Betrayers of Kamigawa: Rats’ Nest Review (Part 1 of 2)
As relayed in our previous review (Ninutsu), there was a steep and immediate drop-off in tropes and conceptions about medieval Japanese history and mythology after the most obvious two- Samurai and Ninja. This wasn’t necessarily all downside; instead, it meant that there was a great deal of “ideaspace” for Creative to fill, and Magic’s players were treated to a world filled with Spirits that had suddenly and inexplicable turned on their one-time moral cohabitants. For all the criticism of the set overall- typically focused on either a) power level, or b) card names hard to grasp for Occidental ears- one could hardly argue that the narrative itself wasn’t intriguing and compelling. Mechanically, though, Betrayers of Kamigawa couldn’t help but look a bit thin.
Support Tap 2 and Win Duel Decks: Izzet vs Golgari!
You might recall not long ago we promoted an independent film from the Czech Republic called TAP: Max’s Game. If, like us, you were excited at the prospect of the original, you’ll be thrilled to know that Kamil Beer and the gang are back and breaking ground on the sequel!
Betrayers of Kamigawa: Ninjutsu Review (Part 2 of 2)
It’s time to break out the Betrayers of Kamigawa, and Sam is eager to get stuck into it. I’m piloting Ninjutsu, and to play the role of opposition Sam’s selected the Green/White Spiritcraft. Can my shadow warriors carry the day, or will we meet our match with Kamigawa’s abundant Kami?
Betrayers of Kamigawa: Ninjutsu Review (Part 1 of 2)
It will come as news to no-one that brainstorming and free association are powerful creative tools. The simple act of allowing a group of minds in a room to bounce ideas off of one another can often produce results greater than the sum of the parts, and we’ve related more than once the stories of what’s come out of these sessions at Wizards of the Coast. For instance, there was the recently-recounted Godfather moment with the Orzhov during Ravnica block design, and during our look at Deathly Dominion we discussed the same being done for the horror themes and tropes that would bring Innistrad to life.
Duel Decks- Izzet vs Golgari: Golgari’s Deck Review (Part 2 of 2)
It’s our last go with the latest Duel Decks release, and thus far the Izzet are leading the day. Can I turn around the Golgari’s fortunes? I’m joined at the table by Sam, in what turns out to be a surprisingly swift affair.
Duel Decks- Izzet vs Golgari: Izzet’s Deck Review (Part 2 of 2)
With the decks reviewed, it’s time to get down to business! Sam’s eagerly awaiting me at the table as she shuffles up the Golgari deck, while I’m about to find out what the Izzet are made of!
Duel Decks- Izzet vs Golgari: Golgari’s Deck Review (Part 1 of 2)
It was very clear from going through the Izzet deck that there was a certain continuity in the guild’s mechanical identity between its original Theme Deck, Izzet Gizmometry, and their construction in the latest Duel Decks release. The original deck, of course, was constrained by the customary rationing of rarity, so there was only so much that it could do. The Duel Deck, on the other hand, was the same built writ large. Gone were the shackles of Ravnica-block-only cards, and in were some of the more instant/sorcery-reactive options from across the span of the game. When you guild’s signature mechanic revolves around playing two of the game’s most fundamental card types, you have a template which is widely applicable.
To find out what happens when this is not the case, we now turn to the other guild, the Golgari.
News: Return to Ravnica Intro Packs Revealed!
Great news! What better way to start the day than with a look at the five new Intro Packs in store for us with Return to Ravnica!
Duel Decks- Izzet vs Golgari: Izzet’s Deck Review (Part 1 of 2)
We might think it an act of the most extraordinary genius, but the Izzet would tell you it was quite simple, really. Combining their knowledge of interdimensional conduitotics with brainwave impulsion neuropathy and rigging up an compulse impeller to a hyperstatic mana battery, they were able to reach across the very fabric of time and space. Their goal was simple and singular: to manipulate events to ensure that their guild was given a sequential, double-dose of coverage on Ertai’s Lament.
Genius, indeed!
Ertai's Lament 