Only the last hit point matters is a saying about how broadly hitpoints X through 2 are identical, as a character doesn't die until reduced to zero health, so only the last hitpoint matters. I first saw it used in MtG, as a mantra to not worry about health so long as you can kill the other player first. That would be why I noted that 12 HP is still outside instant kill range. Under the system as it stands, I think the maximum instant kill is at 10 health, which would be a wizard surrounded by a golem and 3 illusions, all boosted with mage hands. Practically speaking, I'm pretty sure the maximum instant kill in normal play would be about 3-6, making those the 'last' hitpoints.
Viewing post in Epic Wizard Brawl Apocalypse jam comments
True, but then you need to balance between striking the Wizard and killing off minions.
There's more nuance due to such a small, what we could call, Kill Zone. Wearing a Wizard down to get them to the Kill Zone is important, but so is managing the minions, both the enemy's and your own.
I tried to balance between, feeling like you can achieve stuff and do damage, while still keeping the game longer than a couple of turns each. I feel like i'm close, but I agree there could be a little more danger in making the wrong move. But I was also keeping the theme in mind.
I'm loving this chat btw, thankyou for this discussion!