Hearthpwn

Forgot to mention: the game also has a wildcard system, like MTGA. You can get WCs by playing. But you can also buy a limited number of WCs per week.

So if you want a specific champion (the equivalent of a Legendary in HS), you can spend a  buy it directly for about $5. 

My thoughts after playing for a couple of days: LoR is easy to pick up, has some interesting mechanics, and has a huge potential market in LoL.

The game is fast, quite aggro, and ideal for quick play (on mobile, which is coming).

The art is some of the best I have seen in DCGs (if you like that style). Each card has a "widescreen" format art, you can see the whole scene when you right click on it. 

The split attack/defend phase is interesting. I also like the way champions level up, and some of the champion abilities are novel, such as Yasuo and Katarina. They play very differently. Even with the current small champion pool, there is a lot of deckbuilding variety. 

Riot plans to add all the champions eventually (145), which could add incredible depth to the game (if they can balance it).

The progression system is also fun and addictive. The devs have stated that they want it to be F2P friendly. I like the weekly rewards system, which scales depending on how much you play.

TLDR: I would be amazed if it didn't steal some market share from HS, if it delivers on its promises (particularly the F2P economy). LoL is already a huge market, HS is nearly 5 years old, and this is the new hotness. 

Maybe Blizzard will do a reboot, Hearthstone 2. Who wouldn't love the opportunity to waste thousands on cards again?

In all seriousness, the biggest problem with HS has always been the cost. Blizzard just refuses to address it, and probably won't until the game is really struggling (at which point it will be too late).

Interestingly, the new LoL game appears to quite generous with cards, at first glance. It also allows you to buy single cards directly (wild cards), avoiding loot box BS.

Notably, Tom is doing it by playing at the highest level. Whereas Thijs only seems to be competitive at invitationals these days.

Quote from sheweek >>

What did Thijs "China bought me new house" Molendijk said about this? Oh, I know, nothing.. Money less then three :)

 This made me laugh. Thijs is SO deep in Blizzards pocket it hurts.

Quote from lidl_wayne >>

I used to buy every pre-Order + some extra packs every now and then. I actually stopped spending money because of how bad the reward system HAS BECOME. Dust inflation is real and its a shame that most fun/meta decks these days cost around 10k dust  if you don't wanna play the most straightforward aggro deck. 

Given how bad the rewards from playing the game itself are and how much most decks cost now it does not feel good to spend 50 bucks as it doesn't provide as much of a decent start into a new expansion as it used to do. Might as well stop spending completely then 

Honestly, I enjoy the game more now that I don't spend money on it. I only like certain classes anyway, I don't grind the ladder, and I just play for fun (mainly in the first few weeks after a new expansion).

Hearthstone used to be the only digital CG in town. But now other games have come along, which are much more generous (and arguably more interesting and competitive). Blizzard refuses to compete on value terms, which will ultimately kill the game.

Of all the digital CGs I have played, Hearthstone has easily the worst rewards for playing.

Kingsbane was the least fair nerf ever - nerfing the key common that makes the deck work. At least here you get the refund on the legendary.

Having to nerf Luna's, after only recently buffing it, is hugely embarrassing for the Hearthstone design team. 

"Don't forget to sub to my daughter". LUL

The Hearthstone community is incredibly toxic. I literally just had a guy add me in CASUAL after he WON so he could call me a loser. After I player Jaraxxus from Zephyrs for FUN. What a fantastic guy. It is pretty clear who the real loser is. LUL

I like the idea. I don't see why we shouldn't have a weapon, for example, that does double damage to armour. Or spells that ignore armour when dealing damage. It could be interesting, if designed well. Warriors (and historically Druids) reaching 50+ health equivalent is ridiculous. 

If you are looking to try hard, I am concerned about the longterm viability of Highlander decks. That said, Zephrys the Great is the most interesting, fun card in the expansion and Highlander decks can be enjoyable to play. Pulling off lethals with Zephyrs is very amusing. So, in fun terms, I would say yes to crafting him.

Thanks for responding and best of luck in the role (although you will be missed as a caster).  :)

What is her background in game design? Does she have any background in game design? I'm not flaming, I am genuinely curious what the hire was based on.

Zephyrs just lost me a game. I was on 3 life and the Hunter had 3 secrets up, which I knew had to include an Explosive Trap. I just needed heal. I played Zephyrs and he gave me Savage Roar, Inner Fire, and Bloodlust. All 3 would have been lethal, IF I could attack, which I could not (due to the secrets). 

His programming is obviously a bit off, perhaps I expected too much. But even a Flare would have been better here though.