Magic: the gathering – hour of Devastation

Planeswalk Like An Egyptian

Nicol Bolas first appeared in ’94’s Legends, set in Dominaria – where Magic is returning next year for its 25th anniversary.

Magic: The

Gathering’s 75th expansion continues the Egyptian theme that began with Amonkhet, and proves there’s plenty of life left in the world’s longest-running CCG.

While it continues with the Aftermath, Cycling and Exert mechanics that were introduced in Amonkhet, Hour Of Devastation also adds Afflict and Eternalise. Afflict cards feature a number and allow you to inflict that much damage on an opponent if the creature is blocked, while Eternalise allows you to recast a creature from your graveyard (discard pile) and return it to play with all its original abilities – except it’s now a 4/4 black zombie token.

While both new mechanics play well, Afflict makes the biggest immediate impact, as many of its creatures have equally powerful abilities if they’re not blocked, forcing your opponent to choose between a Roc and a hard place. The 199-card set also builds on the four Desert cards that were introduced in

Amonkhet, with 15 new cards gaining additional abilities if deserts are in play or in your graveyard.

Hour also introduces two standalone Planeswalker Decks: Nissa, Genesis Mage and Nicol Bolas, the Deceiver, which are a great way of discovering how all the new mechanics work, and also add 10 cards to the base set – bound to get hardcore collectors twitching.

Exceptionally crafted and boosted by some truly gorgeous artwork,

Hour Of Devastation concludes one of Magic’s most exciting blocks in ages. Here’s hoping Wizards Of The Coast decides to return to the Plane in the not too distant future.