The Magic Touch

I went to an MTG prerelease last Saturday, which was somewhat of a historical event, considering that the last Magic prerelease around here was Onslaught (I think), and the last I attended was Oddysey. It's been just as much fun as they used to be. The new (small) set, Morningtide, together with the previous (large) set, Lorwyn, are a blast to play in Limited - we played Sealed Deck. TBH I was somewhat worried about the overall power level of the set(s), which I perceived to be quite a notch above "high", but it turns out that it's actually a good thing (well, unless you mix it with something like Masques block, I suppose). Almost all of the commons are useful and playable, and many are quite good, which nicely offsets the "luck factor" commonly associated with Sealed. And since the uncommon and rare slots are packed with bombs, it means every player will have a fighting chance, by using his or her bombs to counter the opponent's (unless your rares are something like 2 lands and a quirky Johnny card, and even then you'll probably still get some good stuff alongside them). The bad side seems to be that a few uncommons are quite ridiculous in Limited, especially (some) of the new Tribal Equipment, since the sets are light on artifact removal. And, at the high end, you get rares so bomb-tastic that they'll easily win games unless immediately answered (yes, planeswalkers, I mean YOU). Oh, and the clash mechanic is way too swingy on some cards.

But let's not dwell on their shortcomings, because these sets are FUN! They are based on the tribal theme, which has always been popular, and their mechanics further support it and create a lot of interesting interactions, which makes Limited play in particular to be very dynamic and less dominated by archetypes than in other blocks. Indeed, if you've never played with the cards before, as you play your deck, you're likely to discover some new interactions that didn't occur to you when you put it together. Needless to say, it's great fun. Also, since we're talking about fun, it's just not right to play a certain Morningtide card without announcing its name, preferably in a booming voice. You really should try it if you get the chance... it's an unique feeling.

There are also some good things to say about the art style, and the overall "Vorthosian" feel of this block. So consider I've said them. Because I really, really like the world of Lorwyn.

Oh, and I won 5 boosters, too :)

-Chiller, Timmy/Spike

Return of The Prodigal Blog

I'll be brief (maybe). Edit note - it seems that I actually managed to be brief. What do you know.

A long time has passed, and the layer of digital dust gathered on this site was starting to get hazardous.
Besides, I felt like writing something.
Of course, being an egocentric bastard, I'll be writing about myself.
So here it goes.

I'm currently 25, and feeling kinda' old.
I dropped out of my previous school. That place is hell.
I also quit my job. It wasn't so bad, but I burned out eventually.
I'm currently studying Biology at the local University. I really like it. There's some heavy drawing involved. Didn't expect that, heh.
Nowadays, I mostly play Tabula Rasa. It's fun.
I've been watching some Takeshi Kitano movies lately. They are starting to grow on me.
Last anime I've watched was probably Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid.
Also, I read Sluggy Freelance whenever I have the time and/or mood.
I no longer need to bash games I don't like - Yahtzee is doing a much better job than I ever could.
I still play Magic: The Gathering from time to time.
I really need some new music. I know at least 75% of the lyrics of any random song on my playlist.
I'm eating cake. It's quite real.
I plan to update this blog more regularly. Maybe once a week. With whatever. Like today.
Also expect some game reviews. I'm writing this here and now, so you can yell at me when I fail to deliver :)

As for the fattened calf, it's safe for now - blogs don't fancy steak.

-still Chiller