Embrace the Shadow – Darkness for One Turn
Actually, I only need to say two words here: the artwork. Okay, honestly, I liked Shadowform on the Priest and also the Auchenai Soulpriest very much, but I often found their effects too “final.” Shadowform was permanent and thus irreversibly, and often the opponent ensured that I couldn’t sacrifice my Soulpriest myself, thus rendering me unable to heal. I find having this effect for just one turn pretty powerful. Even though I would have preferred a mana cost of 1, Embrace the Shadow will be in many of my Priest decks. Of course, in the golden version. And if I have to disenchant Ragnaros for that.
Twilight Darkmender – Healing Lies in the Shadows
Another Priest card that will definitely appear in every C’thun deck. As if the stats of 6/5 for 5 mana weren’t good enough, the sexy Night Elf named Twilight Darkmender also provides an impressive healing of 10 health points. This should easily buy the time needed to finally reach turn 10 for C’thun. Of course, the effect only works if your C’thun has at least 10 attack – but if that’s not the case by turn 5, then you’ve probably already had very bad luck with your card draw.
Forbidden Shaping – Perfect Utility in Every Turn
Already the third Priest card on this list, but they just appeal to me. Forbidden Shaping is so useful, as it gets stronger with each round. No matter what turn you are in, the spell offers – at least in theory – always a minion with suitable strength. The best part for me is that it can also be a minion that doesn’t belong to the Priest – such as a legendary card from Mage or Warlock. Yes, the randomness factor is pretty high again. But that’s what makes it the most fun for me.
Faceless Summoner – the new “Dr. Boom” for Mages
I mentioned it in the card presentation, but I believe the Faceless Summoner will become a must-have in every Mage deck. The fact that he summons a minion for 3 mana as a battle cry makes him an average 8/8 minion for 6 mana. That’s too valuable not to include. It’s no wonder the card is already referred to as the new “Dr. Boom” for Mages. Although I still love the card now, it might well be that in 2 months it becomes every player’s new hate card, as it will be too powerful in many cases to respond appropriately to.
Renounce Darkness – Renounce the Demon
Basically, I can’t quite understand why such a card is in an expansion that thematically deals with corruption and madness – but whatever! Renounce Darkness allows the Warlock to no longer play as a Warlock for just 2 mana. Are you hopelessly outmatched, and none of the cards in your hand are helping? Then you’ll take your chances and start as another class. The possibilities here are virtually endless. In addition, there’s the reduction of the mana costs of all class cards – just my thing.
Much to the surprise of some, other old gods besides Yogg-Saron didn’t make it onto this list. This is not because the cards are bad, but because their effect rarely leads to real “fun.” A C’thun will almost always end the game, and a Y’shaarj is a typical “win more” card. These cards are good nonetheless, but they are simply not favorites.
What are your favorites among the new cards?
For more news and articles about Blizzard’s card game, visit our Hearthstone game page. There you will also find all cards from the “Whispers of the Old Gods” expansion.
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