The AethersparkThe Aetherspark | art by Dominik Mayer 

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Midnight Initial NeeD Forza Turismo

Greetings and salutations my fellow brewers! I hope everything's fine with you on this fine (and a bit frosty) day.

We have a long way ahead of us, so let's not dilly dally too much on this intro. I'll just keep it short: lots of lovely cards for a lazy setting.

Initially I wanted to cover each and every artifact, including colored ones. Then my editor stepped in and threatened to ram my car and my head both into a wall if she had to review a 8,000-words article (true story).

To whom I replied: "I'm French, I don't care, ram ahead. Still love you!". So buckle up, get your oil checked, your tank fueled, your suspensions suspended and your windshield wiped, grab some snacks and a warm cup of something nice, we're in for a long ride.

Mythics

The AethersparkThe Aetherspark

We start things off with the crown jewel of this ragtag race. This is a very interesting outlet, not to mention the first planeswalker artifact. And I believe it has a lot of potential.

First off, this thing is going to be somewhat hard to kill with regular damage. You're more than likely to play it only if you have a creature to attach it to, which will shield it from combat. Granted, artifact removal is extremely common, but that's one more hoop your opponents have to jump through.

The payoffs are more than decent, provided you can feed the thing. For once, the +1 is totally anecdotal (aside from enabling the initial protection) and you'll want to focus on the secondary and "ultimate" abilities. Provided you can consistently hit your opponents for 5 damage, this will yield consistent card draw.

Getting to 10 counters is not that hard of an ordeal either, as you only need to deal 5 damage to get there. Granted, you'll have to wait for a whole rotation – Play the card, attach the card, hit for 5 – but getting a 10-mana bump could often be game-ending, even if it's only of a single color.

With that said, where to play this oddity? Basically in any deck with decently powered and/or evasive creatures. I could also see a spot for this in Proliferate strategies, albeit demanding an adequate setup to make it work.

It's versatile, it's easy to play, it pays off and it can find a home pretty much anywhere. Wait, wasn't GolosGolos banned for this very reason...?

Radiant LotusRadiant Lotus

You thought The AethersparkThe Aetherspark was a heavy-hitter? This one's even better.

To be clear: the required to cast it is a hurdle all right. But this could be game-ending. Between Treasures, Clues, Thopters, Servos and other artifact tokens you can make these days, this basically says "Go ahead, knock yourself out, triple your mana".

Granted, it requires some setup to work its magic, but the ceiling is sky-high.

Play this in Galazeth PrismariGalazeth Prismari for a massive Crackle with PowerCrackle with Power or Jaya's Immolating InfernoJaya's Immolating Inferno to take out the table.

Play this in Yurlok of Scorch ThrashYurlok of Scorch Thrash to mana burn an opponent down.

Play this in Breya, Etherium ShaperBreya, Etherium Shaper, Tivit, Seller of SecretsTivit, Seller of Secrets, Ygra, Eater of AllYgra, Eater of All, Kambal, Profiteering MayorKambal, Profiteering Mayor to sacrifice an insane amount of tokens and make an even more insane amount of mana.

Oh, and a fun little interaction: Since it targets, it's not considered as a mana ability, so it can be interacted with. I see you, Ashnod the UncaringAshnod the Uncaring. I see you, Abstruse ArchaicAbstruse Archaic. I see you, Lithoform EngineLithoform Engine.

I see you all, and I'm terrified. This is no KCIKCI, but it's a close relative. And a hungry one.

TheThe GearGearhulkhulk cycyclecle

Let's dive into this new cycle of Gearhulks. The original one has seen more than a little play.

Noxious GearhulkNoxious Gearhulk is currently included in 83,147 decks, Combustible GearhulkCombustible Gearhulk in 67,202, Torrential GearhulkTorrential Gearhulk in 19,345, Cataclysmic GearhulkCataclysmic Gearhulk in 19,186, and Verdurous GearhulkVerdurous Gearhulk in a "measly" 12,839.

Granted, these numbers are likely inflated by the "precon effect", as all of these were reprinted at some point, sometimes in several decks. Nevertheless, they are versatile spells which excel in their specific endeavors.

This new cycle of allied colors follows in the same pattern. While I'll leave the Fabulous Mike Carrozza to comment on these at length, I feel like giving each my two cents:

• Brightglass GearhulkBrightglass Gearhulk: 4/4 first trike trample. Decent. Tutor two cards directly to your hand, that's very strong. Go fetch your Sol RingSol Ring, your Esper SentinelEsper Sentinel, your Mother of RunesMother of Runes, your Mystic RemoraMystic Remora, your Ragavan, Nimble PilfererRagavan, Nimble Pilferer, any of the legal Moxen, a SkullclampSkullclamp, a Basilisk CollarBasilisk Collar, a Sensei's Divining TopSensei's Divining Top, The OzolithThe Ozolith... I could extend this far and wide. Despite the color-heavy combination, this is a strong, strong tutor.
• Oildeep GearhulkOildeep Gearhulk: A reboot of Vendilion CliqueVendilion Clique, with a little more oomph. Sure, you can choose a land. But unless you find ways to blink it into oblivion, I'm not sure this is a great card in commander, as the impact is quite minimal considering there are two other opponents to deal with.
• Pyrewood GearhulkPyrewood Gearhulk: This one, on the other hand, screams FINISHEEEEER! Ahem. Craterhoof BehemothCraterhoof Behemoth it is not, trample it giveth not. Yet for 6 mana, that body is more than decent, and the evasion provided by menace is going to cause some feverish calculations to whomever is attempting to block your onslaught. I really like the vigilance touch, keeping your army untapped to block the inevitable retaliation strike. Solid.
• Riptide GearhulkRiptide Gearhulk: Another one I really like. Sure, its power is puny, but the combination of Prowess and double strike should ensure 6 to 8 damage consistently, if not more in a spell-slinging deck. And if you can manage to blink it, which shouldn't be too hard in these colors, it's likely to make quick work of the board. A solid removal with a decent body.
• Coalstoke GearhulkCoalstoke Gearhulk: Probably the one I'm less thrilled about. Reanimating a creature is fine, and I suppose you could find juicy targets in the 4-or-less range, but it sounds a bit bland in my book. A decent outlet for Rakdos Reanimator decks (Chainer, Nightmare AdeptChainer, Nightmare Adept for example). A corner-case scenario could also be bringing back something from another graveyard, preventing its owner from doing it for themself, prior to exiling it on the end step. But it's a bit far-fetched.

There you go, 10 cents.

Salvation EngineSalvation Engine

At first I was quite skeptical of this twist on good old Sun TitanSun Titan. However, there is some sneaky synergy to be had here.

If your deck happens to generate a lot of artifact tokens, say Servos, Thopters or Myrs, this should be easy enough to animate, as the boost provided allows you to Crew it with only two artifact creatures. Suddenly, you've got a big body pushing through and bringing back an artifact each turn.

Be it the small rocks providing a little something when entering and leaving (Ichor WellspringIchor Wellspring, Mephitic DraughtMephitic Draught, Prized StatuePrized Statue, etc.) or a beefier behemoth (Triplicate TitanTriplicate Titan, Parhelion IIParhelion II, Phyrexian TriniformPhyrexian Triniform...), or even a useful outlet (Vedalken OrreryVedalken Orrery, Bootleggers' StashBootleggers' Stash, The Great HengeThe Great Henge, a used-up Wishclaw TalismanWishclaw Talisman...), the possibilities are as juicy as they are terrifying.

Worst case scenario, this pumps your whole team, albeit at a significant cost. Thank the Blind Eternities, it has no evasion.

The Last RideThe Last Ride

Look, I love a beefy body in my graveyard as anyone else. Give me a Death's ShadowDeath's Shadow in Varolz, the Scar-StripedVarolz, the Scar-Striped or The MimeoplasmThe Mimeoplasm any day. But don't count on using this Ride for these kinds of shenanigans.

Honestly, I see this as a reverse GreedGreed. The latter asks for as an initial investment but then only to activate.

This one costs only but requires to give you cards. So, for two activations, Greed costs you , whereas the Ride climbs to Not sure it's truly worth it in the long run.

A fun design, for a disappointing result, although I'm positive some of you will prove me wrong.

Thunderous VelocipedeThunderous Velocipede

This is huge. Giving anything costing 5 or more mana 3 +1/+1 counters turns any monster into an even more massive beast.

While the boost for less expensive creatures (yes, and vehicles, but I feel it's anecdotal) is cute, this is going to truly shine in big mana decks.

I for one have already reserved a spot for it into my Imoti, Celebrant of BountyImoti, Celebrant of Bounty/Keruga, the MacrosageKeruga, the Macrosage list.

This is green doing green things at its best. It's a simple yet clever design, and one of my favourite cards in the set, period.

Valor's FlagshipValor's Flagship

A strict upgrade from the Cycling text of Decree of JusticeDecree of Justice. You get Pilots instead of Soldiers, and if you pay the prohibitive and very colored cost, you get a big vehicle that can be crewed with a single Pilot.

There's not much to comment here. It's a versatile outlet, but one I doubt will see much play. Maybe in Greasefang, Okiba BossGreasefang, Okiba Boss, and even then I'm not sure the payoff is worth the inclusion.

Rares

Adaptive OmnitoolAdaptive Omnitool

With such a name, I somewhat expected more from this trinket. But despite not quite living up to its hype in terms of versatility, it definitely has a few interesting quirks.

First, the boost. While not equaling the unparalleled mana cost of Cranial PlatingCranial Plating, it will provide a serious power-up to any creature it's attached to, provided your deck is built towards making a slew of Treasures, Clues, Thopters and whatnot.

Second, the search ability on attack will most likely provide you with something of at least moderate value. Digging 6 cards deep is no joke, especially if you have a decent ratio of artifacts.

In a way, this reminds me a bit of Siona, Captain of the PyleasSiona, Captain of the Pyleas (played in 12,341 decks) or Carth the LionCarth the Lion (15,645 and 3,297 decks to his name).

While I would rather have this cost 3 and equip for 2, I still believe this could turn into a great search engine in a plethora of decks. A recurring tutor it is not, but it's still a great card advantage outlet.

Aetherflux ConduitAetherflux Conduit

Let me start with a few stats. At the time of writing, Aetherflux ReservoirAetherflux Reservoir is played in 187,716 decks. There are also 14,791 Energy decks out there, mostly in Jeskai colors, a number that's bound to increase significantly with the new dedicated precon.

Anyone who has played against an Energy deck knows how terrifyingly fast this pseudo-mana can grow in the right conditions. If Aetherflux ConduitAetherflux Conduit only had the first ability, I'm quite sure it would still see play, despite the respectable mana cost.

I have no doubts however that players will find ways to reach that fated 50 threshold without much trouble. Drawing 7 cards and getting OmniscienceOmniscience for a turn is more than likely to win you the game, or at least put you in very commanding lead.

Heck, I could even see this played in non-Energy decks. Find a way to proliferate or double your counters and you could get into the danger zone.

Speaking of doubling...

Aetheric AmplifierAetheric Amplifier

Hello! One Commander's SphereCommander's Sphere on steroids please!

Worst case scenario, this stays as a mana rock. At best, you turn that 25 energy into 50. There is almost no downside in playing this in any deck caring about counters. Skullbriar, the Walking GraveSkullbriar, the Walking Grave could see a use for this, as could Kyler, Sigardian EmissaryKyler, Sigardian Emissary.

I also see a bright future for it in decks caring about Experience counters. Unplayed hidden gems like Meren of Clan Nel TothMeren of Clan Nel Toth (15,308 decks), Azlask, the Swelling ScourgeAzlask, the Swelling Scourge (6,735), Ezuri, Claw of ProgressEzuri, Claw of Progress (6,372) or Kelsien, the PlagueKelsien, the Plague (4,901).

I'm quite certain that is not that high of a price for such a powerful ability. Just be careful not to double your counters if you're poisoned (although that would be a hilarious way to die).

BoommobileBoommobile

A big meh. I'm certain this has infinite combo potential (anything providing you mana upon entering generally does), despite the fact that said mana is limited to activating abilities.

That Exhaust is underwhelming at best – I'd rather play a good old FireballFireball or any other burn spell – and it sports no evasion whatsoever.

For me, that's a quick and hard pass for Commander.

Cryptcaller ChariotCryptcaller Chariot

Now this is a funny trinket.

Forget about the vehicle. 5/5 menace is cute but nothing to fawn at.

Making Zombie tokens when discarding cards however is much more interesting. Granted, they will enter tapped, but I'm fairly certain that won't be such an issue for creative brewers looking for cheap chowder.

Let me put this in perspective. Bone MiserBone Miser, while indeed more versatile, is played in 35,833 decks. It's also included in 60% of Varina, Lich QueenVarina, Lich Queen decks. Frankly, I'd have a hard time believing this Chariot is not at the very least worth a shot there.

And then there's also Raffine, Scheming SeerRaffine, Scheming Seer, Sauron, the Dark LordSauron, the Dark Lord, Oskar, Rubbish ReclaimerOskar, Rubbish Reclaimer...

I'm willing to bet this has great potential.

Cursecloth WrappingsCursecloth Wrappings

Before we begin, allow me to gush on the illustration. Those petals reminding of a famous Black LotusBlack Lotus are absolutely gorgeous. I can't really say as much for the anime counterpart. Seriously, do we really need to turn our game into Yu-Gi-Oh?

At any rate, this is... fine. Sure, it can activate every turn, meaning that basically every creature in your graveyard gets a second breath. A decent way to keep threats returning to the battlefield.

In a way, this is like turning all creatures in your bin into a secondary hand. Having more cards is never a bad idea. Oh, and the anthem is nice I suppose.

Overall, this is an efficient recursion engine that can find a spot in any deck including black. But it's precisely that universality that leaves me a bit unfazed.

Will it be efficient? Looks like it.

Should you play it? Probably, at least to try it out.

Is it exciting? Not really.

Is it going to be really annoying? You bet.

Debris BeetleDebris Beetle

So. Back in the day, when Khans of Tarkir was a thing, Siege RhinoSiege Rhino saw decent play, more than decent even.

Does this warrant a similar future for this Vehicle counterpart? I have strong doubts. While the stats are slightly better, you still need something to crew it

I'm not knowledgeable in Standard, haven't been in a long while, so it may have a chance there.

In Commander though? The life loss/gain is not impactful enough to make a difference in my book. And while Siege RhinoSiege Rhino sees a modest 2,479 inclusion rate, I'm not sure this will reach even that.

Demonic JunkerDemonic Junker

The same cannot be said for this nifty toy. Again, it's not for all decks. But if you produce a somewhat moderate amount of Treasures, Clues or creature tokens, you basically get sorcery that says ": Blow up up to four creatures".

Even for that would be an excellent rate. And don't get me started on blinking it repeatedly.

It's not the sexiest card ever printed, but it gets the job done. I'm looking forward to trying this out in my Wernog, Rider's ChaplainWernog, Rider's Chaplain/Hargilde, Kindly RunechanterHargilde, Kindly Runechanter deck.

Gastal ThrillrollerGastal Thrillroller

A 4/2 hasty creature for 3 mana is not something I'm excited about. This is likely to impale itself on the first chump blocker, and not make such a difference otherwise.

I mean, sure, it can come back once. And maybe, just maybe, Ognis, the Dragon's LashOgnis, the Dragon's Lash can give it a shot. But it's a corner case.

Go on ahead, I'll watch you from the curb.

Lifecraft EngineLifecraft Engine

Oh yay, another outlet to turn all creatures into a specific creature type and give them a buff... AsAs ifif therethere weren'tweren't enoughenough ofof thesethese alreadyalready.

As you can tell, I'm a bit... underwhelmed by this one. It almost feels like a tick on a checklist. "Making vehicles into any creature type? Check." "Make a 3 mana anthem playable in any typal deck? Check".

Hooray, give me three cheers for blandness, lackluster and boredom.

Aside from that, sure, it's probably playable, though not extremely mana efficient.

Lumbering WorldwagonLumbering Worldwagon

This vehicle would have been very cute, were it not for its hefty Crew cost.

Granted, at worst it's a strictly better Wood ElvesWood Elves, but let's be honest, getting a basic into play tapped for 3 mana rarely makes the cut today, with all the FarseekFarseek, Nature's LoreNature's Lore, Three VisitsThree Visits and Into the NorthInto the North of the world.

Unless you find a way to turn it into a perennial creature, that 4-power worth of crewing is going to bear heavily on your board, all for a puny basic land.

Unless you're desperately craving for land tutors, do yourself a favor and play Sword of the AnimistSword of the Animist instead.

Marketback WalkerMarketback Walker

I'm a bit annoyed. I really like this design, I do. It's a clever reimagining of the infamous Hangarback WalkerHangarback Walker, which is played in 47,960 decks and of Walking BallistaWalking Ballista, which made its way into 128,960. Both are staples known to wreak havoc if not downright end games.

And yet, this is... boring? It's a bit as if the designers decided to give a mechanical mate to Toothy, Imaginary FriendToothy, Imaginary Friend.

It can probably find a slot in basically any deck, with a sweet spot for ones able to generate a lot of mana. Yet I fail to be thrilled by the idea of spending 12 mana to eventually draw 6 cards.

Proliferate- and +1/+1 counters-based decks might give it a shot. Aside from that? I'm not so sure.

Mendicant Core, GuidelightMendicant Core, Guidelight

We've reached our only Legendary artifact creature, and it's a spicy one.

First perk, it comes down fast. This means that you can start cranking up your speed as soon as turn 2, and get max speed by turn 4. Not a bad deal.

With that top speed reached, it's time to use and abuse the second ability. Osgir, the ReconstructorOsgir, the Reconstructor players know how powerful doubling up each and every artifact you get can be.

I'm not going to list each and every asset that's worth copying. Let's just name a few: PanharmoniconPanharmonicon, Solemn SimulacrumSolemn Simulacrum, Esper SentinelEsper Sentinel, Sol RingSol Ring, Triplicate TitanTriplicate Titan, Myr BattlesphereMyr Battlesphere, Bronze GuardianBronze Guardian...

Need I say more?

Monument to EnduranceMonument to Endurance

We've talked about how I liked Cryptcaller ChariotCryptcaller Chariot earlier on. This gives me even better vibes.

Aside from those self-discarding decks we've already mentioned (Rielle, the EverwiseRielle, the Everwise, if you can hear me...), I could also see this become an instant staple in any list focused on Cycling.

This works particularly well with Gavi, Nest WardenGavi, Nest Warden for instance. As long as you have cards to cycle, this means you get four kitties per rotation: cycle the card, draw a card, then draw another one, get kitty, rinse and repeat on your next turn. Not too bad.

While the life loss is not that impressive at first glance, if you can repeatedly discard a card every turn, it's going to pay off eventually, to the point of potentially becoming a wincon.

With enough cards and ways to discard them, you could hit the table for 12 and gain 12 life each rotation. Again, not bad.

It does not do anything extravagant, but I absolutely love how it does it.

Perilous SnarePerilous Snare

Hey Wizards, can I get a Banishing LightBanishing Light that can conditionally and slowly boost my creatures as well? Thanks. Bye!

Seriously though, this could see some play in decks churning through their graveyards. Osgir, the ReconstructorOsgir, the Reconstructor and Teshar, Ancestor's ApostleTeshar, Ancestor's Apostle may fine some use for that (thanks Mike!).

Still, I see no reason to celebrate in glee.

Possession EnginePossession Engine

This one puzzles me. I love it when you have to read a card a second time to make sure you've understood it properly.

So, basically, this steals a creature, but prevents you from attacking or blocking with it. So you can either use this to remove a threat from the board, or steal something with an activated ability which, in fact, you can use.

5 mana is a tad expensive to basically PacifyPacify a creature, but it could be worse.

Frankly, I'm not sure where I would play this. Maybe a Vehicles-based Shorikai, Genesis EngineShorikai, Genesis Engine?

Repurposing BayRepurposing Bay

We continue on our series of revival of all-stars with a rethinking on Birthing PodBirthing Pod.

What can I say. This card screams use & abuse. Birthing PodBirthing Pod is played in 58,851 decks and has its own tag on the website. Eldritch EvolutionEldritch Evolution, another heavy hitter, is in 111,900 decks. NeoformNeoform is played in 57,831 lists.

This is likely to see play in a plethora of builds. Sacrificing any token will net you a Sol RingSol Ring, an Esper SentinelEsper Sentinel, a SkullclampSkullclamp.

Our resident DougY has already gushed on the various ways to untap this trinket, so I'll keep this short: as long as you keep the value of the artifact you're sacrificing fairly low (say, between 0 and 3), I can see almost no deck that could not go tutor something from their library.

Expect seeing some nasty loops and/or surprises if this thing hits the board. At least the activation is still at sorcery speed.

Riverchurn MonumentRiverchurn Monument

An interesting and versatile mill outlet. I see this as a two-edged coin, equally winning but for two very different strategies.

You could use this to support your milling, before dealing a finishing blow by exhausting the thing. Of course, some savvy players will Bojuka BogBojuka Bog themselves to prevent that outcome, but still, that's a nifty Sword of Damocles hanging on their head.

Or your could be greedy and use this to fill up your graveyard. The ability to self-mill is nothing to scoff at. After all, our resident Joey Schulz has built a deck with Vohar, Vodalian DesecratorVohar, Vodalian Desecrator just for the ability to throw stuff into the bin.

Just imagine playing this with Syr Konrad, the GrimSyr Konrad, the Grim out, and paying . Yep, that's going to be painful.

Again, not the most outstanding idea ever, but a well-built outlet.

Skyseer's ChariotSkyseer's Chariot

Unless you're metagaming hard or you are a horrible, horrible person who loves nothing more than sadness, despair and misery (aka a Stax player), you will steer away from this thing.

And even if you are, I'm not sure it's really worth a slot. In limited, however, this is going to be a real pain to deal with.

Stridehangar AutomatonStridehangar Automaton

Pffffffffffft............ Can you hear me? I sighed. Again. Long and loud. In French.

Let's be clear: it's fine. It works, it makes Thopters in addition to whatever other tokens you may create. This will definitely find a room into Sai, Master ThopteristSai, Master Thopterist lists. I could even see some future for it in Breya, Etherium ShaperBreya, Etherium Shaper.

I'll be trying this in my aforementioned Wernog, Rider's ChaplainWernog, Rider's Chaplain/Hargilde, Kindly RunechanterHargilde, Kindly Runechanter deck. And possibly with Galazeth PrismariGalazeth Prismari. It's not bad, and it will likely spew tokens faster than a gatling gun.

But frankly, it's a Jack-of-All-Trades. If you play anything even remotely focused on creating any kind of artifact tokens, you have no real reason not to include this.

All that go-to makes a bit... sad?

Thopter FabricatorThopter Fabricator

Speaking of sadness. We've seen this effect countless times before. Alandra, Sky DreamerAlandra, Sky Dreamer, Detective of the MonthDetective of the Month, Minn, Wily IllusionistMinn, Wily Illusionist, Mischievous MysticMischievous Mystic, Prince Imrahil the FairPrince Imrahil the Fair.......

We get it Wizards, you put that on a Vehicle now, and it's very pretty. But did we really need it, furthermore as a rare?

Voyager GlidecarVoyager Glidecar

A versatile little thing that can grow bigger the more stuff you tap to boost it.

I like how easy it is to crew, and that Scry 1 upon entering is cute. Still, I believe this lacks the necessary perks in the long run to be viable in Commander. Maybe as a way to help tapping Saint Traft and Rem KarolusSaint Traft and Rem Karolus, and even then...

Accursed DuneyardAccursed Duneyard

Another both efficient and uninspired design that will no doubt see massive play in a slew of decks. Swarmyard has been adopted by 64,526 decks, and there are currently 69,955 Zombies lists.

If you have a deck focused on any of the types on this land, there is no reason not to include it.

Muraganda RacewayMuraganda Raceway

This one is interesting. I've had a talk at length with some other editors over in our lair, deep in the Muragandan caves, while trying to dodge the teeth of an enraged Somethingosaurus Rex.

Personally, I think this land is quite bad. For it to be worth it, you need to reach max speed. Thing is, it will take you three turns at best.

So if you play it turn 1, that potentially makes you a land that gives two mana instead of one on turn 4.

One turn later, and it's no different than playing a Temple of the False GodTemple of the False God (assuming you did not miss a land drop).

If it comes at a later turn, unless you managed to Start your Engines with another card, it's simply a land giving you colorless mana.

Others seems to think it could find a room in some specific decks (namely, Belbe, Corrupted ObserverBelbe, Corrupted Observer or colorless decks).

No matter what, do not mistake this for fast mana. It's not. It might give you a small edge in the long run. But in my book? Not worth it.

The Verge Cycle

Hey, look, we've got another cycle that's finally completed, at long last, after all these years! Er, months! Er, weeks...

Still, cynical as I might sound, I'm not complaining. The cycle that was started in the recent Duskmourn set was absolutely fine, and I really like that their enemy pairs get their due.

This is an easy way to get dual lands that enter the battlefield untapped, and that's all I'm asking from them.

Now Wizards, the only thing left to do is reprint these into oblivion in the precons to come. Can you do that? Pretty please?

Uncommons & Commons

For brevity's sake, I'll stick to colorless artifacts in this section.

Of all the lower rarity cards, this is by far my favourite. Granted, there aren't that many Mounts (yet), but the ability to turn any of them or a Vehicle into a beater for a puny two mana is great.

And it gives you a card upon entering? And it's a COMMON?

That's what I'm talking about!

Pit AutomatonPit Automaton

This gentleman is niche, very niche. But I'm very excited about the potential shenanigans it will eventually allow.

There are a lot of abilities out there requiring mana. Most Exhaust of course, but I'm also thinking of the draft chaff crew usually tagging along Agatha of the Vile CauldronAgatha of the Vile Cauldron or simply to help sacrificing Clues.

I have not yet seen an Exhaust ability really striking my fancy, but it's worth keeping an eye out for.

Conclusion

Usually I end up these reviews with an exclamative like "WE'RE DONE!!!" of "WHEW!", or even "THAT WAS A LOT OF FUN!!!!!!!1!!1".

Not this time.

Let me be clear, writing about these cards has definitely been enjoyable, and overall I believe there are a few gems worth taking a second, if not a third look at.

But as I skimmed through many of these, what lingered was a sensation of laziness. A lot of these cards feel like déjà-vu, as if they had been made and twisted a hundred times before.

Maybe I'm just an old grump who liked it better before. Maybe.

But I feel like, like many sets in the past couple of years have been quite lackluster in their backstories – Karlov Manor, Duskmourn, Thunder Junction, to name a few –, mechanically speaking, there is less effort in innovating than before.

Don't get me wrong. I know designing new ideas for a game with close to 30,000 cards is an ordeal, one that's getting harder by the day, especially with Hasbro breathing hard on creators' necks to publish a gazillion sets a year.

But the more I see these "novelties", the more I get the feeling that they are designed more to fit an overall general theme (cowboys, detectives, horror movies, Fast & Furious/Mad Max/The Love Bug) rather than a consistent and engaging backstory.

The last set that got me truly thrilled was, in fact, Foundations, as it brought me back to what I felt what Magic should be at its core.

As usual, dear readers, thank you for sticking with me to the very end of this lengthy review. I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions, as well as you pointing out inevitable mistakes or misconceptions.

See you in the next Trim!

Arnaud Gompertz

Arnaud Gompertz has been playing Magic since 4th Edition, back in 1995. He's been an assiduous EDH enthusiast since 2012, with a soft spot for unusual and casual Commanders. He'll always favour spectacular plays against a boring path to victory. Aside from mistreating cardboard, he's a dedicated board games player, loves a challenging video game and occasionally tries to sing with his choir.