Category Archives: keyforge

The Master Vault – the Keyforge App

apps, keyforge

Last Friday saw the release of The Master Vault app, a companion app (and website for those that don’t want to use the app) for Keyforge.

Hats off to FFG they were aiming to have it available for the Keyforge release, and it was on both iOS and Android.

Ok before I look at what the current state of play is with this initial release of the app, it should be noted that to use this app you need an Asmodee account. So if you don’t have one you will be prompted to create one, which is a fairly painless process. I’m assuming these Asmodee accounts will be used across various other apps/games also.

So with an Asmodee account setup, you login to the app, and it lets you do stuff. Like what? I’m not doing this in any particular order, but you can add a deck. Basically every deck apart from the 2 non-unique starter decks has a QR code that identifies it. Using the add deck option allows you to register that deck as yours by scanning in the QR code using the camera on your phone (you can also enter the code manually). A claimed deck earns you an ember.


The My Decks lists all the decks you have scanned in. Not only that it allows you to drill down to see the cards in the deck and also to remove it (this allows you to sell/give away the deck, and the recipient to register it). Eventually as you can see there will be more information about the deck that will track how well the deck has done in organised play.

The profile page gives you the ability to share your profile with others using the tried and true QR codes. While also summarising the treasure you’ve collected. Which we have already seen can be collected by buying decks and scanning them in. I’m also assuming you may get ember from organised play (seeing as there is no local events, not sure this will be much of an avenue to gain ember for me). I’ve no idea what happens when you get a key. Hopefully there will be some cool rewards in the pipe line.

I do like the buttons that allow you to jump around the functionality of the app from the various sections. It streamlines doing stuff without having to keep going back to the main menu.

The app does look nice. And I think this is the first time I’ve seen QR codes put to a good use within a game.

I’ve not confirmed this but Mike Hatcher (a Youtuber and entertainer – his channel is entertaining) said the only difference between the app and website is that the website allows you to look for Keyforge events near by. I also agree with his conclusion that this bit of functionality should be in the app at some point. It seems a logical thing to add.

FFG have been on record as saying that they want the Master Vault to be the one stop shop for Keyforge players. Which is a nice ambition for the app/website. I think this is a good start. I’m assuming they have their roadmap for where it’s going (would be nice to see it). And I’m sure the Keyforge community will have suggestions of what they would like to see in the app also. Especially after it’s been in their hands for a while.

I know several players would like to be able to play the game online. Is the Master Vault the right place to do this? I don’t think so. But there is no reason why it can’t be linked to your account, and make your decks available for you to play with in a separate app.

My first 2 Keyforge decks are called…

keyforge

I finally caved in and opened up 2 of my Keyforge decks to see what they are called.

I admit after watching stuff online over the weekend I was getting real curious about what I had.

Plus I wanted to try out the functionality of the Master Vault for my next post on a Keyforge related topic.

I’m happy that these 2 decks don’t share a house. So when I finally break the seal and play with them they will be different experiences.

The Awkward Region sounds like it’s somewhere I’d be right at home, or even a native. I like the wizard sounding name of Andromeda “Silverfish” Beligus. Even the art looks wizard like.

I want the decks when I play them to be a surprise. So I’m currently avoiding looking at the deck lists for these 2 decks. If you are curious about the cards in the deck you are welcome to look the decks up on the Master Vault. Just don’t spoil them to me.

At the moment the archetype of each house is still a bit confusing. I’m trying (probably wrongly) to match them to ones I’m familiar with within MtG. So which is the graveyard shenanigans house? Or which is the control/counter spell house? Once I’ve got my head round that I’ll know what houses I’m looking forward to in a new deck.

There are still 3 unopened decks. Which for a day or two will remain that way.

Keyforge Starter Set

keyforge

Thought I’d continue the bandwagon ride for Keyforge with a brief look at the Keyforge starter set.

It should be pointed out this is not a review, or a commentary about the game itself. Others do that stuff so much better than me. So go find them. I won’t mind.

This image taken off the internet shows basically what you get for your money.

The only thing it doesn’t show is the quick start rule sheet you get in the box, and the little marketing booklet for FFG games.

Unusually for FFG this starter set is everything 2 players need for the game. Technically the other starter sets they produce have been also, however if you wanted to deck build, or construct the decks so you can play without swapping cards between decks, you’d have to buy a second starter set. But this is more due to the nature of the game than anything FFG did on purpose.

I like that they provide 2 “learning” decks, but they will after you have played one or two games be consigned to the box, and only bought out to teach new players with. It should be noted these 2 decks can’t be used in organised play.

Including 2 unique decks to move onto, is a great touch. It gives players that path to grow. It introduces them to the concept of the unique decks, and starts exposing them to potentially more powerful cards and new keywords/mechanics.

This starter set is the only place to get official tokens for Keyforge from. Which has been one of the reasons some players have been buying the set. Although it’s not hard to use alternatives as long as it’s clear to both players what the alternatives represent. I for one will be replacing the ember tokens. But the cardboard used is the usual FFG quality, which is pretty good.

One thing I think this starter set is missing is a couple of player aids summarising the turn structure. Something like this one from MtG.


On the flip side or another card is also a diagram of the board showing areas of where cards go.

It’s not a big thing, and definitely not a costly addition, fractions of a cent for FFG to add them. But it would make that learning and teaching much easier.

Overall I think FFG have done a good job with the contents of the starter set. Decks can be picked up or around £8. So does this starter set represent good value for money? As an introduction to the game for new players, I think just about. Although it’s debatable whether you could realistically give the 2 learning decks the same value as the unique decks. The starters do after all have a limited life. Then it comes down to how much value is attached to the cardboard tokens and token cards.

It should be noted that there was not enough starter sets to meet demand/preorders, however a new printing hits stores in December (just in time for Christmas). So if you haven’t got a starter set and want one, you may find it really hard to come by one until the restock. Although it does appear that there is enough unique decks to meet demand. So if you can’t wait you can buy a unique deck, use alternatives for tokens, download the rules and start playing.

Jumping on the Keyforge bandwagon

keyforge

So from time to time you get boring Star Realms game play videos (like earlier today), I’ve started writing about the D&D sessions (new post imminent). You get some naff write ups of our board game groups meet ups. I totally go ott on the MtG posts. Those posts even have delusions of deck building skills. Finally from time to time I’ve vented on here with the odd rant.

I also think regular sufferers will appreciate by now I’m not one to miss a band wagon once in a while. So I’ve decided to jump on the latest one to hitting the gaming community and start talking about Keyforge.

Technically you could argue I’ve already started doing that with the couple of posts I written or talked about it.

My first experience of Keyforge at the Tabletop Gaming Live non-event was mixed. The first demo I played the deck didn’t gel with me, the second game was more enjoyable because I got the deck. I came away thinking it was ok. But hadn’t been blown away (I think that sums up the post succinctly.)

I’ve also expressed concerns over the FFG organised play kits. I don’t think FFG’s track record is good on this front. For me I think the success of Keyforge will be very dependent on this. I’m not bowled over with what I saw for the Prerelease (lanyards, badges or as our American friends call them pins). The release weekend stuff isn’t great in my opinion. Although the weekly kit looks ok at best.

In a very recent post I inelegantly expressed concerns over the legs of the game based on the nonexistent demand for the game at my FLGS. My FLGS acts as my barometer on games.

So I think the above summarises where I currently am on Keyforge and current “concerns” for the game.

I’m not sure how the coverage for Keyforge will develop. I’ll stumble around until I hit something I like and hopefully others will too. But be prepared to be bored…