Got my second win. This build was much more powerful, with 2x Whirlwind and 1x Magic missile doing serious damage early on, and Longstrider helping out as usual.
However, the highlight (and probably something to note for general balance) was Rewind. I had noticed before it seemed quite strong, but this game it really became evident how powerful it is. Judging by how much Rewind alone trivialized getting all gems by the end of most levels, plus its combo potential with Meditate (do they form an infinite combo? I think it might be), I'd say Rewind might actually be overpowered - as fun as it was to use it.
Just something to think about.. maybe I'm wrong and this build elevated Rewind's potential. But it seemed a little too strong. Maybe an "Exhaust" effect on it or reducing the rewind from 3 to 2 turns can ease this? Or increasing its mana cost. Curious if others have the same feeling about Rewind.
I do think this score is half decent now. Victory screen below.
x-x-x-x
nice win! Good points on rewind, I mostly agree. Theres always going to be balance problems with spells that generate resources and don’t exhaust. Rewind is obviously powerful for this reason, but so is meditate and even longstrider. Meditate is arguably the biggest problem of the three, but it’s such a glue spell that i hesitate to touch it. Exhaust would be effective but I don’t want to put exhaust on too many spells.
I have always had too quick of a trigger finger to nerfing powerful but fun content in “card or card-adjacent” games so I’m going to refrain from touching any balance atm.
From looking at your build, honestly what might be the real problem is 2x whirlwind being too efficient. Things like rewind are only as good as your ability to clear the board of enemies, so maybe whirlwind is a bit too efficient specifically when you have two of them. Earthquake is 2x whirlwind in one spell, but with an extra 1 MP and 2 AP for its efficiency, and it’s also really good. Maybe whirlwind should cost 1 more mp or ap. I could also make it more rare, theres an entirely invisible rarity system and i think whirlwind is relatively common (earthquake is relatively rare).
Yeah, it's definitely tough balancing single player games! I can see how overbalancing can lead to actually balancing the fun out of the game by accident. And it's definitely fun as is! Been a blast learning the game. I do think the core loop is extremely fun, making for a lot of both strategic and tactical decisions (great balance there). Some real potential here! Excited to see where it goes!