Im not necessarily a fan of their core card choices, but its easy enough to see where they're going with this. Removing those classic cards have substantially reduced the power level and options available, which makes it easier to design expansion cards. How many more times must we see face hunter, or token druid? and in nearly every zoolock there's always that familiar 1/3 taunt that existed since forever. Its hard to avoid designing around something that's just good for way too long, like Kill Command and Savage Roar.
There are of course cards which I think its a mistake to remove from standard, like Arcane Missiles, Swipe and Shield Block, there being no obvious replacements. But until I've seen the cards from Barrens, Im willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
I mean you're not wrong but that isn't really solving the issues. Fixing a balance issue by just creating a counter to it only really makes it so that now you feel obligated to play the decks that counter the problem deck. That is how you move toward those Rock/Paper/Scissors situations that everyone goes on about. You have the people playing Targon for the silence, then you have the people playing the Targon counter, and then you have people playing the counter to the counter. I feel like if a problem exists it always needs to be dealt with at the source rather than cover it up with band aids.
I'm lookin' forward to seeing what happens with Shaman.
I think the only cards I'm sad to see rotate are Bloodlust and Farsight, but everything else is better in practically every way.
Tidal Surge now has lifesteal, so the healing will stack with all that spell damage synergy Shaman's getting.
The buffs to the minions and the spells are great - Lightning storm will now be consistent instead of just disappointing, and throwing down Feral Spirit or Earth Elemental won't totally kill your next turn if you play them on curve.
Judging by the spells Shaman will have after rotation, it feels like Blizzard wants Shaman to be a class with strong spells for removal so they're minions can be used to secure victory.
Shaman had an interesting year in the Phoenix with Evolve, spell damage and totems, it'll be interesting to see where they go in the year of the Gryphon.
Congratulations! I am stoked for you! It’s a great feeling to break through into legend for the first time. Great work and enjoy the rewards!
If you’re looking for a great use for your Lorewalker Cho, check out WowHobbs on Twitch. He’s mostly a meme streamer, but he uses Cho in almost every deck. Lots of great shenanigans!
I think Air totem removal makes more sense from a balance perspective. You have a 25% chance of getting one more damage on all of your spells, which has won me many games. There are also cases where I have lost because I didn't roll the spell damage and couldn't get lethal or clear the board. It's true that now you will always lose those games that you could have won with the spell damage totem, but in general, I think it's a good change to reduce the level of RNG that can significantly sway the game. And besides, it looks like Blizzard likes the idea of spell damage Shaman, which means they will get a lot more consistent sources of spell damage.
These cards aren't gone forever. There is a good chance that they will come back in a later year when Blizzard thinks the time is right. Besides, balance and "fun" take precedence over being a 100% accurate depiction of the WoW universe.
Almost everyone on Reddit argues that the Tracking change is a nerf, and the way they justify it just sounds like people who try to make themselves look better than they are because they understand the "difficult to comprehend" value of deck thinning.
Discarding or burning cards from your deck almost never has any influence on the outcome of the game, since it's as if you never drew the cards in the first place. Tickatus is different because it mills so many cards, so it has a very high chance of putting you into fatigue several turns earlier and getting rid of your resources. In the case of old Tracking, the two cards that are discarded are often inconsequential. It can be seen as if Tracking always looked at the bottom 3 cards of your deck.
Hunter doesn't have the capability to consistently reach the point of the game where those 2 cards matter in or close to fatigue anyways (if you are in that situation, you're Huntering wrong), so you can't necessarily say that the discard is always a downside either. As you said, it comes to the situation the Tracking is used in. If you use it while you are (somehow) close to fatigue, then of course the discard vs. discover will make a large difference. On the other hand, if you use it in Deathrattle Hunter for instance and hit Oblivitron, Tonk and Rinling's Rifle, then you've put yourself in a rough spot.
There's so much changing that it's hard to say whether or not the Tracking change is better or worse. If Blizzard wants a slower combo/midrange Hunter deck to be meta (which actually looks like the case), the change could be a buff.
If there's one thing that I think we can agree on regarding the changes to Tracking, it's that it looks very strange with a rare gem in the middle.
That is a way to look at it. Of course ironically I feel like Jungle Giants would be a lot better in a game where you don't get to choose targets every attack and just go face.
We still have a lot of cards to see from Barrens so Priest and Paladin could get some decent Holy spells to pair well with this. Not sure what other class would have Holy spells, but really these two could benefit from this greatly. Paladin has always been more about building and buffing a board to control it and win the game, and Priest is kind of being pushed in that direction with more tempo based minions, including their new 1 drop.
But yes, Wild could benefit from something like this. But is a deck with this strategy good enough to overthrow Big Priest and Raza Priest? Not really sold on that idea. Might be good enough to see fringe play, but only more wide spread play in Wild if the meta turns.
I like the design. Not sure that any of these reputation cards are gonna be that exciting. The obvious pairing for Sivir is with Noxus in a 5 attack style deck but its able to work in other factions, maybe Demacia. I do worry that the reputation effect is just really awkward to trigger in most other factions, but I suppose you don't need to do so to make Sivir decent.
Isn't it good when a card that doesn't see play at all gets buffed!? Also current powerlevel suggests that a LOT of cards actually need a buff so this is more than fine imo
Classic: Don't know if that's a mode for me, but I'll give a try. Could be interesting. I started back in Un'Goro, so I never got to experience the absolute glory of coin-innervate-yeti or no-real-wincon-priest!
I don't find any of this confusing at all. Given all the Nature (and normal) Spell Damage flapping about, I'm very happy that Wrath of Air Totem and Lava Burst are out. If they were still in, Burn Shaman would be Tier 0, and there would be no room for any other Shaman archetype. Zapper alone makes Wrath of Air waaaay too strong of a highroll.
Darkmoon Rabbit would be better than anything, using vlone pants will help more to explore these. We know what N'Zoth, God of the Deep will make more power.
Yeah, I admit that it's a shame that we're losing that bit of flavour with the rotation. But I think it's probably necessary to make the classes feel new and interesting.
At least there's the possibility that cards like Bloodlust will return with the next Core after this one.
I love how far we have come with Totemic Might. It feels like only yesterday the entire community laughed at how useless it is, but now we're unironically giving it a joint obituary with Bloodlust and Flametongue Totem. I can't wait for newer players to go into the Classic format expecting it to be a good card.
I know, right? Like, I chuckled a bit when I wrote that.
But, it's kinda cool to see a card going from zero to hero, because of other cards. Goes to show that it's not just all power creep, but actually cards that push for archetypes so others can also shine.
Classic: Don't know if that's a mode for me, but I'll give a try. Could be interesting. I started back in Un'Goro, so I never got to experience the absolute glory of coin-innervate-yeti or no-real-wincon-priest!
BGH was staple at 3 mana because was worth stated for its cost and the meta decks used to use 7+ attack Minions like Ragnaros the Firelord, Dr. Boom or giants.
Nowadays with that Buff maybe some clases with lack of hard removals like druid or pally can use It when they are playing agro/token archetypes.
One thing that I am liking about this expansion so far is that the level up condition are less restrictive than those of call the mountain. I can see these champions finding home in many decks.
Can you remember how well rising tides was recieved when it was launched? It was amazing and I feel like the fallen empires will be such a set.
We get many new powerful cards and a new region which is not only good for saying NO! to every other deck and outgrind/ burry other decks in card advantage...
Like the game was great as long as targon didn't play a seroius role in it... lets hope these times return with fallen empires
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
Im not necessarily a fan of their core card choices, but its easy enough to see where they're going with this. Removing those classic cards have substantially reduced the power level and options available, which makes it easier to design expansion cards. How many more times must we see face hunter, or token druid? and in nearly every zoolock there's always that familiar 1/3 taunt that existed since forever. Its hard to avoid designing around something that's just good for way too long, like Kill Command and Savage Roar.
There are of course cards which I think its a mistake to remove from standard, like Arcane Missiles, Swipe and Shield Block, there being no obvious replacements. But until I've seen the cards from Barrens, Im willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Is Targon Ruining Your Enjoyment Of The Game?
I mean you're not wrong but that isn't really solving the issues. Fixing a balance issue by just creating a counter to it only really makes it so that now you feel obligated to play the decks that counter the problem deck. That is how you move toward those Rock/Paper/Scissors situations that everyone goes on about. You have the people playing Targon for the silence, then you have the people playing the Targon counter, and then you have people playing the counter to the counter. I feel like if a problem exists it always needs to be dealt with at the source rather than cover it up with band aids.
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
Except Truesilver which is not rotating.
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
I'm lookin' forward to seeing what happens with Shaman.
I think the only cards I'm sad to see rotate are Bloodlust and Farsight, but everything else is better in practically every way.
Tidal Surge now has lifesteal, so the healing will stack with all that spell damage synergy Shaman's getting.
The buffs to the minions and the spells are great - Lightning storm will now be consistent instead of just disappointing, and throwing down Feral Spirit or Earth Elemental won't totally kill your next turn if you play them on curve.
Judging by the spells Shaman will have after rotation, it feels like Blizzard wants Shaman to be a class with strong spells for removal so they're minions can be used to secure victory.
Shaman had an interesting year in the Phoenix with Evolve, spell damage and totems, it'll be interesting to see where they go in the year of the Gryphon.
Yet another First Time Legend
Congratulations! I am stoked for you! It’s a great feeling to break through into legend for the first time. Great work and enjoy the rewards!
If you’re looking for a great use for your Lorewalker Cho, check out WowHobbs on Twitch. He’s mostly a meme streamer, but he uses Cho in almost every deck. Lots of great shenanigans!
Congratulations again!
F2P Core 2021 only Zoo theorycraft
It was more of a challenge to myself to make deck out of only core cards... Just wanted to see what it would look like...
Should I open classic packs?
With all the coming changes to classic, should I open the packs I got from Brawl, or should I keep it until rotation hits?
Yet another First Time Legend
You go man! Enjoy that card back and the awesome feeling, you earned em both!
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
I think Air totem removal makes more sense from a balance perspective. You have a 25% chance of getting one more damage on all of your spells, which has won me many games. There are also cases where I have lost because I didn't roll the spell damage and couldn't get lethal or clear the board. It's true that now you will always lose those games that you could have won with the spell damage totem, but in general, I think it's a good change to reduce the level of RNG that can significantly sway the game. And besides, it looks like Blizzard likes the idea of spell damage Shaman, which means they will get a lot more consistent sources of spell damage.
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
These cards aren't gone forever. There is a good chance that they will come back in a later year when Blizzard thinks the time is right. Besides, balance and "fun" take precedence over being a 100% accurate depiction of the WoW universe.
How is Hunter Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
Almost everyone on Reddit argues that the Tracking change is a nerf, and the way they justify it just sounds like people who try to make themselves look better than they are because they understand the "difficult to comprehend" value of deck thinning.
Discarding or burning cards from your deck almost never has any influence on the outcome of the game, since it's as if you never drew the cards in the first place. Tickatus is different because it mills so many cards, so it has a very high chance of putting you into fatigue several turns earlier and getting rid of your resources. In the case of old Tracking, the two cards that are discarded are often inconsequential. It can be seen as if Tracking always looked at the bottom 3 cards of your deck.
Hunter doesn't have the capability to consistently reach the point of the game where those 2 cards matter in or close to fatigue anyways (if you are in that situation, you're Huntering wrong), so you can't necessarily say that the discard is always a downside either. As you said, it comes to the situation the Tracking is used in. If you use it while you are (somehow) close to fatigue, then of course the discard vs. discover will make a large difference. On the other hand, if you use it in Deathrattle Hunter for instance and hit Oblivitron, Tonk and Rinling's Rifle, then you've put yourself in a rough spot.
There's so much changing that it's hard to say whether or not the Tracking change is better or worse. If Blizzard wants a slower combo/midrange Hunter deck to be meta (which actually looks like the case), the change could be a buff.
If there's one thing that I think we can agree on regarding the changes to Tracking, it's that it looks very strange with a rare gem in the middle.
Sivir Champion Reveal and New Shurima Cards for Runeterra's Empires of the Ascended Expansion
That is a way to look at it. Of course ironically I feel like Jungle Giants would be a lot better in a game where you don't get to choose targets every attack and just go face.
New Shurima Spell - Payday
It's 2 spells for Lee Sin, and has a decent chance to give him overwhelm as well. This could be very disgusting
Spirit Healer
We still have a lot of cards to see from Barrens so Priest and Paladin could get some decent Holy spells to pair well with this. Not sure what other class would have Holy spells, but really these two could benefit from this greatly. Paladin has always been more about building and buffing a board to control it and win the game, and Priest is kind of being pushed in that direction with more tempo based minions, including their new 1 drop.
But yes, Wild could benefit from something like this. But is a deck with this strategy good enough to overthrow Big Priest and Raza Priest? Not really sold on that idea. Might be good enough to see fringe play, but only more wide spread play in Wild if the meta turns.
Sivir Champion Reveal and New Shurima Cards for Runeterra's Empires of the Ascended Expansion
Reputation is what Jungle Giants hoped to be?:)
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
Isn't it good when a card that doesn't see play at all gets buffed!? Also current powerlevel suggests that a LOT of cards actually need a buff so this is more than fine imo
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
I think its just taking away something iconic like wrath of air totem might take some time to get used to
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
That is called a mid-range deck, ok?:D
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
You might be surprised at how soon you get over these feelings.
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
I don't find any of this confusing at all. Given all the Nature (and normal) Spell Damage flapping about, I'm very happy that Wrath of Air Totem and Lava Burst are out. If they were still in, Burn Shaman would be Tier 0, and there would be no room for any other Shaman archetype. Zapper alone makes Wrath of Air waaaay too strong of a highroll.
Want to explore Menagerie Warrior?
Darkmoon Rabbit would be better than anything, using vlone pants will help more to explore these. We know what N'Zoth, God of the Deep will make more power.
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
Yeah, I admit that it's a shame that we're losing that bit of flavour with the rotation. But I think it's probably necessary to make the classes feel new and interesting.
At least there's the possibility that cards like Bloodlust will return with the next Core after this one.
How is Shaman Going to Perform in Hearthstone's Year of the Gryphon? Core Set Review
I know, right? Like, I chuckled a bit when I wrote that.
But, it's kinda cool to see a card going from zero to hero, because of other cards. Goes to show that it's not just all power creep, but actually cards that push for archetypes so others can also shine.
Classic: Don't know if that's a mode for me, but I'll give a try. Could be interesting. I started back in Un'Goro, so I never got to experience the absolute glory of coin-innervate-yeti or no-real-wincon-priest!
New Neutral Minion - Big Game Hunter
BGH was staple at 3 mana because was worth stated for its cost and the meta decks used to use 7+ attack Minions like Ragnaros the Firelord, Dr. Boom or giants.
Nowadays with that Buff maybe some clases with lack of hard removals like druid or pally can use It when they are playing agro/token archetypes.
Sivir Champion Reveal and New Shurima Cards for Runeterra's Empires of the Ascended Expansion
Can you remember how well rising tides was recieved when it was launched? It was amazing and I feel like the fallen empires will be such a set.
We get many new powerful cards and a new region which is not only good for saying NO! to every other deck and outgrind/ burry other decks in card advantage...
Like the game was great as long as targon didn't play a seroius role in it... lets hope these times return with fallen empires