Broken Lizard
New Member
As we all know, and expected, the transition of the game from WotC to PUI has been a bit 'bumpy'. The player base is still largely intact, for now, but is anxiously awaiting important new information, especially regarding formats.
There are also untold thousands of former players who hopped on the fanboy bandwagon at some point, and then hopped off again for one reason or another months to years ago. Many of them still have their cards, and some of them are showing interest in rejoining the player base! I think Nintendo/PUI would be smart to do something to entice those players to bring out their old cards for another go at the game.
Those of you who know me know that I spend a lot of time thinking about formats. I live for new ones. Nothing else showcases true deck building skill or boosts player interest like a brand new, untested format.
I think I may have come up with something worth a look.
Before I go into details, it is important to remind everyone that any new format must meet certain criteria. Any new format must:
With these requirements in mind, I give you:
It is very simple, yet highly dynamic, since it changes whenever a new set enters play. Most decks would still need to run at least 1 evolution line, I think. This is because there is not enough reliable removal in the format to support a pure 'haymaker variant'. The main evolution line would need to come from a newer set, along with many of the trainers. This would meet the requirement that the format encourage card sales!
Of particular strategic benefit, all of the Stadiums released thus far suddenly become playable again. 'Broken' trainers are available also, but only as singles, along with BBP's (yes, even Sneasel).
I think that the format would really balance the colors well, given the ability to TecH in singles to cover holes in the ranks of underutilized colors like Lightning.
Here are some of the other benefits this format could create:
PUI needs to do whatever possible to kickstart its OP programs. The signs thusfar are all good, but I think something more may be needed. Could this be it?
There are also untold thousands of former players who hopped on the fanboy bandwagon at some point, and then hopped off again for one reason or another months to years ago. Many of them still have their cards, and some of them are showing interest in rejoining the player base! I think Nintendo/PUI would be smart to do something to entice those players to bring out their old cards for another go at the game.
Those of you who know me know that I spend a lot of time thinking about formats. I live for new ones. Nothing else showcases true deck building skill or boosts player interest like a brand new, untested format.
I think I may have come up with something worth a look.
Before I go into details, it is important to remind everyone that any new format must meet certain criteria. Any new format must:
-Be simple to learn and explain
-Be accessible to newer players
-Encourage sales of newer cards
-Be balanced and interesting
-Be accessible to newer players
-Encourage sales of newer cards
-Be balanced and interesting
With these requirements in mind, I give you:
HYBRID FORMAT
1. All cards allowed under the current Modified Format may be used as normal.
2. Single copies of any cards ever released in the US (promos and cards from older sets) may also be used.
2. Single copies of any cards ever released in the US (promos and cards from older sets) may also be used.
And that's it.
It is very simple, yet highly dynamic, since it changes whenever a new set enters play. Most decks would still need to run at least 1 evolution line, I think. This is because there is not enough reliable removal in the format to support a pure 'haymaker variant'. The main evolution line would need to come from a newer set, along with many of the trainers. This would meet the requirement that the format encourage card sales!
Of particular strategic benefit, all of the Stadiums released thus far suddenly become playable again. 'Broken' trainers are available also, but only as singles, along with BBP's (yes, even Sneasel).
I think that the format would really balance the colors well, given the ability to TecH in singles to cover holes in the ranks of underutilized colors like Lightning.
Here are some of the other benefits this format could create:
-Combining the best aspects of both Modified and Unlimited Formats to produce something new, fresh and exciting.
-Allowing former players the chance to use some of their existing cards in Premier events, thus giving them incentive to return to the game.
-Limiting the impact of 'overpowered' older cards while using them to spice up and balance gameplay.
-Increasing strategic options for creative deck designs and playstyles.
-Further distinguishing PUI as a company with bold new ideas of its own, not merely rehashed WotC standards.
-Allowing older players to trade with newer players for cards that each may have, and that the other will need.
-Allowing former players the chance to use some of their existing cards in Premier events, thus giving them incentive to return to the game.
-Limiting the impact of 'overpowered' older cards while using them to spice up and balance gameplay.
-Increasing strategic options for creative deck designs and playstyles.
-Further distinguishing PUI as a company with bold new ideas of its own, not merely rehashed WotC standards.
-Allowing older players to trade with newer players for cards that each may have, and that the other will need.
PUI needs to do whatever possible to kickstart its OP programs. The signs thusfar are all good, but I think something more may be needed. Could this be it?
