To me,
Return of the King marks the last set before the power creep of the game is increased by multiple deviations over the other sets. After all, sets 8 and 9 (which were released so close together that I consider them one set) introduced:
- Alternate Ring-Bearers
- Ancient Characters of Lore, like Elendil, Gil-Galad, and
Durin III - Corsairs
- A
ability to discard Shadow support area cards
- The Enduring keyword
- Besieging Troll Swarm
- Shelob and
Promise Keeping - Fortifications loops that can nearly-infinitely kill any minions
The classic example of this power creep can be seen with
Castamir of Umbar, a
twilight,
enduring,
fierce minion that can self-exert and place tokens. Meanwhile, the Witch-King costs
and never gets to be both
fierce and
enduring, let alone self-exerting as an enduring minion.
King Standard still feels balanced in a way that Movie Block does not, even though there are still very strong card combinations. In this thread, I want to discuss some of the cards that are best-utilized in this format that lose a lot of their power in Movie. Feel free to add your thoughts and card suggestions as well.
The first card I will select is:
I'd Make You SqueakWith the advent of alternate ring-bearers, you cannot count on a Frodo or Sam carrying the ring--this means that the high-cost card (two exertions!) might be entirely worthless in play.
I'd Make You Squeak is a perfect addition to any Towers Standard and King Standard
grind deck, as a lot of
Under the Watching Eye wounds end up on Frodo. King Standard adds the threat mechanic, meaning even more of these wounds can end up on the ring-bearer.
So what are cards that you think get the short shaft with the release of later sets? What are cards that you think find the perfect home in King Standard? I'll be sure to add more thoughts here later.
-wtk