Cactuar Correspondence - Weekly FFTCG Chat 1/24/19

let's talk fftcg!

Every week, there is something new to discuss and analyze in this game. In this feature, we answer your questions and respond to recent developments, new meta decks, specific cards we like or don't like -- you call it, we'll answer.

This week we are once again graced by the presence of Matthew Okimoto.

If you want to join the conversation, send us your thoughts! We would also love to hear the questions you have next week, so please shoot us a message at Facebook or on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Where do you think the community is right now, after the Crystal Cup format announcement, and what are the next steps?

MATTHEW: I probably have the unpopular opinion of liking the steps that SE has taken to include draft in the CC format. I understand all perspectives, and while I do agree with some aspects of the community regarding this topic... I think they need to take a chill pill and give it a try. SE has proven they do hear what the community has to say and will take that into consideration for the future but this uproar and rioting feeling where people are threatening to not attend CCs because of it is pretty poor and I honestly expect more from the community, come on people! 6 packs instead of 4 makes a big difference! But as far as steps that need to be taken, I think SE is considering all options right now and will make the best they can while at the same time keeping uniformity with EU. Regardless of the decision made I'd hope the community understands that a lot of thought is going to be given on this topic and relax a little.

ADAM L: The community definitely seems split right now. I'm sad to see a bunch of people arguing about this so much which seems to be causing more division. Hopefully we can come back together and make this upcoming season even better than last year regardless if this gets changed.

STEPHEN: I think the community is in a pretty poor spot. Hopefully the outcry can convince SE that mixing two formats is silly. I personally will play whatever format I have to but I completely understand and agree with every criticism. Practicing draft is cost prohibitive and forcing it on constructed players to (my own speculation) boost revenue is a big red flag.

ADAM D: I don’t think anything fatal has happened with the Crystal Cup format changes, or with how people reacted. We will see where it ends up, but I don’t think it has harmed the game or the community permanently. That being said, there were some reactions that I felt were poor form in the community, and the conversation quickly devolved into something silly. The best part of this game continues to be the community, so it really stands out when people are elitist or don’t treat each other right.

Which sets have you enjoyed drafting the most?

MATTHEW: I actually have enjoyed drafting most sets, my favorite would probably have to be a mix of Opus 1 and 2 though. An all Opus 6 draft is also one of my favorites.

ADAM L: Easily Opus VI. I felt that it was the most fun to play for draft and sealed. Lots of the big cards had pretty great answers to them. Summons in Opus VI were built pretty great for draft in my opinion. Of course you did have some great bombs like Estinien and Nidhogg.

STEPHEN: I have only done a chaos draft of opus 2 and another set. I would love to do one of Opus VI.

ADAM D: We haven’t done a lot of draft locally. We did a few Opus I through IV drafts, one pack of each, and that was kind of a crazy experience. I liked Opus VI, with the Evokers and Summoners, since it was the easiest for me to conceptually make decks (I’m really bad at limited).

What do you expect from Opus IX, now that it is titled “Lords and Chaos?”

MATTHEW: Honestly have no clue, but I hope Opus IX is a good set as it most likely will be applied to Nationals and/or Worlds. I hope we get some more Tribal synergy and maybe even a new deck archetype.

ADAM L: Maybe it could be in reference to the fiends from FFIV or the four lords from FFXI and FFXIV? Honestly I'm not sure. It could just be reference to Vincent since he is on the box.

STEPHEN: I expect some Lords and some Chaos. Seems like it'll be very thematic and hopefully it'll be good for sealed and constructed as well.

ADAM D: I think this could be another move towards supporting a Limited format. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a few powerful reprints in here, too. I like the new direction, even if it is just a marketing concept.

If you had to choose the best two backups in the game right now, which do you choose and why?

MATTHEW: I want to say Shantotto but with the influx of 3CP Y'shtola being played it gets lowered on the list for me since you are saying "in the game right now." I would have to go with Light Fusoya since you life is a resource and it can snowball you pretty well given the right deck. The other best backup I would have to go with is Miner, it is pretty much always included in any Earth deck, it’s super universal in the sense that it can let you pitch a late game backup early and get it back later, while also allowing you to recur big threats.

ADAM L: In the current meta I would probably have to say R Yuna and Star Sybil. R Yuna is just borderline unfair. Not only does she dull for cp but she basically gives you cp everytime you cast a water summon. Compound that with the fact that you need Yuna on board to get the full potential of S Valefor. Sybil is another pretty unfair backup. The fact that it can be discounted is pretty broken honestly. Partner that with the fact it's EX and can search backups. Pretty gross.

STEPHEN: First is Miner for break zone recursion. Getting Wol and Dadaluma back is bonkers. Second is Ajido because as JFB says, the only thing better than 3 Diabolos is a potential 5 Diabolos.

ADAM D: Jihl Nabaat from Opus II, and either Aerith R or Aerith L, because we have seen a lot of meta decks that are all-in on backup abilities. These backups shut down Fusoya decks and brick Lulu and Red Mage, which is really powerful.

To what lengths would you go for full-art FFTA2 cards, featuring Ryoma Ito’s artwork?

MATTHEW: I would LOVE a Full Art Illua and have my boy Sam Prime sign it <3.

ADAM L: Probably to the same extent I tried to get the Chinese Y'shtola promo. I still don't have one but I've come to terms with the fact I won't get one. I assume if they did these however they would be more accessible for everyone though. I'd be all about a full art Illua.

STEPHEN: I love the FFTA2 cards. I'd enjoy putting full art cards into my title deck. Plus Illua is bonkers and a full art of her would be outstanding.

ADAM D: Lots of Ebay auction stalking and a series of poor financial decisions. Those are the lengths.