> > It's academic, in any case, since, starting with tournament #2, elemental bonuses will be applied *before* the boost-to-zero calculation, making them simple boosts to normal attack and defense power.
>
> Which is a shame, in a way, since applying the elemental bonuses after the boost-to-zero calculation added depth to the combat system. I'm not sure that elemental bonuses are worthwhile the other way.

I agree that it's a shame, because I think it would have been cool for elemental bonuses to have a special sort of behavior. But in practice, I think the idea just didn't work out well, and commiebat's reply does a good job of saying why.

But I think I disagree that they won't still be worthwhile. Two points of attack damage against a particular element is significantly cheaper than two generic attack points (unless we're talking temporary enchantment), so elemental damage bonuses combined with judicious choices of attack targets can be an economical way to squeeze out an advantage over a particularly tough opponent.

The one I'm leary of is one I'm leary of *anyway*: elemental defense only works if you're lucky about who attacks you. This accounts for the *substantially* cheaper price than other sources of defense power, but, at least personally, I'm not usually enthused about taking advantage of it.