Summary
- Hearthstone's cosmetic options have expanded, hinting at the potential introduction of pets to the game for the first time.
- Pets could provide players with entertaining distractions and interact with game boards, adding a new level of engagement.
- Attention to detail with pets could enhance player experience, but micro-transactions should be balanced to avoid player backlash.
Hearthstone has long been the black sheep of Blizzard games, but it’s always embraced its lighthearted, rebellious spirit. This is most evident in its artwork, boards, and card mechanics, all of which try to bring the Warcraft universe to life, if only on a tiny scale. Although the fundamental features of the game have remained unchanged throughout its 10 years, there has been a notable shift toward more cosmetic options.
The number of hero skins, exclusive card appearances, and fancy spell effects has exploded in later years. However, one developer's blog post has hinted at adding something entirely new. Pets have always been a beloved staple of World of Warcraft and similar RPGs, but their possible introduction in Hearthstone would be a true first. The fantasy card game has always playfully bounced around in WoW's footsteps, and this trend seems to be reaching new heights.
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How Hearthstone Can Implement Pets As Cosmetics
Since cards are Hearthstone's only real win-or-lose aspect, there’s plenty of room for cosmetics. Longtime players will have accumulated loads of card backs and hero skins, using both in-game gold and real money. If pets were introduced to Hearthstone, they would likely be a cosmetic option to make things more interesting and incentivize varied or challenging gameplay. Naturally, fancier pets could be more difficult to obtain, and hopefully, enemy players could see them as well.
The best way to integrate pets into Hearthstone would be as small animated companions that players can interact with, perhaps to keep them entertained when waiting for an enemy to end their turn. For example, a pet could climb around and play on the game’s various boards while players duel, and could even have specific fun or cute interactions when certain cards are played.
The Key to Hearthstone's Success Will Be Attention to Detail
To make the most of these pets, they must feel as real and impactful as any other cool cosmetic. They mustn’t affect the actual gameplay, of course, but they could really spice up Hearthstone’s game boards or waiting screens. There’s been a real lack of diversity with game boards and the iconic role they play, so adding some new flavor of interaction would be most welcome.
A Perilous Paradise Indeed
Hearthstone faced something of a controversy with their newest expansion, Perils in Paradise, as no new game board was released with it. Players have felt for some time that the game hasn’t been delivering on its former integrity and attention to detail. The delight of the player should always be the priority, and pets could be an excellent gift of goodwill to stir excitement and anticipation.
Collecting pets could become an entire mini-game in and of itself, like in World of Warcraft, but it’s unlikely they’ll battle one another as they do in the MMO. At most, they might provide an interesting distraction, endearing themselves to players through their bright designs and personalities. Each player might have their pets sitting on either end of the board, cheering their owners on and reacting to their triumphs or losses.
Pets Can Be a Force for Good or for Evil
There’s no limit to the kinds of pets Hearthstone could have, from dragons and monkeys to tiny ghouls or cobras and everything in between. Nonetheless, it would be interesting to try to match the pets to the expansions as they come. Perils in Paradise revolves around a beach vacation setting, so the game could bring pet crabs, fish, seagulls, or even a baby sea monster with it.
The only thing Hearthstone needs to be careful of is more micro-transactions, as players tend to bristle when they feel taken advantage of. Even if some remain behind a paywall, plenty more should be available through simple effort or limited-time events. Pets could be an incredible addition to the game, and if the developer’s intentional hint proves true, the future of Hearthstone could soar.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
WHERE TO PLAY
Deceptively simple, insanely fun. Sheathe your sword, draw your deck, and get ready for Hearthstone—the fast-paced strategy card game that’s easy to learn and massively fun. You’ll play your cards to sling spells, summon creatures, and command the heroes of Warcraft in duels of epic strategy. Did we mention it’s free to play? Get Packed for Paradise with Hearthstone's newest expansion, Perils in Paradise.
Play on your own schedule—most games take less than 10 minutes whether you’re battling your friends or the AI. Hearthstone’s easy to learn and extremely accessible gameplay is available for Windows, Mac, and iPad.
Your deck is centered around a legendary hero and composed of minions, spells, items, and abilities from the epic Warcraft universe. While you play, the sights, sounds, and other details packed into Hearthstone bring the Warcraft universe to life in a way you’ve never experienced before.
