Eldritch Moon: Unlikely Alliances Review (Part 1 of 2)
Released in 1997, Weatherlight was the third set of Mirage block, but had only the loosest of ties to the first two sets (Mirage and Visions). Rather, the graveyard-focused Weatherlight was a prelude of sorts for a multi-block-spanning story called- surprisingly enough- the Weatherlight Saga. Read more 
Eldritch Moon: Dangerous Knowledge Review (Part 1 of 2)
If you were asked what Magic: the Gathering set most resembles Howard Philip (HP) Lovecraft, and your answer was Eldritch Moon, few could fault you for your choice. After all, the latest turn taken on the plane of Innistrad was inspired by the cosmic horror prevalent in Lovecraft’s work, of which Call of Cthulhu is perhaps best known. The creature of the story, initially published in 1928 in the pulp magazine Weird Tales, could easily stand in for Emrakul. Read more
Oath of the Gatewatch: Surge of Resistance Review (Part 2 of 2)
Last time we had a chance to game, we tested out the last deck we had to review of Shadows over Innistrad. Today, we’ll be bringing Oath of the Gatewatch to an overdue conclusion with Surge of Resistance, a Red/Blue deck that features- surprise!- the surge mechanic. Joining me at the table is Josh, who is running the Blue/Colorless Twisted Reality. Can Zendikar’s defenders keep the Eldrazi at bay, or will the relentless tide overwhelm them? Let’s find out! Read more
Shadows over Innistrad: Ghostly Tide Review (Part 2 of 2)
As we look ahead towards Eldritch Moon and the implementation of the one-deck-per-week schedule, we’ve got some loose threads to tie up. Ghostly Tide, the Blue/White Spirits/Skies deck, is the last to be reviewed for Shadows over Innistrad, and in addition to three decks from Battle for Zendikar, we also need to conclude Oath of the Gatewatch’s Surge of Resistance.
But playing one deck at a time, we put Ghostly Tide through its paces, with Josh taking the field armed with Unearthed Secrets, the deck themed around investigate. Would his forces prevail, or would his defeat prove to be his deck’s biggest mystery? Read more
Magic Origins: Assemble Victory Review (Part 1 of 2)
Of all the different considerations that go into making a Magic: the Gathering set, one that seems to most often be underestimated is the factor of time. Just because RoboRosewater exists, doesn’t mean that sets get manufactured overnight. Indeed, Wizards of the Coast tends to work on sets up to two years prior to release, so there is a common perception that Wizards has a great deal more flexibility than it does with set creation and design.
Magic Origins: Take to the Sky Review (Part 1 of 2)
In the world of comic books, the “origin story” is one that looks back in time and tells the tale of how a super-hero or super-villain came to be. How they got their powers. Where their motivation to [choose one: save/destroy] the world. In short, how the character came to be.
Somewhat ironically, however, Magic Origins represents both a beginning, and an ending, and it’s a tale that’s been nearly a decade in the telling.
Shadows over Innistrad: Vampiric Thirst Review (Part 2 of 2)
I found madness to be one of the more interesting mechanics of Shadows over Innistrad, and pairing it with tribal Vampires seems like a chocolate-meets-peanut-butter win. Of course, to get a sense of how the deck comes together, we’ll need to take it into battle. Joining me at the table is Josh, who’s piloting the Red/White Angelic Fury.
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Shadows over Innistrad: Horrific Visions Review (Part 2 of 2)
We’re back to round out our coverage of Shadows over Innistrad, with a look a the delirium-filled Horrific Visions. To help test the deck, I’ve enlisted the help of Josh, running the Blue/White Spirits deck, Ghostly Tide. Which deck will emerge victorious? Read more
Shadows over Innistrad: Unearthed Secrets Review (Part 2 of 2)
Josh is back to help playtest the Shadows over Innistrad decks, and today we’re looking at how investigate performs with Unearthed Secrets. Josh has chosen the Vampires-n-madness duo of Vampiric Thirst. Will he manage to solve the mystery, or will he be become buried in Clues? Read more
Shadows over Innistrad: Angelic Fury Review (Part 2 of 2)
At last! We’ve had an unprecedented string of deck reviews without their corresponding playtests, but I’ve finally managed to get some games in. Joining me at the table is Josh, a good friend whose previous focus is on more competitive Magic, but has enjoyed the opportunity to playtest some preconstructed Magic as well. For our look at the Red/White Agnelic Fury, he’s opted to pilot the delirium-themed Horrific Visions. Read more
Ertai's Lament 