Magic: The Gathering: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Magic the gathering logo.png|right]] | [[File:Magic the gathering logo.png|right]] | ||
'''''Magic: The Gathering''''' is a trading card game created in [[1993]] by Richard Garfield of [[Wizards of the Coast]]. Players take on the role of [[Planeswalker]]s, powerful beings who can travel the [[multiverse]] at will, and do battle with rivals by casting spells, manifesting [[magic]]al artifacts and enchantments, and summoning minions — and even other Planeswalkers — to do their bidding. | '''''Magic: The Gathering''''' is a trading card game created in [[1993]] by Richard Garfield of [[Wizards of the Coast]]. Players take on the role of [[wikia:matg:Planeswalker|Planeswalker]]s, powerful beings who can travel the [[multiverse]] at will, and do battle with rivals by casting spells, manifesting [[magic]]al artifacts and enchantments, and summoning minions — and even other Planeswalkers — to do their bidding. | ||
In 2017, Wizards of the Coast began experimenting with the concept of creating ''Magic'' cards depicting characters from outside the world of the game's story, beginning with a set of promo cards released at [[HasCon 2017]] based on other [[Hasbro]] properties.<ref>Okay, so TECHNICALLY they'd previously done so with the ''[[wikia:mtg:Arabian Nights|Arabian Nights]]'' expansion, based on a {{w|One Thousand and One Nights|classical work of literature}}, and ''[[wikia:mtg:Portal Three Kingdoms|Portal: Three Kingdoms]]'', based on {{w|Three Kingdoms|real-world Chinese history}} — but you know what we mean.</ref> Starting in 2021, this became ''Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond'', an expansive series of ''Magic'' cards based on other IP, including ''The Walking Dead'', ''Warhammer 40,000'', ''Fortnite'' and ''The Lord of the Rings''. ''Universes Beyond'' cards have been made available through limited-time [[wikia:mtg:Secret Lair|online "drops"]], [[wikia:mtg:Preconstructed theme deck|pre-built decks]], and as pack-ins with existing [[wikia:mtg:Booster pack|booster packs]]. | In 2017, Wizards of the Coast began experimenting with the concept of creating ''Magic'' cards depicting characters from outside the world of the game's story, beginning with a set of promo cards released at [[HasCon 2017]] based on other [[Hasbro]] properties.<ref>Okay, so TECHNICALLY they'd previously done so with the ''[[wikia:mtg:Arabian Nights|Arabian Nights]]'' expansion, based on a {{w|One Thousand and One Nights|classical work of literature}}, and ''[[wikia:mtg:Portal Three Kingdoms|Portal: Three Kingdoms]]'', based on {{w|Three Kingdoms|real-world Chinese history}} — but you know what we mean. Don't get us started on [[wikia:mtg:Robot Chicken|Robot Chicken]] either.''</ref> Starting in 2021, this became ''Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond'', an expansive series of ''Magic'' cards based on other IP, including ''The Walking Dead'', ''Warhammer 40,000'', ''Fortnite'' and ''The Lord of the Rings''. ''Universes Beyond'' cards have been made available through limited-time [[wikia:mtg:Secret Lair|online "drops"]], [[wikia:mtg:Preconstructed theme deck|pre-built decks]], and as pack-ins with existing [[wikia:mtg:Booster pack|booster packs]]. | ||
==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
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===Mana and color=== | ===Mana and color=== | ||
[[File:MTG-Megatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|Megatron's colors are '''red''' (aggression), '''white''' (order), and '''black''' (power). "[[:File:MegatronG2Hero Bio&TechSpecs.jpg|Peace through tyranny]]", if you will.]] | [[File:MTG-Megatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|Megatron's colors are '''red''' (aggression), '''white''' (order), and '''black''' (power). "[[:File:MegatronG2Hero Bio&TechSpecs.jpg|Peace through tyranny]]", if you will.]] | ||
Perhaps ''Magic: The Gathering''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> most iconic attribute is the '''[[wikia:mtg:Color|color wheel]]''', or "color pie". Magic cards are cast using '''[[wikia:mtg:Mana|mana]]''', which is divided into five colors, each representing a different philosophy and form of gameplay. | Perhaps ''Magic: The Gathering''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> most iconic attribute is the '''[[wikia:mtg:Color|color wheel]]''', or "color pie". Magic cards are cast using '''[[wikia:mtg:Mana|mana]]''', which is divided into five colors, each representing a different philosophy and form of gameplay, while usually representing the values of the creatures in those colors. | ||
* '''[[wikia:mtg:White|White]]''' (W) represents peace, morality and order (though not necessarily good). It lays down the law to restrict what its foes can do, and uses defensive tactics and creatures that work together to become stronger. | * '''[[wikia:mtg:White|White]]''' (W) represents peace, morality and order (though [[Senate|not necessarily good]]). It lays down the law to restrict what its foes can do, and uses defensive tactics and creatures that work together to become stronger. | ||
* '''[[wikia:mtg:Blue|Blue]]''' (U) represents logic, caution, and deceit. It likes to make use of trickery and manipulation by drawing extra cards, countering opponents' spells, and evading enemy blockers. | * '''[[wikia:mtg:Blue|Blue]]''' (U) represents logic, caution, and deceit. It likes to make use of trickery and manipulation by drawing extra cards, countering opponents' spells, and evading enemy blockers. | ||
* '''[[wikia:mtg:Black|Black]]''' (B) represents power, death, and self-interest (though not necessarily evil). It's willing to pay any price to win, liberally spending life and sacrificing minions to gain the advantage. | * '''[[wikia:mtg:Black|Black]]''' (B) represents power, death, and [[Starscream (G1)|(self-interest]] (though not necessarily evil). It's willing to pay any price to win, liberally spending life and sacrificing minions to gain the advantage, as well as directly destroying them. | ||
* '''[[wikia:mtg:Red|Red]]''' (R) represents emotion, freedom and destruction. It prefers immediate solutions to problems, using aggressive tactics and direct damage to deal with its foes. | * '''[[wikia:mtg:Red|Red]]''' (R) represents emotion, freedom and destruction. It prefers immediate solutions to problems, using aggressive tactics and direct damage to deal with its foes. | ||
* '''[[wikia:mtg:Green|Green]]''' (G) represents instinct, connection, and nature. It makes use of powerful creatures and effects that help them grow even stronger to trample enemies into submission. | * '''[[wikia:mtg:Green|Green]]''' (G) represents instinct, connection, and nature. It makes use of powerful creatures and effects that help them grow even stronger to trample enemies into submission. | ||
Each color has its own strengths and weaknesses, the latter of which can be mitigated by combining multiple colors into a single deck; however, the more colors that are used, the harder it is for a player to have the correct mana to cast their spells, making for a tactical trade-off. | Each color has its own strengths and weaknesses, the latter of which can be mitigated by combining multiple colors into a single deck; however, the more colors that are used, the harder it is for a player to have the correct types and amount mana to cast their spells, making for a tactical trade-off. | ||
===''Magic'' cards=== | ===''Magic'' cards=== | ||
[[File:MTG-Arcee.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Arcee has the supertype '''legendary''', the types '''artifact''' and '''creature''', and the | [[File:MTG-Arcee.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Arcee has the supertype '''legendary''', the types '''artifact''' and '''creature''', and the creature type '''Robot'''; her reverse face has the supertype '''legendary''', the type '''artifact''' and the artifact type '''Vehicle'''.]] | ||
''Magic'' divides its cards into multiple different '''[[wikia:mtg:Card type|card types]]'''. '''[[wikia:mtg:Instant|Instant]]''' and '''[[wikia:mtg:Sorcery|sorcery]]''' cards are used to create one-time effects, while other cards, known as '''[[wikia:mtg:Permanent|permanents]]''', remain in play until they are removed. Permanent card types include '''[[wikia:mtg:Land|lands]]''', representing locations across ''Magic''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> multiverse, which produce mana to cast other cards with and can be played at a rate of one per turn; '''[[wikia:mtg:Artifact|artifacts]]''', representing magical or mundane objects, which can typically be activated to produce effects; '''[[wikia:mtg:Enchantment|enchantments]]''', representing lingering magical effects, which usually provide an ongoing effect to the game; and '''[[wikia:mtg:Creature|creatures]]''', which can be used to attack opponents and block incoming attacks. Each creature has a '''power''', representing the damage they can deal each turn, and a '''toughness''', representing the damage they can deal each turn. | ''Magic'' divides its cards into multiple different '''[[wikia:mtg:Card type|card types]]'''. '''[[wikia:mtg:Instant|Instant]]''' and '''[[wikia:mtg:Sorcery|sorcery]]''' cards are used to create one-time effects, while other cards, known as '''[[wikia:mtg:Permanent|permanents]]''', remain in play until they are removed. Permanent card types include '''[[wikia:mtg:Land|lands]]''', representing locations across ''Magic''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> multiverse, which produce mana to cast other cards with and can be played at a rate of one per turn; '''[[wikia:mtg:Artifact|artifacts]]''', representing magical or mundane objects, which can typically be activated to produce effects; '''[[wikia:mtg:Enchantment|enchantments]]''', representing lingering magical effects, which usually provide an ongoing effect to the game; and '''[[wikia:mtg:Creature|creatures]]''', which can be used to attack opponents and block incoming attacks. Each creature has a '''power''', representing the damage they can deal each turn, and a '''toughness''', representing the damage they can deal each turn. | ||
Permanent types can be combined, most notably in the form of '''[[wikia:mtg:Artifact creature|artifact creatures]]''' (representing inorganic creatures and mechanical constructs) and '''[[wikia:mtg:Enchantment creature|enchantment creatures]]''' (representing inherently-magical creatures and spirits); these follow the rules for creatures, but can be affected by abilities and effects that target artifacts and enchantments, respectively. | Permanent types can be combined, most notably in the form of '''[[wikia:mtg:Artifact creature|artifact creatures]]''' (representing inorganic creatures and mechanical constructs) and '''[[wikia:mtg:Enchantment creature|enchantment creatures]]''' (representing inherently-magical creatures and spirits); these follow the rules for creatures, but can be affected by abilities and effects that target artifacts and enchantments, respectively. | ||
Cards can also have '''[[wikia:mtg:Subtype|subtypes]]'''. Creature subtypes can represent species (such as [[Human]], [[Zombie]] and [[Tlalakan (species)|Merfolk]]) or roles (such as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Warrior]], [[Hound (G1)|Scout]] and [[Mara-Al-Utha|Wizard]]). Other permanents can have subtypes that define mechanics of the cards; for instance, the artifact | Cards can also have '''[[wikia:mtg:Subtype|subtypes]]'''. Creature subtypes can represent species (such as [[Human]], [[Zombie]] and [[Tlalakan (species)|Merfolk]]) or roles (such as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Warrior]], [[Hound (G1)|Scout]] and [[Mara-Al-Utha|Wizard]]). Other permanents can have subtypes that define mechanics of the cards; for instance, the artifact type '''[[wikia:mtg:Vehicle|Vehicle]]''' is used on cards that can become creatures under certain situations, typically when "crewed" by other creatures with a certain total power. '''[[wikia:mtg:Supertype|Supertypes]]''' can be applied to cards of any type; the most common is '''[[wikia:mtg:Legendary|Legendary]]''', which prevents players from controlling more than one permanent of that name, and allowing them to be used as a "commander" in the popular "[wikia:mtg:Commander (format)|Commander]]" format. | ||
While most cards have the same card back, unchanged since ''Magic''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> debut in 1993, certain '''[[wikia:mtg:Double-faced card|double-faced cards]]''' (DFCs) have two playable sides, often representing two states of the same creature or interlinked magical effects. Some of these cards can change which side is in use once they've already been played, via the '''[[wikia:mtg:Transform|Transform]]''' mechanic. | While most cards have the same card back, unchanged since ''Magic''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> debut in 1993, certain '''[[wikia:mtg:Double-faced card|double-faced cards]]''' (DFCs) have two playable sides, often representing two states of the same creature or interlinked magical effects. Some of these cards can change which side is in use once they've already been played, via the '''[[wikia:mtg:Transform|Transform]]''' mechanic. | ||
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===[[HasCon 2017]]=== | ===[[HasCon 2017]]=== | ||
[[File:MTG-Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Me Grimlock tribal commander!]] | [[File:MTG-Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Me Grimlock tribal commander!]] | ||
The first ''Transformers''-themed ''Magic'' card was a double-faced [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] card included in the [[HasCon 2017]] ''Magic'' promo set, along with fellow [[Hasbro]]-themed cards "{{w|Nerf|Nerf War}}" and "{{w|Dungeons and Dragons|Sword of Dungeons and Dragons}}". As a [[wikia:mtg:Acorn|silver-bordered card]], Grimlock is not legal in officially-sanctioned events but is fine for casual play, and as such gets a bit silly with its rules; "Grimlock, Dinobot Leader" can become "Grimlock, Ferocious King" by "[[Transformation|converting]] a ''Transformers'' toy you have to its other mode". Both sides of Grimlock are Legendary Artifact Creatures, with the front face using the newly-introduced "Autobot" | The first ''Transformers''-themed ''Magic'' card was a double-faced [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] card included in the [[HasCon 2017]] ''Magic'' promo set, along with fellow [[Hasbro]]-themed cards "{{w|Nerf|Nerf War}}" and "{{w|Dungeons and Dragons|Sword of Dungeons and Dragons}}". As a [[wikia:mtg:Acorn|silver-bordered card]], Grimlock is not legal in officially-sanctioned events but is fine for casual play, and as such gets a bit silly with its rules; "Grimlock, Dinobot Leader" can become "Grimlock, Ferocious King" by "[[Transformation|converting]] a ''Transformers'' toy you have to its other mode". Both sides of Grimlock are Legendary Artifact Creatures, with the front face using the newly-introduced "Autobot" creature type, and the back using the pre-existing "Dinosaur". | ||
Notably, Grimlock "becomes" his other form rather than using the existing "[[wikia:mtg:Transform|transform]]" keyword, per [[Transformation#"Transform" as a verb|ongoing Hasbro efforts]] to protect their [[trademark]]. | Notably, Grimlock "becomes" his other form rather than using the existing "[[wikia:mtg:Transform|transform]]" keyword, per [[Transformation#"Transform" as a verb|ongoing Hasbro efforts]] to protect their [[trademark]]. | ||
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{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
===Heroes of the Realm=== | ===Heroes of the Realm=== | ||
[[File:MTG-Optimus-Inspiring-Leader.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Autobots, turn permanent to other face and | [[File:MTG-Optimus-Inspiring-Leader.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Autobots, turn permanent to other face and tap out!"]] | ||
Part of the ''[[wikia:mtg:Heroes of the Realm|Heroes of the Realm]]'' series of commemorative cards, made by Wizards of the Coast for their employees as rewards for work on specific projects,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WNBRWoHq9E Gavin Verhey from Wizards of the Coast explains Heroes of the Realm]</ref> the 2018 "Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader" card was given to the team behind the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]]. | Part of the ''[[wikia:mtg:Heroes of the Realm|Heroes of the Realm]]'' series of commemorative cards, made by Wizards of the Coast for their employees as rewards for work on specific projects,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WNBRWoHq9E Gavin Verhey from Wizards of the Coast explains Heroes of the Realm]</ref> the 2018 "Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader" card was given to the team behind the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]]. | ||
"Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader", like "Grimlock, Dinobot Leader", is a Legendary Artifact Creature with the Autobot | "Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader", like "Grimlock, Dinobot Leader", is a Legendary Artifact Creature with the Autobot creature type. Uniquely, Optimus Prime is a ''Magic'' card on the front side, but a ''Transformers Trading Card Game'' card on the opposite side. Thanks to this, unlike other ''Transformers'' cards, he doesn't function as a double-faced card; instead, his [[alternate mode]] is represented by the ability to temporarily change subtype to "Construct" and gain increased power and toughness, while [[Roll out|granting other creatures]] the "[[wikia:mtg:Trample|trample]]" ability. He also has the ability to "Turn target permanent you control to its other face", which could theoretically be used on ''himself'', though how that would work is anyone's guess. | ||
As with all ''Heroes of the Realm'' cards, "Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader" is not legal to play in any format; the cards are novelties designed to be read, rather than played.<ref>[https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/189543247703/hi-mark-i-have-2-questions-1-what-are-the Mark Rosewater on Tumblr]: "There’s no plans to release the Heroes of the Realm. The cards aren’t designed to be played. They’re designed to be read."</ref> | As with all ''Heroes of the Realm'' cards, "Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader" is not legal to play in any real format (besides a unlisted rule for the commander format that the original recipient of a ''Heroes of the Realm'' card can play it in the format)<ref>[https://twitter.com/sheldonmenery/status/1203371614668296194?lang=en Sheldon Menery on Twitter]: "We have declared them legal in Commander for the person whose name is at the bottom of the card and is the person to whom the card was given."</ref>; the cards are novelties designed to be read, rather than played.<ref>[https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/189543247703/hi-mark-i-have-2-questions-1-what-are-the Mark Rosewater on Tumblr]: "There’s no plans to release the Heroes of the Realm. The cards aren’t designed to be played. They’re designed to be read."</ref> | ||
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Magic: The Gathering|Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader]] (Red/White) | * [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Magic: The Gathering|Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader]] (Red/White) | ||
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===Universes Beyond: Transformers=== | ===Universes Beyond: Transformers=== | ||
[[File:MTG-Goldbug.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Ironically, not actually a [[wikia:mtg:Scout|Scout]]. Or an [[wikia:mtg:Ally|Ally]], for that matter.]] | [[File:MTG-Goldbug.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Ironically, not actually a [[wikia:mtg:Scout|Scout]]. Or an [[wikia:mtg:Ally|Ally]], for that matter.]] | ||
Announced at [[Hasbro Pulse Con 2022]] as part of the dedicated ''[[wikia:mtg:Universes Beyond|Universes Beyond]]'' series of cards that brings other IPs into the ''Magic: The Gathering'' game, ''[[wikia:mtg:Transformers|Transformers]]'' (expansion code BOT) is the first ''Universes Beyond'' set to be available in booster packs for a premier ''Magic'' set; ''Transformers'' cards are have a roughly 12% chance of being found in packs of ''[[wikia:mtg:The Brothers' War|The Brothers' War]]'' cards, thanks to their thematic parallels.<ref>[https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/696921078664232960/maybe-i-missed-it-but-why-are-the-transformer Mark Rosewater on Tumblr]: "Brothers’ War is about giant machines fighting each other. Transformers is about giant machines fighting each other. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|The leader of the two sides]] [[Megatron (Movie)|are even brothers in both.]] There just was a lot of thematic overlap."</ref> Unlike previous ''Transformers''-themed cards, the ''Universes Beyond'' cards are legal for play in the [[wikia:mtg:Commander (format)|Commander]], [[wikia:mtg:Legacy|Legacy]], | Announced at [[Hasbro Pulse Con 2022]] as part of the dedicated ''[[wikia:mtg:Universes Beyond|Universes Beyond]]'' series of cards that brings other IPs into the ''Magic: The Gathering'' game, ''[[wikia:mtg:Transformers|Transformers]]'' (expansion code BOT) is the first ''Universes Beyond'' set to be available in booster packs for a premier ''Magic'' set; ''Transformers'' cards are have a roughly 12% chance of being found in packs of ''[[wikia:mtg:The Brothers' War|The Brothers' War]]'' cards, thanks to their thematic parallels.<ref>[https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/696921078664232960/maybe-i-missed-it-but-why-are-the-transformer Mark Rosewater on Tumblr]: "Brothers’ War is about giant machines fighting each other. Transformers is about giant machines fighting each other. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|The leader of the two sides]] [[Megatron (Movie)|are even brothers in both.]] There just was a lot of thematic overlap."</ref> Unlike previous ''Transformers''-themed cards, the ''Universes Beyond'' cards are legal for play in the [[wikia:mtg:Commander (format)|Commander]], [[wikia:mtg:Legacy|Legacy]], [[wikia:mtg:Vintage|Vintage]], and any other "Eternal" format.<ref>[https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/transformers-arrives-brothers-war-2022-10-06 TRANSFORMERS Arrives with The Brothers' War | MAGIC: THE GATHERING]</ref> | ||
''Universes Beyond Transformers'' consists of fifteen double-faced cards, each of which is a Legendary Artifact Creature on the front and a Legendary Artifact with the Vehicle subtype on the back (with the exception of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who lack the Vehicle | ''Universes Beyond Transformers'' consists of fifteen double-faced cards, each of which is a Legendary Artifact Creature on the front and a Legendary Artifact with the Vehicle subtype on the back (with the exception of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who lack the Vehicle artifact type for [[Non-vehicle non-beast alternate modes|obvious reasons]]). It also includes two Artifact Creature Tokens representing [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], created by ''Soundwave, Sonic Spy / Soundwave, Superior Captain''. Rather than "Autobot", the ''Universes Beyond'' cards use the more generic "[[wikia:mtg:Robot|Robot]]" subtype, introduced in the ''[[wikia:mtg:Unfinity|Unfinity]]'' set the previous month. | ||
''Universes Beyond Transformers'' introduces the mechanics '''[[More than Meets the Eye (disambiguation)|More Than Meets the Eye]]''', which allows a double-faced card to be cast with | ''Universes Beyond Transformers'' introduces the mechanics '''[[More than Meets the Eye (disambiguation)|More Than Meets the Eye]]''', which allows a double-faced card to be cast to enter the battlefield with it's other side for a different cost, and '''[[Living metal|Living Metal]]''', an alternative to the "Crew" mechanic that allows vehicles to become artifact creatures on their user's turn. It also includes '''Convert''', a renamed version of the Transform mechanic, for [[Transformation#"Transform" as a verb|legal reasons]], (although any card that cares about when anything "transforms" will care about whenever an ''Transformers'' card "converts")<ref>[https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/the-brothers-war-release-notes The Brother's War Release Notes (Also contains the release notes for ''Universes Beyond Transformers'')]</ref>. Generally, each of the other side of the cards are easier to cast and have a condition to meet before being able to transform them to their artifact creature side, such as ''Blitzwing'' needing to deal combat damage to a player to convert it to it's artifact creature side. | ||
Each ''Transformers'' card is available in two variants: one with art inspired by the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] and one based on ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'', with the exception of "Arcee, Sharpshooter / Arcee, Acrobatic Coupe" and the Ravage and Laserbeak tokens, which only have Generation 1 versions available. The color alignments, names and mechanics remain the same regardless of if the character is their original or ''Shattered Glass'' incarnation. All card art for the ''Transformers'' cards was provided by [[Volta|Volta Creation]], with art direction by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/SaraLePew/status/1587183152312762369 Sara Pitre-Durocher on Twitter]: "Through my job at Volta I had the pleasure of Art Directing/creating card art for MtG's Transformers cards!"</ref> | Each ''Transformers'' card is available in two variants: one with art inspired by the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] and one based on ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'', with the exception of "Arcee, Sharpshooter / Arcee, Acrobatic Coupe" and the Ravage and Laserbeak tokens, which only have Generation 1 versions available. The color alignments, names and mechanics remain the same regardless of if the character is their original or ''Shattered Glass'' incarnation, with unfortunate side effects such as that the art of ''Shattered Glass'' [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] is labeled as an "hero", while being depicted about to execute a hapless Decepticon. All card art for the ''Transformers'' cards was provided by [[Volta|Volta Creation]], with art direction by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/SaraLePew/status/1587183152312762369 Sara Pitre-Durocher on Twitter]: "Through my job at Volta I had the pleasure of Art Directing/creating card art for MtG's Transformers cards!"</ref> | ||
[[File:MTG-SG-Ratchet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Introducing newcomers to the sacred ''Magic'' art of debating whether White can be bad ''ad nauseam''.]] | [[File:MTG-SG-Ratchet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Introducing newcomers to the sacred ''Magic'' art of debating whether White can be bad ''ad nauseam''.]] | ||
Revision as of 04:09, 21 November 2022
Magic: The Gathering is a trading card game created in 1993 by Richard Garfield of Wizards of the Coast. Players take on the role of Planeswalkers, powerful beings who can travel the multiverse at will, and do battle with rivals by casting spells, manifesting magical artifacts and enchantments, and summoning minions — and even other Planeswalkers — to do their bidding.
In 2017, Wizards of the Coast began experimenting with the concept of creating Magic cards depicting characters from outside the world of the game's story, beginning with a set of promo cards released at HasCon 2017 based on other Hasbro properties.[1] Starting in 2021, this became Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond, an expansive series of Magic cards based on other IP, including The Walking Dead, Warhammer 40,000, Fortnite and The Lord of the Rings. Universes Beyond cards have been made available through limited-time online "drops", pre-built decks, and as pack-ins with existing booster packs.
Gameplay
Magic: The Gathering is a collectable card game in which players build decks of cards and use them to battle each other; the primary goal is to reduce the opponent's life total, which usually starts at 20 or 40 depending on the game format, to zero. Players will draw a random hand of seven cards from their libraries and play them to achieve victory, drawing new cards at a rate of one per turn.
Mana and color
Perhaps Magic: The Gathering's most iconic attribute is the color wheel, or "color pie". Magic cards are cast using mana, which is divided into five colors, each representing a different philosophy and form of gameplay, while usually representing the values of the creatures in those colors.
- White (W) represents peace, morality and order (though not necessarily good). It lays down the law to restrict what its foes can do, and uses defensive tactics and creatures that work together to become stronger.
- Blue (U) represents logic, caution, and deceit. It likes to make use of trickery and manipulation by drawing extra cards, countering opponents' spells, and evading enemy blockers.
- Black (B) represents power, death, and (self-interest (though not necessarily evil). It's willing to pay any price to win, liberally spending life and sacrificing minions to gain the advantage, as well as directly destroying them.
- Red (R) represents emotion, freedom and destruction. It prefers immediate solutions to problems, using aggressive tactics and direct damage to deal with its foes.
- Green (G) represents instinct, connection, and nature. It makes use of powerful creatures and effects that help them grow even stronger to trample enemies into submission.
Each color has its own strengths and weaknesses, the latter of which can be mitigated by combining multiple colors into a single deck; however, the more colors that are used, the harder it is for a player to have the correct types and amount mana to cast their spells, making for a tactical trade-off.
Magic cards
Magic divides its cards into multiple different card types. Instant and sorcery cards are used to create one-time effects, while other cards, known as permanents, remain in play until they are removed. Permanent card types include lands, representing locations across Magic's multiverse, which produce mana to cast other cards with and can be played at a rate of one per turn; artifacts, representing magical or mundane objects, which can typically be activated to produce effects; enchantments, representing lingering magical effects, which usually provide an ongoing effect to the game; and creatures, which can be used to attack opponents and block incoming attacks. Each creature has a power, representing the damage they can deal each turn, and a toughness, representing the damage they can deal each turn.
Permanent types can be combined, most notably in the form of artifact creatures (representing inorganic creatures and mechanical constructs) and enchantment creatures (representing inherently-magical creatures and spirits); these follow the rules for creatures, but can be affected by abilities and effects that target artifacts and enchantments, respectively.
Cards can also have subtypes. Creature subtypes can represent species (such as Human, Zombie and Merfolk) or roles (such as Warrior, Scout and Wizard). Other permanents can have subtypes that define mechanics of the cards; for instance, the artifact type Vehicle is used on cards that can become creatures under certain situations, typically when "crewed" by other creatures with a certain total power. Supertypes can be applied to cards of any type; the most common is Legendary, which prevents players from controlling more than one permanent of that name, and allowing them to be used as a "commander" in the popular "[wikia:mtg:Commander (format)|Commander]]" format. While most cards have the same card back, unchanged since Magic's debut in 1993, certain double-faced cards (DFCs) have two playable sides, often representing two states of the same creature or interlinked magical effects. Some of these cards can change which side is in use once they've already been played, via the Transform mechanic.
Lastly, there are tokens, representing permanents that aren't part of their owner's deck; instead, they are created by other cards. Tokens act the same way as other permanents, but if they are removed from the battlefield (such as being returned to their owner's hand or sent to the graveyard), they cease to exist.
Magic and Transformers
The first Transformers-themed Magic card was a double-faced Grimlock card included in the HasCon 2017 Magic promo set, along with fellow Hasbro-themed cards "Nerf War" and "Sword of Dungeons and Dragons". As a silver-bordered card, Grimlock is not legal in officially-sanctioned events but is fine for casual play, and as such gets a bit silly with its rules; "Grimlock, Dinobot Leader" can become "Grimlock, Ferocious King" by "converting a Transformers toy you have to its other mode". Both sides of Grimlock are Legendary Artifact Creatures, with the front face using the newly-introduced "Autobot" creature type, and the back using the pre-existing "Dinosaur".
Notably, Grimlock "becomes" his other form rather than using the existing "transform" keyword, per ongoing Hasbro efforts to protect their trademark.
- Grimlock, Dinobot Leader / Grimlock, Ferocious King (Red/Green/White)
Heroes of the Realm
Part of the Heroes of the Realm series of commemorative cards, made by Wizards of the Coast for their employees as rewards for work on specific projects,[2] the 2018 "Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader" card was given to the team behind the Transformers Trading Card Game.
"Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader", like "Grimlock, Dinobot Leader", is a Legendary Artifact Creature with the Autobot creature type. Uniquely, Optimus Prime is a Magic card on the front side, but a Transformers Trading Card Game card on the opposite side. Thanks to this, unlike other Transformers cards, he doesn't function as a double-faced card; instead, his alternate mode is represented by the ability to temporarily change subtype to "Construct" and gain increased power and toughness, while granting other creatures the "trample" ability. He also has the ability to "Turn target permanent you control to its other face", which could theoretically be used on himself, though how that would work is anyone's guess.
As with all Heroes of the Realm cards, "Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader" is not legal to play in any real format (besides a unlisted rule for the commander format that the original recipient of a Heroes of the Realm card can play it in the format)[3]; the cards are novelties designed to be read, rather than played.[4]
- Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader (Red/White)
Universes Beyond: Transformers
Announced at Hasbro Pulse Con 2022 as part of the dedicated Universes Beyond series of cards that brings other IPs into the Magic: The Gathering game, Transformers (expansion code BOT) is the first Universes Beyond set to be available in booster packs for a premier Magic set; Transformers cards are have a roughly 12% chance of being found in packs of The Brothers' War cards, thanks to their thematic parallels.[5] Unlike previous Transformers-themed cards, the Universes Beyond cards are legal for play in the Commander, Legacy, Vintage, and any other "Eternal" format.[6]
Universes Beyond Transformers consists of fifteen double-faced cards, each of which is a Legendary Artifact Creature on the front and a Legendary Artifact with the Vehicle subtype on the back (with the exception of Soundwave and Blaster, who lack the Vehicle artifact type for obvious reasons). It also includes two Artifact Creature Tokens representing Ravage and Laserbeak, created by Soundwave, Sonic Spy / Soundwave, Superior Captain. Rather than "Autobot", the Universes Beyond cards use the more generic "Robot" subtype, introduced in the Unfinity set the previous month.
Universes Beyond Transformers introduces the mechanics More Than Meets the Eye, which allows a double-faced card to be cast to enter the battlefield with it's other side for a different cost, and Living Metal, an alternative to the "Crew" mechanic that allows vehicles to become artifact creatures on their user's turn. It also includes Convert, a renamed version of the Transform mechanic, for legal reasons, (although any card that cares about when anything "transforms" will care about whenever an Transformers card "converts")[7]. Generally, each of the other side of the cards are easier to cast and have a condition to meet before being able to transform them to their artifact creature side, such as Blitzwing needing to deal combat damage to a player to convert it to it's artifact creature side.
Each Transformers card is available in two variants: one with art inspired by the Generation 1 cartoon and one based on Shattered Glass, with the exception of "Arcee, Sharpshooter / Arcee, Acrobatic Coupe" and the Ravage and Laserbeak tokens, which only have Generation 1 versions available. The color alignments, names and mechanics remain the same regardless of if the character is their original or Shattered Glass incarnation, with unfortunate side effects such as that the art of Shattered Glass Optimus Prime is labeled as an "hero", while being depicted about to execute a hapless Decepticon. All card art for the Transformers cards was provided by Volta Creation, with art direction by Sara Pitre-Durocher.[8]
References
- ↑ Okay, so TECHNICALLY they'd previously done so with the Arabian Nights expansion, based on a classical work of literature, and Portal: Three Kingdoms, based on real-world Chinese history — but you know what we mean. Don't get us started on Robot Chicken either.
- ↑ Gavin Verhey from Wizards of the Coast explains Heroes of the Realm
- ↑ Sheldon Menery on Twitter: "We have declared them legal in Commander for the person whose name is at the bottom of the card and is the person to whom the card was given."
- ↑ Mark Rosewater on Tumblr: "There’s no plans to release the Heroes of the Realm. The cards aren’t designed to be played. They’re designed to be read."
- ↑ Mark Rosewater on Tumblr: "Brothers’ War is about giant machines fighting each other. Transformers is about giant machines fighting each other. The leader of the two sides are even brothers in both. There just was a lot of thematic overlap."
- ↑ TRANSFORMERS Arrives with The Brothers' War | MAGIC: THE GATHERING
- ↑ The Brother's War Release Notes (Also contains the release notes for Universes Beyond Transformers)
- ↑ Sara Pitre-Durocher on Twitter: "Through my job at Volta I had the pleasure of Art Directing/creating card art for MtG's Transformers cards!"
