Counterspell has two uses: #1: As an attack against another character, forcing them to discard 2 cards #2: As a block against magical attacks versus the holder of CounterSpell This suggestion is for use #2. Currently when the holder of Counterspell is effected by a card that hits the owner's entire team (such as Whirlwind Enemies or Firestorm) Counterspell will attempt to block the effect, but ONLY FOR THE HOLDER. The Spell is not 'Countered' per se, but only blocked for the holder of Counterspell. Of course this is usually feels like a waste of Counterspell, and could even be considered a limit to the card. My suggestion is that Counterspell not merely block the affect for the holder, but for the entire team. This would provide an effective counter to WWE and FireStorm, two cards that have been complained about over and over on the forums and in MultiPlayer chat. The only downsides I can think of are: 1. It buffs Counterspell (Could upset balance) 2. It could be complicated to program Other cards that could be affected: 1. Cones like Cone Of Cold (Probably not, don't directly hit characters) 2. Whirlwind (Counter the entire card or just for your team?) 3. Any future 'Mass Debuffs' ... I need to learn about affect vs. effect.
To its defence, I think it makes more sense the way it works right now. This is where you are active, have the initiative, and target a specific enemy. This where you are passive and the opponent has the initiative. You don't really "counter" the spell that was cast because it's too late for that (spell was already cast), you only block it when it affects you. So it's a kind of "magical shield" when in passive mode. At least this is how I see it. But I can totally understand why someone would look at it differently, especially when the card name is "Counterspell", and it would makes sense if it countered all spells.
I don't disagree that it makes sense as is, I just think it could be an effective way to 'counter' an existing problem.
Hmm.. are you sure there is a problem? I think that Counterspell is pretty powerful as it is, unless the opponent doesn't have any spells. The way it works now, not being able to block mass spells, could be a good thing because it enables the opponent to counter Counterspell I don't have a problem with this suggestion though. The change is not that big so it shouldn't be a big deal.
I think that's exactly the problem, then. It's a counterspell that isn't countering spells. You offensively use it. How is that a counter? You use it as a personal shield... which is also not countering. The spell is still doing something, just not to you. The Tooltip text for Block Magic even suggests the card should be cancelled, if I'm reading the wiki correctly... I know tooltip wording is another argument, but we all have seen how this will confuse and annoy people. So, either this is a really crappy "counter" that feels half-functional, or a poorly named Anti-magic effect that otherwise kicks butt. I admit that I'm reluctant to ever play MP specifically because of cards like WWE. I might be more inclined to finally try it if the game presented me with more ways to block incoming attacks of this nature. It's an interesting idea, but for addressing problems with WWE, a single change like this still feels like sticking your finger in the hole of the dam so it doesn't break, to me.
I have to agree with Lusus on this one, in fantasy settings you NEVER use counterspell proactively, it's always a response. I think it would be pretty cool if the active was removed entirely, but it triggered automatically (or maybe on 2+) and disjunctioned the whole spell. Plus it would really differentiate forgetfulness and counterspell too, which are extremely similar to each other. Think of it as a magical parry where instead of drawing a card, it takes out the whole spell.
