This month, I'll post somewhat random reflections on Magic. Today: Magic in space.
Ten days ago, the latest Magic set, Edge of Eternities (EOE), was released. This is the first time Wizards released a futuristic sci-fi set [I don't count Doctor Who], and as you'd expect, this one focuses on space. I won't do a full set review here, but will highlight some new card subtypes or abilities featured.
Spacecraft
A new type of artifact, spacecraft require 'charging' (the game ability word is "station"), whereby you tap creatures to put counters on the artifact, and once it has a certain number, it becomes an artifact creature (enabling it to attack/etc.). Some spacecraft have abilities that benefit your side before they become creatures (see Lumen-Class Frigate below). There are 22 spacecraft in this set.
Planets
A new type of land, planets enter tapped. They have basic mana-producing capabilities, but like spacecraft, they can be 'charged' to trigger a better ability. There are five planets in this set.
Warp
Warp is an ability. It offers a different casting cost to cast the card from your hand; if you do, it goes into exile during the end step, and can be cast later from exile for its normal cost. Warp is away to temporarily benefit from an ability earlier in the game, but have it as an option to return later.
Coming back to the mechanics, does the flavor or spirit of the mechanics introduced here lend itself to such forays into other IPs? In other words, would playing a Star Destroyer but then having to charge it before it can attack fit with the Star Wars theme? I'm not sure. But I think/hope Wizards does plan such things in advance, because once you introduce a card subtype, it is very hard to alter it. As they have made pushing boundaries and exploring more IPs a stated goal, my mind immediately reads into new abilities and sees if they hint at what is to come.
