Our good Chairman made a post asking the public how to make the Dominion affiliation more competitive. So I took up the challenge and played it in our last league event. I thought I could bring back the old school flavor of the 'Dominion Drawing Machine'. Which consist of Keevan, Hollow Pleasantries, and crapload of Vorta and Jem'Hadar. I added the new Luaran, her free 5 draws when I command a staffed Dominion Battleship was nice. Problem is they can't past any dilemmas, especially space dilemmas. An Issue of Trust (previous 'Bad Card') makes them unplayable as an affiliation. That dilemma might be the 'worst bad card' ever, maybe even more than the one I'm going to rant about....in detail.
Good Card: Keevan, Conniving Liar
Why: If you asked my ex wife she would tell you I have the same subtitle, but I digress..... When I play Dominion I don't play infiltration decks. They're fun, but they're just too slow. I like the Vorta. I liked them in the show, I like them in the game. Sneaky, dirty little bastards. Maybe it takes a guy from Jersey to appreciate them fully. Keevan makes dominion go fast, and I like to go fast. Add in Hollow Pleasantries to make my Vorta cheap or free and I'm loving it. Now if only we can find a way for them to get past dilemmas......
Bad Card: Legacy
Why: Yeah, it was only a matter of time before I got around to this one. Since Peak Performance came out and I was ranting and raving to the Committee I was met with the reply, "Wait and see, wait and see. Give it time." I have, and my verdict is still "Bad Card." The idea behind Legacy is fine. In fact, I support it. That is, to make people play more skill-based dilemma. To get them off the mindless dilemmas any brainless zombie could play. Dilemmas like Gorgan, Tactical Disadvantage, Excaliban Drama, Chula: The Chandra, Hard Time, etc. To do this you need a scalpel, instead they used a butcher's cleaver, and that is Legacy. The problem is, the game has evolved, with help from virtual sets, so that 60% or more (rough guess) of dilemmas don't require a printed skill (far less of a percentage for virtual dilemmas). This might look like a bashing of the virtual cards, it's not, it's a bashing of their complete 180 turn on the game. They pumped out lots of non-skill dilemmas then made them unplayable (With Legacy and Archer). There was no long-term thinking of the impact of Peak Performance. If it was my last set I guess I wouldn't be thinking long term either. Brad made some mistakes in Peak Performance, and when people questioned his logic he decided to simply quit, take his ball and go home. As players we weren't even good enough for an explanation of his logic and maybe admission of any mistakes. True ego is thinking you are above reproach and nobody should question your decisions.
I'm sorry, I didn't set off writing my Legacy rant with Brad in mind. It's just where it lead me and it seemed right. I know Brad a little, met him a few times, played against him in 1E, respect him as a person and designer. However, nobody is perfect and just because you're the lead designer doesn't mean you can't make some mistakes.
The game wasn't ready for Legacy. There are certain cards dilemma piles need depending on your meta. Cards like Timescape (I always play 2), Skeleton Crew (You're now forced to play Transport Crash Survivors), The Dreamer and the Dream (It's the best counter to destroying interrupts really), Moral Choice/Shocking Betrayal (The only true Fed hate), Necessary Execution and The Captain's "Guests" (Best anti-Borg card, cadets too).
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."
This best sums up Legacy. Let's hope somebody has the sense to save us from ourselves.
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Today's Pic: The kids playing with the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Ironman is at the helm since we don't have a Chekov or Sulu. At least the new toys don't disappoint the kids like the new movie disappointed their father.....
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