Derek 'Dez' Maggs 
The Bloomburrow set for Magic: The Gathering introduces players to a vibrant and whimsical world filled with charming anthropomorphic creatures like rabbits, otters, raccoons, and squirrels. This set stands out with its overload of cuteness! The set reminds me of one of my favourite books as a kid by Beatix Potter, the tales of Peter Rabbits.
Yet visually appealing design is not enough to excite most of us Magic: the Gathering fans. And Bloomburrow has several innovative mechanics that are sure to delight both casual and competitive players. The new mechanics, add depth to gameplay and in many cases adds a fun level of craziness:
- Offspring: Found on creature cards, it is an optional additional cost during casting, creating a 1/1 token copy of the creature when it enters.
- Gift: Represents an additional cost for permanent spells; promise the gift to an opponent while casting, affecting the permanent’s effects.
- Valiant: A once-per-turn variant of Heroic from Theros, providing extra power when targeting the creature with spells or abilities.
- Expend: Found on creatures, it lets you tap them to activate abilities, balancing powerful effects.
- Pawprint Season: Featured in modal spells (like Season cards), allowing you to choose up to five modes for diverse effects.
The Bloomburrow set not only offers a fresh and engaging Magic: the Gathering experience but also embodies themes of community, cooperation, and the power of the small in cutest MTG Package I’ve ever seen.
Peace Offering Commander Deck
I was gifted the Peace Offering Commander Deck. This deck offers a fresh and rather unconventional gameplay experience centred on cooperation, diplomacy, and political interaction. As someone that loves multiplayer commander, this deck was perfect for me; as it really focuses on all the important part…. In which I suck at, in commander.
This deck is perfect for players who enjoy group dynamics and strategic alliances. It features “Group Hug” mechanics that encourage sharing resources, granting favours, and fostering alliances, allowing opponents to draw extra cards, gain life, or even borrow creatures. This approach can dramatically shift the game’s flow, making it essential to engage in table talk and strike deals with your opponents. The deck also excels in generating creature tokens—often small critters like squirrels or rabbits—which serve various purposes, from blocking attacks to triggering beneficial abilities.
One of the key strategies in the Peace Offering Commander deck is building a sort of pillow fort of sorts, using enchantments and spells to discourage opponents from attacking you. Cards like Propaganda or those that grant hexproof create a defensive barrier, making you a less appealing target & then hopefully using your ability to influence multiplayer games through diplomacy and presents. While the gameplay is fun and unconventional, prioritizing negotiation and resource sharing over brute force, which leads to memorable and often unpredictable moments. A lot of losing, but definitely some memorable moments.
However, the deck does have its challenges. It lacks straightforward win conditions, meaning victory often depends on your ability to outmanoeuvre and outlast your opponents through strategic alliances & it doesn’t fair well against those aggressive decks!
Overall
The Bloomburrow set itself is a magical world filled with whimsical folklore and enchanting landscapes. It’s a place where everyday creatures like squirrels and mice take on heroic roles, embarking on epic quests and hosting charming tea parties. The theme emphasizes the power of small beings coming together, highlighting courage, friendship, and discovery. The natural beauty of Bloomburrow—with its lush forests, babbling brooks, and cosy burrows—creates an inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. The tales of friendship and adventure that permeate this set make each game feel like a heart-warming journey through a world where even the tiniest creatures can make a big difference.
The Bloomburrow set not only offers a fresh and engaging experience but also embodies themes of community, cooperation, and the power of the small. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Bloomburrow is a must-try, offering hours of fun and strategic gameplay in a magical, nature-inspired setting.
Recent Comments