A far more interesting and balanced decoder to its predecessor, Yog.0, Cradle is the newest Anarch fixed-strength decoder with a condition that can end up being quite the hindrance: modified icebreaker strength based on current grip-size. Shapers and Criminals have plenty of options at breaking code gates with Gordian Blade and/or Abagnale so I think I can safely say this won’t be seeing play outside of Red.

While cheap gearcheck ICE like Enigma or Thimblerig have been the bane of Black Orchestra for a long time, Cradle eats those two up for breakfast. Unfortunately, the presence of the big 3-subbed code gates: DNA Tracker, Fairchild 3.0, and Mausolus make Cradle a liability. Without strength modifiers, a runner would need an empty grip to break the latter two (after which they would commit neural suicide on a potential Kakugo) and suffers a painful facecheck against the former.

I see two potential options then to playing Cradle: using strength-modifiers and grip-size-managers like Dedicated Processor and Patchwork respectively or consistently maintaining a near-empty grip to keep up Cradle’s high base strength. It’s a high upkeep for a card that no longer says "0: Break code gate subroutine."

While previous Yog.0 decks only had to worry about boosting the decoder’s strength up, decks utilizing Cradle have to worry about that and keeping its base strength manageable through their grip. Outside of Gnat or Noble Path decks, I think this card’s strength-modifier keeps it from seeing any competitive play.

This card is basically just to tax the runner a bit more, preferably with an expensive piece of ice. If a breaker like Gordian Blade is breaking a DNA Tracker, then it would cost the runner 7 credits. Subtracting the card's rez cost equals a credit advantage of 5 credits in that scenario, better than a Hedge Fund, which gives a 4 credit advantage.

One synergy to mention is Komainu, which does not lose its subs until the run ends.

Lets compare this to Nisei MK II.

Viral Weaponization trashes the runner's grip, taxing them ~5 clicks. It also has the side benefit of disrupting their game plan. Nisei MK II, when used on a scoring server, would cost the runner a click and a massive amount of credits. It can also open a scoring window.

This card is the one-time program version of Desperado run economy.

Lets compare this card to Jackpot, a card with similar mechanics. At the start of each turn, you would place 1 credit on Jackpot, but can only retrieve them when you steal an agenda, (which may not even occur late in the game). Bankroll places a credit per successful run, and if we consider that as once per turn for an aggressive criminal, is similar to Jackpot in that regard. However, it also costs 1 credit install compared to Jackpot's 0.

Its credits can be pulled at any time, compared to Jackpot's only when an agenda is stolen, but occupies a memory unit in the meantime. However, Jackpot can be trashed if tagged.

In conclusion, its power level is about equal to Jackpot's, and should be considered in aggressive criminal decks with spare MUs.

Although Tycoon's stats and numbers are above average, they are no where near enough to warrant its negative ability.

Lets consider Demara as a comparison.

Stats: Install, Base Strength, Boost, Subroutines.

Demara, ~0, 1, 2:3, 2:2

Tycoon,,,,,,1, 1, 2:3, 1:2

So, in exchange for giving the corp +2 credits, you save ~1 credit.

In addition, Demara is more powerful due to additional draws being usable for their bypass ability instead of being dead draws, making it even better than Tycoon.

In conclusion, you should just get Demara instead of Tycoon.