I haven't extensively tested this yet, but in a 2v2 of Yennenga and Achilles VS Spike and Angel, I'd say 95% of the time, the former will absolutely crush the latter. And that other 5% is still wins, but just not a landslide. Even in their own set, I find that Buffy and Willow can usually handle Spike and Angel quite easily as long as Willow doesn't get trapped.
The main issue with Spike is that his ability triggers at the start of his turn, and his card that lets you move all shadows to you doesn't give back an action. So an easy way to deal with Spike is to simply run away. And boxing in someone isn't usually that easy, even in a 2v2. So for Spike, I've changed it to keep his normal ability, but additionally:
After completing a maneuver action, you may move an existing shadow to a space adjacent to one of your fighters.
This gives Spike some ramp-up time, as moving won't let you place new shadows on the board, but allows you to be more of a hunter with him and Drusilla. Drusilla might still struggle a bit though, as her cards often require her to be on a shadow, not next to it, so it takes a bit more planning.
For Angel, it's just that his ability is........not great. Draw a card if you lost the fight you started. So a fine option for someone brand new to the game, but not something that's sought after beyond that. He's got some decent damage, but not a lot of defensive options, so I find Faith is often taken out before she gets to do much. A small change seemed to make them better:
If you lost the combat as a defender, draw a card. If you lost the combat as an attacker, draw 2 cards, choose one to add to your hand and put the other on the bottom of your deck.
Just makes it more likely you'll be able to defend yourself a bit more, allowing Faith to get some of her free hit schemes in before she is taken out.
The main issue with Spike is that his ability triggers at the start of his turn, and his card that lets you move all shadows to you doesn't give back an action. So an easy way to deal with Spike is to simply run away. And boxing in someone isn't usually that easy, even in a 2v2. So for Spike, I've changed it to keep his normal ability, but additionally:
After completing a maneuver action, you may move an existing shadow to a space adjacent to one of your fighters.
This gives Spike some ramp-up time, as moving won't let you place new shadows on the board, but allows you to be more of a hunter with him and Drusilla. Drusilla might still struggle a bit though, as her cards often require her to be on a shadow, not next to it, so it takes a bit more planning.
For Angel, it's just that his ability is........not great. Draw a card if you lost the fight you started. So a fine option for someone brand new to the game, but not something that's sought after beyond that. He's got some decent damage, but not a lot of defensive options, so I find Faith is often taken out before she gets to do much. A small change seemed to make them better:
If you lost the combat as a defender, draw a card. If you lost the combat as an attacker, draw 2 cards, choose one to add to your hand and put the other on the bottom of your deck.
Just makes it more likely you'll be able to defend yourself a bit more, allowing Faith to get some of her free hit schemes in before she is taken out.