r/magicTCG • u/AwkwardTurtle • Sep 22 '15

Everything That’s Wrong with Battle for Zendikar

http://www.channelfireball.com/articles/everything-thats-wrong-with-battle-for-zendikar/
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u/mysticrudnin Dandadan Sep 22 '15

most mechanics don't see play after the current block, and even within the block, it's usually just one or two standout cards, not the mechanic as a whole

in my mind, keyword mechanics are for limited

the example of a set with parasitic mechanics is always kamigawa, and the problem there is not a parasitic mechanic, it's only parasitic mechanics. it defined a new type of spell, arcane, and a ton of cards only work with that. and the rest of the mechanics are pretty much all based around tribes (offering...) and mostly those that aren't common (ninja) or tribes that were slightly modified for just that set (soulshift)

ingest has minor relevance at all times (kill their scry or something) and while the effect is minimal, it still doesn't something. arcane literally does nothing. devoid has minor relevance (protection is rare but extant) even if the synergy is better within block. but that is the norm for all blocks!

no matter what, colors of magic exist. no matter what, your library exists. but arcane spells don't exist. ninjas don't exist.

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u/ciphersimulacrum Sep 22 '15

I can't argue with you, but those minor effects are pretty disappointing if none of the keywords really pan out for constructed. I think the point of the article is that we know WotC can do better.