Has Skill-Based Gameplay Lost Its Place in MCOC?

4_rob_4

Hello,

Before I begin, I would like to mention that Italian is my native language. Some of the terms or mechanics referenced in this message may not perfectly match the official English terminology used in the game, as they have simply been translated from one language to another.

I would like to share a thought regarding Shang-Chi.

I am not asking for a buff or higher damage numbers. What I miss is the value that this champion once had as an example of technical gameplay.

When Shang-Chi was introduced, he was one of the few champions who truly rewarded player skill. He required attention, combo management, and the ability to choose the right answer for each situation. Every combo had a purpose, and every decision had a consequence.

For years, I used him in Alliance War on Path 5, even bringing a 4-Star Shang-Chi into matchups that, on paper, seemed unfavorable. Not because he was the strongest champion, but because he rewarded game knowledge and execution.

Today I own a Rank 4, 7-Star Shang-Chi, yet I rarely find a reason to use him. Not because his numbers are too low, but because many of the mechanics that defined his identity feel increasingly unreliable against modern defenders and interactions.

My impression is that Shang-Chi did not become less relevant because stronger champions arrived. He became less relevant because the type of skill he rewarded has become less important in the current game.

I believe that not every champion needs to be part of the meta. However, champions that genuinely reward mastery of gameplay should always have a place in an experienced player’s roster.

For this reason, I was wondering whether a review or modernization of the character has ever been considered—something that could restore his relevance without changing the identity that made him unique.

I would also like to ask whether there is a specific person, team, or channel through which players can share this type of feedback regarding champion design.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Kind regards,
Rob

4_rob_4

One aspect that I may not have emphasized enough in my original post is reliability.

When Shang-Chi was released, much of his value came from being able to choose the right tool for the right situation. If you needed Stun, Slow, or Purify, you could earn those effects through proper execution and be rewarded for making the correct decision.

Today, many of those tools are frequently bypassed, countered, or outright prevented by modern defender abilities and interactions.

My concern is not that Shang-Chi deals less damage than newer champions. My concern is that the mechanics which once rewarded player skill no longer feel consistently reliable.

A skill-based champion should not necessarily win every matchup. However, when a player successfully executes the intended mechanic, that mechanic should still matter.

To me, Shang-Chi did not become less relevant because stronger champions were released. He became less relevant because the solutions he provides are increasingly invalidated by modern game design.

That is why I see this as a discussion about gameplay philosophy rather than champion balance.