by mjd83
kurahoshi wrote:
I've been aware of this possibility since I got the game, but it's never felt as fun, even when trying to build two decks that suit each other. It adds a lot of play time to the game, as the increased number of choices at every step is a lot harder to manage.
Honestly, I expected a lot more of a gameplay slowdown and havn't noticed it. After a few plays and getting to know the decks you are working with, I was suprised how efficient it went.
What I like is how some cards really come out in a new way. For example I had no idea just how damned good Legolas was until I tried 2 deckin it. You can almost buid a pair of decks just around him, with some stout defenders and questers in the other deck. I also never realized how awesome of a scenario Return to Mirkwood is, it's positively lame on solo and now I feel bad for giving it a sub par review in the past.
What I really love is the variety of options that you have with another deck. I feel like single decks have to be so delicately balanced, that afer playing a long time they get to all feel sort of the same.. a little bit of questing, little bit of combat, some threat control, the usual necessity cards, and maybe a bell or whistle or two if you can squeeze the cards in. Solo decks have to be so carefully balanced, that you never get the feel of specialization, and I found myself using a lot of the same cards all the time. I certainly never seemed to be able to explore more situational cards. With two decks, you can really let your creativity soar. You also get to see a lot more of the encounter deck's capabilities and watch it synergize with itself occasionally.
Another distinct advantage I realized after posting this is I have less games that are won or lost on a bad encounter draw. With more options, the luck/randomness factor is decreased a little bit, and you have more tools to deal with setbacks or compensate for 1 deck drawing poorly. Losing a hero or a bad initial draw of the encounter deck is no longer the death sentence that it is in solo play. I spend a lot more time playing the game and a lot less time reshuffling and trying again.
Truly, this game is advertised as solo/multiplayer, but it is best balanced and designed for the 2 player co-op or double decking. I'll be quite honest, I'm going to have a hard time going back to solo play when Heirs of Numenore arrives.