Hi all,
Introduction
Another post in this series. Thank you for your support in the previous posts 😊
This series intends to determine if there are other aspects of cards that may contribute to increasing its value. Based on your feedback I can focus on more/other things – so feel free to tell me where you want me to go into further detail.
I include some analysis on where the cards fit in terms of gameplay, strategy, comparison with other cards, and a market analysis of its price. Feel free to suggest what more do you want me to look into in this series, and your support is much appreciated!
In this edition I will be looking at the Coastal Sentry.
Gameplay Analysis
The Coastal Sentry is a Common Water monster from the Chaos Legion Reward set, renowned for its offensive focus and ability to deal consistent damage with added utility at higher levels. This Melee-focused unit excels at punching through defenses and capitalizing on stunned enemies.
Stats and Abilities by Level:
| Level | Melee Attack | Speed | Health | Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | Double Strike |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 6 | Double Strike |
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 7 | Double Strike |
| 6 | 4 | 4 | 7 | Double Strike, Piercing |
| 8 | 5 | 4 | 7 | Double Strike, Piercing |
| 10 | 5 | 5 | 7 | Double Strike, Piercing, Knock Out |
Abilities:
Double Strike: Allows the monster to attack twice each round, doubling its damage output.
Piercing: Ensures any excess damage from an attack carries over to the next target's armor or health.
Knock Out: Deals double damage to enemies that are stunned, making it particularly deadly when paired with stunning allies.
Level-Based Insights
Level 1: With 3 Melee attack, 3 Speed, and 6 Health, Coastal Sentry starts as a solid front or second-line attacker. Its Double Strike ability makes it capable of dealing substantial damage early on.
Level 3: Gains an additional point in Melee attack, further improving its offensive potential.
Level 5: Gains a boost in Speed and Health, enhancing its durability and reliability in battle.
Level 6: Unlocks the Piercing ability, ensuring its damage is effective against heavily armored opponents.
Level 8: Its Melee attack increases to 5, solidifying it as a high-damage unit.
Level 10: Acquires the Knock Out ability, doubling its damage against stunned targets, creating devastating synergy with stunning allies.
Comparative Analysis
How does Coastal Sentry compare to other Water splinter Melee attackers?
Vs. Deeplurker: Deeplurker's Opportunity ability lets it target vulnerable enemies, but Coastal Sentry's Double Strike offers significantly higher damage potential, especially with its late-game abilities.
Vs. Serpent of Eld: While Serpent of Eld focuses on evasiveness with high Speed and Dodge, Coastal Sentry brings raw, consistent damage and utility through Piercing and Knock Out.
Key Takeaway: Coastal Sentry is a powerful offensive tool, offering consistent damage through Double Strike and excelling in battles against armored opponents or when paired with stunners.
Synergies
Coastal Sentry pairs effectively with:
Kelya Frendul: The +1 Speed and Armor make Coastal Sentry more durable and faster, allowing it to maximize its damage output.
Wave Brood: As a Taunt tank, Wave Brood protects Coastal Sentry, giving it ample time to deal damage from the second position.
Lobstradamus: Lobstradamus can act as a front-line tank, while Coastal Sentry takes advantage of the damage-absorbing presence to deal consistent damage from behind.
Stun Units (e.g., Ice Pixie or Djinn Oshannus): Stunners enable Coastal Sentry's Knock Out ability at Level 10, doubling its damage against afflicted enemies.
Ruleset Performance
Favorable Rulesets:
Melee Mayhem: Coastal Sentry can attack from any position, taking full advantage of its Double Strike ability.
Super Sneak: Grants all Melee monsters the ability to target the enemy backline, enabling Coastal Sentry to exploit vulnerabilities.
Equal Opportunity: Increases Coastal Sentry's likelihood of targeting weaker enemies, ensuring its attacks are more impactful.
Challenging Rulesets:
Reverse Speed: Coastal Sentry's higher Speed works against it, making it less effective in this ruleset.
Noxious Fumes: The poison damage can quickly chip away its Health, limiting its time on the battlefield.
Market Analysis
Price Overview
Regular Foil: Approximately $0.07 per BCX.
Gold Foil: Approximately $1.80 per BCX.
Investment Potential
Coastal Sentry's versatile utility and damage potential make it a solid choice for Water splinter lineups. Its affordability and effectiveness, especially in combination with stunning units, contribute to its high value for both new and experienced players.
Conclusion
Coastal Sentry is a dynamic and powerful Melee attacker that shines in offensive-focused battles. Its combination of Double Strike, Piercing, and Knock Out abilities makes it a versatile unit that excels in rulesets favoring Melee attacks or when paired with synergistic allies. This card is a strong investment for players looking to enhance their Water splinter lineups with a reliable damage dealer.
What do you think about this card? Do you use it in your lineups? Share your experiences in the comments and let me know which card you'd like me to analyze next!
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. 😊