Diamond Dynasty is a mode that began as just another Ultimate Team clone, using card collecting as a way to extend and monetize traditional gameplay. However, during the past few iterations, the mode has blazed a new trail by incorporating unique and interesting features. It's almost as if Diamond Dynasty is in a constant state of evolution; this year looks to be the biggest set of changes yet.

Here are some of my quick reactions while watching the most recent Twitch stream:

-First, while I'm excited to see what Conquest and Battle Royale bring to the game, I'm slightly disappointed they are simply new ways to play Diamond Dynasty. I was hoping for some dedicated, creative and unique ways to play. Of course, the modes may yet be all of those things. We'll have to see come March.

-Play With Friends is a much needed addition to the mode, as showing off your team is a huge part of the appeal. The team looks like they were wise enough to predict exploits, though I hope it tracks at least head-to-head record (purely for bragging rights).

-I'm of two minds when it comes to the Captain system. First, it is a unique way to diversify teams and encourage creative team-building. I love the crazy collecting and roster goals, like teams based solely around a certain skill or rating (height!); this is way better than the original Ultimate Teams, which offered chemistry rewards for playing teammates together.

-On the other hand, an additional form of currency (tickets) and a constantly refreshing store really reminds me of the free-to-play games that are rampant on mobile stores. MLB The Show has been pretty good about limiting "pay to win" strategies, and while this still doesn't seem like it will be pay to win, collecting various forms of currency is still a little off-putting.

Clarification/Correction: Ramone checked in on the forums with this info on Tickets and Stubs and how it all works: "Playing the game is the only way to get tickets period, can't buy them with stubs."

-Inside Edge brings another dynamic to the mode, which is very exciting. Again, it's another great way to encourage you to use players who may be just sitting in your collection. The IE write-ups are neat, and offer real-life rationales for stat changes.

-Flashback Cards are cool, and I love the retro templates. I'm hoping for a lot of rookie and MVP years from some of my favorite players, making guys like Ryan Howard a legitimate option. I also like the limitation of not being able to use multiple versions of one player.

-I'm still digging the radial graphs for ratings.

-Missions look interesting, especially the branching nature of the goals. This especially makes playing single-player/offline much more appealing. The focus this year for DD really seems to be about making your whole collection more usable.

-Glad to see that some changes are being made so I don't get dominated by someone's unrealistic 99-overall created pitcher.

-Persistent bullpen fatigue is one of numerous mentioned fixes for common online exploits. Glad to see the online gameplay is balanced, and hopefully the gameplay remains fluid.

If I'm being honest, Diamond Dynasty usually loses the competition for my time to Franchise and Road to the Show. However, I do really like the collecting aspect, and the Missions and Captains now give me more of an incentive to play the games. The changes to this year's Diamond Dynasty look really good, in my opinion, and may push the mode to the top of my list.