I had a bad feeling with the reveals for this sub-expansion, now that all cards have been revealed, im definitely not happy with the direction for the upcoming times, i think we are going into an awful meta, unlike WotW which improved the game with original mechanics, less control-focus and improved diversity (with 2 black sheep, Kolgrim and Viy decks, so its not like it was perfect).
1. Binary cards are back!
Just like how many of the new cards are incredibly binary: they either play for way less than their provisions if countered, and way above if not.
The whole NR and ST archetypes are based on this type of risk.
2. Control might run rampant.
SY is the only of the 6 factions that got further support for control. And it was already dominating the meta (for anyone who watched the Masters this weekend, they know how many times pirate's cove was banned). Also, SK didnt get much control, but it wouldnt be the 1st time the new SK cards of an expansion arent able to take away the popularity of SK warriors (WotW SK Witchers, looking at you)
3. NR rework.
For those that dont know, NR was ALREADY fully reworked, less than 2 years ago, in the summer of '19, so it seems its the most problematic faction for the devs, its either overtuned or underperforming.
I cant say for sure how these reworked cards will do, but the charge archetype is dead - charges allowed you to stock up and play them later, sometimes this was more effective, now you cant, you need to use them immediately or you're wasting points, so they're like any other engines, its a bit of faction identity that is lost.
Perhaps its a trade-off: less versatility but with way more value (reworked old cards also tend to be "powercreepers", overtuned just like brand new cards)
(EDIT)
4) Return of 2 cards 1 turn. (and this pairs up with point 1. i mentioned)
I think it was like 8 months ago that they removed the leader abilities that allowed these type of combos, because they were unhealthy for the game.
And somehow, they decided to bring them back, although with a lot of risk - just look at NR and ST's legendaries, not to mention many of the bronzes, including the neutrals, they are opening a door that might make balancing way harder for them in the future, it should've stayed shut.
1. Binary cards are back!
Just like how many of the new cards are incredibly binary: they either play for way less than their provisions if countered, and way above if not.
The whole NR and ST archetypes are based on this type of risk.
2. Control might run rampant.
SY is the only of the 6 factions that got further support for control. And it was already dominating the meta (for anyone who watched the Masters this weekend, they know how many times pirate's cove was banned). Also, SK didnt get much control, but it wouldnt be the 1st time the new SK cards of an expansion arent able to take away the popularity of SK warriors (WotW SK Witchers, looking at you)
3. NR rework.
For those that dont know, NR was ALREADY fully reworked, less than 2 years ago, in the summer of '19, so it seems its the most problematic faction for the devs, its either overtuned or underperforming.
I cant say for sure how these reworked cards will do, but the charge archetype is dead - charges allowed you to stock up and play them later, sometimes this was more effective, now you cant, you need to use them immediately or you're wasting points, so they're like any other engines, its a bit of faction identity that is lost.
Perhaps its a trade-off: less versatility but with way more value (reworked old cards also tend to be "powercreepers", overtuned just like brand new cards)
(EDIT)
4) Return of 2 cards 1 turn. (and this pairs up with point 1. i mentioned)
I think it was like 8 months ago that they removed the leader abilities that allowed these type of combos, because they were unhealthy for the game.
And somehow, they decided to bring them back, although with a lot of risk - just look at NR and ST's legendaries, not to mention many of the bronzes, including the neutrals, they are opening a door that might make balancing way harder for them in the future, it should've stayed shut.
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