Community Data Pack Review-Business First

Thanks to all of the reviewers who submitted their reviews in the proper format. Business First scored quite well, and could be a Tier 1 pack.
I would just like to let you all know that you should submit your tournament decks to ACOO.net, in order to provide data for knowthemeta.com/#. Thanks!

We used the following rating scale to rate each card in the pack:
1- Very poor - Very bad for the foreseeable future, but may become a usable card one day in the meta.
2- Bad - Not a good card to play generally, but may have its role in some very specific deck builds. Not likely to be seen in a tourney winning deck.
3- Average - Will make some tourney winning decks, but not in every deck it is eligible for. Think hard before including.
4- Strong - Almost certainly a strong include for almost every deck that is eligible to include it.
5- Excellent - A definite auto-include of exceptional strength.

Synopsis:
Palana Foods: Sustainable Growth: 4.7
Corporate Scandal: 4.0
Corporate Sales Team: 3.3
CBI Raid: 3.3
New Construction: 3.3
Lakshmi Smartfabrics: 3.0
Net Chip: 3.0
Advanced Assembly Lines: 3.0
Disposable HQ: 3.0
Tech Trader: 2.7
EMP Device: 2.7
Palana Agroplex: 2.7
Pack Average: 2.6
PAD Factory: 2.3
Populist Rally: 2.0
Diwan: 1.7
Product Recall: 1.7
Harvester: 1.7
Mumbad Construction Co. 1.7
Remote Data Farm: 1.3





MightyToenail-2/5
It's got it's uses, but I can't really justify including this in a deck. They can still Rez one ice, so what really is the point. I would have liked it better as a Run event, but that's been done already. However, the artwork and the fact that it is a bomb will mean it sees play in my Valencia deck, as a way to continue the theme of Blackmail.

AdorablePython-3/5
The more unrezzed ICE in front of a server, the better it gets. It's similar to Running Interference in that regard. Consider putting two EMP Devices and two DDoS in your deck, so you are safe against both vertical and horizontal decks.

Valdemart-3/5
Finally we get bombs! The high influence make it really hard to slot in anything other than orange, but running that scoring remote you ignored whole game has never been easier. For that alone this card gets 3, but even so I doubt that it will see that much play after the initial attempts.



MightyToenail-0/5
This is the first time I'm going to say this. This is absolutely useless. It sucks up memory space, and the corp can just use a different sever as the scoring server if they haven't developed it, and if they have, then what was the point of Diwan? What purpose does this serve? The only place it is good is to target a SanSan City Grid, and even then it taxes only three credits or so. If it were zero memory I would change my mind.

AdorablePython-2/5
Install it early for a mediocre effect. As the match progresses, installing it becomes more and more worthless, though. Noise might include it in his deck, but most of the time it won't see play.

Valdemart-3/5
Good for Noise and Reina, little use for anyone else. However it will cause a purge from time to time, which is not bad at all. Additionally it helps with the early central pressure, so some aggresive decks might like it.



MightyToenail-2/5
It is a situational card, yes, but there are a lot of situations that you might use it in. The only thing holding this card back is the run on HQ as a criminal card.

Adorable-Python-4/5
Aside from the fact that it pretty much hoses Cerebral Imaging, it is a good follow-up for Fisk Investment Seminar, as it eliminates FIS's downside. Will propably see most play in Eater+Keyhole decks, where R&D is shuffled on a regular basis.

Valdemart-4/5
Undoubtedly strong card that will do some great work in faction, slowing the Corp down and giving you lot of options for multiaccess as follow-up. It misses the 5 for me as the effect requires some additional support and can work both ways, depending on the HQ at the moment of the run. It also won't slow enough NEH most of the times.



MightyToenail-3/5
I'm rating this as a Geist card. Don't put it in another deck. This makes Geist actually playable, because the shear benefits that you can gain from a trash ability with two of these in play is astounding.

AdorablePython-2/5
Must-have in Armand 'Geist' Walker decks, where it gets really good. Outside of those decks, I think it's terrible. As self-trash effects are too widely distributed to get an effective use out of this.

Valdemart-3/5
Geist likes it, this chick must be his backdoor channel. Being a Connection, it can also do some work with Off-Campus Apartment. Also pairs nicely with Fall Guy and any Trash ability in general. Might be decent include in Exile Technical Writer deck.



MightyToenail-2/5
The consumer grade hardware is horribly disappointing so far. This is essentially an Akamatsu Mem Chip that can occasionally earn an additional memory. Unless you are running Endless Hunger, there is no reason to run more than two of these guys.

AdorablePython-4/5
Especially combined with Replicator, NetChip is a reliable place to host your high-MU programs on. Magnum Opus, Paintbrush, Collective Consciousness, Hyperdriver, ... pretty neat. Might supersede Leprechaun.

Valdemart-3/5
God, thank you. Unlike Ramujan-Reliant-last-one-close-the-door these chips might actually help you combine Magnum Opus with Overmind and one or two MemStrips, then just Scavenge Overmind when the counters end. Combine with Levy, some event-based cash and Replicator and you might have something there. Or not. The problem with all the memory tricks is that once you get them right, there is nothing to actually spend that memory on. Moving along.



MightyToenail-3/5
This is a solid card. The economy alone is good, and the ability to use Blackmail adds the pain that it needs. I'd include one or two of these in certain decks.

AdorablePython-4/5
A little bit costly, but it's a reliable way to make use of Blackmail/Investigative Journalism - outside of Valencia.

Valdemart-5/5
This right here is the pack's winner. Those waiting to blackmail left and right will spend the influence, and it pays back even through normal runs rather quick. Business First seems to like Criminal quite a lot, as the Scandal will give them yet another rather easy way to simply avoid the ice



MightyToenail-1/5
This card is a really bad version of CBI Raid. Losing one click for two credits is not ever going to help. Unless you are worried about a Fast Advance, this will never be played.

AdorablePython-3/5
Seedy cards are mostly Anarch. It can be used to give you another turn before the corp can score the double-advanced 3/5 agenda. Or the unadvanced 2/3 one.

Valdemart-2/5
Don't really see how this card will justify the slot to be included. Combined with the fact it is hit or miss and really match-specific makes it a hard include. If you can actually use the delay of one turn to steal an agenda, why not include something that will help you actually steal it during that turn?
(Editors Note: Valdemart makes an exceptionally good point here. Why not include cards that help you steal it and can be played all of the time, instead of needing a seedy card in play.)



MightyToenail-3/5
To help decode this, it essentially reads: "Net two credits for one card and no clicks." Not too bad, though I'm not really sure where I would use it.

AdorablePython-3/5
A burst economy replacement for EtF that can trigger the ID in the runner's turn. Also a low-price/low-risk candidate for triggering Lakshmi Smartfabrics and/or Alix.

Valdemart-3/5
The main plus here is that this is economy out of nowhere that might be crucial in certain cases. Also allows you to install that drip economy at the start of your turn AND give you the money to rez them. Best fit is in Engineering the Future, but the problem is that it competes with other good cards there.


MightyToenail-3/5
Whole decks can be built around this card. They won't be Tier 1, but it will be good. I really like it.

AdorablePython-4/5
Has the potential to secure some high-valued agendas. Power counters are easy to accumulate: Advanced Assembly Lines, Adonis Campaign, Breaker Bay Grid, ICE (possibly guarding Lakshmi itself), etc.

Valdemart-2/5
It is quite easy to set, but to make it work you need to find a second copy of that one agenda you are trying to score naked. That is what it should be used for, right? I will give it a 2 though as it may protect that one 3/5 you are holding in your naked HQ. But if you let the game went that way, I doubt that this particular card will help you.




MightyToenail-2/5
Once again, another Alliance card that won't leave the faction. Great for squeezing the last few drops out of an eve campaign. But otherwise not a great card.

AdorablePython-2/5
If you have ways to increase trash costs (like Industrial Genomics, Encryption Protocol, Oaktown Grid), it becomes okay. However, I think there are more effective and reliable ways to get credits than building up such a combo.

Valdemart-1/5
I really don't see why they even bothered printing Alliance on it - if you are running that many HB cards post MWL it means those are advertisement cards and trashing them before the last turn will give you only a credit or two overall difference. So in HB it might be an actual burst but overall I don't think it is worth it.



MightyToenail-5/5
This card is better than ETF, because it capitalizes on the runner making what is considered a strong move, drawing cards. Plus factor in Wyldside being so prevalent, and you get the rest.

AdorablePython-5/5
This ID's effect would be excellent in any faction. But this is Jinteki - the faction with the most sources of net damage, and therefore the biggest need for the runner to draw cards. If your deck strategy does not revolve around a specific ID, and you simply wish for a better economy, Palana Foods is what you need. It's a bit like HB:EtF or Kate: you get rewarded for things that happen anyway.

Valdemart-4/5
Again the card design takes the cake. Naturally the Runner will draw almost every turn so it will net you decent cash. Pairs well with the Agroplex as you will force a draw on your turn. It won't become the EtF of Jinteki, but will net you some decent cash. Can't wait to see it in action.


MightyToenail-2/5
Not too great of a card. Decent to fuel the ID ability, but helping the runner draw cards and forcing yourself to is not a good idea.

AdorablePython-3/5
It triggers Palana Foods' ID in your own turn and is not unique, so it stacks up to three times. Sweeps Week and Komainu get the most use out of this. Though you might consider an increased hand size or ways to effectively shrink your HQ.

Valdemart-3/5
ALthough I really dig this card - it has astounding artwork, low rez cost and high trash cost the effect is really situational. IG will want to use it for those extra cards in Archives, PE might like it, but from then on it looks more like you are helping the Runner.


MightyToenail-1/5
Unless I missed something, this card does nothing except help the runner by giving them more options. Forced overdraw is only good to do if it is the runner doing it to the corp, not the other way around. However, it is a counter to decks that draw cards at the start of the turn like Devil's Cake or Drug decks.

AdorablePython-3/5
At first glance you might think "Why should I take this with me? It helps the runner!". But think twice. First, it enforces the "empty your deck" hyperdraw strategy. Second, it maximizes the quality of the runner's hand - which means that the Snare! he runs into right after is more devastating. 60% of a garbage hand is still garbage. 60% of a good hand hurts more, even though the numbers are the same. So it's not about flatlining, but interrupting. And if the runner's hand is already quite good, he draws even more and is forced to discard things he may not want to discard. He gets more growth than he can handle - like with Duggar's.

Valdemart-1/5
As I have already said, harvester just can't find its' place under the sun - early in the game it just helps the Runner fetch his/her toys. Late it is a 3-strength Code Gate that doesn't end the run. Seems like there is a great PE fan among the designers, but no, it won't help deck the Runner faster



MightyToenail-1/5
Now, I know that it is a strong ability to increase hand size on TWIY*, but it doesn't work on a 4/2 agenda. It just doesn't.

AdorablePython-2/5
While I generally like an increased hand size, printing this on a 2/4 NBN agenda is kind of an insult. NBN has some very good 2-pointers and this card here can in no way compete with these.

Valdemart-1/5
Definitely the worst card in the pack, a 2/4 agenda in yellow, giving you questionable bonus you could do without anyway. Much better choices out there and a waste for a cool art.



MightyToenail-4/5
An excellent way to deal with agenda flood without having to do any work, or rely on the runner not having Hades Shard. Plus it is really strong to have in a server that you know the runner will be constantly running, because of it being an upgrade and a five-trash. The more I think about it the more I like this card.

AdorablePython-3/5
Installed in the root of your central servers, you have as many opportunities to bury cards as the runner runs. Since that is entirely optional (unlike Daily Business Show), you have control over the cards you may draw on demand with Shannon Claire. Which is a nice synergy. Using Disposable HQ might also be a good way to reduce the amount of cards you have to discard in draw-heavy decks.

Valdemart-2/5
Might help against agenda flood, but make no mistake - the order of access is what kills this card. If your HQ is getting hammered hard with HQIs and Legworks, shuffling an agenda that somehow sneaks in between feels like a small comfort. Also why would you be CBI Raiding yourself?



MightyToenail-4/5
I am so, soooooo happy they continued Public agendas, as that is the only thing Weyland has going for them. And this one provides some click efficiency for most decks, and a way to cheat in Curtain Wall for Blue Sun: Powering the Future. While it's not the best outside of Blue Sun, I still think it is a solid card, and a very good target for Dedication Ceremony.

AdorablePython-3/5
Building your drip economy while advancing an agenda sounds good to me.

Valdemart-3/5
Did I mention how much I like that kind of artwork. Well, it is awesome! NC allows you to develop that horizontal credit gain while you actually progress towards scoring some points. The rez part is brutal, but getting there is tough, and you must install the card in a new server, so it is somehow limited



MightyToenail-2/5 (potential 4/5 in the future)
Weyland has their fast advance card! Only it only works on Public agendas, or those with Casting Call, and is expensive to use, and takes time to work. In typical Weyland fashion, we have to make do with what we get. I can see an identity in the future that plays with all agendas face up, allowing some fun play with this and Ceremony.

AdorablePython-2/5
It can be used to give public agendas a headstart. So directly after installing them, you may advance them for their empowered affect. It takes time and money though, which is the big letdown here.

Valdemart-1/5
Way too expensive for what it does, it might help you reach the upgraded bonuses of Public agendas but in the end you would have spent so much that it would have been better to just pack a SanSan and some way to tutor it.



MightyToenail-3/5
It's just another one of those cards that you see, think is good, but never find the space because you always want something more specific.

AdorablePython-4/5
Not much to say. It's a nice money-making agenda that can be included in many decks, as it is neutral and requires no influence. So if you're short on money and need another two-pointer, here's your candidate

Valdemart-3/5
Not sure how to approach this card - being 2/4 makes it a little build-around, but the effect is just universal. Guaranteed drip economy is nice, especially if you plan to rez a lot of cards. Supports your long game plans and is one of the few agendas you will benefit from spending your last credits to score even early on.



MightyToenail-2/5
Horrible. Why did they include the "you can't score" thing. It is already bad enough without that, and it is not like you can fast advance with it. At least you don't have to try that hard to satisfy the alliance cost. And then you realize it is missing the "that can be advanced" text. This means that in an advanceble ice deck, it can advance an unrezzed Woodcutter or Tyrant. So it is niche, but it is good in that small niche.

AdorablePython-2/5
I'd like to give it a higher rating, but the rez-to-trash ratio seems unreasonable to me. Maybe if you combine it with Executive Boot Camp - which also makes your PAD Campaigns cheaper to rez - you can utilize it effectively. However, those are too many cards for just a mediocre effect.

Valdemart-3/5
Quite a lot of decks already run 3 PAD Campaigns, so the Alliance condition is not hard to match. As for the effect - I can only say that this Factory single-handedly buries BWBI, giving you a free advancement token on any ice, but also providing some cost-saving for scoring bigger agendas. I am giving it 3 only because it combos pretty nicely with Mumbad Construction Co., allowing you to charge it to 3 tokens in a single turn.