I never jumped the Steemmonsters/Splinterlands boat mainly because I used to have somewhat of a hearthstone addiction and I did not want to go in the same direction during the soccer season getting distracted while watching live matches. With the soccer season being in its summer break and the changed Starter Set Promo code format I managed to get one of them thanks to @clove71 and tested out the game these past days.

I used to be a real gamer but simply lack the time nowadays. I have never been the big spender and generally like to get games at a good price discount or as a Free-to-Play model like Apex Legends Recently. If I really enjoy playing as I did with Hearthstone, I don't mind spending some money but it will always be within reasonable limits.

If Steemmonsters had a free-to-play / "Pay-to-Win" model I would have for sure tested it out from the start. The 10$ entry price has always been too high since I value Steem quite a bit and I always had a dislike for the visuals of Steemmonsters (coming from Hearthstone that is)

FIRST IMPRESSION

When starting to play a game like this I'm very much like the general public, I don't want to have to think or put any effort into it whatsoever. On that part, the game very much failed as there is no tutorial, let alone an enjoyable one whatsoever. 2 days in I still have no clue what I'm doing and how everything works honestly.

If this was a normal game without any earning potential I would have given up within the first 5 minutes. That being said the game itself is actually quite ok. Everything works properly and I just like most Steemians I do feel the drive to complete the daily challenge to get a free card. Both cards I got the first 2 days were duplicates by the way.

The Ranked Play feels very Familiar and I'm looking forward to opening the 7 cards I'll get for reaching bronze 2. I do feel as I got started and will likely continue to play maybe even buying some cheap cards on the market.

I do see how this game has some potential but I'm not sure if everything is streamlined enough to have the general public start playing it. The requirements to start along with the visuals still not that convincing. I do look forward to exploring things more though. If anyone got some absolute beginner tips feel free to let me know in the comments below!