Author | Lightnews

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 18h

Wayfarer's Bauble:
"So, taking your whole second turn off simply to ramp isn't really acceptable now."

Can we get an example or two of what lower power or precon decks *should* be doing on Turn 2 instead?

Where is the bar, if a Signet on 2 isn't good enough?

2

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 1d

Yeah if you're riffling through a mono white deck and you catch a glimpse of literally *half a green border* it feels immediately like something's gone wrong. Some other player's card has gotten shuffled in by accident.

6

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 1d

I really wonder how many folks like me are out there: would-be Pioneer-curious, as someone who doesn't want to keep up with Standard rotation and isn't enough of a sicko for Modern.

1 2

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 1d

To me (a millennial just a bit too young for TMNT), it's like if they announced a Smurfs set or an Inspector Gadget set. That's just...not my thing, never was, and aside from the occasional movie in the last decade, it has never felt truly relevant.

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 1d

Marvel fatigue is real, but at least it feels current. TMNT seems much more like an "IP we could easily afford" cash grab that tries to tap into their older millennial/gen-X players.

I think the % of people who can correctly identify the turtles is a lot lower than they might think. Do kids care?

1

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 2d

To a lot of newer players, Grave Titan sure looks like a huge threat.

Grave Titan
{4}{B}{B}
Creature — Giant

Deathtouch

Whenever this creature enters or attacks, create two 2/2 black Zombie creature tokens.

6/6

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 2d

I think the updating wording on all brackets is super thoughtful and specific - but it's gonna make the most sense to deeply enfranchised players.

"Explosive and powerful", "huge threats"... I could imagine an Office/Michael Scott moment: "That Hakbal precon is a hate crime...Well *I* hated it."

1

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 2d

Awesome! Curious if folks had thoughts about removing the mention of precons from the guidance. I get not wanting to anchor a bracket to a product whose power level shifts over time, but I think it could help newer players more easily see that their decks land around Bracket 2.

1

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 4d

The "recycle, sell, craft, buy, selected, equip, swap" loop between rounds also just feels kind of insane. I want the stakes, but I do not want to think fo one minute about Wires or Rubber Parts or Seeds.

It's been fun with friends, but idk if I have the brain for it.

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 4d

The "net fun" balance may be off. Arc Raiders rounds where I load in, loot a bit, and get out scot-free are just like...What am I doing here? Am I working? Am I just "farming mats"?

High tension, well-communicated squad battles are fun, but pretty infrequent and punishing if you lose.

1

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 5d

"not good", "has a niche somewhere" - okay but we love this

1 1

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 5d

Would love to see what shuffling this monster looks like

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 5d

I guess it's a bit of a gray area. Card rarity/scarcity is so much what's driving its appeal, so how do you keep that around while still keeping prices not in the stratosphere... :/

1

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 5d

100% agreed, but I do wonder how many kids actually view it as a "game" vs. a collectible today...

Though, even it *is* mostly kids just trying to fill binders with rare cards, the scalping situation (people exploiting, emptying vending machines!?) is absolute out of control.

1 2

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 6d

A lot of people deep into Commander have not yet realized Commander is not the ideal format for them 😎

1

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 7d

"Season 3, Episode 15: Battle Jumbo Mushroom"

Iron Chef Bot @ironchefbot.bsky.social · 7d

Frame #13700 from S03 -E15 - Battle Jumbo Mushroom-628420

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 7d

Oh don't worry, negative coverage by influencers actually...*squints at options*...greatly...improved?...my perception of the Spider-Man set.

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 7d

Yeah when the 2026 calendar looks like at least half "This isn't for me and that's okay"s...why am I here in the first place?

Imagine saying that for any other game. "Half of Riftbound's cards aren't for me...and that's okay!" "Half of One Piece isn't for me...and that's okay!"

1

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 8d

"...whose livelihoods depend on the continued success and popularity of our card game..."

120

gpwaltz @gpwaltz.bsky.social · 8d

It remains kinda crazy that these surveys are so long and not attached to any sort of compensation/raffle. You guys are really asking for so much time and effort.

2