Blizzard’s card game has hit a low point and every match is the same. At least that’s the opinion of Hearthstone demon Cortyn from MeinMMO.
The latest Hearthstone expansion “United in Stormwind” has been live for a few weeks now, and despite some nerfs and changes, a few strong favorites have emerged as decks.
Hearthstone has always been one of my favorite games. Sure, there have been times when I played it less or more, but it has always been kept up to date, and at least a few matches were played every week. However, that has drastically changed in recent weeks.
As boring and frustrating as it is now, I’ve never experienced Hearthstone like this.
Normally, I play Hearthstone quite intensely after the release of an expansion. Sometimes, two, three, or four hours a day can happen. After all, I enjoy completing the reward path and even buy the “Season Pass” since it has been introduced.
Quests are monotonous and require no effort
The problem is, in my view, very easy to identify: The quests and their design. All Hearthstone quests from the latest expansion are designed to lead to the conclusion of the quest, which usually results quickly in the end of the match.
Moreover, quests don’t really feel like quests. The original design of Hearthstone quests required effort and resource “sacrifices” to complete the missions. It was almost always necessary to play suboptimally and sacrifice mana for disadvantages to later collect the big reward. It was a “risk-reward” situation, where you could win or lose.
That is not the case with the latest quests. The quests are designed so that every step toward completing the quest is also beneficial for the current game and improves the player’s situation. Many of the quest decks would even be quite strong, even if the quest were omitted. It’s just another level of “win even more” – and that makes the quests unbearably boring in my eyes.
If a hunter has to deal damage with spells for his quest, then that’s what he’s already doing. If a mage needs to cast 3 spells from different schools, that usually happens during the course of the game anyway. Even a warrior, who mainly needs to play pirates, isn’t straining himself. It’s just boring and exactly what the classes already do.
Interaction is virtually nonexistent
At the same time, the level of interaction in Hearthstone has reached an all-time low for me. Interaction with the opponent’s cards is virtually nonexistent. Everything is so optimized to complete one’s own quest that many cards – for instance, with mages – even ensure that played servants are defeated by the mage himself.
The only interaction I occasionally see is when a player “accidentally” completes their quest in the wrong turn and already has their big reward servant in hand. In that case, “Mutanus the Devourer” may occasionally be played, which eats the opponent’s reward servant and leads to the immediate forfeit of the opponent.
Particularly frustrating are the matches against warlocks and demon hunters. They play virtually their “own game” of drawing cards and reducing costs before taking you out with a one-hit combo that always runs the same way. The only chance of winning? Finishing your quest a bit earlier than your opponent.
There’s no fun in that – and that’s why I’m putting Hearthstone aside for now. Where I had real fun in the Scholomance expansion and experienced some really nice matches in the Barrens, only frustration is left now.
No matter if win or loss – it doesn’t feel satisfying anymore. The victory is now determined solely by who draws the right pieces faster to complete their quest. You have virtually no influence on anything else.
I do see a small glimmer of hope. Because on August 30, the new “Mercenaries” game mode is scheduled to be officially presented and a release date revealed. I can only hope that it will comfort me over the current extremely boring Hearthstone season.
Are you currently having fun in Hearthstone? How do you like the current quest decks? Are you enjoying them or do you share my opinion?
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