Recross the Paths

Madness? This is TEMPO! In this conversation, Joey unpacks Truly Maddening Tempo , a decision-rich cube where every card can be used for three mana or less. We discuss the value of a consistent playgroup, making and breaking design rules, finding inspiration in other cubes, and much more. Truly Maddening Tempo on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/42387891-39c3-4eef-852f-17cb6ee7c52f J...

In this episode, Sam gives us an overview of both Too Long, Didn't Read , a cube where cards can't have more than five lines of text, and The Circle of Life , a cube where all of your creatures have emerge! We discuss Sam's experience at CubeCon, what he learned from feedback and what's next for his projects. We discuss considering feedback, balancing accessibility and complexity,...

A busy schedule means a quick bonus episode. Bones and I (on very little sleep) reflect on an amazing trip to visit friends and play games. Be part of Cube Gratitude ! Send in an audio clip about what you're thankful for in the cube space. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsZ78VJIDazkuY8AZ4AKgsTVOKpwU_Ks3o4YpkkB0tui2cJw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111921507938458899914 Email the sho...

This week, John (CrimsonYoshi) guides us through the curated chaos of Hackett Cube , a low-powered environment that celebrates a mad scientist approach to repurposing cards from yesterday and today. We also explore his insightful blog detailing a year away from the project and the changes that came from the reflection. We unpack not designing at the peaks of power, putting complexity budget where...

This week, Tom guides us through this deeply color-imbalanced, punishing environment where Black and Red rule and Bant offers power at a dangerous cost. This cube challenges players and design conventions in unexpected and delightful ways. We discuss building the best version of the experience you want, embracing what stands out about your project, not putting grapes in your ice cream, and much mo...

Now we reach the grand finale, Animale, carnivale. Noises new to sea and land Issue from the skillful band. (Ogden Nash) In this conversation, Celaena guides us through The Menagerie: Critters and Creepers - a collection of fantastic beasts that defy cube conventions. This is also Celaena's first cube project! We discuss embracing the support of your community, not playing the idea of a cube,...

This week, An helps answer the question "what's in a name?" Or perhaps, "what's a name in ?" All 360 cards in the A(n) Cube feature An's name. We also explore her personal website where she documents different parts of her cube journey through writing. Join us as we explore thinking about thinking about cube, celebrating the joy of surprise, separating gameplay and...

Welcome to the Jam! On this episode, Dan shows off Hoopin, a basketball-flavored cube that has you fighting over the ball. Make sure you check out the Visual Spoiler on CubeCobra - it's a work of art! We explore going deep on a theme, balancing accessibility with aesthetics, what brings players back for a second draft, and much more. Hoopin on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/hoo...

On this episode, Leland welcomes us into The An-Havva Inn, a medium-high-powered, graveyard-focused, bar cube. We explore the value of number crunching, how fixing impacts archetypes, and cherishing the Dermotaxis in your life. Leland is the host of a monthly conversational Magic-focused podcast. Be sure to check out Wild Dogs on Spotify and YouTube! The An-Havva Inn on CubeCobra: https://cubecobr...

This week, Ben guides us through his gargantuan art project - a fully hand-drawn cube! Each card in bbsheps vintage cube was individually illustrated, painted, and cut out with a scalpel to prepare for the table. We discuss wrestling with perfectionism as an artist, evaluating legitimacy of proxies, putting part of yourself into things you care about, and much more. bbsheps vintage on CubeCobra: h...

This week, Dirk talks about turning trash into treasure with the Trash Bag Cube , a collaborative project built from the local bargain bin. We also unpack his journey from a tournament grinder to a cube designer and what he's learned along the way. We explore creating positive discomfort, playing Magic for the love of the game, and remembering that no cuber is an island... not even the Blue pl...

Andy graciously shares his passion this week by introducing us to Lucky Paper's Cube Fellowship , an opportunity to support the community by equipping dedicated players to participate in grassroots cube events. We explore attempting to define the cube community, the necessity of intentionality in community- and relationship-building, the value and growth of small cube events, and much more. Pa...

This week, Heather guides us through a tour of fascinating projects, starting with Urza's Saga Cube where players begin with the namesake card in their pool. From an Ancient Tomb-centric Dan-Dan variant, to a land-rich and threat-light desert, to a Rochester Planechase draft, there's plenty to be inspired and encouraged by. We discuss constructed influence on cube design, hosting proxy Vin...

Get a Clue! This week, Jake guides us through his mystery-inspired, blue-focused environment that centers around a Clue-creating emblem. He also talks about some of his work writing creative text for Wizards of the Coast. We discuss balancing flavor and mechanics, using every part of a design element, the value of Tamiyo in Magic fiction, and much more. Jake on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/maels...

This week, Chris shares some experiences from his local cube community that shape how he engages with the game. We unpack lessons he's learned on how you can support those around you wherever you fit in the group. We explore interrogating decisions, knowing when to ask for help, seeking inspiration outside the game, and much more. Chris is iwasacashew on Discord Though we don't talk about...

Recross the Paths crosses the ocean for this week's chat! In this colorful conversation, J.Mul guides us through the Prismatic Desert, an all-gold desert cube. Together we explore embracing challenging experiences, learning valuable lessons in spite of outcomes, meeting your heroes, and much more. Prismatic Desert on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/Prismatic%20Desert J.Mul on Cu...

This week, Derek guides us through Falls Cube, a beautiful medium-powered Eternal environment that has evolved over more than a decade. We discuss pivot archetypes, taking steps to welcome people into your cube, the joy and privilege of sharing cube with your family, and much more. Falls Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/FallsCube Derek on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user...

Three heads are better than one! This week, the team behind the Chicago Cube shares their philosophy for the project and the value of working as a team. We explore the use of lighthouses in cube design, trusting your friends, a reasonable amount of trash talk, and much more. The Chicago Cube on CubeCobra ⁠https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TheChicagoCube⁠ The Chicago Cube Discord (thanks Kyle!) h...

There's no school like the Oldest School! Alex guides us through The Oldest School, a nostalgic retro-frame environment where Shivan Dragon and Serra Angel rule. We discuss recreating the feel of playground Magic, the power of Thawing Glaciers, creating the cube only you can create, and more. The Oldest School on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/oldestschool Alex on CubeCobra: ht...

Saddle up for a wild ride through the Okk Corral! Jesse guides us through this bespoke (besp okk e?) environment that celebrates everyone's favorite lumbering goblin. We discuss the importance of goals, giving players space to explore, depth behind the gimmicks, and more. Showdown at the Okk Corral on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/OkkCorral Jesse on CubeCobra: https://cubecobr...

This week, Brendan guides us through The Kuleshov Cube, a non-Red, enchantment- and graveyard-focused cube. We meander through discussing the Jace test, Crash Bandicoot, legibility, tentpole cards, package-based design, and more. Brendan on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/griselbrand.com Brendan is haganbmj on Discord The Kuleshov Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/meaning The K...

Pink Sleeves was all my joy, Pink Sleeves was my delight. This week, Stephen guides us through Pink Sleeves, the blog and the eponymous cube. We discuss atomic effects, a library of agency, how accessibility and simplicity aren't the same, and much more. Pink Sleeves (the Blog): https://zoydraft.tumblr.com/ Pink Sleeves (the Cube) on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/pink Stephen...

Recross the Paths is one year old! Kade takes a moment this week to celebrate how far the project has come. For those curious, the first episode aired as a podcast on June 25th, 2024. Regular interviews resume next week. Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, my good friend Bones gives us a tour through the Sticker Cube, a wild project about building community through collaborative game design. We unpack the particulars of his version as well as the resources he's made available for you to create your own. We discuss managing mental load in complex projects, breaking singleton, lots of artists, and much more. Sticker Cube Resources Keywo...

This week I'm joined by Noah, the Cube Dungeon Master. We wax poetic about Old-Frame formats like Old School as well as the Alternate History Powered Cube, his take on a Vintage environment without select design decisions from the last five years. We discuss the vibes-spreadsheet spectrum, Descartes, the Cube Dungeon, and much more. Noah on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/611ab36a72...