Away From Keyboard - Magic: The Gathering - March of the Machine
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Away from Keyboard: Magic: The Gathering – March of the Machine
Continuing of from Phyrexia: All Will Be One, the March of the Machine set is the dramatic conclusion to the Phyrexian storyline. From past sets we know that Elesh Norn is set on conquering the multiverse, and this set rallies everyone together for one final epic battle.
The March of the Machine set introduces several new mechanics as well as Transforming Double Faced Tokens, which adds a new gameplay experience. Combined with the addition of the Planechase cards adds a new dimension (literally) to the game.
New mechanics
Battle
Similar to a Plansewalker, each Battle enters the battlefield with defense counters. In the case of 'Invasion of Moag', the card has five defense counters. The player controlling ‘Invasion of Moag’ will then select an opponent to protect it, but unlike a Planeswalker, the aim will then be to destroy it. The controlling player can even attack the Battle themselves. Once it become defeated, it transforms into Bloomwielder Dryads. The Bloomwielder Dryads card is a mid-powered 3/3, but for each end step, it can add a +1/+1 counter onto a target creature. This essentially enables you to increase the strength of your army each turn adding to the importance of the card.
Backup
A new triggered ability that allows creatures to help a friend (or themselves). When played, a player can assign a +1/+1 counter to any creature - including itself. But if the counter is placed on another creature, it gains the same abilities of the card until the end of turn. In the case of Fearless Skald, if the counter was placed on another creature, that creature would earn Double Strike until the end of turn.
Incubate
A new keyword action that allows creation of Incubator tokens. The tokens too, are transforming double faced tokens, which transform into creatures once the conditions are met.
The instruction to incubate will include a number which indicates how many +1/+1 counters to put on the Incubator token. Those counters don't do much while the token has its front face up, but they do a great job of keeping the Phyrexian artifact creature alive once it transforms.
Chaos Ensues
Rolling a special die during your Main Phase, Plansewalkers can planeswalk between Planes (in Commander Planechase) if players roll the Planeswalker symbol. However, the other side of the die has the Chaos symbol. Once this gets rolled, the Chaos Ensues and the ability or action comes into effect.
Transforming Double Faced Cards
Similar to the Battle Mechanic discussed earlier, there are several double-faced cards. These will transform once the conditions are met. Transforming double-faced cards have only the characteristics of their front faces while not on the battlefield. So, if you're searching your library for a creature card, you could find Harried Artisan, but if you're searching for an enchantment card, you couldn't find Phyrexian Skyflayer. You always cast the front face, and a TDFC always enters the battlefield with its front face up unless something explicitly says otherwise.
The back face doesn't have a mana cost, but its mana value is based on the mana cost of the front face. So, Phyrexian Skyflayer has the same mana value as Harried Artisan.
The Cards
As usual,the cards in the March of the Machine set are a visual feast.
Planeswalkers
Compared to the previous Magic: The Gathering set, March of the Machine is light on if you're a fan of Planeswalkers. But, with that said, four Planeswalkers in a set is more what we're used to.
Archangel Elspeth (White)
Chandra, Hope's Beacon (Red)
Wrenn and Realmbreaker (Green)
Tefari Akosa of Zhalfir - appears on the reverse of Battle Card Invasion of New Phyrexia (White and Blue)
Lands
Although the March of the Machines set does not include a plethora of Land cards, those that do feature in the set are stunning, particularly those that dual coloured.
Pack types
● Commander Decks
● Jumpstart Boosters (20 cards of one colour - just grab two each and you’re ready to play)
● Set Boosters (12 cards)
● Collector Boosters (15 cards)
● Draft Boosters (15 cards)
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