10-15-2013, 04:35 AM
Blizzard has a new game coming out, Hearthstone. It's a bit like the card games that used to be found in games like Final Fantasy 8, where it is a riff off of the base game (in this case, World of Warcraft) and a dumb-downed Magic: The Gathering.
I've been following the Twitch.tv crowd that's been streaming the closed beta for a while, put my hat in the beta lottery and two days later, was given a key. Keys up to about 2 weeks ago were worth thousands of dollars on Ebay and associated websites, so Blizzard upped the outgoing invites by a huge amount and I feel like if you're interested you probably have a decent shot if you sign up.
As for the game itself, if you've played MTG, you're going to be years ahead of the game. It is what Magic would be if you removed mana (Gain one per turn), interrupts (only can play spells on your turn), infested some of the best cards with wicked RNG (fully utilizing the fact it's a video game, things that would be targeted effects or impossible in MTG are fully randomized), and cut decks to 30 cards. Despite these changes (faults, depending on perspective), it's rather enjoyable and free as long as you don't suck too badly and don't mind losing to better cards for a bit as you grind your way up. Finally, there is a ladder, ranks, achievements, and the usual trappings of a modern Blizzard title, including an e-sports scene.
I'm happy to discuss strategy, card evaluations, picks in arena and more or less anything game related here, in mumble or teamspeak. Feel free to also PM me for my Battle tag if you're in, or not in but want to chat while I am.
Cheers.
I've been following the Twitch.tv crowd that's been streaming the closed beta for a while, put my hat in the beta lottery and two days later, was given a key. Keys up to about 2 weeks ago were worth thousands of dollars on Ebay and associated websites, so Blizzard upped the outgoing invites by a huge amount and I feel like if you're interested you probably have a decent shot if you sign up.
As for the game itself, if you've played MTG, you're going to be years ahead of the game. It is what Magic would be if you removed mana (Gain one per turn), interrupts (only can play spells on your turn), infested some of the best cards with wicked RNG (fully utilizing the fact it's a video game, things that would be targeted effects or impossible in MTG are fully randomized), and cut decks to 30 cards. Despite these changes (faults, depending on perspective), it's rather enjoyable and free as long as you don't suck too badly and don't mind losing to better cards for a bit as you grind your way up. Finally, there is a ladder, ranks, achievements, and the usual trappings of a modern Blizzard title, including an e-sports scene.
I'm happy to discuss strategy, card evaluations, picks in arena and more or less anything game related here, in mumble or teamspeak. Feel free to also PM me for my Battle tag if you're in, or not in but want to chat while I am.
Cheers.
Hardcore Diablo 1/2/3/4 & Retail/Classic WoW adventurer.