Written by Jim Ziegler

August is a busy month at your favorite game escape, with something big happening in every game under the sun!

After a couple month delay, it’s finally time for the Warhammer 40K Kill Team tournament. While Warhammer 40K is usually played with large armies, Kill Team focuses on smaller groups of units, almost treating each one as a hero unit to focus on. Notably, a similar transition from armies to small groups was the inspiration for the earliest version of Dungeons & Dragons, as well as the first MOBA games, which remain popular among major league esports.

 

This week also sees the newest Lorcana release, Shimmering Skies. With Ursula’s plans finally foiled, the Illumineers and Glimmers finally have a chance to relax and celebrate their success. But far above, the Great Illuminary is beginning to crumble. It’s up to you, along with the trusty team of Glimmers in your deck, to stop the Great Illuminary from collapsing before it’s too late!

In the world of Pokémon, the World Championship in Honolulu is rapidly approaching, but that doesn’t mean we won’t have events in Hilo, as well. This Sunday marks the second Pokémon Go League Challenge, followed immediately by the Pokémon Trading Card Game League Challenge. Shrouded Fable, the mini set focused on the Loyal Three and Pecharunt also hits the shelves this Thursday, just in time to be legal at the World Championship next weekend. And let’s not forget Popplio Community Day on August 31st!

 

Finally, the Yu-Gi-Oh Quarterly Regional Qualifier is coming up at the end of the month, so make sure your duel deck is ready to go!

 

Whew! If Wizards of the Coast’s release schedule isn’t enough to wear you out, just stop by Gam3Escape in August and embrace the chaos.

GATHER FOR MAGIC

Bloomburrow Booster Draft

Friday, 6:00 PM

The tails are tiny, but the adventures are big in Bloomburrow, Magic’s newest set. Explore the valley with Ral, Mable, and others in Gam3Escape’s release draft event. Sealed format, 3 packs. Entry: $25

 

Standard Showdown

Saturday, 3:00 PM

Tiny tails, big adventures, Standard format! The first Standard Showdown of the Bloomburrow meta is here! Bring your best deck, and battle it out for fun and prizes. Entry fee: $10

 

Casual Commander

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 PM.

The most popular format in Magic, Commander, is back on the table. Bring your favorite deck, or playtest a new one against other magicians. No entry fee: These battles are for honor, not prizes!

IN THE WORLD OF POKÉMON

Pokémon TCG League Challenge

Sunday, 3:00 PM

Best of 1 format, 30 minute matches, age divisions honored as much as possible based on participation. Deck lists are required, and must be submitted by 2:30 PM. Late and illegible deck lists may not be accepted. Prizes include packs, promos, and other Pokémon merchandise. Entry fee: $6.00

 

Pokémon Go League Challenge

Sunday, 2:00 PM

Join us for Gam3Escape’s first Pokémon Go League Challenge! Set up your Great League team and register them with the Gam3Escape tag, and be ready with a team sheet, available in-store. Full rules and restrictions here. Entry fee: $7.00

 

Pokémon League Casual Play

Monday and Saturday at 6:30 PM, Sunday at noon

The $10 entry fee comes with a pack of your choice from any in the store, as well as a promo pack.

 

TIME TO DUEL! Yu-Gi-Oh!

August Grand Prix Tournament

Friday 7:00 PM

Duel for supremacy in the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game. Earn OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $10

Advanced Constructed Tournament

Wednesday 7:00 PM

Duel for supremacy in the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game. Earn OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $10

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Shimmering Skies Release Event

Friday, 6:00 PM

Celebrate the release of Shimmering Skies at Gam3Escape. Learn to play with starter decks from any set, receive cool promos and prizes, and experience the magic! Entry: $10

 

Shimmering Skies Starter Deck Tournament

Saturday, 6:30 PM

Purchase a sealed league bundle that includes a starter deck of your choice plus a Shimmering Skies booster pack and 400-count deck box. These sealed decks can be used for the weekly Lorcana league. Entry: $25

 

Ursula’s Return Lorcana League

Monday, & Saturday, 6:30 PM

The adventures in the Inklands continue with Locana League. Bring your sealed deck, or join the fun! The initial entry fee includes a starter deck of your choice, a booster pack, and a 200-card deck box to keep your sealed cards from getting mixed up with your collection. Entry fee: $25 (one-time charge)

THIS MEANS WAR(HAMMER)!

Kill Team

Zoom in on the action and lead a single squad into combat, with modified rules to keep the action moving. Bring your best squad and prepare to battle. Entry: $15

 

Casual Warhammer

Sunday, 5:00 PM

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. At Gam3Escape, there is only Warhammer! Whether it’s a Tyranid terror or a Blood Angel battalion, stage your army and prepare for battle at the weekly Casual Warhammer event. 

 

Cardfight! Vanguard

overDress Constructed Tournament

Monday, 5:30 PM

Bring your cards and get ready to fight! Cardfight! Vanguard is back with weekly tournaments, every Monday night. Entry fee: $6

 

STAR WARS: UNLIMITED

Casual Play League

Tuesdays, 6:00 PM

Whether you’re an aspiring Jedi, a sinister Sith, or a bounty hunter looking for your next score, Star Wars: Unlimited has all the excitement of your favorite space opera in cardboard form.