Hey, just wanted to create a topic to discuss the new HB ICE Architect. I think this might be one the most powerful pieces of ICE in the game and dissuade Runners from face checking ICE in the first couple turns before there are any breakers out.
So let’s analyze what these subroutines actually do for the Corp. Say you’re HB. You get to fetch one of your pieces of asset econ and install it (free click), gain 1c from HB’s ability, grab a piece of ICE that was Parasite’d earlier out of Archives and install it (or, better yet, a SanSan). You know what the next four cards are going to be. You can install an agenda from RD, HQ, OR Archives and score it next turn if they face plant Architect last click. I almost forgot, Architect can’t be trashed. This ICE is just insane. Even if they have Mimic out immediately it’s a nice 2c tax that’s not going away. If you’re NEH you get to draw from your ability. If the top card is an agenda you can install a PAD to draw the agenda and protect it.
The most standard play in Netrunner is to face check the Corp’s ICE early game to force them to rez it and extend the early game advantage for the Runner. You do this against every Corp except Jinteki (Komainu/Tsurugi). Now I’m not sure you can face check with such impunity. These subroutines do so much. I’ve been playing with 3x Architect in my NEH deck and it’s been very effective. Here’s a screenshot from a recent game that shows what it can accomplish: http://i.imgur.com/F7K5LQn.jpg. I was able to install the SanSan, draw the Astro, AND install another SanSan that was in archives. Anyone else playtesting this ICE?