A Review of Dragons Maze

So the final instalment of the Return to Ravnica block has been released, and what do I think? Overall, Im unimpressed. And that terminology is very important, Im not let down, not disappointed, but unimpressed.

Now I understand that Dragons Maze has the disadvantage of being that little set that has to find a way of wrapping up. But it just feels weak. Here I'm going to try and explain my reasoning behind this, as well as talk about a few things that I DID like.

First of all, the cards. Now, the simple problem I had with them is that they felt... lazy. Most of the card in the set were in cycles, that is, there were versions of them in every colour. Now, this is often a very nice and reliable way of designing cards, it ensures that all of them are balanced, and gives a nice set of things to collect. But all it does is make every card seem very... unspecial. Nothing really EXCITES me in the set. Opening a pack seems just like a waste of time, everything is either overworked to death or way, way too simple.

Even at the prerelease, where you would be gives one RTR booster and GTC one (guild specific), these cards were the only things making up decks. And I understand that DGM is trying to be nothing more than some simple vinaigrette to sprinkle on your RTR salad, but its more like chucking marshmallows on it: everything feels bloated, and very very bland.

Now is has probably become apparent by now that Im not really a fan. So Im not going to spend all this time ranting about the set. There ARE of course a few cards that stand out to me, either for flavour or playability, and I will talk about them now. The cards are... well... all of the ones you can see around this post: Ral Zarek, Blood Baron of Vizkopa, and Ruric That the Unbowed. All of these I thoroughly like the design of, and Ill talk about that now.

First of all, Ral Zarek. He's the only planes walker in the set, and I hate to say one of the few cards that actually feels flavourful and fun. I really like all of his mechanics. His +1 is strong, coupled with -2 is very nice. And his ultimate is just cool. I love how well it summarises the flavour of the izzet, great stuff here. I traded a copy of him away at the prerelease I went to, and I am starting to regret it...

Second of all, Blood Baron. Blood Baron's great, and I finally chose him over the other big Ozhov (black white) cards, Teysa. Maybe I just like the guild, but this guy is really cool. He's powerful even without the final clause (the instant win), but its a nice touch: I like having other goals to work towards. I adore the art, and I think I'd enjoy playing with him, all round great stuff.

Finally, Ruric. Just a nice card, a solid body, and very nice abilities. He's just nasty, and I'm intrigued as to whether or not he'll see any real play. Anyway, also glad I've got one of these.