This release is specifically designed for draft format play. That is, 8 players sitting round opening cards and trying to build a deck, then playing to win with that deck. The packs don’t have any lands (an essential part of the game), because it’s assumed that experienced players already have plenty. Instead of lands, you get a foil card, which is nice. The result is that every pack is a joy to open; super rare (and super powerful) cards such as Dark Confidant and Tarmogoyf are lurking somewhere in this set, and this makes drafting all the more fun as you wait to see what’s coming up next as you open pack after pack.
Speaking of packs, Modern Masters 2015 is also the first set to feature cardboard wrappers rather than the usual foil packs. This means they smell differently coming out, which is part of the experience. Careful examination shows that they’re as tricky to tamper with as the old foil packs, so you shouldn’t have to worry about some unscrupulous type meddling with your new cards. We were a little disappointed to discover that the card packaging had only been printed on the outer side; no cool adverts or anything on the inner of the pack, just 15 cards inside and an advert/token card.
If you can get your hands on a box of these and you like drafting cards, you should totally get some Modern Masters. The cards have been carefully selected to provide maximum impact in a game of Magic, and also maximum delight to those who know their cards well. Club together with friends and dive in, if you can find a box.
MAGIC: THE GATHERING – MODERN MASTERS 2015 / DESIGNER: VARIOUS / PUBLISHER: WIZARDS OF THE COAST / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
