[Community Discussion]: What piques your interest in a set?
General forum
Posted on July 20, 2016, 9:07 a.m. by Epochalyptik
Haven't done a Community Discussion in a while.
With the change to an all-block release schedule (as opposed to the block and core set mix we've had forever), and the increase in the number of different blocks (each block only uses two sets instead of three), there's some talk about what opportunities WOTC has to draw players in and get them engaged with the game.
What gets you interested in a new block or set?
- Is it seeing new characters? The return of development of old characters?
- Is it the flavor of the set or block? Do you like seeing new themes or reinventions of classic ideas?
- Is it new cards? Do you like seeing powerful or unique cards that help reshape formats?
- Is it new mechanics? What makes a mechanic interesting to you?
- Is it the lore? What kinds of stories fascinate you?
Do you have any examples of sets or blocks that did things well? Not so well? Share your thoughts below!
Personally, it's going to be key for Wizards to get creative. Like the upcoming Kaladesh, they can't just re-hash the same old planes and call it good. Return sets are fine, don't get me wrong. Return to Ravnica was one of my recent favorites, but there is so much more of the multiverse to actually explore. I also watch the spoilers closely for cards that won't only be good in standard, but across all formats. That's a main way to personally draw me.
Overall, I'm hoping WotC keeps things fresh and exciting while staying true to some of the older planes in the next 5-10 years. I think they have a great opportunity
July 20, 2016 9:35 a.m.
Sets that introduce a new keyword to build an edh deck around attract me.
To be honest, a set like kaledesh or battle for zendikar seem more worth it to invest in non-eternal format playable decks, strategies, and bulk card playsetd based on my understanding of how rotation works. It isn't so much the length of time any one card is in rotation as it is the length of time a strategy, keyword, or set of synergistic full playsets of commons is supported by the standard legal card base.
July 20, 2016 9:45 a.m.
In terms of flavour, I vastly prefer learning about new planes rather than returning to old ones, so I was pretty happy about the new structure since the 2 set blocks meant there were more opportunities to visit new places and ditching the core sets meant less retreading the same stuff every year. Naturally, I've been incredibly disappointed with what we've had so far with 2 Return blocks in a row that ultimately feel like a single big 4-set block flavour-wise and stuff like the Gatewatch, which makes me worried that Wizards are moving towards a superhero team defeat the villain of the week style story pattern. Hopefully this is just a phase and not a sign of things to come, but from my perspective Wizards have been botching it pretty badly recently.
July 20, 2016 10:02 a.m.
CanadianShinobi says... #6
I'm a fan of having a powerful set. But, power alone isn't good enough if I feel like potential was wasted. I think that's why I'm disappointed with SOI and EMN. The sets have some powerful cards, but they also have some hugely wasted potential, in my opinion. The Returns have been a little too frequent of late and that hasn't made things better.
I also check sets for Modern worthy cards and Modern reprints.
July 20, 2016 10:37 a.m.
Cool mechanics fueled by flavor. I am loving the Cosmic Horror flavor of Eldritch Moon for example, and Emerge is a great mechanic that fits the flavor and has nice gameplay. Same thing with devotion in Theros.
July 20, 2016 10:42 a.m.
nobu_the_bard says... #8
I tend to look up the lore regarding characters or cards I end up using a lot, as such, I think I think my interest in the game fuels an interest in lore.
I tend to be interested in mechanics, with a focus on those that scale up to Commander or have interaction with older mechanics. I like to see old mechanics revisited and made interesting again, and new mechanics that have some way to use old cards, particularly if there is a card or two that enable old cards to try them out (like an equipment that grants a new creature ability to an old creature).
I do not get too excited about a set beforehand, though. I've been doing this kind of stuff a long time and been disappointed many times; plus there are so many hype machines for so many properties (books, movies, etc). It's too easy to spend all of your time looking forward or back and none of it looking around where you are. I don't let myself get built up so much anymore or hung up on old stuff.
July 20, 2016 11:38 a.m.
I am quite a fan of the new mechanics that come with each set/block; opening new doors to modify existent Modern/EDH/Eternal decks is attractive in many aspects such as finding loops, combos and hidden ways to exploit unused old cards.
Delirium, Monstrosity, Surge and the Enchantment Creatures are fine steps forward in the right direction, IMHO. Revisiting Madness was a nice touch that spiked the interest of some old friends that started playing in the 90's, so making use of the nostalgia factor is also a favorable move by WotC.
Flavorwise, the decks ought to feel "fresh" in their plots. SOI looked boring at first, but the twist from EMN and the way they developed it was pleasantly unexpected.
Although I don't have many issues with revisiting older planes, doing it many times in a short time might be a little over the top. I don't think I could tolerate a Return to Lorwyn or, God forbid, a Return to Kamigawa. A short visit to Dominaria wouldn't be bad, though.
And as someone stated before, the Gatewatch looks like a superhero band that would better suit a comic book or a TV series. Let's hope that WotC don't abuse this theme in the near future; adequate innovation is key to improvement. Kaladesh looks promising BUT a little Mirrodin-ish if it is gonna revolve heavily around artifacts.
On the other side, I also value the discussion-potential a set/block has, either during spoiler season, or after release. Community is an important aspect of the game and it should be exploited; thus making sites/forums such as TappedOut a critical staple in this function.
And of course, in terms of economics... reprinting older cards is also a way to rekindle and pump life into ample formats such as EDH and Eternals. Hell! I would lie if I said that I didn't jump in my chair when I saw the new Ashnod's Altar! Eternal Masters opened a Pandora's Box in terms of card accessibility (correct me if I'm wrong, though).
Cheers to all
July 20, 2016 12:06 p.m. Edited.
landofMordor says... #10
I really have a weird combination of nostalgia plus a thirst for new sets and flavors, which really informs how much I get excited about new sets. Example:
I really am saddened when WotC introduces a new mechanic (I'm thinking of all ten Return to Ravnica guild mechanics) but then totally leaves it behind, and never produces any new cards utilizing that mechanic in new settings. To phrase it differently, I love it when Wizards implements things like Prowess or Madness in multiple blocks -- it's just the right combination of hearkening back to successful/flavorful mechanics and expanding the flavors and archetypes that can be associated with that mechanic. Anybody else wishing that we could get just a couple more Fuse cards or a new way to use Clue tokens when we visit Kaladesh?
Flavor-wise, it's kinda the same story for me. I don't actually mind getting a couple more Jaces or Gideons (obviously the last two blocks have been overkill), especially when the 'walkers are in new places. But what would be awesome is an exploration of new 'walkers, or revisiting old ones (I'm thinking of Domri Rade or Venser, the Sojourner). Same thing with the planes -- I love visiting new planes and (to some extent) returning to recent planes, but I think it'd be the bee's knees if we, say, returned to Dominaria or the original Phyrexia, allowing new mechanics to meet old stories and characters and infuse them with new life.
Best wishes to all--
July 20, 2016 1:03 p.m.
libraryjoy says... #11
I agree with landofMordor - I wish we would get more returning support for mechanics. I'd love to have more populate cards or more support for clues. I started with Return to Ravnica and loved the "guild" flavor and the gates. I love the tribal flavor of Lorwyn block. I also really like unusual mechanics like "level up" and "wizardcycling" "bushido" and wish we could get back to some of them. I'm not a fan of really dark gothic blocks like the current ones. I like pretty cards. So sue me. I guess my preference is for a lot of creativity, as well as support for older mechanics that I liked.
July 20, 2016 2:04 p.m.
libraryjoy I doubt we see clues again. It seems like it was only used specific for this set to unravel the mystery of the eldrazi on Innistrad.
Although, I suppose wizards could use it again in a set that requires investigation, though it would feel like a rehash.
July 20, 2016 2:24 p.m.
I like a solid suite of Commons, so I don't feel stupid for buying boosters.
July 20, 2016 2:46 p.m.
libraryjoy says... #14
DrFunk27 I agree, I doubt we'll see it again, but I wish we would, because it's an interesting mechanic that would benefit from a little more card support. On the other hand, Zendikar was destroyed, and who would have ever thought we'd see Allies again - but I was pretty excited when they came back (love that mechanic, although I was underwhelmed with most of the new allies - still, Retreat to Emeria & the new Gideon are great!).
July 20, 2016 3:37 p.m.
First its new cards that will help with existing decks I have. Second is new decks to build
July 20, 2016 4:42 p.m.
Didn't read the other replies, so someone may have already answered the same, but... what really makes me excited about a new set is the amount of weird, unconventional cards it has. The more cards that encourage you to brew around them just so you can win games in the most unorthodox ways and smile as your opponent stares into the board thinking "how the hell did I lose to THAT?", the better for me. No wonder my favorite set ever is Future Sight.
July 20, 2016 6:34 p.m.
Postmortal_Pop says... #17
I can relate to square711, nothing strikes lyrics fancy better than a new and under appreciated card that can be brewed into something crazy. The implications of something unique is the honey in my tea, Imprisoned in the Moon? One of only 2 cards that do that and the only one that's modern legal.
The only other thing that gets me going is artifact and artifact synergy. I've loved artifacts since day one. I am so hyped good kaladesh because maybe, just maybe I'll get that Legendary 
Artificer so I can finally combine Arcum Dagsson and Daretti, Scrap Savant without having to use some lack luster commander.
July 20, 2016 8:46 p.m.
MagicalHacker says... #18
I don't really play limited or standard or pre-release that much anymore, and I don't think I ever will again. It just wasn't fun for me like a game of commander is. So I like commander playability in sets.
Additionally, I like cards that appeal to my johnny side more than anything. So, commander combo/synergy cards. That's what I like and buy.
July 20, 2016 8:53 p.m.
Souljacker says... #19
I like figuring things out, so in order of importance, this attracts me to sets:
- Unique cards. They'll need to have some power, but need a home to unlock their full potential.
- New mechanics. They can help create unique cards and need to be figured out if they're worth it. Again it's not raw power but a good base with more potential that makes it interesting.
- Lore/flavor/characters. They can add a lot to the experience, and I think the revealing of cards in a story mode is a huge help. Ideally you want players to feel like they're playing out the story when casting cards. You'll need a good relation between cards and story, but also make the story more prominent through social media for example. I must say Wizards is making great progress here.
July 21, 2016 2:49 a.m.
For me, firstly, it's the flavor of the set. So the apocalyptic war theme of BfZ (I'll get to why I HATE that set, but love Oath in a sec), the horror themes of many different planes (New Phyrexia, Innistrad, the Ravnican Undercity etc etc).
So that's the LURE. What keeps me interested in a set, and MIGHT persuade me to buy a box, is the quality of the cards. So far, in my limited time in the game, thats ZERO main sets.
July 21, 2016 2:32 p.m.
I'd have to say new mechanics are particularly interesting to me, as well as most non-vanilla cards. I enjoy brewing, which for me includes, trying to find interactions between cards that are in standard together, and thinking about how any might interact with my EDH decks.
July 21, 2016 9:24 p.m.
Tortuous_TG18 says... #22
What really gets me hyped for a new set depends on what world we are visiting (or revisiting, as of late). If we explore a new world that has an interesting set of mechanics, that really piques my interest. If we are revisiting a world, with no new mechanics or interesting effects previously not present, then it turns me away from that particular set. However, since the (almost) release of Eldritch Moon, new card effects and mechanics allow the plane of Innistrad to be remembered for venturing into the unknown, uncertain of its' rewards and consequences. If a revisit can pull what Innistrad did as of late, I'm behind WOTC as long as they make new planes every now and then, but also revisit worlds seen only previously and/or briefly (Kaladesh is sure to be good because of the teaser debut it made in Origins). In other words, the general feel of the cards of a new set, whether part of new and untested or old and revamped, is what alerts me to the wellness of a set, and after a good while, the block itself.
July 21, 2016 9:26 p.m.
TheAnnihilator says... #23
Mechanics! Mechanics are what I enjoy most in a set, particularly revisiting old mechanics and making powerful cards for them. I was quite disappointed not to see Flashback in SOI, but I loved RTR, Khans, and even Theros for their use of old and new and how hard some of the strategies were pushed. I personally don't mind a narrower metagame as long as I feel like every deck is doing really powerful things really well, which is why I am in love with the RTR-THS Standard format. I do wish they'd up the current power level a little in Standard, and I really wish they'd better support draw-go control in basically all formats and just make riskier cards in general. That said, creatures are just super boring imo, and I've not enjoyed the emphasis on creatures recently.
About SOI specifically, it's not my favorite set but it's definitely a lot closer to what I value in Standard than many of the more recent sets.
PS WotC, the second you print Sphinx's Rev or 4-mana wraths in Standard again, I will play in an instant. ;)
July 21, 2016 10:36 p.m.
AvacynAngelofHope says... #24
Personally what i love to see is the art and flavor of the text abov all. the new set had a lot of beautiful works and are pretty impressive to see foiled out. (im looking at you, Decimator of the Provinces)
July 21, 2016 11:27 p.m.
I look out for sets that contain cards that are playable outside of standard since I play everything but standard.
July 22, 2016 1:21 a.m.
Nightdragon779 says... #26
continuum Same haha. I also look for fun and chaotic EDH cards and cards that might fit well in my decks. I also love new characters (planeswalkers mainly)
July 22, 2016 7:26 a.m.
I look for originality, even if its just a reboot of an old set.
July 22, 2016 10:48 a.m.
kingkarate1 says... #28
For me, I love the flavor of each new set and powerful cards just as much as anyone else. But oddly more than that, I love the little role players and enabler cards at common and uncommon like Stoic Builder or Nyx Weaver. I find some strange satisfaction and joy looking at and figuring out what draft strategies they will help or various EDH strategies that might want them since Limited and EDH are all I play.
July 22, 2016 10:55 a.m.
Whether or not I can make my existing standard deck better. Also changes in the meta are always fun, maybe playing a whole new deck potentially.
July 22, 2016 3:19 p.m.
Modern brewable cards. Not necessarily something that fits in something right away, but something that is unique. I also like seeing new enchantments for pillowfort :-)
July 22, 2016 3:54 p.m.
SwaggyMcSwagglepants says... #31
I like a good draft format, preferably one where all the good cards aren't stacked at one rarity. Formats like Eternal Masters really excite me, because they have insanely powerful cards on their own, but sometimes a certain card is a much higher pick when your drafting a certain deck.
I like it when Wizards is able to make cards that aren't broken, but generically good in interesting ways. Cabal Therapy is a good example: In no way is it busted, but it's very good, and the guessing element, along with the flashback, and the unique flashback cost, makes it one of my favorite cards.
Good story is also important. SOI has a very cool story (if you haven't been reading the Magic Story, you're missing out). A lot of people, myself included, were like "Oh no, Emrakul is going to ruin the Innistrad I loved!" But the story and flavor of this set is AMAZING!!!
Finally, I like good commons for Pauper and good rares for modern. And graveyard stuff for Sidisi. Nothing broken, but just generically good.
July 22, 2016 8:08 p.m.
scionmastery says... #32
I would say the things that make a set interesting to me are:
Creativity. This is a multi part aspect, but it basically amounts to what I don't want to see. I don't want to see them try to take something from other games (Meld). I don't want to see them using celebrity couple naming to name creatures (Brisela). I don't want to see the same card over and over again with a different name (too many to name).
I'm a commander player primarily so I have to say POWER. When I first look at a set, I begin by looking at the decks I currently have and seeing if any cards work better than what I have currently in the 99. Then I look at the legendaries and wonder if this will do for something I haven't made before/is better than the legendary I'm currently using for the strategy. Outside of commander, I'm looking for cards that bring new and interesting strategies to other formats.
Finally, I look at flavor. Does the story make sense? Do the characters act like they've been developed? Are the character where they were supposed to be? While this may seem like the simplest of checkmarks to pass, it's really the most difficult because Magic has created a very large world and, in many cases, it's pretty obvious that the writers forgot about that.
Before I start ranting, let me say that a few cards in recent sets were pretty good. I'm still brewing ideas with The Gitrog Monster and Catacomb Sifter was a pretty good addition to a reanimator commander deck.
With that out of the way...
I guess you could actually call this list my disillusionment with Magic currently. Especially in the most recent set, all three checkmarks are left in the dust. Since Origins and the flip walkers, they haven't really done anything new or groundbreaking, the power level has leaked to the point that one mana ramp creatures and two mana instant player burn spells are considered too good for standard, and the story has basically been phase one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
That's not even getting into how they ended one of the greatest threats in the magic universe by burning it. It was more complicated than that, but that's what it boils down to. Considering the revelation that the people that imprisoned those creatures on Zendikar were basically gods at the time (Pre-Mending Ugin, Sorin, and Nahiri), that makes ZERO sense.
And don't even get me started on how little sense it makes for a Post-Mending Nahiri could will Emrakul to Innistrad. WHY DIDN'T THEY TRAP THE TITANS IN AN UNPOPULATED PLANE THE FIRST TIME?!?!?!
I really hope Kaladesh brings something new and exciting...
July 23, 2016 2:54 a.m.
Out of the ordinary cards that I can put in various commander decks, or build around a legendary one. The one that stands out in Eldritch Moon is Permeating Mass.
Also, flavor is everything. The Gisa and Geralf story is awesome and I like to build a zombie/skaab deck around it/him/her/them.
July 23, 2016 9:36 a.m.
amazingdan says... #34
I look for cards and strategies that could carry into Modern. Janky Modern decks that actually work are my favorite things in Magic.
July 23, 2016 1:33 p.m.
Modern viable cards. Not Snapcaster/Liliana/Goyf/Jace Modern though, that shit is OP af and has been a disgrace to the format for far too long already... when cards become auto-includes in all decks of that particular color, then something is really wrong. Less 4C good stuff-style decks that consist of 95% format staples. Possibilities for new decks are exciting (like Triskeidekophobia, just in stronger) and some love for underpowered tribes or decks (Zombies for example), basically anything that changes the format and keeps it fresh!
July 25, 2016 5 a.m.
Oh yeah, and less wanky superhero stories with teen dude Jace, He-Man Gideon, rebel girl Chandra, esoteric nature hippie Nissa and tsundere Liliana. Less cool catchphrase flavortext. Where is the depth? What ever happened to Nissa? Why are Chandra and Gideon so boring?
July 25, 2016 5:06 a.m.
controlplayer says... #38
modern reprints bring down prices which makes me happy :)
July 25, 2016 2:23 p.m.
Tribal synergies with modern. Ain't too many treefolk been out in a while :(
July 25, 2016 5:35 p.m.
WanderingSpirit says... #40
Definitely the lore. The stories we've seen have been shaky since the novels stopped being printed, but they have been improving. I find myself becoming more invested in the minor characters though. Is that weird?
July 25, 2016 7:05 p.m.
greySynapse says... #41
For me definitely the lore, I've recently been reading/watching videos on old lore from the Urza block and the Ravnica block which has gotten me excited about MTG lore. I kept up with past few blocks' lore but it was learning about the older Planeswalkers that really got me interested.
I also thoroughly enjoy seeing cards of the colors of whatever deck I'm currently thinking about or brewing.
And like a lot of people, I look out for reprints.
July 25, 2016 11:17 p.m.
KnightsBattlecry001 says... #42
Definitely the theme, lore, and story. One of my favorite blocks was Scars of Mirrodin, because it gave us some really cool artifacts. It also marked the return of Phyrexia. I never played Magic when we had them in standard so that was a real treat for me. The story was one of my favorites, because it's one of the few times where the good guys lost.
July 26, 2016 1:32 a.m.
Garrus_Vakarian says... #43
I am a very simple guy with very simple tastes. I started post M13/Original Innistrad set so I missed out on Innistrad the first time around. So I began with Return to Ravnica and what not, when the game was lightning fast (at least for someone like me at the time). I never was a fan of being tricky as far as counterspells and blue with cyclonic rift and sphinx's revelation with Jace and Elspeth from Theros was too controlly for my tastes.
Anyways, I am a loyal follower of the cult of Rakdos, kill spells, burn, hasty dudes with 1 toughness and who could forget Madcap Skills plus Rakdos Cackler, 5 damage on turn 2 with pre-Menace Menace. Doom Blade, shock and skull crack with enough Spike Jesters and Rakdos Shred Freaks to tip games in my favor in a swift manner.
Then it started to slow down and Rakdos colors lost their speed and power. Doom Blade wasn't slaughtering every big threat in my way, shock and skull crack faded and the speed interest was lost for me.
Fast forward to now when Murder (incidentally, despite how OP stupid busted Nahiri's Wrath is) was my most anticipated card of the set.
I look for, in each new set, a return to speed, to the lovely days of killing dudes and smacking people in the face with 3/1s and 2/1s with haste. Maybe an Exava (4/4 first strike with haste) once in a while. When a new set gets spoiled, I look for the cards I wanna throw together for a quick, red black aggro deck, just so I can smash face again. The tricky colors will always find a way to be tricky, but I like to think that those tricky decks need to hustle their tricks up to keep my dudes from breathing so heavily down their neck while they go for their throats and life totals!
July 26, 2016 2:13 a.m.
My favorite format is EDH. My favorite thing to see in a set are good commanders and good commander cards. I also like cards that would make Wolves who bench Eldrazi: It's Better Than Yours better because I just looove wolves.
mini rant Show
July 26, 2016 3:20 a.m.
I absolutely love the lore, but if the cards are crap, i'm not gonna get interested in any set
July 26, 2016 3:22 a.m.
Zombies. If WotC prints some good ones I'm gonna come running. Really want zombies to be a thing in modern
July 27, 2016 1:10 a.m.
averagenovice74 says... #48
I think for myself it's the new mechanics that are put in the new sets and how they can affect each constructed format and guessing which ones are going to "pan out" or if they're gimmicks of the trade. Keywords like Prowess, Shulk, Raid, Converge, Bolster,Exploit, Delirium, Delve are all examples of mechanics that reflect on my perspective of how interesting a new set is going to be and what is going to be the impact, if they have any, on eternal formats.
The mechanics really is what shapes synergy, which shapes how decks are built and the level of power that's in each set that entices all builders to make something out of it.
July 27, 2016 9:34 a.m.
Disclaimer: I don't play Modern. Only EDH. That said, lords like Cemetery Reaper, Death Baron, Lord of the Undead and Diregraf Captain with fast creatures like Gravecrawler, Butcher Ghoul and the new Cryptbreaker can cause a lot of damage. Anathemancer, with all the nonbasics people play can hurt people as well. And I hear Geralf's Messenger is a card that's played in Modern. Then there's a new one, Diregraf Colossus which generates more Zombies. All of these cost 3 mana or less.
But then again, I don't play Modern, so I don't know if this is good enough ;)
July 28, 2016 3:36 a.m.
A sweet removal suite for 2hg prerelease. I just want to play lands and kill creatures.
Reanimator targets for Legacy. It's hard to beat the current lineup, but it could happen.
New snake creatures. I collect foil snakes.
Awesome commons/uncommons for my cube.
Cool lands.
metalevolence says... #2
Good draft environment with interesting archetypes
I've noticed that big, slow, top-heavy draft environments have really sucked lately. Rise of the eldrazi was really fun, but theros and battle for zendikar sucked big time. IMO they tried too hard to push fatties, in large part by making removal terrible, which led to lots of really uninteresting games of dropping/bestowing something bomby and the opponent having no answer. Khans was slightly less extreme in this regard, and morph is really fun for limited, but it got worse with DTK's emphasis on big stupid dragons at uncommon and other creatures that require 6+ mana (possibly on top of a morph cost.) This makes me think WOTC should stick to more streamlined and powerful limited like what eldritch moon is bringing. Also mechanics like madness or delirium are way more interesting to build around than "big fat fatties."
Good limited is about stuff like building a deck that can curve out consistently, maximizing your tempo or screwing up your opponent's, race scenarios, and building around synergy. Honestly until SOI I had all but given up hope on wizards making a normal expansion that isn't ass for limited
July 20, 2016 9:31 a.m.