May 21, 2010

Battle of the Clones

Last week we had 7 players out for our clone saga tournament. I always love to see that many players out for events! It's been a week since then, so I'll do my best to recall what everyone was playing.

Colin - Superman
Jordan - Magneto
Nathan - Dr. Doom
Roy - Iron Man
Scott - The Thing
William - Jean Grey
Me - Batman

I was only able to play two games, my third round being a bye. My first game was up against Scott, who started his early game strong. By turn four he had a copy of Yancy Street and an ongoing plot twist that made it so I couldn't target his clone character. I had the hidden Batman, Founding Member and used it to replace his Yancy Street on turn four. The tide seemed to be turning, as even with the Scott's character advantage things were looking pretty good for me. Next turn however, I replaced his ongoing (which I wish I could remember the name of!)...with another copy of Yancy Street! Things that were untargetable and massive meant my game was over.

Game two started of entirely different. I hit every drop up through turn five, at which point Jordan played an effect that caused us both to go down a resource. Not having another 5-cost to recruit on turn six to Jordan's full board left me at a distinct disadvantage. Magneto and his cadre of mutant misfits smacked down the Batmen with ease from there.

Aside from my games, there were several other close ones, and a few that were complete blowouts. The two decks running No More Mister Nice Guy definitely had a solid edge. Most of the players agreed that it is likely a card that should be disallowed for further Clone Saga tournament and I'm inclined to agree. As for me, while I love some of the mechanics that became available in Evolutions, I still don't think it plays nicely with the game as a whole. Other than the Marauders and Purifiers, the other teams just seem entirely too powerful compared to previous sets.

However...! The tournament was great fun and I was very happy to see another solid turn out. Tonight we're playing Modern Age Constructed and I'm really looking forward to it. I've got a new deck that I can't wait to try out.