We've been introduced with with 2 (two) new limited edition promo cards attainable through Rebellion packs presale, which is Mantaroth and Grimbardun Smith. Both looks very promising seen from their comprehensive parameters and abilities. We might be curious of how goods are they compared to existing cards of similar levels. So in this posts we will take a deeper comparison between those cards with the current Modern Format collection. Since currently we don't have the full progression charts of those cards, based on their posted card photos below, I will assumed that the shown profile is the max level profile. We will compare both cards with other cards of equal attack types and mana levels.
Mantaroth
Mantaroth have an 11 mana value to deploy. It's a great addition to its cohort, since currently there are only 11 cards costing 11 mana value. Mantaroth is a Legendary type which is similar to the most of the cards in its cohort, and should be limited in its progression steps. Mantaroth is a Neutral Splinter cards, which means it should have inferior parameters compared to other Splinters to compensate its flexibility (as I mentioned in most of my previous posts). So herewith we will list all of the cards costing 11 mana valued:
Mantaroth seemed to have a mediocre health compared to the rest, but it has the lowest armor value among the armored ones. Speed could be considered mediocre as it is the only one to have 2 speed, compared to the rest which divided majorly between 1 speed and 3 speed, . Damage is a little bit disappointing as Mantaroth at the bottom end of the tier.
Disregard all the inferior parameter, abilities have become the main appeal of Mantaroth. Mantaroth is decorated with a total of 5 (five) abilities; one of which are the new abilities, Armored Strike. Uniquely, the abilities are quite diverse in terms of types. As I've mentioned in my previous posts, abilities are majorly divisible between, Tanker, Striker, and Support abilities. Shield helps protect Mantaroth from incoming damage so could be considered as Tanker ability. Repair affect not only this cards but other cards in the formation, therefor considered as Support ability. And then rest fall into the Striker types, which is Armored Strike, True Strike, and Blast; all of them contributed toward the damage dealt by Mantaroth. It seemed difficult to decided whether this cards is more of Striker types, considering the abilities boost its attack but the speed and damage parameters seemed lower.
Armored Strike are yet to be tested, The +1 additional damage might be useful, but it didn't scale up very well for card with high mana value as such, and surely for high mana cap battle. And yet the addition only active as long the armor is exist. But our prediction so far, this ability should get along very well with Repair. At least Repair should guarantee that Armored Strike will active each time Mantaroth launched its attack.
Cthulhu and Robo-Dragon Knight are the only 2 (two) cards to possessed an equal 5 (five) abilities at max level. Cthulhu might have inferior parameter compared to Mantaroth, but its because this cards is a magic type card. The trump card of Cthulhu come from its Last Stand ability, which could reverse the battle outcome by great margin. Robo-Dragon Knight so far have much superior parameter compared to Mantaroth. Its abilities seemed to highlited its Tanker nature, especially Void which useful to minimize magic damage and therefor will balance its higher armor value. Both these cards come from Untamed edition, which after the release of Rebellion editions, they will leave the Modern format. Therefor Mantaroth will come out as the sole card to possessed 5 abilities.
Coeurl Lurker is the only 11 mana other than Mantaroth to come from Neutral Splinter. Compared with Mantaroth, it is still difficult to replace Coeurl Lurker from the top tier card. Coeurl Lurker not only possessed the huge health leveraged by the number of evasive abilities and redirection from Taunt; but the speed and damage make this cards as deadly as other Striker card.
Grimbardun Smith
Non-Attack cards have become a strategical cards in any battle. These cards trade their ability to attack with a superior health, armor, and also speed. Their abilities proof to be useful as Tanker or Support roles. The current Non-Attack cards cost 7 mana value at most (which is Warrior Of Peace). By itself, players should be considerate when spending mana on a Non-Attack cards, mainly due to their defensive roles only to support and protect other cards. But the current use of Non-Attack cards have changed entirely with the coming of Weapon Training ability, as this ability allows them to deal attacks.
Shield and Repair seemed to become a major feature in this early access, having available to both Mantaroth and Grimbardun Smith. In overall, Grimbardun Smith seemed to focus dominantly toward Tanker type, having a whole Tanker abilities, such as Immunity, Void, and Shield; while Repair is the only one to have Support function. Immunity are very important for Non-Attack cards, especially under Noxious Fumes ruleset. Unfortunately doesn't possessed any of the 4 (four) new abilities from Rebellion editions owned.
Grimbardun Smith have a relatively comparable parameter compared to the other 6 mana value Non-Attack cards. Idri Fyre might be the one to have an overall better parameter, both in term of armor and speed, and also its Tanker abilities. Other than that Grimbardun Smith seemed to be in-between health and armor of Baakjira and Naga Brute.
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