
Edit: Stretch22 has corrected me. The attached player gains control of it. I thought because it didn't say "play under the control of" that you retained control. Only the first few reasons actually work. :(
What is Energy Shield? Some quick basics:
-Zero cost to play!
-It remains under your control even if played to another hero. It's your resources spent, not theirs.
-And crucially it's not a hero interrupt. We'll get to that below.
So, depending on your style of Protection, here's how you might use it.
One: A way to ensure you trigger your "when no damage is dealt" cards.
This is very flexible! Off by one damage because someone drew the rare 4 boost? Not a problem anymore! Toss a spare card or tap your Quincarrier to save your economy. Energy Barrier kinda fulfills that too, but it runs out and Energy Shield does not! This is a solid, but not unique use.
Two: blocking non-attack damage.
Energy Shield isn't just for attacks, it blocks anything! Rare issue, though. Handy when it does come up.
Three: when the crap has hit the fan.
Did your Star-Lord pull too many encounter cards again? Did you have bad luck and surge into two or three attacks? Out of re-readies? If all else fails and people are going to die, burning your resources to stave off a almost-loss is pretty good. Again, Energy Shield never goes away.
Four: Wait, it's not a hero interrupt?
Here is the big deal. You can use this card... in alter ego. Had to go heal this round? You can still protect your besties! Want to stay in Alter Ego even longer? Sure, you all stay heroing while I block all the attacks from behind the scenes! Nothing else does this, and it's a really unique effect!
Is any of this worth just how expensive it is to block? One energy resource for one damage is really expensive, and restrictive. Probably niche for most people, but looking forward to seeing someone bust this open!