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

Joey on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/fe7890c6-d08d-49cf-b2af-6962270e6e2d

Joey is @joeynem on Discord

Email the show at [email protected]

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, leaning into what makes a cube unique, and much more.

TL;DR on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TLDR

The Circle of Life on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/EMRG

Sam is finmint on Discord

If you'd like to be part of CUBE GRATITUDE this year, follow the link below to upload a recording. You can also email the show at [email protected]. Submissions close soon!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsZ78VJIDazkuY8AZ4AKgsTVOKpwU_Ks3o4YpkkB0tui2cJw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111921507938458899914

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 show at [email protected]

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 it belongs, keeping sight of your pet cards, and much more.

Hackett Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/sd4

Make sure to check out the Blog for the write-up! - https://cubecobra.com/cube/blog/blogpost/4a9f3e75-9b4d-4913-82fe-6bdfb762f8bf

John on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5fca9a3abada5f7f150c8b6c

John is .crimsonyoshi on Discord

Cube Gratitude 2025 - Follow the link below to share what you're thankful for in a special episode during the week of Thanksgiving: https://forms.gle/dFo3q1QoLxTRjm8j9Email the show at [email protected]

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 more.

Volcano Manor on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/Volcanomanor

Untap T.O.: https://untap.ca/

Tom is ctide on Discord

Cube Gratitude 2025 - Follow the link below to share what you're thankful for in a special episode during the week of Thanksgiving: https://forms.gle/dFo3q1QoLxTRjm8j9

Email the show at [email protected]

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, being gracious with yourself, and much more.

The Menagerie on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/themenagerie

Celaena on Moxfield: https://moxfield.com/users/CelaenaSword

Celaena on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/celaena.bsky.social

Email the show at [email protected]

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 analysis, and much more.

An's Website: ⁠https://anoddandanend.com/⁠

An is @recursiveacronym on Discord

A(n) Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/an

Email the show at [email protected]

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/hoopin

Dan on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/dant.bsky.social

Dan is @brinkleysound on Discord

Email the show at [email protected]

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://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/anhavvainn

Wild Dogs on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VYrLLsN9eSm0uPzwWva2A?si=525d3957255045cf

Wild Dogs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildDogsPod

Leland is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilddogspod

... and on most socials @WildDogsPod

Email this show at [email protected]

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: https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/bbsheps?view=spoiler

Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbshepsmtg/

Ben on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/bbsheps.bsky.social

Ben is @bbsheps on Discord

Email the show at [email protected]