thanks so much ben, this super thoughtful feedback :D
i have noticed the first round is always the same, i considered adding a special card to the deck at the start but couldn't balance it before the deadline (same reason i didn't add starter decks - just out of the scope basically)
as for the "freebie" style cards, this game is heavily inspired by the board game dominion which revolves a lot around "cantrip" cards which are free to play and provide a small benefit. in this game, the "cost" is simply adding them to your deck. i think you might be right though, perhaps they are a little overtuned :)
i love your idea about the trade off cards as well, i think that would add a lot to the game! i would definitely like to make the choices between cards more meaningful. i can definitely tell from your comment you played a bunch and that means the world <3 i will def use these ideas to improve the game!!
