First, I want to point out that Zoo isn't always aggro. There have been plenty of midrange Zoo decks in the past, and a lot of misguided discussions arose from the false assumption that Zoo = aggro.
"Zoo" just means that the deck runs more minions than spells, and the minions tend to have effects attached, like battlecry and deathrattle.
So yes, this is a perfect Zoo card, and yes, it's a perfect midrange card. In fact, it's actually a perfect midrange Zoo card.
This is the least bad of the caravan cards. Empty Warlock will definitely run it, and many others will too. The possibility of grabbing a Flame Imp is more than enough to make it worthwhile.
Yikes, so they are super serious about this archetype. I'm too lazy to go back are revise my other ratings, but I would do it if I cared. This one pushes the whole thing into "possibly legit" territory for me.
Elemental decks have made it to tier 2 before, and the new environment promises to be a lot more midrange-friendly than previous attempts. I think it has a chance. Also, I think the new Elementals are a significantly more cohesive package than previous attempts.
The Hex effect is going to be extremely important all the time now. Even if you're not a full Elemental Shaman, you might consider running a bit of an Elemental package just for this. (But seriously, why would you not be a full Elemental Shaman? EDIT: Oh, right, stupid Murlocs.)
It's frankly a little underwhelming. I keep looking at the card, squinting at it, wondering, "Am I reading that right? It's just worse Cinderstorm with Lifesteal?"
That's like saying it's just a worse Ford Fiesta with $50,000 in the glove compartment.
This is not a great card. However, if you are down to a small hand, you don't exactly need the discount since you have nothing else to spend mana on anyway. It just seems like it will be awkward so much of the time.
It's generally good, but I don't think I want to run it with Saurfang.
Any Rush + Frenzy is automatically good, but this effect ... good grief. Auto-include for every Warrior.
(A super-fast aggro Warrior might not use it, but I don't see that archetype happening this time around.)
The final design team thought it was strong, but they made it even stronger?
Arguably even better than SSS. Will definitely be nerfed in the first balance patch. If you are a budget player, do not craft a deck around this.
Amazing card for control!
I just want to point out -- as Liv pointed out and then immediately dismissed -- that it's pronounced "ranker."
The pronunciation "RANG-core" is reserved for the monster from "Return of the Jedi."
First, I want to point out that Zoo isn't always aggro. There have been plenty of midrange Zoo decks in the past, and a lot of misguided discussions arose from the false assumption that Zoo = aggro.
"Zoo" just means that the deck runs more minions than spells, and the minions tend to have effects attached, like battlecry and deathrattle.
So yes, this is a perfect Zoo card, and yes, it's a perfect midrange card. In fact, it's actually a perfect midrange Zoo card.
This is the least bad of the caravan cards. Empty Warlock will definitely run it, and many others will too. The possibility of grabbing a Flame Imp is more than enough to make it worthwhile.
Yikes, so they are super serious about this archetype. I'm too lazy to go back are revise my other ratings, but I would do it if I cared. This one pushes the whole thing into "possibly legit" territory for me.
I hate it when Murlocs are strong.
Oh, look. A sticky, cheap Murloc. Boring but effective.
Elemental decks have made it to tier 2 before, and the new environment promises to be a lot more midrange-friendly than previous attempts. I think it has a chance. Also, I think the new Elementals are a significantly more cohesive package than previous attempts.
It's perfect for its intended purpose -- halting aggro. Whatever else you may want out of it is asking too much.
This minion is a dream come true for midrange Elemental decks.
So glad it's not a Murloc. That makes is just as bad as all the other Caravans. Start of turn is the worst trigger.
The Hex effect is going to be extremely important all the time now. Even if you're not a full Elemental Shaman, you might consider running a bit of an Elemental package just for this. (But seriously, why would you not be a full Elemental Shaman? EDIT: Oh, right, stupid Murlocs.)
It gets +2 each time. It's nuts.
This is much better than Eviscerate, so good riddance.
Oh my goodness, this card seems dangerous.
By all means, make the SSS and all the poisons come out even faster! Who needs chip damage from all those stealth minions?
Sigh ... where's Harrison when we need him? Nice time to take a break, Jonesy!
Miracle Rogue -- the archetype that just won't go away.
That's like saying it's just a worse Ford Fiesta with $50,000 in the glove compartment.
This is not a great card. However, if you are down to a small hand, you don't exactly need the discount since you have nothing else to spend mana on anyway. It just seems like it will be awkward so much of the time.
I'll stick with Apotheosis for now.