Cactus Game Design Message Boards

I've always loved Booster Draft, but, with the possible exception of the tins, Redemption doesn't really design stuff to draft well. I was thinking of designing a set that could be drafted well on it's own (as in you get N packs of this set and draft them rather than from several sets). This would partially be an experiment to see if it can be done.

First of all I'd do a little bit of tweaking to the standard Booster Draft rules, most importantly designing this with the idea that it would be played 2 player rather than just multiplayer.

Now there are several problems that need to be solved. First of all this will have to be a big set, which for me designing on my own is a challenge, and will make it significantly less likely that this will ever be done for real.

Secondly, to simplify and streamline the set I was thinking of not using Silver, Teal, Clay and Orange, since less Brigades mean more of each brigade I can include in the set.

Third, I need to figure out what each brigade does strategically, whether it's following what Redemption has been doing or not, I think the set would feel best if each brigade felt different.

Fourth, I need to figure out which themes to use, this one is fairly easy as I can just pick one or 2 for each brigade, but I could also try experimenting with some other ideas.

Finally, I'd have to figure out what power and complexity levels to put the set at. My initial thoughts would be below current power levels, and simplify the mechanics, similar to what was one with the I/J starter decks, except not as far.

It's an ambitious project, I'd guess the set would be around 300 cards at minimum. What do you think of this idea? Would people be interested in a set designed for Drafting? Any ideas for what could be done?

Sounds good. I agree with the no silver, teal, clay, and orange as all, but maybe clay are support brigades and can't be solo. 300 sounds like too many cause then there would be a good amount of non useful cards.

Have you ever thought about making a Cube?

If draft would become this in addition to the traditional packs, or replaced an out of print pack, then I'm all for it!

Quote from: ChristianSoldier on July 11, 2015, 04:06:13 PM

Not seriously, I've never done cube, so I'm not really too familiar with Cube. Secondly, I'm mostly interested in the actual creation of cards and the idea of doing one based around drafting sounds really fun.

The reason I suggested making a Cube is because having a 300 cards set made for drafting is a huge undertaking (man hours and funds) and probably won't happen. If you want something fun that you can do now you should check out making a Cube.

I'm fairly sure it won't actually happen... to me though it sounds like lots of fun to design and if nothing else it could be a very interesting experiment in case Cactus ever does get into a situation where it could be a reality. I'm not just doing it because I want to do an interesting draft, I am also doing it because I love designing cards, and this gives me a somewhat different vantage point to come at card design while not having to concern myself as much with cards being "playable" or building around Redemption's entire history. Plus if it works out, I could see it being fun to play online (although at this point I don't actually play online personally) if other people are interested (and if there is a draft simulator).

It sounds like a great idea! I might be able to help design cards though have no power whatsoever to make cactus game design do anything, but I think designing cards gives a further insight to what is going on in the bible

The oldest and biggest of the other TCG's that "shall not be named" designed a draft only set a couple years back. I believe the format for that set was 6 packs 15 cards each for a draft. Might be worth looking up for some ideas on what you might want to do.