance so uhm… lose more?
Gallant Games
Location: (In-Store) Blk 443 Clementi Ave 3 #01-71 (2nd Floor), Singapore 120443
Time: Any day 7pm
Format: Blitz/Classic Constructed
Cost: $20 (comes with 1 UL pack and full art promo)
Level of Competition: Seeds of Agony (High)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact: Ian 9868 7313
Gallant Games offers a unique take in their armory, Players will play their matches throughout the week in-store, which is a rare find in the current Covid-19 situation.
As for the prize structure, first place gets a [CF Titan’s Fist] while a [RF Oldhim] would be given out to the remaining players.
As for the playmats, it’s based on the Player’s Champion system. (still no idea what this is)
Verdict: Although on a pricier side, Gallant Games offer a highly competitive and rewarding armory, seeing that the [CF Titan’s Fist] is given to first place. This, along with a small yet dedicated player base, means that you might just have a higher chance of bringing that hammer home. However, for someone like me, who is both a cheapo and a noob, there are better options for me elsewhere.
Games Haven (Paya Lebar)
Location: (Online) 736 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389647
Time: Sunday 2pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $15 (comes with 2 UL packs)
Level of Competition: Red Pummel (Moderate)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 2 months for a box)
Contact: Yaqiong 9768 7795
Having a similar prize structure as Daimonji, where first place gets a [RF Oldhim] while Top 6 gets a [RF Polar Blast]. While another [RF Oldhim] as well as [CF Titan’s Fist] is up for lucky draw. Into posters and extra packs? They give away those in the lucky draw as well.
Playmat wise, 2 is distributed monthly. One to a player who has taken part in all 4 weeks while another is given to the player with the most wins. Once again, this seems like a fair distribution.
Verdict: PLGH is a decent place between both extremes. Whether you are a spike (like Zac who always plays Dorinthea) or a newbie like me, PLGH is the place to grind out your Sunday armories.
PS: Rumor has it that they are hosting a major CC tournament at the end of the month so grab your Prisms and idk… Chane? (if he’s still a thing) and head over there.
Gamersaurus Rex
Location: (Online) 259A Upper Thomson Road Singapore, Singapore 574386
Time: Wednesday 7.30pm
Format: Classic Constructed
Cost: $10 (comes with 1 UL pack)
Level of Competition: Cracked Bauble (Low)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 6 months for a box 24 packs)
Contact: Chu Heng 9072 8300
All prizes, including 2 [RF Oldhim], 1 [CF Titan's Fist] and 6 [RF Polar Blast] are given out through the lucky draw. A requirement of 2 rounds to be played to qualify for the lucky draw keeps those with big pockets away from us with tiny ones, which is a bonus.
Let’s take a look at the playmat situation. The playmat lucky draw is kind to players who cannot commit to attending all armory events, offering a fair chance as long as you play in at least 2 of their armories.
Verdict: With prizes not dependent on skills, this is the place for new players to break into the Classic Constructed format. It serves as a no-stress environment for new players to find their footing as they break into a new format. I might find myself there… although I find myself being put off by the 24 packs for a box instead of the usual 20.
Glee Gamers
Location: (Online) 74 Lor 4 Toa Payoh, #02-02, Singapore 310074
Time: Thursday 8pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $15 (comes with 2 UL Pack)
Level of Competition: Red Pummel (Moderate)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 2 months for a box)
Contact: Gary 85338080
Glee Gamers have a similar season pass system to Mana Pro. Being able to pay $50 for 4 armory sessions instead of $60, the $10 saved could go into I don’t know…. another armory?
First place gets a [RF Oldhim] while [CF Titan’s Fist] and 6 [RF Polar Blasts] are given out through the lucky draw. A neat point here is that players must play all matches in order to qualify for the prizes, so… there are less lucky draw prize snipers out there (Although I haven’t seen them in a while.)
At the end of the month, 1 playmat and the remaining 4 [RF Oldhim] would be given out in the month end lucky draw. Keep in mind that only players who attended all armories will qualify, meaning less players would be in the draw and a higher chance for those who choose to commit to playing the entire month, The other playmat will be given to a selected People’s Champion (which I still have no idea what it means).
Verdict: Similar to Mana Pro, Glee Gamers offer great cost savings as well as rewards players for consistently supporting them. I, for one, am sad that I am unable to qualify for the monthly draw since I missed one already and therefore can only yearn for their future month’s armories.
Kavdean’s Den / TableTop
Location: (Online) 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace, #03-48, Singapore 168976
Time: Weeklong 8pm
Format: Pauper/Blitz/CC
Cost: $10 (comes with 1 UL Pack)
Level of Competition: Red Pummel (Moderate)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact: Aaron 9826 9300 / Kelvin 9682 2673
The weeklong armory at KD/TT allows for players to spend about an hour a day playing FAB. This skirts around having to commit at least 2-3 hrs at once to sit down and play in an armory.
The prizing system at KD/TT is rather competitive, with top 8 getting a [RF Polar Blast]. As for the [CF Titan’s Fist], the top place would have a 50% chance of winning while the remaining 50% is shared among the rest of the participants.
As for the [RF Oldhim] and playmats, they would be given out in a lucky draw at the end of the month, with your chances being the number of armories you have participated in. Do note that participants can win multiple of these draws but then again, what are the chances of them doing so? (Stares at Dex)
KD’s armory also features a bounty system, where the previous armory winner and a random participant have a bounty over their heads. Defeat them and you get a pack. Lose? They get half a pack. This is certainly a unique system that adds fun stakes into the game.
Another fun fact about these 2 armories is that you are able to accumulate points. 3 points per win for armory and 9 points per win in their monthly championship. First to 1000 gets a CF Tunic!
Verdict: KD/TT rewards those who play well while also leaving it to luck to decide who ultimately wins. Don’t have time to sit down and play an armory in one shot? Need a place to grind to your heart’s content? This might be the armory for you.
The Imaginarium
Location: (Online) 430 Upper Changi Rd, #01-26, Singapore 487048
Time: Friday 8pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $10 (comes with 1 UL Pack)
Level of Competition: Seeds of Agony (High)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact Tim 90461717
The Imaginarium prize structure is rather competitive, offering [RF Oldhim] to the top 2 players while the 3rd and 4th players get a [RF Polar Blast]. 4 [RF Polar Blasts] is distributed to players not in the top standings via lucky draw, along with the [CF Titan’s Fist] which all players can get.
The level of competition is even greater when you take into account the calculation for your lucky draw chances, which is number of wins + 1.
One playmat is given out to the People’s Champion (I give up…). The Imaginarium has an interesting take on deciding who that is. They are hosting a Halloween themed competition, where players get to showcase their spookiest incorporations of FAB and compete for the most popular vote at the end of the month. Do bear in mind that contenders must participate in at least 2 or more armory events to qualify.
Verdict: While The Imaginarium’s prize structure is competitive and is therefore not very rewarding for newbies like me, its main draw, at least to me, is the community that it is building. The People’s Champion event that they host monthly is authentic and very light-hearted in nature which undoubtedly brings the community together. If only I had the creativity and confidence to take part… Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the awesome submissions that are sure to come throughout the month.
The Trading Card Shop
Location: (Online) Jln Malu-malu, 59D, Singapore 769674
Time: Tuesday 8pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $10 (comes with 1 UL Pack)
Level of Competition: Cracked Bauble (Low)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact: Wen Guang 9820 2795
TTCS offers a very casual blitz armory, with prizes of 1 [CF Titan’s Fist], 2 [RF Oldhim] and 6 [RF Polar Blast] being distributed through a lucky draw with equal chances for all.
Monthly lucky draw consisting of 1 playmat is raffled out to players, with chances equal to the number of armories the player has attended. Moreover, for every 2 armories attended, you receive an additional chance for the monthly raffle. The other playmat is given one again to the People’s Champion (OMG WHAT IS THIS).
Verdict: TTCS is the place to go if you are a new player looking to jam some casual blitz games. This is where I find myself enjoying the game the most instead of sweating buckets at other armories in hopes of winning a prize. It is also a great place to playtest and get familiar with your decks seeing as there is not much pressure to win.
Utopia Games
Location: (Online) 736 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389647
Time: Thursday 8pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $10 (comes with 1 UL Pack)
Level of Competition: Seeds of Agony (High)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact: Leon 8233 2534
Utopia Games seem to offer a slightly more competitive armory as compared to its other counterparts. One [RF Oldhim] is given out to the top player. Interestingly, while the [CF Titan’s Fist] and [RF Oldhim] is still being given out through a lucky draw, the lucky draw chances one gets is equal to the number of wins + 1. This sets it apart from other armories that give out those prizes with equal chances.
In regards to the playmats, it gives those who win more an edge. Lucky draw chances are consolidated throughout the armories and included in the monthly lucky draw for playmats. 2 playmats are up for grabs.
Verdict: Needless to say, Utopia Games rewards those who win while still offering a sliver of hope to those who don’t. This armory is for players who are confident in their blitz ability as well as are looking for a challenge. I myself would just stick to the corner of the room praying to get a prize through lucky draws at other armories due to my apparent inability to fight against all the Iras and Dorintheas lurking out there.
Mana Pro
Location: (Online) 144 Upper Bukit Timah Rd #01-34 Beauty World Centre, Singapore 588177
Time: Friday 8pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $10 (comes with $5 store credit)
Level of Competition: Cracked Bauble (Low)
Store packs for box: NIL (5 months if you intend to use store credit)
Contact: Mana Pro 8812 4470
The season pass feature is something that I really appreciate in Mana Pro’s Armory. The season pass allows you to pay $35 for 4 armories that would have cost you $40. That $5 is worth a lot to a cheapo like me.
Furthermore, the store credit of $5 is versatile and is $1 more than a UL pack, which is what you usually get for an armory at this price, I am disappointed in myself for not having even considered the season pass for this month.
Players with 3 wins get an additional $3, which is decent. 1 [RF Oldhim], 1 [CF Titan's Fist] and 6 [RF Polar Blast] are given out through the lucky draw. Players need to play at least one round to qualify for it.
You may be asking: Where did the remaining 4 [RF Oldhim] go? Well, it is given at the end of the month through the monthly lucky draw along with 1 playmat. The chances to get a playmat is determined by the number of armories you join, which is not a big deal if you get the season pass,
Verdict: Mana Pro offers great cost savings to those who are willing to commit their Friday nights to being whacked by Kodachis (yes, I’m very salty). However, because of their high turnout, lucky draw chances are lower, which is probably the reason why I’m hesitant, Good for them though! Who knows? I might give in to the gambler within me and join them soon.
Magstrength
Location: (Online) 7 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-4428, Singapore 150007
Time: Wednesday 8pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $10 (comes with 1 UL Pack)
Level of Competition: Red Pummel (Moderate)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact: Don 9830 9345
The prize structure at Magstrength lies on the more competitive side. Top 2 gets the [RF Oldhim] while the next 6 gets the [RF Polar Blast] The [CF Titan’s Fist] is given out in a lucky draw, so that’s something that slightly evens out the competitive field.
Their take on the People’s Champion is rather interesting. Each player may vote for one other person as the People’s Champion for each armory they attend (obviously you can’t vote for yourself), This leaves the 2 playmats in the hands of the players to give away, which gives players autonomy.
Verdict: Magstrength features a highly competitive armory, while also leaving that sweet CF to chance. The playmat system means that the winners are truly a People’s Champion. However, at the same time, it makes me wonder whether it is just the most popular players that win.
Mox and Lotus
Location: (Online) 789 Geylang Rd, 3rd Floor, Singapore 389675
Time: Saturday 7.30pm
Format: Blitz
Cost: $12 (comes with 1 Blue Diamond)
Level of Competition: Red Pummel (Moderate)
Store packs for box: Yes (Around 5 months for a box)
Contact: Zac 8779 9431
Mox and Lotus, in my opinion, is a hidden gem, which befits its name. Without going into too much detail regarding their prize structure, which is similar to other moderately competitive armories, Mox and Lotus has its own value for money traits.
This includes a playmat exchange system, where players are able to exchange for playmats of their choice. How cool is that?
However, their exchange system takes some time to get used to, which is probably why it remains a hidden gem. This, by all accounts, is good for players like me who are scouring the different armories for that minute piece of gold that has flicked under a table somewhere.
Yes, after this article is published, there would undoubtedly be people looking into exactly what Mox and Lotus has to offer. Which I guess… is for the greater good. Like a wise woman once said, ‘Roll the dough outwards’, or something to that effect.
Verdict: This armory is not for those who want to accumulate packs. It is instead for those who are on the hunt for playmats. As much as I really want to keep the community here a small one such that I can get all the value I want, I am willing to bet that only few would appreciate this gem and even fewer would give this place a shot.
PS: There’s a Halloween event on the horizon with really bad and horrible prize support so don’t come.
Finally… this took forever. I’m running out of steam counters and cards just like Thaddeus. If you’re still here, thanks for sticking with me till the end! Feel free to leave me some feedback as well as contact me if I have missed out any stores or I have made an error somewhere in this lengthy article.
If you’re new to the Flesh and Blood community, I do hope this helps kickstart your armory journey. To those who are not, well… maybe you found an armory that you would be interested to attend.
See you for the next one!
Suffering at the hands of Ira,
BeefTheNoob