Why the Hall, Not? (#3)

I made a Facebook plea for people to nominate non-unique personnel and ships. Sadly, it fell on deaf ears. I really would prefer a 'go fuck yourself, nerd!' rather than 'hey, can you post these nominations for me?'. First off, I can't because I'm a nerd exile. Secondly, you're not that important you yuppie shit to take three minutes and post three star track cardz for Hall of Fame nomination. It's a pet peeve of mine, the status symbol of the 21 century: acting like you don't have free time. Humans have more free time in any point in history. Netflix is a billions dollar operation for a reason. You're not spending 5 hours a day preparing food and washing your clothes in the river. You're binge watching 7 episodes of Messiah (it was a solid watch). Today we got three excellent nominations from my best friend Mike Shea. That's not the right term... he's my nerd soulmate, a shared katra... the Julian to my O'Brien.... the Second Heart... my Imzadi.



Card: Unexpected Difficulties
Last Year's Vote: 60%
2020 Prediction: 62%

When you vote always remember the Hosp Rule: If retiring the card makes you feel cold and alone, vote Yes. It's scary thinking about a world without Unexpected Difficulties. It won me countless games. A zero cost event that can get you one or two more turns in a game. No other card comes close in value. That's why it's been played continuously since 2003. That would be like a 17 year career with 17 trips to the all-star game. I can't think of a card that fits the bill more of the Hall of Fame than Unexpected Difficulties. We're all going to have to be brave, vote Yes, and boldly go where 2E has never gone before. I do have two minor arguments if that isn't enough of a resume. Retiring UD opens up space for cards like Voluntary Withdrawal. Sure, this card is a 'lesser' version of UD, but that's why you never see it. In a vacuum it's not a terrible card, but it just can't compete, give it a chance to shine. My next argument is one that I don't even believe: games go too long. If you do think too many 2E games go to time, then how in the world can you vote No to a card that makes games go longer?

Card: Necessary Execution
Last Year's Vote: 54.3%
2020 Prediction: 58%

I bet the thought of retiring NE makes you almost as nervous as retiring UD. Anarchy will ensue. Players will be going right back to planet-planet-space like the first 5 years of 2E. Perhaps, but that wouldn't be the worst thing. This dilemmas has been around since 2006. That's well over a decade of smashing fools who dare go planet first. I should know because I punished many players, sometimes hitting them with two Executions. In HoF, hopefully, you've cycled out cheeseball planet missions like Investigate Maquis Activity, so what's the harm in letting people do a fair planet mission first? You still have Neural Parasites to choose someone to die. Unlike my previous argument, Parasites doesn't need space. I've used this dilemma in tandem with NE. Lining up three dudes on the wall and picking them off early game really ruins your opponent's plans. That said, it would see even more play with NE retired and that's a good thing.

Card: Bridge Officer's Test
Last Year's Vote: 48.6%
2020 Prediction: 45%

I could make a number of arguments to vote Yes for BoT, but I doubt there's a point. I'm surprised that this card couldn't crack 50% last year. We all know what BoT is, it's "prevent & overcome". You either think P&O is an acceptable game mechanic or you're of the same mind as me: that 2E is a game of facing dilemmas. I usually don't make the gameplay argument for HoF cards, but this time I will. Is there anything more shitty than stopping your Cardassian opponent's personnel with a dilemma like Intimidation or Chula: the Chandra and them playing a Bridge Officer's Test? Like you don't have enough proper cheaters to deal with, you're getting a P&O scumbag card thrown at you. There's a reason why both Kirks and K&E are in the Hall of Fame, it's time to send this P&O cousin to join them.