I have to say the addition of a card game as this year's only new system is disappointing. ESO is a beautiful game, with rich, detailed 3D worlds and the best action combat in the genre, but all of that is thrown away when we get locked into some 2D picture minigame in the corner of a tavern. Frankly it seems out of touch with what players want, an expansion of the systems and combat that make ESO shine. This could be a new class (it's been 3 years since Necromancer), weapon type, guild (it's been 4 years since Psijic), or crafting skill (4 years since jewelry).
The card game system seems as misguided as scrying and excavation, two other 2D minigames that IMO did not fit into the ESO formula, and felt like something a mobile game designer spent a week developing. Blackwood also seemed lacking in new systems, with companions falling short of useful in nearly all content. A "virtual friend" wasn't enough, but somehow it seems this year's chapter has even less to offer.
I will say that the new islands look amazing. I'm sure the quests and the lore will be great. I even have faith that the dungeons and trials will be fun. These are the types of things that should be the focus, and additional features and systems to complement them will lead to successful chapters and happy players. If we wanted to play Elder Scrolls Legends then we would, but we want to play Elder Scrolls Online.
Edited by ZOS_Volpe on January 28, 2022 2:47PM