2023 was an eventful year in the world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), filled with new releases that brought fresh dynamics to the game. Let’s dive into each of these releases, their reception, and the key cards that stood out, particularly in the popular EDH format. Please keep in mind this will not address our personal feelings on the sets or cards in them, just a general overview for reference. Here is our MTG Year in Review.
Main Set Releases of 2023
1. Phyrexia: All Will Be One (Released February 10, 2023)
- Reception: This set received a mixed response. Its focus on the Phyrexian storyline was appreciated for its narrative depth, but the mechanics, especially Toxic, received a polarizing reception.
- Key EDH Cards: Atraxa, Grand Unifier
stood out as a powerful addition to EDH decks.
2. March of the Machine (Released April 21, 2023)
- Reception: The set was ambitious in its portrayal of a multiversal war, introducing innovations like Battle cards. However, the rapid conclusion of the Phyrexian threat within the same set led to a feeling of anticlimax.
- Key EDH Cards: Etali, Primal Conqueror shook up EDH tables after this release.
3. March of the Machine: The Aftermath (Released May 12, 2023)
- Reception: As a “micro-set,” it was unique in its approach to wrap up the storyline from March of the Machine, but it had mixed reviews from the public. Some people like that there were no commons, and each of the cards seemed at least playable, while others found paying the same price for less cards unappetizing.
- Key EDH Cards: Ob Nixilis, Captive Kingpin has seen quite a bit of play from this set.
4. Wilds of Eldraine (Released September 8, 2023)
- Reception: Returning to the whimsical plane of Eldraine, this set was well-received for its enchanting fairy-tale themes.
- Key EDH Cards: Roaming Throne has created quite a buzz, and some say it is overpowered.
5. The Lost Caverns of Ixalan (Released November 2023)
- Reception: This set was praised for its tribal themes and improved approach compared to the previous Ixalan set. However, some of its mechanics were seen as confusing.
- Key EDH Cards: Reprints of Cavern of Souls and Mana Crypt, along with new cards like Ojer Taq, Deepest Foundation were highly sought after.
Special Set Releases of 2023
1. MTG Lord of The Rings: Tales of Middle Earth (Released June 23, 2023)
- Reception: This crossover set was an exciting venture, blending the Lord of the Rings universe with MTG. It was well-received for its unique thematic integration. The holiday release of this set added a few new cards, and new art styles for some of the cards from the first printing.
- Key EDH Cards: The One Ring
, and specifically the one of The One Ring, created quite a frenzy in the early days of this set’s release. Plenty more was to be had, though, with cards like Orcish Bowmasters and even common cards like Mirkwood Bats becoming EDH staples.
2. Commander Masters (Released August 4, 2023)
- Reception: The set faced mixed reactions, mainly due to its pricing and balance of card value. It was aimed at Commander players and featured important reprints.
- Key EDH Cards: Iconic cards like The Ur-Dragon and Jeweled Lotus in the reprints were crucial for many EDH decks.
3. MTG Doctor Who (Released October 13, 2023)
- Reception: This Universes Beyond set, featuring the Doctor Who franchise, followed the successful template of similar crossover sets, being well-received by fans of the series.
- Key EDH Cards: Many cards were seen as quite fun and flavorful. Everybody Lives! was arguably the most talked about card from the set, however.
General Impact and Reception
The year 2023 in MTG was marked by a mix of innovative storytelling, unique thematic sets, and some concerns regarding mechanics and pricing. The crossover sets like Lord of the Rings and Doctor Who were particularly notable for their fresh approach to integrating different universes into the game. The traditional sets continued to push the boundaries of MTG’s rich lore and gameplay.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to 2024, the MTG community is buzzing with anticipation for more innovative sets and continued expansions of the MTG universe. The focus seems to be on building upon the diverse themes and gameplay experiences introduced in 2023.
In conclusion, 2023 was a milestone year for Magic: The Gathering, with each set bringing something unique to the table and impacting the game in various ways, especially in the popular EDH format.