Just listened to this episode on my break and as always, it was very cool to receive some insight from behind the curtain on a truly spectacular set... As a fan of this game and community, I feel so completely spoiled with the amount of awesome talent that are joining the already stacked roster of Legends and Indy talent.
Since you guys specifically asked, I'm going to give my initial thoughts on this set... Nothing about how I plan on using them, but simply my 'first look' impression of each card... And here we go!
Antonio Inoki - Looks like a very well balanced card, both offensively and defensively... He's going to have more trouble with the really agile guys than anyone else, I think... And based on the converstation, I'm pretty sure this was the intention... His artwork is on point and I love the mechanic on his Cobra Twist... Still can't believe that we've got him in color! STOKED!
Dan Spivey - My least favorite artwork in the set, but that's probably because I was such a big fan... Of course, I will always remember him as a certain 'Cape Fear' inspired character since I was never really exposed to anything other than WWF until recent years... He should perform alright in the mid-card, especially if he's paired with a decent tag team partner.
Don Kernodle - Have to admit that I know less about him than anyone else in the set... That being said, I am very excited to learn more and introduce him into my current Legends project... His defensive stats are going to cause him some grief in singles competition, but he will more than make up for that with tag team success... The double team mechanic on Level 2 Offense will provide some really fun spots.
Ken Shamrock - The artwork makes him look really tough and overall, his stats are probably the strongest in the set... I've always found that having three 'A' chart ratings can shift the momentum of a match at any given time... Plus, his power and agility will provide an even greater advantage in these situations... I'm glad that you decided against the idea of a 'Shamrock snaps' mechanic because I think that's something that individual promoters can choose to implement if he's disqualified on a chart roll... Definitely the headliner of this set, imho.
Mark Henry - So pleased with his -5 power... Also think it's very cool that he was given an 'A' deathjump rating... I think that sometimes it's overlooked how effectively some big men could counter high risk moves and they wind up with a 'C' rating here simply to offset other aspects of the card... His above average defense, low PIN and +3 finisher are going to make him very tough to beat.
Mike Rotunda - Here is a guy that I never got a chance to appreciate when I was younger because I really only knew about his 'financially driven' characters that held no appeal for me whatsoever... Absolutely love the artwork, but the stats are probably the weakest in the set... Another thing that struck me right away is that I would never put this version in a tag team with Barry Windham for the simple reason that I would never be able to justify having Windham tag out to a partner with stats that are so much weaker in every department... Very interested to see how he performs.
Penny Banner - A truly welcome addition to the female roster with stunning artwork... Although she might be a step below the upper tier competitors like Mildred Burke and Fabulous Moolah, I still think she has the stats to beat anyone as long as a dice roll or two goes her way... Her defense looks solid and her ratings (charts, agility and power) are an excellent compliment to her Level 2 and Level 3 Offense.
Sgt Slaughter - Without a doubt, my favorite artwork in the set... It really jumps off the screen and totally embodies his personality, whether being used as a face or a heel... His stats are just a notch below those of Shamrock and easily on par with Henry... Having two 'out of the ring' moves will lead to more DQ finishes, but that makes sense and will create some additional heat with potential rivals... I was also hoping for a +3 finisher and you guys made it happen.
Diamond Dallas Page - Jeez, I coulda sworn...
I can wait.
A phenomenal set, gentlemen... And I expected nothing less... Thank you so much for all the hard work... It's absolutely appreciated.
I can wait.
