That's supposed to be the thing about the ravnica sets- The mechanics are thematically defining to the colours in their respective guild. It just gives them a little more character as opposed to say shadow, or trample, which are not necessarily colour restricted but thematically chosen to be.
Hm, that's a good point. Though I never agreed with the bleeding effect being so overcosted on its own, with R&D's approach to card design now, it can be better synergized with spells as a mechanic (i.e. "Whenever you extort/whenever you gain life/whenever an opponent loses life, then...").
Unless of course they decide to just arbitrarily thumbtack it onto a range of converted mana costed spells just to cover their bases. That would be annoying to say the least.
I was hoping for something a little less black and white (no pun intended) for Orzhov. Haunt may have been a mechanic that made people hate using their brain for, but it had interesting potential if it was given more practical spells. Extort does not seem very imagined to me. I'm bleeding you. Cool. It's not like the Orzhov didn't have enough cards to establish that theme already without it being a keyword. I would have rather had them expand on the concept of collecting debts as a mechanic in some other way. I understand Extort has implications outside of the typical forms of bleeding but it's just not very inventive to me.
Nissa was a "disappointment" because she was designed for people who don't know how to play Magic...
Now, I'm not one of those players that thinks Planeswalkers make Magic more "fun" and therefore feel like boycotting or quitting altogether if they would stop printing them. I was satisfied enough with the thought that as a player, I myself am a Planeswalker. Of all the gimmicks to use, the game didn't need personified versions of play-styles to legitimize decks.
However, if the Planeswalker thing is here to stay (and please don't explain how it will never leave because it's "good business and blah blah blah"), I would prefer to see new Planeswalkers as the norm with set releases, rather than the same handful just evolving in power more and more (like some annoying cast of anime characters).
I can't say my heart is with this new cast of "heroes." Jace ain't no Gerrard...
Probably anouther attempt at promoting a new format (i.e. Modern) but half the set being reprints of stuff still standard legal with alt. art.
Or maybe Wizards figured out why FtV: Legends is sitting on LGS shelves for only $50...
I'd like to think a theme for them to touch up on would be cards that defined certain formats throughout magic's history. Unfortunately, a great deal of those cards are on the reserved list.
I feel like Yixlid Jailer would be a printed card only if Wizards feels like flashback or some other graveyard theme becomes such a powerhouse archtype in standard that they want to flat out shut it down (kinda like Stabilizer). Granted Yixlid is black which would only empower that particular colour in a sense, but then again, "future sighted" cards never necessarily implied the exact printing of the card. Probably a functional reprint.
But again, only if Wizards feels like they need to kill a deck-type so more probable it would be in AVR, not DKA.
Now, I can't honestly say what my reaction would be if I saw the ghosts of Captain Jack Sparrow with his entourage of conquistadors flying towards me while posed like a cover for The Avengers. Would I freeze in horror or flee in terror? Maybe my brain simply wouldn't process the "possibility" of such a spectacle and I would have a simple blank stare.
What I can say, however, is that if I was to wake up in my bed to see a half-dozen or so supposed "friends" staring down at me, or walk into someone's personal stash of preserved human organs, I'm fairly confident my heart would start picking up a beat or two.
While I do like the more "traditional" fairy tale take on supernatural horrors, as opposed to typical high fantasy, I really appreciate this blocks efforts to artistically depict the most truly monstrous of all- Humans.
It would be interesting if there's an introduction of more innovative mechanics in a core set (and not limited to just one or two colours). Something new and unique to the game, not simply returning "advanced" mechanics like scry or bloodthirst, or giving keywords to old abilities like "hexproof."
Eh, I'd prefer it if this was a chance to take a break from Planeswalkers and other mythic rares. Maybe by "face a greater challenge" they mean the prospect of deck-building without these kinds of cards for once. With the removal of the mythic rarity, imagine the game design implications that would make for a set's power curve. Of course, I know I'm in an almost non-existant minority in that regard. Oh well...
Transformation will be removed in AVR to symbolize how the return of Avacyn means the denizens of Innistrad no longer have a need/ability to hide their inner-horrors. Kind of like holding a torch to reveal the darkness. Only what light reveals isn't necessarily what you want to see (in which case is the light really your "friend?").
Don't you just love it when Wizards let's us opine about the third set of a block when it's not even "spoiler season" for the second set yet?
Also, I agree that she looks awfully black for an allegedly white aligned character. It might be premature to think that this block may have a "happy ending."
Just because the guilds are no longer protected by the pact doesn't mean splintered sub-factions wouldn't exist with the disillusioned intent of continuing the power struggle. It doesn't have to be a dominant theme or presence, but enough of a reminder that at one time these large organizations existed, and that there are those who refuse to let go (ideologically or personally). So you still have design leeway that can allow for albeit some multicoloured spells and the general guild flavour as a throwback, but at the same time allow for Wizards to ultimately focus on their intended direction (monocoloured or whatever). Afterall, there were cards designed in terms of flavour being monocoloured because they were mechanically tied to their respective guild.
I won't lie that I'm with the masses that would love to see cards created with the flavour of the Orzhov, Azorius, Boros, etc. in mind (I agree with the sentiment that just because a deck is U/G doesn't make it a "Simic Deck"). Especially with Wizards current concept of a power curve, there would be very interesting designs for these colour combinations being created while tied with the respective guild's theme mechanically. If nothing more, it would give Wizards an excuse to introduce more unique multicoloured Planeswalkers.
Even if Mirrodin's return flopped as an "experiment," returning to Ravnica is inevitable in terms of fan-service at the very least. To the suggestion of this subject being discussed prematurely, is the thought of returning to Ravnica already overshadowing my interest in Innistrad? Not at all. Innistrad is such a breath of fresh air from the staleness of Mirrodin, its release is avidly looked forward to. The vague possibility of Ravnica being released a year later isn't somehow going to make me feel like saving money towards a phantom future set by not buying any product of this confirmed upcoming one. I still intend to support my LGS by continuing my hobby.
Whether players in general or those who found a great deal of success playing during that block want to admit it, Mirrodin's name has a pretty negative conotation.
Mechanically the block had many interesting and creative concepts which encouraged players to find synergy and efficient interactions between different cards. However, this didn't change the fact that the competitive and casual environment eventually degenerated into housing a few very basic win conditions that unless you deliberately designed your library to counter or also play with, you would have a difficult time proving your rogue idea as worthwhile.
While this was the case, still it was the card interaction/combo concept that many people did enjoy about Mirrodin and were excitedly anticipating to return with a revisit to the plane. For the most part many have become tired with an environment of single-drop killers. However, that's all Scars brought to the table. More single-drop killers, with impressive or intricate card combos far in between to the point of being negligible.
If the concept of Phyrexians wasn't the overarching flavour theme behind returning to Mirrodin, the block as a whole would definitely not have been as "successful" in terms of revisiting a plane as they didn't bring anything to the table that isn't just blatant powercreep. They weren't presenting alternative win conditions, just superior win conditions. Cool story bro'.
As a Wizards employee, marketing analyst, or even the custodian that cleans their main lobby every night, you don't need to create an "experimental set" and revisit some random older plane to determine if as a concept it will be successful. Just reading the deluge of consumer testimonies and opinions about which set they would consider the "best" or "favourite" or flat out "most desired to revisit," you know that it's simple a matter of time that they would return to Ravnica. Regardless of whether the "experimental set" is a relative success or not.
And honestly, if the "experiment" is taking the plane from one mechanical theme to a complete different one, you might as well just make a new plane altogether. Even though the flavour does paint a pretty picture, what most people will accept in terms of remembering a block by is the mechanical themes that made it what it was, (Mirrodin being broken artifact interactions, Ravnica being about dredge, Lorwyn being being about flashing Fae and bulldozing Elves, etc.).
Now, you can call me naive if that's the case, but I'll be more than willing to bet that even if their little "experimental set" was about Kamigawa, and it was a horrible "failure," Wizards would still be anxiously ready to return us to Ravnica at some point in the near future.
Maybe I'm wrong, but some things don't require numbers to determine if it's a good or bad idea. Just simple observation...
I agree, a shame it wasn't the Orzhova who had a planeswalker made. But to be honest, any homage to Ravnica is appreciated by me, whether it's from my favourite or least favourite guild.
To be honest, I'm sure Wizards is tracking that revisiting Ravnica (a good idea) is going to have an enormously greater response from the consumer base rather than revisiting Mirrodin (a pretty foolish idea).
Gah, he HAS to be Izzet.. (a small detail I just noticed. Not sure if it's been pointed out already):
If you look at the style of the Izzet in the image uploaded by luminum can, you can see the blue parts of their clothing have those little swirls. Zoom into Ral's picture there. Above his left hand, on the blue part of his clothing... what's that? swirls?
Why do kids think Ral Zarek is a planeswalker from Ravnica?
Why, it's the Izzety sugar swirls in every bite!
I'm surprised we haven't gone back yet considering Wizards has turned Ravnica into the Neo Walker clubhouse.
Honestly, that is what I fear most about a return to Ravnica, thanks to all these Planeswalkers. If we were to go back to Ravnica, I would want for the focus to be about how the Guilds (and the inhabitants as a whole) are coping with the termination of the Guildpact.
Not about Nicol Bolas. Not about Jace. Not being reminded that every plane is ultimately an antfarm to these artificially popular characters.
I'm really having a hard time accepting the "flavour" that planeswalkers brought to MtG in terms of set design. It seems so forced and I don't care about any of them in terms of story. Maybe if they started killing them off, it would feel less like WotC is simply using them as a "hook" for players. I would prefer to see a set where the story concerns the indigenous life of the planet. Not how some altruistic cross-dimensional demi-gods systematically try to stop some other more sinister superbeing from meddling with everything possible for self-gain.
I would prefer if the planeswalkers in Innistrad at the most make a simple cameo appearance in cards, as in planeswalker cards themselves. This will satisfy the players that just love the characters. We'll be reminded (because we apparently have to) that they still exist and visit different planes for their own purposes. Leave their personal "lore" to the comic books or whatever and have the remaining cards in the set be focused purely on the plane's individual story, instead of seeming like we're really just "following" the planeswalkers in their mis-adventures. Mis-adventures which ultimately seem to be the exact same as the last.
Would I look forward to seeing a Lilliana II? Sure, why not... Maybe if they made Liliana Vess actually playable compared to some of the other planeswalkers, it might not be such a big deal and possibly such a great selling point. (Hm... Make an initial version of a planeswalker unplayable... Then release an "evolution" of it in a future set to excite everyone...)
The Matrix was interesting as a single movie. Each sequal after didn't raise the bar at all and was increasingly irritating as they attempted to [cheaply] replicate the impact of the first. It got to the point where I wanted Zion to fall just to spite the lack of purpose in "developing" on the story.
I don't know, maybe I'm just looking too much into this and being bitter.
Unless of course they decide to just arbitrarily thumbtack it onto a range of converted mana costed spells just to cover their bases. That would be annoying to say the least.
Now, I'm not one of those players that thinks Planeswalkers make Magic more "fun" and therefore feel like boycotting or quitting altogether if they would stop printing them. I was satisfied enough with the thought that as a player, I myself am a Planeswalker. Of all the gimmicks to use, the game didn't need personified versions of play-styles to legitimize decks.
However, if the Planeswalker thing is here to stay (and please don't explain how it will never leave because it's "good business and blah blah blah"), I would prefer to see new Planeswalkers as the norm with set releases, rather than the same handful just evolving in power more and more (like some annoying cast of anime characters).
I can't say my heart is with this new cast of "heroes." Jace ain't no Gerrard...
Or maybe Wizards figured out why FtV: Legends is sitting on LGS shelves for only $50...
I'd like to think a theme for them to touch up on would be cards that defined certain formats throughout magic's history. Unfortunately, a great deal of those cards are on the reserved list.
But again, only if Wizards feels like they need to kill a deck-type so more probable it would be in AVR, not DKA.
What I can say, however, is that if I was to wake up in my bed to see a half-dozen or so supposed "friends" staring down at me, or walk into someone's personal stash of preserved human organs, I'm fairly confident my heart would start picking up a beat or two.
While I do like the more "traditional" fairy tale take on supernatural horrors, as opposed to typical high fantasy, I really appreciate this blocks efforts to artistically depict the most truly monstrous of all- Humans.
Eh, I'd prefer it if this was a chance to take a break from Planeswalkers and other mythic rares. Maybe by "face a greater challenge" they mean the prospect of deck-building without these kinds of cards for once. With the removal of the mythic rarity, imagine the game design implications that would make for a set's power curve. Of course, I know I'm in an almost non-existant minority in that regard. Oh well...
(Purely speculative theory by the way)
"So, Avacyn, you show your true form!"
Also, I agree that she looks awfully black for an allegedly white aligned character. It might be premature to think that this block may have a "happy ending."
I won't lie that I'm with the masses that would love to see cards created with the flavour of the Orzhov, Azorius, Boros, etc. in mind (I agree with the sentiment that just because a deck is U/G doesn't make it a "Simic Deck"). Especially with Wizards current concept of a power curve, there would be very interesting designs for these colour combinations being created while tied with the respective guild's theme mechanically. If nothing more, it would give Wizards an excuse to introduce more unique multicoloured Planeswalkers.
Even if Mirrodin's return flopped as an "experiment," returning to Ravnica is inevitable in terms of fan-service at the very least. To the suggestion of this subject being discussed prematurely, is the thought of returning to Ravnica already overshadowing my interest in Innistrad? Not at all. Innistrad is such a breath of fresh air from the staleness of Mirrodin, its release is avidly looked forward to. The vague possibility of Ravnica being released a year later isn't somehow going to make me feel like saving money towards a phantom future set by not buying any product of this confirmed upcoming one. I still intend to support my LGS by continuing my hobby.
Mechanically the block had many interesting and creative concepts which encouraged players to find synergy and efficient interactions between different cards. However, this didn't change the fact that the competitive and casual environment eventually degenerated into housing a few very basic win conditions that unless you deliberately designed your library to counter or also play with, you would have a difficult time proving your rogue idea as worthwhile.
While this was the case, still it was the card interaction/combo concept that many people did enjoy about Mirrodin and were excitedly anticipating to return with a revisit to the plane. For the most part many have become tired with an environment of single-drop killers. However, that's all Scars brought to the table. More single-drop killers, with impressive or intricate card combos far in between to the point of being negligible.
If the concept of Phyrexians wasn't the overarching flavour theme behind returning to Mirrodin, the block as a whole would definitely not have been as "successful" in terms of revisiting a plane as they didn't bring anything to the table that isn't just blatant powercreep. They weren't presenting alternative win conditions, just superior win conditions. Cool story bro'.
As a Wizards employee, marketing analyst, or even the custodian that cleans their main lobby every night, you don't need to create an "experimental set" and revisit some random older plane to determine if as a concept it will be successful. Just reading the deluge of consumer testimonies and opinions about which set they would consider the "best" or "favourite" or flat out "most desired to revisit," you know that it's simple a matter of time that they would return to Ravnica. Regardless of whether the "experimental set" is a relative success or not.
And honestly, if the "experiment" is taking the plane from one mechanical theme to a complete different one, you might as well just make a new plane altogether. Even though the flavour does paint a pretty picture, what most people will accept in terms of remembering a block by is the mechanical themes that made it what it was, (Mirrodin being broken artifact interactions, Ravnica being about dredge, Lorwyn being being about flashing Fae and bulldozing Elves, etc.).
Now, you can call me naive if that's the case, but I'll be more than willing to bet that even if their little "experimental set" was about Kamigawa, and it was a horrible "failure," Wizards would still be anxiously ready to return us to Ravnica at some point in the near future.
Maybe I'm wrong, but some things don't require numbers to determine if it's a good or bad idea. Just simple observation...
To be honest, I'm sure Wizards is tracking that revisiting Ravnica (a good idea) is going to have an enormously greater response from the consumer base rather than revisiting Mirrodin (a pretty foolish idea).
IMHO
Why do kids think Ral Zarek is a planeswalker from Ravnica?
Why, it's the Izzety sugar swirls in every bite!
Ral Zarek- The taste you can see!
Honestly, that is what I fear most about a return to Ravnica, thanks to all these Planeswalkers. If we were to go back to Ravnica, I would want for the focus to be about how the Guilds (and the inhabitants as a whole) are coping with the termination of the Guildpact.
Not about Nicol Bolas. Not about Jace. Not being reminded that every plane is ultimately an antfarm to these artificially popular characters.
I'm really having a hard time accepting the "flavour" that planeswalkers brought to MtG in terms of set design. It seems so forced and I don't care about any of them in terms of story. Maybe if they started killing them off, it would feel less like WotC is simply using them as a "hook" for players. I would prefer to see a set where the story concerns the indigenous life of the planet. Not how some altruistic cross-dimensional demi-gods systematically try to stop some other more sinister superbeing from meddling with everything possible for self-gain.
I would prefer if the planeswalkers in Innistrad at the most make a simple cameo appearance in cards, as in planeswalker cards themselves. This will satisfy the players that just love the characters. We'll be reminded (because we apparently have to) that they still exist and visit different planes for their own purposes. Leave their personal "lore" to the comic books or whatever and have the remaining cards in the set be focused purely on the plane's individual story, instead of seeming like we're really just "following" the planeswalkers in their mis-adventures. Mis-adventures which ultimately seem to be the exact same as the last.
Would I look forward to seeing a Lilliana II? Sure, why not... Maybe if they made Liliana Vess actually playable compared to some of the other planeswalkers, it might not be such a big deal and possibly such a great selling point. (Hm... Make an initial version of a planeswalker unplayable... Then release an "evolution" of it in a future set to excite everyone...)
The Matrix was interesting as a single movie. Each sequal after didn't raise the bar at all and was increasingly irritating as they attempted to [cheaply] replicate the impact of the first. It got to the point where I wanted Zion to fall just to spite the lack of purpose in "developing" on the story.
I don't know, maybe I'm just looking too much into this and being bitter.