Hearthstone is foremost a 1x1 game. I was hoping to suggest 2x2 Ranked normal mode. I did something somewhat similar before, but that was also with a 3x3 suggestion, which is too many players. AND BlizzConn just suggested 2v2v2v2 10 minutes ago, so I now have actual grounds to do this, since Blizzard seems to be thinking of something quite similar.
Structurally, this would require a team of two players – either partied or randoms – to build pre-made decks to face off against an opposing team of two, who would do the same. The game table area would feature four small “rows” for minions and other cards, and small hands of cards, one per player, four in total. This would allow all of the players’ hands and cards out to fit in the game area.
Each player’s hand would be small and in a corner, one corner per player. Hovering your mouse over a small row or your partner’s small hand would cause both the player’s row and hand to enlarge to normal size, while the mouse stays over it, so you could see what you or your partner have in hand or out in play. Or, enlarge and see what cards a given opponent has out in play, (but not their hand, which would remain hidden.) This would allow a player whose turn is not currently up to strategize what to do once his or her turn is up, and coordinate strategy with his or her partner.
Each of the two partner players on a team would need an Overwatch-like voice system to talk to the partner. Or, stay silent and communicate by typing messages.
The goal would be to defeat both of the opposing players while at least one friendly player remains alive. Each turn should be the same as a turn currently is for a player. The inactive partner would use time to either suggest things to the active partner, or to think up strategy.
Instead of just worrying about your own hand and cards out in play, you would now need to take into account your partner’s hand and cards out in play. Your “global” cards, such as Crusader Aura, would now affect not only you but your partner. So, a Priest could play a card to Heal 8 life for their threatened partner, or a Hunter could play a Secret on the partner’s deck so that an opponent attacking the ally would trigger the Secret. A Paladin could play Blood Matriarch Liadrian to give a friendly Death Knight’s mob of undead Rush and Divine Shields. The potential for strategies and depth of play would skyrocket.
The strategy and coordination between partner players would allow some pretty insane combos, and would either group a duo or randoms or allow two friends to coordinate building their decks and what cards they could play at a given time – but their opponents, likewise, would also have access to all of this on their end.
I think the presence of a structured Ranked 2x2 multiplayer would increase the amount of fun in Hearthstone. You would no longer just need to take care of yourself and do everything yourself. Your friend could have your back in a strategic brawl while you have theirs.
What do you guys think?