by Eppic
I've noticed this a little more because of peoples desire to evolve with the power up expansion.Most cards are geared toward points and damage, very few to damage reduction.
I have 2 ideas for you to try.
1) Try the "BANG" heads up rule, where hearts cannot be used to heal once there are only 2 players remaining. It get's short and vicious after that (or you could play 2 hearts for 1 heal when heads up or 3 player)
2) Deal each player 2 powers, each player then selects one simultaneously. Then players get paid in energy for the cost differential between their selected power and the most expensive power.
IT really jump starts the early game and differentiates the monsters. Win-Win. And like I said, powers tend to be offensive or point oriented.
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I'm not sure what you're doing, but I have only very rarely seen people get eliminated so early. Maybe it depends on group mentality, or maybe you're hanging around in Tokyo when you need to GTFO.