To me, M14 is even more disappointing to yours truly than the entire Alara block wound up being (just my opinion on the Alara block, disagreements welcome:) )
I have been to every pre-release since I accidentally missed the Torment PR back in the day. This may be the end of that streak. Not sure I want to go running out of the house, hit up Waffle House early AM, and speed on up to the card shop for this one. I have also bought atleast 1 box of every set since 5th Edition back in 1997. Again, that streak may be ending soon (heck, even 5th Edition was, by comparison, relatively OP for its time compared to M14.) I personally just cannot get into this set.
It's apparently not just me. The consensus in my neck of the woods (Georgia) seems to be that M14 is DOA, as were Dragon's Maze and to a lesser extent, MM. It almost seems like WotC may have literally outdone themselves and just don't have anything else good to offer the game. It looks like another "crack-the-pack-and-pray-for-the-chase-card Lottery set." While I am super-thankful that Acidic Slime, Thragtusk, and many flashing shenanigans will be gone, I would have liked to see Doom Blade at common (or hell, even a watered-down destroy version of Terror,) or perhaps Volcanic Hammer (if 2cc was too cheap, what about Lightning Blast?) or Mana Leak, Healing Salve, or one of the legions of green common-slot creatures that were awesome. It seems to me if WotC were really trying to appeal to the newer player, they would atleast throw them a bone and give them something at common to give them a fighting chance, So I ask, why WotC? Was it about making more money? Is it really "Magic:The Creaturing" as a forum-poster said earlier (awesome joke bro, if you're reading.) Are you out of ideas like a band that has released 17 albums? Is it really all about Mythics now? When will we reach the point that we offer 2 monsters on our side of the field as tribute to summon Slyfer, the Sky Dragon?
Yeah the set is not that good. The only good cards being reprints is usually not a good sign. However DGM was so bad any set afterward will still seem better than it actually is.
I'm not overly impressed but I will grab a few cards here and there for aleady made decks and move on... No pre-release and no box of boosters this time. I hope the story and flavor is there for Theros.
I'm gonna reserve final judgement until I hear about how good/fun the limited environment is. M13 was well regarded as a draft format and, who knows, this one might be really fun too.
At first glance I'm not that thrilled, but then again maybe wizards is doing me a favor, allowing me a break from must-have cube updates, and the ability to divert some funds into FTV 20, Netrunner, and Theros.
m14 is seriously lame, no doubt. Awful burn, awful removal (doom blade at uncommon :wtf:) and a would-be theme of enchantments where pretty much all of the enchantments suck arse. Shivan dragon and Domestication at rare. seriously? And of course, crappy reprints like clone, traumatize and nightmare.
And don't even get me started on the planeswalkers in m14...
Slivers are one of the biggest disappointments ever. As well as the fact that they have awful new artwork and their identity somewhat stolen from them by NWO only letting them work for allied slivers, they are just too weak as a tribe for competitive play. No mythic sliver means that even the timmy crowd feel put out as well. But don't worry a nice relevant reprint of darksteel forge taking a mythic spot should make you feel better!
Drafting it will be a severe money loss. Having no dual lands reduces the chance of getting some long term value from the set. And taking a close look at where the value is:
Planeswalkers (for a short while, since they are either reprints or just crap)
Mutavault (reprint)
Scavenging Ooze (reprint)
Ratchet bomb (reprint)
The enemy color hate cycle
The one success I can name for the set that is an actually original printing is Strionic Resonator. It will become an EDH staple, as well as potentially seeing play in storm decks. It will also find its way into many casual decks and FNM rogues. But lets be honest, its a pretty niche card, its value isn't going to be too high
OP, I wish I could agree that its Magic: The Creaturing. Most people on this forum who recognise my posts probably know that I dislike creatures and think they are too strong. But to be honest, most of the creatures in m14 are junk as well. Its seriously one of the most uninspired sets i have seen in recent years. I think there are maybe two new cards i want for EDH and the rest can hit the bin. very unimpressed this time around wizards
Book by cover, etc. Try it in limited and THEN judge. Looks just fine to me. Basic core-set.
Not everyone enjoys limited.
I'll admit this set is a little underwhelming, but I never expect too much from core sets. I have high hopes for Theros; hopefully it redeems the less exciting sets preceding it.
Black as a whole looks very, very fun to play in limited, especially if you can pull together a sacrifice strategy around Festering Newt and Tenacious Dead.
And then there is Young Pyromancer, a card that pros are comparing to Snapcaster Mage and Tarmogoyf as far as how amazing it is. At uncommon.....
I realize that somebody needs to start the generic whine thread about a new set, but that's how it goes. The new cards won't appeal to everybody, but there are a bunch of new cards that are good for certain decks (Tidebinder Mage for merfolk anyone?), some awesome reprints that give some good value to the set, and slivers for the casual people who like them. For me, it certainly beats M13 by a huge margin.
m14 is seriously lame, no doubt. Awful burn, awful removal (doom blade at uncommon :wtf:) and a would-be theme of enchantments where pretty much all of the enchantments suck arse. Shivan dragon and Domestication at rare. seriously? And of course, crappy reprints like clone, traumatize and nightmare.
The one success I can name for the set that is an actually original printing is Strionic Resonator. It will become an EDH staple, as well as potentially seeing play in storm decks. It will also find its way into many casual decks and FNM rogues. But lets be honest, its a pretty niche card, its value isn't going to be too high
Don't forget how they wasted rare slots in black and blue on slivers without printing any other slivers in those colors. Worthless for both limited AND standard constructed.
I do like Strionic Resonator. I already want to put together a janky deck with it, unwinding clock, and lux cannon. No chance of being competitive unless WotC suddenly goes on the banning spree to end all bannings sprees.
There is no enchantment theme, just a draft-around uncommon with a few commons that support it.
The one thing this set is missing that I loved M13 for was some absurd win condition that you can actually draft around. The Nicol Bolas deck was soooooo fun to play. Though much of that could be due to red being well-suited to playing control, which it rarely allows.
I sent MaRo a question about M14, of course he did not publish it. He probably knows the set sucks too and won't admit it. I think some members of WOTC have long overstayed their jobs and the game needs fresh blood behind creative. Just look at the recent You Make the Card contest for further proof of awful choices.
M14 was the perfect core set to celebrate Magic 20th anniversary. Instead, they will print 20 cards in an overpriced, limited product that casuals won't find anywhere below $80 (at least, depending on the contents). There ARE throwbacks to the old times, like Shivan Dragon and Serra Angel, but most reprints aren't exciting except for the two chase rares.
The whole staff cycle: no one EVER plays them, even in casual. Domestication: awful rare Slivers: wated opportunity again, few of them are playable and there are not enough for a solid deck IMO. New art style = crap, no hive gameplay = just wrong.
I could go on and on. After DGM it's very irritating to see another sucky set. Hopefully Theros brings on the awesome, but by then the new Legendary rule will have kicked in so I'm not sure I'll love the game as much as before.
I have to agree on your statements about the new core set.
I will focus on the major one (in my opinion anyway).
The art choices for the Slivers are quite awful; it isn't the artists fault or the way they are illustrated, it's just when I see them Sliver is honestly the last thing that comes to mind.
Agree with the above. Very underpowered and no throwbacks to the good ol 20 years of Magic. Slivers should have been in every color, and affect all slivers. I think they should have printed the top 5 beaters of all time with shivan and serra, like force of nature and lord of the pitt.
Is Magic actually beginning to see its cashing out?
Don't forget how they wasted rare slots in black and blue on slivers without printing any other slivers in those colors. Worthless for both limited AND standard constructed.
I do like Strionic Resonator. I already want to put together a janky deck with it, unwinding clock, and lux cannon. No chance of being competitive unless WotC suddenly goes on the banning spree to end all bannings sprees.
You realize Resonator works with neither of those cards, yeah?
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Whenever someone claims to hate blue I automatically assume they're a bad player.
For most of the people in this thread who are complaining about the set, it's probably not aimed at you. It's clearly aimed more at beginners. Don't buy the packs, get the singles you want for decks if there aren't that many. And that's okay. If you want to play standard though--standard plays what standard gets, so you might end up needing some of these cards as staples, as much as it will gall you.
A lot of people are bashing this set but it is too early to tell. Just thinking in hindsight it might not be great but I will list several cards that have the potential:
Kalonian Hydra: five for as 4/4 trample that attacks for eight and only gets better. Just think with Aurelia attacking for eight, than sixteen? In the right deck this drops turn three.
Strionic Resonator: Wow. Love this card. Several triggered abilities come to mind...um geist's angels, fiend hunter/oblivion ring/detention sphere/banishing paladin, thragtusk, hellrider, and several more. Not to mention EDH implications.
The enemy color hate cycle: When 3 for a 2/2 first strike lifelink hexproof against black and red is possibly the worst card in the cycle it must be a good cycle. Tidebinder Mage is a cheaper non flying dungeon geists, the Mindsparker is esper/bant/uwr control's worst enemy and the lifebane zombie pretty much gets rid of every effective creature in hand( huntmaster, geist, thragtusk, loxodon smiter, sublime archangel, Aurelia, and many more that elude my mind(talking to a friend about this zombie)
Darksteel forge: Yes, it might not be an effective reprint for standard, but many people are trying to get this card(including me for edh). Maybe it is mythic because of what it is, a major landmark(or was) on mirrodin back in the day.
Mutavault/Scavenging ooze: Ooze in modern is great! And reprinting these cards will make it easier to gain access to these cards. Mutavault I don't think I need to get into. Both cards are just overall great reprints.
The planeswalkers: Quite honestly for me the most disappointing part is bringing back memory adept. The other two I expected but I was hoping maybe a new blue core set planeswalker(tamiyo). As for the two new walkers, Garruk 4.0 might look terrible at first, but he does have potential. Give him time. The new Chandra is looked down upon possibly because she was overhyped, but don't let that cloud the fact that she is a good walker. Red "card draw" is rarely heard of. Her first ability to get a creature through, kill a weenie, or trick someone into them thinking they are safe using their 5/5 to block your 4/4 is great. Oh, and her first ability kills mana dorks. her ultimate is pretty much ultimate like other walkers. Lastly 4cc with 4 counters she is an effective planeswalker.
Imposing Sovereign: Wow, value card has value. White weenies could be a thing. This card is awesome, period.
Elite Arcanist: Isochron Scepter creature haha. The weak body is disappointing, but the ability makes me happy. Not gonna be breaking anything, but oh the possibilities.
Traumatize: Awesome reprint, and just incase anybody forgot...duskmantle guildmage
Quicken: Another cool reprint. All those spells that are sorcery and wish they were instant? Add one blue to the cost and instant speed, oh and it replaces itself! Not too much of a wow factor, but a fun card.
Bogbrew Witch/festering newt/bubbling cauldron: Almost like the scepter/throne/crown of empires in m12. Love these type of card interactiosn.
I could got a little further but this post is probably too long as it is. This core set might not be as flashy as previous core sets, but don't judge it to be terrible just yet. Give it some time.
My only serious issue with this set is how it seems like they half-assed Slivers.
Only one blue and one black Sliver? At rare?
Feels really, really half-assed. If they had done Slivers right, I think I would've been pretty cool with M14, but the lack of completion with them just leaves me feeling disappointed.
I don't care too much about the lower power level. I'm not a fan of powercreep and if we're in for a period of powering down, I'm okay with it.
m14 is seriously lame, no doubt. Awful burn, awful removal (doom blade at uncommon :wtf:)
I don't get the lack of a 3-damage burn spell. Not even Volcanic Hammer?
I'm hoping it means Lightning Bolt is coming back, and they're waiting until Theros to avoid pairing it with Snapcaster. It's more likely we'll get nothing and have to play Shock and Turn/Burn as the go to red removal, but I can dream.
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Modern - RUG Delver RUG - Splinter Twin UR - Jund BRG
Legacy - RUG Delver RUG - Maverick GW - SI BG
Foreigning out SI, currently 33/75. The only thing better than a T1 kill is doing it with cards no one has ever heard of and/or can't read. If anyone has any of the usual pieces, PM me. I'm willing to buy/trade.
I don't get the lack of a 3-damage burn spell. Not even Volcanic Hammer?
I'm hoping it means Lightning Bolt is coming back, and they're waiting until Theros to avoid pairing it with Snapcaster. It's more likely we'll get nothing and have to play Shock and Turn/Burn as the go to red removal, but I can dream.
Pffft, you really think a set apparently based on Greek gods and mythology would have Lightning Bolt in it?
Everyone's expectation was just so high for this because of the 20th year milestone and the new Chandra planeswalker. It's unfortunate that it did not live up to our expectations, though there are a few bright spots. The price of mutavault and ooze will come down and ooze is now playable in modern, providing a strong/budget friendly 2 drop. There are some cool uncommons such as young pyromancer and voracious wurm. Just my 2 cents.
I have been to every pre-release since I accidentally missed the Torment PR back in the day. This may be the end of that streak. Not sure I want to go running out of the house, hit up Waffle House early AM, and speed on up to the card shop for this one. I have also bought atleast 1 box of every set since 5th Edition back in 1997. Again, that streak may be ending soon (heck, even 5th Edition was, by comparison, relatively OP for its time compared to M14.) I personally just cannot get into this set.
It's apparently not just me. The consensus in my neck of the woods (Georgia) seems to be that M14 is DOA, as were Dragon's Maze and to a lesser extent, MM. It almost seems like WotC may have literally outdone themselves and just don't have anything else good to offer the game. It looks like another "crack-the-pack-and-pray-for-the-chase-card Lottery set." While I am super-thankful that Acidic Slime, Thragtusk, and many flashing shenanigans will be gone, I would have liked to see Doom Blade at common (or hell, even a watered-down destroy version of Terror,) or perhaps Volcanic Hammer (if 2cc was too cheap, what about Lightning Blast?) or Mana Leak, Healing Salve, or one of the legions of green common-slot creatures that were awesome. It seems to me if WotC were really trying to appeal to the newer player, they would atleast throw them a bone and give them something at common to give them a fighting chance, So I ask, why WotC? Was it about making more money? Is it really "Magic:The Creaturing" as a forum-poster said earlier (awesome joke bro, if you're reading.) Are you out of ideas like a band that has released 17 albums? Is it really all about Mythics now? When will we reach the point that we offer 2 monsters on our side of the field as tribute to summon Slyfer, the Sky Dragon?
What do you guys think?
At first glance I'm not that thrilled, but then again maybe wizards is doing me a favor, allowing me a break from must-have cube updates, and the ability to divert some funds into FTV 20, Netrunner, and Theros.
"Personally I love high-riak, low-reqars gambles. Life's best with a decent amount of riak. And f*** reqars."
With all the enchantment matters in M14, does that mean Theros will also be Enchantment matters?
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And don't even get me started on the planeswalkers in m14...
Slivers are one of the biggest disappointments ever. As well as the fact that they have awful new artwork and their identity somewhat stolen from them by NWO only letting them work for allied slivers, they are just too weak as a tribe for competitive play. No mythic sliver means that even the timmy crowd feel put out as well. But don't worry a nice relevant reprint of darksteel forge taking a mythic spot should make you feel better!
Drafting it will be a severe money loss. Having no dual lands reduces the chance of getting some long term value from the set. And taking a close look at where the value is:
The one success I can name for the set that is an actually original printing is Strionic Resonator. It will become an EDH staple, as well as potentially seeing play in storm decks. It will also find its way into many casual decks and FNM rogues. But lets be honest, its a pretty niche card, its value isn't going to be too high
OP, I wish I could agree that its Magic: The Creaturing. Most people on this forum who recognise my posts probably know that I dislike creatures and think they are too strong. But to be honest, most of the creatures in m14 are junk as well. Its seriously one of the most uninspired sets i have seen in recent years. I think there are maybe two new cards i want for EDH and the rest can hit the bin. very unimpressed this time around wizards
Niv-Mizzet Ramp 'n' Wheel
Godo: Strap him up and turn him sideways!
Not everyone enjoys limited.
I'll admit this set is a little underwhelming, but I never expect too much from core sets. I have high hopes for Theros; hopefully it redeems the less exciting sets preceding it.
Black as a whole looks very, very fun to play in limited, especially if you can pull together a sacrifice strategy around Festering Newt and Tenacious Dead.
I realize that somebody needs to start the generic whine thread about a new set, but that's how it goes. The new cards won't appeal to everybody, but there are a bunch of new cards that are good for certain decks (Tidebinder Mage for merfolk anyone?), some awesome reprints that give some good value to the set, and slivers for the casual people who like them. For me, it certainly beats M13 by a huge margin.
Plus, new Garruk is amazingly cool.
Don't forget how they wasted rare slots in black and blue on slivers without printing any other slivers in those colors. Worthless for both limited AND standard constructed.
I do like Strionic Resonator. I already want to put together a janky deck with it, unwinding clock, and lux cannon. No chance of being competitive unless WotC suddenly goes on the banning spree to end all bannings sprees.
The one thing this set is missing that I loved M13 for was some absurd win condition that you can actually draft around. The Nicol Bolas deck was soooooo fun to play. Though much of that could be due to red being well-suited to playing control, which it rarely allows.
I will miss Crippling Blight.
Regardless, my wants are being met so I'm thrilled.
I think the trick to being happy with sets is to realize there's only going to be like 10 individual cards you actually like. Low expectations ftw!
Older Magic as a Board Game: Panglacial Wurm , Mill
M14 was the perfect core set to celebrate Magic 20th anniversary. Instead, they will print 20 cards in an overpriced, limited product that casuals won't find anywhere below $80 (at least, depending on the contents). There ARE throwbacks to the old times, like Shivan Dragon and Serra Angel, but most reprints aren't exciting except for the two chase rares.
The whole staff cycle: no one EVER plays them, even in casual.
Domestication: awful rare
Slivers: wated opportunity again, few of them are playable and there are not enough for a solid deck IMO. New art style = crap, no hive gameplay = just wrong.
I could go on and on. After DGM it's very irritating to see another sucky set. Hopefully Theros brings on the awesome, but by then the new Legendary rule will have kicked in so I'm not sure I'll love the game as much as before.
I will focus on the major one (in my opinion anyway).
The art choices for the Slivers are quite awful; it isn't the artists fault or the way they are illustrated, it's just when I see them Sliver is honestly the last thing that comes to mind.
Is Magic actually beginning to see its cashing out?
Cube on Cubetutor
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You realize Resonator works with neither of those cards, yeah?
For most of the people in this thread who are complaining about the set, it's probably not aimed at you. It's clearly aimed more at beginners. Don't buy the packs, get the singles you want for decks if there aren't that many. And that's okay. If you want to play standard though--standard plays what standard gets, so you might end up needing some of these cards as staples, as much as it will gall you.
Keep some perspective...
Guac.
Kalonian Hydra: five for as 4/4 trample that attacks for eight and only gets better. Just think with Aurelia attacking for eight, than sixteen? In the right deck this drops turn three.
Strionic Resonator: Wow. Love this card. Several triggered abilities come to mind...um geist's angels, fiend hunter/oblivion ring/detention sphere/banishing paladin, thragtusk, hellrider, and several more. Not to mention EDH implications.
The enemy color hate cycle: When 3 for a 2/2 first strike lifelink hexproof against black and red is possibly the worst card in the cycle it must be a good cycle. Tidebinder Mage is a cheaper non flying dungeon geists, the Mindsparker is esper/bant/uwr control's worst enemy and the lifebane zombie pretty much gets rid of every effective creature in hand( huntmaster, geist, thragtusk, loxodon smiter, sublime archangel, Aurelia, and many more that elude my mind(talking to a friend about this zombie)
Darksteel forge: Yes, it might not be an effective reprint for standard, but many people are trying to get this card(including me for edh). Maybe it is mythic because of what it is, a major landmark(or was) on mirrodin back in the day.
Mutavault/Scavenging ooze: Ooze in modern is great! And reprinting these cards will make it easier to gain access to these cards. Mutavault I don't think I need to get into. Both cards are just overall great reprints.
The planeswalkers: Quite honestly for me the most disappointing part is bringing back memory adept. The other two I expected but I was hoping maybe a new blue core set planeswalker(tamiyo). As for the two new walkers, Garruk 4.0 might look terrible at first, but he does have potential. Give him time. The new Chandra is looked down upon possibly because she was overhyped, but don't let that cloud the fact that she is a good walker. Red "card draw" is rarely heard of. Her first ability to get a creature through, kill a weenie, or trick someone into them thinking they are safe using their 5/5 to block your 4/4 is great. Oh, and her first ability kills mana dorks. her ultimate is pretty much ultimate like other walkers. Lastly 4cc with 4 counters she is an effective planeswalker.
Imposing Sovereign: Wow, value card has value. White weenies could be a thing. This card is awesome, period.
Elite Arcanist: Isochron Scepter creature haha. The weak body is disappointing, but the ability makes me happy. Not gonna be breaking anything, but oh the possibilities.
Traumatize: Awesome reprint, and just incase anybody forgot...duskmantle guildmage
Quicken: Another cool reprint. All those spells that are sorcery and wish they were instant? Add one blue to the cost and instant speed, oh and it replaces itself! Not too much of a wow factor, but a fun card.
Bogbrew Witch/festering newt/bubbling cauldron: Almost like the scepter/throne/crown of empires in m12. Love these type of card interactiosn.
I could got a little further but this post is probably too long as it is. This core set might not be as flashy as previous core sets, but don't judge it to be terrible just yet. Give it some time.
Only one blue and one black Sliver? At rare?
Feels really, really half-assed. If they had done Slivers right, I think I would've been pretty cool with M14, but the lack of completion with them just leaves me feeling disappointed.
I don't care too much about the lower power level. I'm not a fan of powercreep and if we're in for a period of powering down, I'm okay with it.
I don't get the lack of a 3-damage burn spell. Not even Volcanic Hammer?
I'm hoping it means Lightning Bolt is coming back, and they're waiting until Theros to avoid pairing it with Snapcaster. It's more likely we'll get nothing and have to play Shock and Turn/Burn as the go to red removal, but I can dream.
Legacy - RUG Delver RUG - Maverick GW - SI BG
Foreigning out SI, currently 33/75. The only thing better than a T1 kill is doing it with cards no one has ever heard of and/or can't read. If anyone has any of the usual pieces, PM me. I'm willing to buy/trade.
Pffft, you really think a set apparently based on Greek gods and mythology would have Lightning Bolt in it?
... Ooooooh, right ;D
Legacy: Goblins:symb::symg: Loam Pox
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