We used to do Yankee swaps because my mother was one of 12. Each of them had 4ish kids. Now those kids have had kids... ect. We've fallen out of doing it recently as we are now spread across the country, but I have fond memories of picking out fun gift ideas that I know would be hot items! We basically had two camps. The Nerds, who loved anything Star Wars and the athletes. There was a Star Wars themed basketball or volleyball that went nuts one year!
I've actually worked most holidays, retail sucks, but this year my sister had a baby. Now I am going to go eat pie and play peekaboo! Nothing sounds better.
Neat they mapped out the year. Curious if Shrouded City will bring quests again as Un'goro did. Really looking forward to the End Time. Time travel and dragons, lets go! The Infinite flight have always been a favorite villain of mine. Looking forward to that awesome dragon art.
Had a good run so far. About 25ish packs (20 from gold, others from drops, brawl and reward track).
Dirdra, Rebel Captain - super fun card. Got it pre-brawl, only improved as I got more cards.
Farseer Nobundo - Haven't used this card much yet, looks neat. Gotta build out my collection a bit.
Archimonde - This is what I've spent most of my time on. Even without Kil'jaeden it's been a blast. With discover I've been able to play 2-3 copies of him a game. Focusing on taunt demons were I can made it really fun.
Rewards Track freebies:
The Gravitational Displacer - just as fun as I thought. Got like no neutral starships just running on pure steal and it's great.
The Exodar - Haven't gotten to use it yet. In my Rogue deck just didn't get a chance to send it. Gotta not be so greedy!
Edit: Launched Exodar, so worth it. Go for all the greed!
Edit2: Got Gorm the Worldeater a bit a go. Been fun trying to get him to work. Can get him out quite quick!
I kind of like the steal other classes' parts and combine them into a big ship. It sounds cool.
I do agree however that Burgle has been "the thing" for Rogue for too long. Even has someone who likes it, I wish they'd push other directions again just for variety.
That said I do love the combo stuff this set. Looks fun and Lucky Comet seems like a dangerous card to print. Just asking to be broken!
Deck discounts have historically been quite strong. The cost of shuffling your hand is high no doubt. Still I wonder if this won't see some use, especially in wild. Rogue has plenty of card draw. With enough spells or if they ever make another Spectral Pillager that can go face it could be scary. It's probably still to slow even with a perfect hand with prep or other discounts. Still It has some potential.
It's weird to say a 3 mana 12/12 isn't enough. I love the idea he's cool as heck but just too slow. I like the idea of a consistent deathrattle enabler though.
I love K'ara. "Infinite" spellburst is a cool idea, especially if you theme it around a spell school.
Random demons is a fun theme for Warlock. Though I think cards like Demonic Studies, currently in core, do it better than Abduction Ray. Still look forward to trying to makeArchimonde work.
Weird they only get one Draenei. At least it's a good one.
I like Saruun too but he definitely needs mana discounts, Aqua Archivist, to get him early. Pair him with Incindius for more fun! Sadly, Blasteroid seems like it would interrupt the elemental chain too often to be included. But who knows maybe it's not as bad as I fear.
I love weird cards but even I'm confused on Moldara. I don't see it. Maybe it's some future expansion thing but being untyped spell/minion and just Boulderfist Ogre stat line makes it feel like an unfinished card. Could use a battlecry to recast spores or do something for every spore you cast this game, ect. Otherwise just feels like the "tax" Warriors have to pay for getting Druid ramp spells for the rest of the year. Maybe it's kinda meant to be put into a sandwich, The Ryecleaver, but again untyped minion makes that harder. I hate being down on a card. I truly believe not every card has to be good and the weird/bad ones have a place. I just can't even see where Moldara fits. Maybe it's something I have to see in action to get. <shrug>
Warrior looks fun for the rest of the set. Like the Draenei stuff, extra attacks are always exciting. Love tribal stuff too especially setting up future turns. The Dwarf Planet also looks bad but at least it can have some lethal potential. I mean who doesn't want to end their opponent with a planet!
I appreciate the communication and reevaluation of their quest changes. It's great to see them take a step back and go honestly say "that didn't work, we'll start over". Adding to that the extra packs on the reward track and tavern brawl being an expansion pack is great.
I'm definitely one of those players who just does quests and leaves. Love the game, despite balance hiccups, and could/would play more with a different rewards structure. It just feels like the hit and run aspect is what the game promotes right now. I hope they find that balance of "if you want more stuff, then play, but you don't have to in order to keep up". It's a tricky thing for sure but communication is welcome even in the face of failures.
I actually love the Tourist mechanic. However, I think the mechanic has a negative effect on the power level of the set as a whole. Feels like Blizz was afraid of mixing classes too much. It could be toxic if taken too far. Though the Tourists overall (the ones I opened) I've liked.
Sunsapper Lynessa has been my favorite. She's been a fun finisher and the Rogue cards have been a welcome addition.
While I can't speak to your issues with Hunter, I felt the opposite with Warlock. I didn't know what I wanted the Warlock cards for in Rogue (other than the drink). I do like Maestra, Mask Merchant effect is fun though.
Turbulus also seems like an odd choice but I haven't tried it myself yet.
I did try Portalmancer Skyla and she's been much more fun than expected. I did both a big spell version and a Agency Espionage version I got wrecked by. Been a fun start to the miniset.
Chillin' Vol'jin I actually just opened. Out of the 10ish games I played it was a blast. Felt good in the deck.
I'll have to wait and see the mini sets true impact. While the power level looked very low it's feeling okay so far.
I was lucky enough to open the new Lynessa. I've been running a list similar to that last one but with the Cheese Dragon instead of Griftah. It's a blast to play.
I agree that Rafaam is Iconic enough to have gotten a card in this set. But you can't get everyone. I would of loved another Hogger myself!
Happy Mini-set! Started with secret hunter with Product 9 myself. What's everyone else trying out first?
Small corrections: I think that was meant to be Toyrantus not Tyrantus picutre in the article. Also I believe it is "Helm of Domination" not Damnation for the Lich King.
While I agree overall, especially in standard, I still think it has some potential.
In wild the Boom Hero for warrior makes the bodies more impactful.
Since it's not a battle cry, resurrection effects to can help you set up a turn for a play. It's also a mech for stealth magnetics.
At least it's an interesting effect with some potential. I wouldn't count it yet quiet yet.
Edit: For the other cards Sockpuppet made me laugh. Mech Warrior is my favorite deck so the Scrapper looks nuts. Also deathrattle Demonhunter stuff is fun. Loved my quilboar deck in wild still. Lots of fun things here.
In hearthstone I do love a good attack cry. Any voice acting really, when they nail it, makes a game for it. Those quotable lines are the best. Special shout out to thsoe 0 attack minions that get a buff and go! "Did I miss it" is porbably my favorite from Doomsayer. Sound design overall is a powerful thing. Anyone who's played any Deadspace knows the boot stomp sound. So satisfying. Heck I could click the hearthstone board for days. Just that little sound is great. Probably anoy anyone else who can hear it, but like clicking a pen it's just amusing to do.
Outside of sound, I love environmental effects. Let me blow up property, knock down a tree or whatever. Nothing better than setting up your dominos in game and watching them fall "exactly" how you planned.
We used to do Yankee swaps because my mother was one of 12. Each of them had 4ish kids. Now those kids have had kids... ect. We've fallen out of doing it recently as we are now spread across the country, but I have fond memories of picking out fun gift ideas that I know would be hot items! We basically had two camps. The Nerds, who loved anything Star Wars and the athletes. There was a Star Wars themed basketball or volleyball that went nuts one year!
I've actually worked most holidays, retail sucks, but this year my sister had a baby. Now I am going to go eat pie and play peekaboo! Nothing sounds better.
Happy Holidays!
Neat they mapped out the year. Curious if Shrouded City will bring quests again as Un'goro did. Really looking forward to the End Time. Time travel and dragons, lets go! The Infinite flight have always been a favorite villain of mine. Looking forward to that awesome dragon art.
Can't wait until I can nuke my opponent as Terran!
Had a good run so far. About 25ish packs (20 from gold, others from drops, brawl and reward track).
Dirdra, Rebel Captain - super fun card. Got it pre-brawl, only improved as I got more cards.
Farseer Nobundo - Haven't used this card much yet, looks neat. Gotta build out my collection a bit.
Archimonde - This is what I've spent most of my time on. Even without Kil'jaeden it's been a blast. With discover I've been able to play 2-3 copies of him a game. Focusing on taunt demons were I can made it really fun.
Rewards Track freebies:
The Gravitational Displacer - just as fun as I thought. Got like no neutral starships just running on pure steal and it's great.
The Exodar - Haven't gotten to use it yet. In my Rogue deck just didn't get a chance to send it. Gotta not be so greedy!
Edit: Launched Exodar, so worth it. Go for all the greed!
Edit2: Got Gorm the Worldeater a bit a go. Been fun trying to get him to work. Can get him out quite quick!
I kind of like the steal other classes' parts and combine them into a big ship. It sounds cool.
I do agree however that Burgle has been "the thing" for Rogue for too long. Even has someone who likes it, I wish they'd push other directions again just for variety.
That said I do love the combo stuff this set. Looks fun and Lucky Comet seems like a dangerous card to print. Just asking to be broken!
Retire Tess Greymane for a year and give Anka, the Buried, Edwin VanCleef, Captain Hooktusk or heck even Gral, the Shark a chance in standard!
Deck discounts have historically been quite strong. The cost of shuffling your hand is high no doubt. Still I wonder if this won't see some use, especially in wild. Rogue has plenty of card draw. With enough spells or if they ever make another Spectral Pillager that can go face it could be scary. It's probably still to slow even with a perfect hand with prep or other discounts. Still It has some potential.
Askara looks fun. I didn't look at all the leaks but from what I've seen Velen is a good start.
Been enjoying aggro priest. Overzealous Healer looks like a fun one drop and Orbital Halo would be good with the Hunter fish.
K'ure is interesting. Using Orbital Halo to trigger it turn 3 seems strong but later on it falls off.
It's weird to say a 3 mana 12/12 isn't enough. I love the idea he's cool as heck but just too slow. I like the idea of a consistent deathrattle enabler though.
I love Exarch Naielle and Rangari Scout. Getting to draw and get extra copies of stuff sounds great. Throw in some Detailed Notes and I will makeStranglethorn Heart work!
I love K'ara. "Infinite" spellburst is a cool idea, especially if you theme it around a spell school.
Random demons is a fun theme for Warlock. Though I think cards like Demonic Studies, currently in core, do it better than Abduction Ray. Still look forward to trying to makeArchimonde work.
Also that signature starship, wow.
Weird they only get one Draenei. At least it's a good one.
I like Saruun too but he definitely needs mana discounts, Aqua Archivist, to get him early. Pair him with Incindius for more fun! Sadly, Blasteroid seems like it would interrupt the elemental chain too often to be included. But who knows maybe it's not as bad as I fear.
I love weird cards but even I'm confused on Moldara. I don't see it. Maybe it's some future expansion thing but being untyped spell/minion and just Boulderfist Ogre stat line makes it feel like an unfinished card. Could use a battlecry to recast spores or do something for every spore you cast this game, ect. Otherwise just feels like the "tax" Warriors have to pay for getting Druid ramp spells for the rest of the year. Maybe it's kinda meant to be put into a sandwich, The Ryecleaver, but again untyped minion makes that harder. I hate being down on a card. I truly believe not every card has to be good and the weird/bad ones have a place. I just can't even see where Moldara fits. Maybe it's something I have to see in action to get. <shrug>
Warrior looks fun for the rest of the set. Like the Draenei stuff, extra attacks are always exciting. Love tribal stuff too especially setting up future turns. The Dwarf Planet also looks bad but at least it can have some lethal potential. I mean who doesn't want to end their opponent with a planet!
I appreciate the communication and reevaluation of their quest changes. It's great to see them take a step back and go honestly say "that didn't work, we'll start over". Adding to that the extra packs on the reward track and tavern brawl being an expansion pack is great.
I'm definitely one of those players who just does quests and leaves. Love the game, despite balance hiccups, and could/would play more with a different rewards structure. It just feels like the hit and run aspect is what the game promotes right now. I hope they find that balance of "if you want more stuff, then play, but you don't have to in order to keep up". It's a tricky thing for sure but communication is welcome even in the face of failures.
I actually love the Tourist mechanic. However, I think the mechanic has a negative effect on the power level of the set as a whole. Feels like Blizz was afraid of mixing classes too much. It could be toxic if taken too far. Though the Tourists overall (the ones I opened) I've liked.
Sunsapper Lynessa has been my favorite. She's been a fun finisher and the Rogue cards have been a welcome addition.
While I can't speak to your issues with Hunter, I felt the opposite with Warlock. I didn't know what I wanted the Warlock cards for in Rogue (other than the drink). I do like Maestra, Mask Merchant effect is fun though.
Turbulus also seems like an odd choice but I haven't tried it myself yet.
I did try Portalmancer Skyla and she's been much more fun than expected. I did both a big spell version and a Agency Espionage version I got wrecked by. Been a fun start to the miniset.
Chillin' Vol'jin I actually just opened. Out of the 10ish games I played it was a blast. Felt good in the deck.
I'll have to wait and see the mini sets true impact. While the power level looked very low it's feeling okay so far.
Did alright with 50ish packs.
Lynessa
Eudora
Patches
Have enough dust to craft a few. Might be Hamm next. Though I'll wait till things settle.
I was lucky enough to open the new Lynessa. I've been running a list similar to that last one but with the Cheese Dragon instead of Griftah. It's a blast to play.
Also pulled. Eudora so thief Rogue is next!
I agree that Rafaam is Iconic enough to have gotten a card in this set. But you can't get everyone. I would of loved another Hogger myself!
Happy Mini-set! Started with secret hunter with Product 9 myself. What's everyone else trying out first?
Small corrections: I think that was meant to be Toyrantus not Tyrantus picutre in the article. Also I believe it is "Helm of Domination" not Damnation for the Lich King.
While I agree overall, especially in standard, I still think it has some potential.
In wild the Boom Hero for warrior makes the bodies more impactful.
Since it's not a battle cry, resurrection effects to can help you set up a turn for a play. It's also a mech for stealth magnetics.
At least it's an interesting effect with some potential. I wouldn't count it yet quiet yet.
Edit: For the other cards Sockpuppet made me laugh. Mech Warrior is my favorite deck so the Scrapper looks nuts. Also deathrattle Demonhunter stuff is fun. Loved my quilboar deck in wild still. Lots of fun things here.
In hearthstone I do love a good attack cry. Any voice acting really, when they nail it, makes a game for it. Those quotable lines are the best. Special shout out to thsoe 0 attack minions that get a buff and go! "Did I miss it" is porbably my favorite from Doomsayer. Sound design overall is a powerful thing. Anyone who's played any Deadspace knows the boot stomp sound. So satisfying. Heck I could click the hearthstone board for days. Just that little sound is great. Probably anoy anyone else who can hear it, but like clicking a pen it's just amusing to do.
Outside of sound, I love environmental effects. Let me blow up property, knock down a tree or whatever. Nothing better than setting up your dominos in game and watching them fall "exactly" how you planned.
Toyrantus is a great name and glad to see Dorian back in action with his creepy dolls.
Gigantify is a nice twist on Miniaturize mechanic. While it's probably worse overall, can't wait to see what they do with it.
Love Soul Mirror so Funhouse Mirror seems amusing.
The Theatre looks fun too in the right meta.