Archive for July, 2015
This week in Magic: A Pro Tour Origins Top 5 List
Friday, July 31st, 2015
Welcome back to another edition of “This week in Magic.” Did you miss me? It’s okay, I won’t tell everyone what you said. I missed you too! As I write this, Pro Tour Origins is currently underway. While the first part of the tournament is a Draft format, the real interesting part will be the Standard portions. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to put together another Top 5 list. This time we’ll talk about the Top 5 cards from Origins that I think will make an impact on the Pro Tour. So, get your hands, and, maybe, your wallets ready for a fun ride.
5. Languish
This is a card that has gotten a lot of hype since it was spoiled. Much of that hype, though, has been that it wasn’t Damnation that was reprinted, but people will make do. The effects of the spell have not been ignored even though the people didn’t get what they wanted. Languish is one of the best spells right now for the early aggressive games that Abzan Aggro, Elves, and Mono Red can whip out.
The best spell we’ve had thus far had been Drown in Sorrow. However, for one more mana, we get double the power. As for the ability to scry, I’m sure many players will be happy to make that exchange. Languish also allows for many things to just make the cut such as Siege Rhino. This means that the control or midrange versions of Abzan will be able to benefit from a spell like this.
Now I’m sure you’re saying something like, “Why is this any good? I thought we had Crux?” Well we do, and, in some cases, some deck lists have included some kind of combination of both spells. Still, let me stress that in some instances, that one mana difference can mean a lot.
So keep an eye on this spells, as Abzan is a very popular choice.
4. Thopter Spy Network
It made it’s debut a couple of weeks back and has made a few appearances in several control lists. It may not be a four-of yet, but I’m sure it will soon enough. This card is destined for the long game.
So what makes this card so good? First of all, it provides steady supply of blockers if needed. It also does provide a steady supply of attackers, but I think it’s safe to say, in a control deck, it’ll most likely be providing the previous. As for the second ability on the card, with other spells creating possible thopters early on, this can provide for some much needed card drawing the turn you and it. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a thopter that the Sky Network makes to draw you a card, it could be one you’ve already had in play.
I think if Thopter Spy Network cost less or made an addition thopter this would be a spell you would definitely need four copies of. However, it only makes one and still costs four mana. I think, right not, two is a good number.
3. Hangarback Walker
I’ve been seeing this card fly off the shelves since it was seen on camera in action. I initially didn’t think much of this card. However, I failed to realize that you can continue to put +1/+1 counters on it for only one mana. Therefore, the shenanigans can begin on turn two.
One of the best qualities about this card is that it is another cheap and efficient artifact creatures. So far, this set has opened the door for some powerful artifact focused decklists in the future.
Don’t forget that Magic 2015 is still a legal set in Standard until the fall. Therefore, spells like Ensoul Artifact and Shrapnel Blast can be used in conjunction with the Walker. One of the best combinations I’ve seen thus far from the Pro Tour has been an end of turn Shrapnel Blast, sacrificing the Walker, dealing five damage and leaving three tokens. On the following turn, swing with your three tokens. That’s essentially eight damage with barely lifting a finger.
2. Liliana, Heretical Healer
With Rally decks becoming popular and Mono Black tying to make a combat, I think it would be no surprise that Liliana would be on this list. While she may not look like an incredible creature on paper, she is just too good at the three-spot to ignore. I know some of you may have said getting a creature to die while she’s in play is hard, try telling that to a Rally player. Thanks to creatures like Nantuko Husk, even if you’re opponent won’t help you with a block, you can always sac a creature to the husk with Lilly in play.
What else can we say about her? She has two black mana symbols in her casting cost. For those of you striving for that Mono Black deck, this makes her just that much more important in your lists.
As for her planeswalker abilities, I think she has some of the most powerful right now in Standard. It’s one thing if I have no card, but I like it even more if my opponent has no cards. Just one activation of her first ability really opens the door for her second ability. With five loyalty, you have many choices of creatures to take. Which one will it be?
1. Jace, Vryn’s Prodigy
He is just a Merfolk Looter. Merfolk. Looter. However, he’s a Merolk Looter that can turn into a Planeswalker. I guess that’s biggest difference between him and a Merfolk Looter. The first thought, I’m sure, many people had was, “How the heck am I going to get five cards into my graveyard before he dies?” It was at that moment that people forgot that a card like Satyr Wayfinder existed even though it had been played in the top tier decks for many months at this point.
Up to now, Jace has made a serious impact on the format. He’s turned, what people though was a defunct deck, Jeskai Control into a deck again. His loot ability makes it that much easier to achieve delving with Treasure Cruise or Dig Though Time a little bit easier. One of the best plays I saw with Jace was blacking with him, activating his ability, and then flipping him into a Planeswalker. I can’t believe something that small was overlooked.
What about the other side of Jace; the Planeswalker side? On paper, his abilities are very lackluster. In fact, I know many people who thought he was not very good. Having now played him, players are coming saying that while he is not Jace, The Mindsculptor, he is a toolbox of tricks.
Well that’s it for now. Is there something you disagree with? Is there something I missed? Let me know! Sound off in the comment section below. See you all next week!
About the author
Simeon is now the Community Manager for Battleground Games & Hobbies. If you have any questions or inquiries, then you can reach him at Sims@battlegroundgames.com. He is also an avid gamer who loves to play board games and video games. He graduated college with a degree in Political Science, and now serves the public by writing about games. You can check that out here. Don’t forget to “like” him on Facebook as well. It’ll update you on all of his newest content. Best of all, you can follow Simeon on Twitter (@SimeonCortezano) for some real time hilarity. Thanks for reading!
The Extra Life 2015 campaign is underway. Donate today!
Join the Battleground Games & Hobbies community forums!
Please don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @battleground_gh!
Tags: Magic the Gathering, MTG, origins, pro tour origins, Simeon Cortezano, Standard
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Battle for Zenikdar to revert back to normal prerelease format
Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
For all of you Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts out there, it was announced yesterday by Mark Rosewater and later confirmed by Aaron Forsythe that the Battle for Zendikar prerelease will do away with the previous prerelease color choice and seeded booster pack. Instead, they have reverted back to having six booster packs plus a “literal random promo” for the participants.
Confirmed by @maro254 today: Battle for Zendikar prerelease has no color choice/seed booster. Just 6 normal packs + a literal random promo.
— Aaron Forsythe (@mtgaaron) July 28, 2015
This should make things a little more interesting. It also says a lot about what to expect about the upcoming set. What do you all think? Send us your thoughts and comments and post them below! Are you excited?
Tags: Battle for Zendikar, Magic the Gathering, MTG, Prerelease
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This week in Gaming: Extra Life 2015
Friday, July 24th, 2015
Welcome to a special edition of this “This week in Gaming.” For this week, we’re going to take a break from our usual Magic: The Gathering discussions and talk about something special to me. This week we’re going to talk about Extra Life 2015. If you remember last year, I wrote a little article about my intentions to join the Extra Life 2014 campaign. If you weren’t around for any of that, then you’ll be happy to know that we ended up raising over $2500. However, that was all done last year. This is a new year. A new year means new goal and a new goal means a new story.
I was off to the races the moment I registered for Extra Life 2014. I took to Facebook and posted about my campaign, my goal, and all that jazz. I was so ready, I even had contests ready to go to start raising money. I was like a kid in a candy store. There were all of these opportunities and feelings of excitement that I was getting ahead of myself. Almost every month leading up to the Extra Life 2014 Game Day, I was trying to give something away. This year, things are going to be different.
For starters, last year, I tried to run almost a year long campaign. This year, I decided to wait a little longer before I got things started. I only recently sent out Facebook invites to the Game Day. In case you didn’t get one, don’t worry. It’s not a private event that only my friends are allowed to go to. Everyone can come! In fact, I encourage everyone to come. Oh what’s that? You have no idea what Game Day is?
First, let me start off by explaining what Extra Life is all about. Extra Life is a charity that was started several years ago by a bunch of gamers. Their purpose was to help make life a little bit easier for kids who are in hospitals for extended stays due to illness, treatment, etc. It started out as gamers donating games to keep the kids entertained. In the following years, with the help of Twitch, gamers took to the internet to stream themselves play video games for 24 hours. Now, thanks to the tabletop boom, Game Day has evolved into a 24 hour gaming marathon of people broadcasting and gathering in real life to play games.
Last year, both Battleground Games & Hobbies locations took part in the Extra Life 2014 Game Day. I honestly have to say I was surprised. I was grateful that the Abington store was gracious enough to open it’s doors, but to have both stores was somewhat overwhelming. This year, we plan on doing the same thing – both locations will be hosting a 24 hour gaming marathon. One thing that will be different though will be the starting time.
Having been the first year, I thought it would be a good idea to have Game Day fall directly after Friday Night Magic. On paper, the idea made sense. Why go home only to come back and open the store for 24 hours? Just get it all done right then and there! Somewhere in the world, someone is hitting a big red buzzer. I was wrong and many people reminded me throughout the day as kindly as they could. I totally forgot that some people live normal lives and have jobs. Some of those people came straight from work and stayed as long as they could. This year, we’re shooting for a 10 AM start time and a 10 AM end time. This should give people enough time to go home, get some sleep, and gather enough energy to stay awake for the next 24 hours.
The change in time is probably the biggest change we’ll be making for the the 2015 Game Day. Something minimal I’d like to see is a corner we can call home base. This is a set up where we can stream live on Twitch. I’d like to either broadcast a board game being played or someone playing a video game. This would allow us to extend our reach and allow those who couldn’t make it in person to be there digitally. Did you know that that Twitch has an app? So if all goes according to plan, if you can’t make it to the event, you’ll be able to at least watch us via the internet.
One more piece of important information you’ll need before we part ways. The Extra Life 2015 Game Day will be celebrated on November 7, 2015 and will carry over into November 8, 2015. For more information, you can click on the banner at the top of this page.
Well that’s it for this week. I hope you’ve been motivated to help out with an awesome cause. If you’d like to help out in some way, don’t be afraid to get in contact with me. You can always e-mail me at Sims@battlegroundgames.com. Until next week…
About the author
Simeon is now the Community Manager for Battleground Games & Hobbies. If you have any questions or inquiries, then you can reach him at Sims@battlegroundgames.com. He is also an avid gamer who loves to play board games and video games. He graduated college with a degree in Political Science, and now serves the public by writing about games. You can check that out here. Don’t forget to “like” him on Facebook as well. It’ll update you on all of his newest content. Best of all, you can follow Simeon on Twitter (@SimeonCortezano) for some real time hilarity. Thanks for reading!
The Extra Life 2015 campaign is underway. Donate today!
Join the Battleground Games & Hobbies community forums!
Please don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @battleground_gh!
Tags: Board Games, Card Games, extra life 2015, games, Simeon Cortezano
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This week in Magic: Brewing for a new Standard
Friday, July 17th, 2015
Welcome back for another “This week in Magic.” Origins has finally hit the shelves and people are probably scrambling to get their playsets so they can start playing the new Standard. Wait! What is the new Standard? Do you have any idea what to play yet? No one really knows. Right now, people are packing four copies of a card they thought looked cool during the previews, shrugging their shoulders and heading straight into battle. Do they have any idea if their plan will work? Probably not.
This week, we’re going to play it safe. We’re going to play a deck that will always work week one of a new set. Can you guess what deck that is? Of course! Mono Red! It’s almost as if this color was destined to be the week one color while everyone else tries to figure out what they’re going to do.
What is it about this deck that makes it a great choice for week one? Easy, this deck is simple. When I say “simple,” I’m referring to it’s construction. Mono Red always tends to be a straight-forward build. However, like many decks, it can prove to be a different scene when trying to play it. Over time, your opponents will figure it out the game plan. It’s your job, if you choose to continue playing the deck, to adapt to the changes.
Let’s take a look at a sample deck list:
Mono Red Origins
4x Foundry Street Denizen
4x Goblin Piledriver
4x Goblin Rabblemaster
4x Wild Slash
4x Lightning Strike
4x Exquisite Firecraft
4x Stoke the Flames
4x Hordeling Outburst
4x Dragon Fodder
4x Call of the Full Moon
20x Mountain
Look at this terrible pile. I cannot wait to see the look on my opponent’s face when I beat them with a deck like this. Of course, I know I have to get there first. When I do, I’ll make sure to take a photo when it happens. Let me explain what we’re trying to accomplish here.
Foundry Street Denizen is a really silly creature. Combine it with a spell like Hordeling Outburst, and things get out of hand really fast. It has amazing synergy as well with Goblin Piledriver and Goblin Rabblemaster. Speaking of which, these two go hand-in-hand as well. All three pretty much form the Holy Trinity for you religious folk out there; for everyone else, think of it as the “Flying ‘V’” from “The Mighty Ducks.” As long as this pack lives, you’ve got a real good shot of making your opponent cry.
With our spells, we’re trying to be blunt. We curve out at one, two, three, and four mana burn spells; two of which can deal four damage each. Exquisite Firecraft is the newest addition here, and it’s a welcomed sight. I feel with the current setup, achieving Spell Mastery should not be a problem, thus meaning that Exquisite Firecraft should be an uncounterable spell a majority of the time you’re casting it.
Okay, I’m sure you’ve been wondering about the next card I’m going to talk about. In the past couple of years, there have been a number of Red enchantments that, when enchanting a creature, sends a punch to your opponent’s gut. I feel this is one of those spells. Just like Volcanic Strength, Goblin War Paint, and Hammerhand, Call of the Full Moon is going to end games really fast, especially if you attach it to any of the non-token goblins that we’re playing with in the deck. This card allows the creatures we have to do the one thing they will have trouble with – getting through those darn chump blockers.
Let’s face it, there is no point to having a really big creature if a little 1/1 can block it all day. That’s where Call of the Full Moon comes into play. First of all, it’s a cheap spell. Assuming you’ve played a turn one Denizen, on turn two, you’ll be swinging with a 4/3 trampler who can get as big as a 7/3 with trample if you’re able to cast a Hordeling Outburst the following turn. Call of the Full Moon also really shines during the later parts of the match, but hopefully you’ll have won by then.
Unlike the previous enchantments that I mentioned, there is a downside to Call of the Full Moon. During each upkeep, it checks to see if any player cast more than two spells in one turn. If they did, you’re forced to sacrifice it. There are a few scenarios where I can see this happening, and in all of them you’ve already swung with your creature.
Now I’m sure by now you may have noticed that I’ve left a few creatures off of the list. I felt that this was a good start for now, and that we could collectively build further down the line. Honorable mentions go out to Monastery Swiftspear, Zurgo, and the newest version of Chandra. All three would do well in the deck, but may change the dynamics. You could also go creatureless and leave it up to the tokens to do your dirty work.
Well that’s it for this week. Let me know what you think of the deck, good or bad, in the comments below. Also, if you manage to give the deck a shot, I’d love to know what you thought. What changes would you make? Until next week…
About the author
Simeon is now the Community Manager for Battleground Games & Hobbies. If you have any questions or inquiries, then you can reach him at Sims@battlegroundgames.com. He is also an avid gamer who loves to play board games and video games. He graduated college with a degree in Political Science, and now serves the public by writing about games. You can check that out here. Don’t forget to “like” him on Facebook as well. It’ll update you on all of his newest content. Best of all, you can follow Simeon on Twitter (@SimeonCortezano) for some real time hilarity. Thanks for reading!
The Extra Life 2015 campaign is underway. Donate today!
Join the Battleground Games & Hobbies community forums!
Please don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @battleground_gh!
Tags: magic origins, Magic the Gathering, mono red, MTG, Simeon Cortezano, Standard
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This week in Magic: An Origins Top 5 list!
Thursday, July 9th, 2015
Welcome to another “This week in Magic.” I hope you didn’t miss us too much. Sometimes, you just run out of things to say, and for me, it happened. However, thing are different this week because Magic Origins will be making it’s debut this weekend in pre-release form. How many of you will be in attendance? I hope you all raised your hands.
For this week’s topic we’re going to go cover a Top 5 list of commons and uncommons you want to see in your sealed pool. First let’s go over what exactly you’ll be getting at the pre-release. Each pre-release box will contain six normal Magic Origins booster packs and a seventh pack with the colors of the planeswalker you chose before the event. Also in that box will be a special spindown life counter, and a story booklet. Yes, this is different compared to previous pre-releases. In past events you got five boosters and a seeded booster. Here you are getting one more booster to up the count to six total and a seeded booster. Oh, and don’t forget the promo card in the seeded pack.
Okay, I’m sure by now you’ve grown tired of my blabbering. Without further ado, here are the Top 5 commons and uncommons you want to see in your pool.
Number 5 – Shaman of the Pack
Whether it’s Sealed or you’re Drafting, I think GB Elves will be a thing; granted you have the cards needed to build the deck. This card will should be one of those bombs the deck plays. Of course, barring any kind of set backs, even casting this card may make your opponent cringe in pain.
It’s casting cost is not unreasonable sitting at 1GB, the only thing I wish it had was an extra point in toughness, but I guess we can’t have everything. If your game plan is going well, shouldn’t matter that it only has a two for a butt.
Number 4 – Zendikar’s Roil
Here is a name that should make player’s a little giddy, “Zendikar.” The last time players visited this plane, all kinds of hell broke loose. We had Eldrazi running around and a man named Jace made a name for himself and got himself banned from a couple of establishments including the Modern format.
It may be a bit costly, but if you’re playing a card like this, the idea would be that you’ve already got access of plenty of lands. Toss in a few of those ramp spells plus Nissa and you have a deadly combination at your disposal.
Hmm, I can only help but wonder what matches would be like if you had a couple of these bad boys active. Imagine the look on your opponent’s face?
Number 3 – Ravaging Blaze
From my initial standpoint, this card looks like it could have been a rare. Luckily for us, it’s not. By itself, Ravaging Blaze is a solid removal spell for red. While, I’m not a fan of the double red, I am a fan of the potential this card has if you’re able to satisfy Spell Mastery. Late game, this could be the one card that wins it all for you. Not only could you remove a potential blocker, but you’re also dealing your opponent damage.
This makes me think. I wonder if future builds of Mono Red in Standard would play a couple copies of this spell. Combined with a creature like Monastery Swiftspear, and you could be swinging for the fences within a couple of turns.
Oh, there I go again, talking about red, red, red…
Number 2 – Fleshbag Marauder
“Old school” players will remember this lovely thing back when Shards of Alara first came out. Back then it was a solid draft pick, and most likely it will be the same this time around. Don’t be fooled by the one toughness. Based off of my own experience, this guy will hit the battlefield with both players already having at least one creature. In that instance, you can either sac the Marauder or sac the creature you already have in play. If you’re lucky enough, your opponent won’t have a follow up and your Fleshbag will get in for three.
In my experience, most edict spells tend to come at a timely manner – most of the time when you’re facing down a really big creature you have nothing left to deal with it. Call it luck, or whatever you want, but this card has just proven to be a solid play over and over again.
Number 1 – Bounding Krasis
By far, this is probably the best card in the set Limited wise. Let’s break it down. First of all, it’s a “Fish Lizard.” It’s part Fish. It’s part Lizard. What more needs to be said about that?
You’ll never get many complaints about a 3/3 for three mana. You’re getting what you paid for. However, in this instance, you’re getting more. Not to mention that the color combination of 1UG is not difficult to put together.
So how much more are you getting? For starters, it has flash. Does your opponent want to swing with their 1/1 or 2/2? No problem. Too bad I just flashed my 3/3 into play. So, not only do I get to block and kill your creature, but on the next turn I get to swing for three (if they end their turn afterwards).
What makes this creature really special is it’s ability to tap or untap a targeted creature at instant speed. This could be one of your own creatures or your opponent’s. I feel that this little guy is going to determine a lot of games. So, break out that salt because you’re going to need plenty of it.
Well that’s it for this week. I hope you enjoyed my list and hope you don’t think it was too off. However, I would love to hear what your Top 5 commons and uncommons would be in a sealed event. Do you think I’m completely bonkers or do I bring up some good points? Let me know in the comment section below!
About the author
Simeon is now the Community Manager for Battleground Games & Hobbies. If you have any questions or inquiries, then you can reach him at Sims@battlegroundgames.com. He is also an avid gamer who loves to play board games and video games. He graduated college with a degree in Political Science, and now serves the public by writing about games. You can check that out here. Don’t forget to “like” him on Facebook as well. It’ll update you on all of his newest content. Best of all, you can follow Simeon on Twitter (@SimeonCortezano) for some real time hilarity. Thanks for reading!
The Extra Life 2015 campaign is underway. Donate today!
Join the Battleground Games & Hobbies community forums!
Please don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @battleground_gh!
Tags: magic origins, Magic the Gathering, MTG, Pre-release, Simeon Cortezano, Top 5
Posted in Blog, Card Games, Events, Featured Author, Featured Post, Magic: The Gathering, Popular Posts, Store Related | No Comments »
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