MTG: To There and Back Again – Tales of Middle-earth Reveal Video
One Set to Rule Them All, One Set to Find Them, One Set to Bring Them All, And in Boosters Bind Them…In Seattle, Where the HQ Lies.
The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set is finally in release season, and what better way to kick it off than a preview video of epic proportions? I will admit I was hesitant when I heard that such a beloved IP was being adapted into a full set. Several attempts to adapt Middle-earth have fallen on difficulties, and I worried this would be no different. However, I am pleased to see Wizards has done their due diligence. There are artistic scenes, new and returning mechanics, and even a very special serialized card. This looks to be a set for the ages, and one that won’t break the game with overpowered or nonsensical editions.
Ring Treatment Showcase
The heroes and villains of Lord of the Rings are all tied to their trials and tribulations, most of them related to the One Ring. LTR showcases these trials with the Ring Treatment showcase frames. The pictured characters are shown at the moment of one of their greatest trials (or moments of victory) framed in the text of the One Ring. The art is gorgeous, and resembles the intricate maps drawn by Tolkien in his books.
“New” Mechanics
While the art is beautiful, the real draw of a new set is the rules. LTR brings back several popular mechanics, like Food, but also introduces some brand new ones. Amass also returns, but unlike the Zombie army from Amonkhet, you create an army of vicious Orcs. The coolest addition, however, is the Temptation mechanic. The One Ring is the most iconic artifact of Middle-earth lore, and it brings powerful effects to the tabletop. Whenever “the Ring tempts you”, you choose a creature to be your Ringbearer, and the Ring advances to the next level. This can happen whether you have creatures or not; the Ring, after all, has a malevolence all its own. Speaking of…
The ONE One Ring
The most iconic part of the One Ring is right there in the name; there’s only the One. Several magic rings exist in Middle-Earth, but none match the power of Sauron’s powerful ring of gold. In honor of that, a serialized version of the One Ring will circulate in English Collector boosters…but only one. This is the first time a serialized card has had only a single printing. Whoever is lucky enough to find it will have a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Art Display Cards
My favorite part of this set is the series of cards that create iconic scenes. We know that there are at least three: Mount Doom, Bilbo’s Birthday, and the Battle of Pelennor Field. The art on these is incredible, and the diorama makes them well worth getting your hands on. Luckily, the Mount Doom scene cards are included in the Set Bundle, so getting them is no issue. As for the others, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Here’s the whole release video for more information about releases, events, and special cards.
Are you looking forward to this set as much as we are?
