Macready MusingsThis video marks the beginning of an ambitious attempt of my part to chronicle the history of Magic the Gathering. I use one card from every set as a reference point in order to demonstrate the transforming state of the game over time.
I use Audio from Mark Rosewater's 'Drive to Work' Podcast at one point in this video. Episodes of this podcast can be found at this address: magic.wizards.com/en/articles/media/podcasts
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:56 - Alpha, Beta and Unlimited 03:48 - Arabian Nights 05:34 - Antiquities 07:19 - Legends 08:49 - The Dark 10:40 - Conclusion
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.
The History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set - Part 1: Alpha-The DarkMacready Musings2020-06-02 | This video marks the beginning of an ambitious attempt of my part to chronicle the history of Magic the Gathering. I use one card from every set as a reference point in order to demonstrate the transforming state of the game over time.
I use Audio from Mark Rosewater's 'Drive to Work' Podcast at one point in this video. Episodes of this podcast can be found at this address: magic.wizards.com/en/articles/media/podcasts
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:56 - Alpha, Beta and Unlimited 03:48 - Arabian Nights 05:34 - Antiquities 07:19 - Legends 08:49 - The Dark 10:40 - Conclusion
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.Reviewing Every MTG Thunder Junction Commander In Two Sentences Or LessMacready Musings2024-05-19 | In this new series, "Brew it or Bin it", I very briefly review every new legendary creature introduced in Outlaws of Thunder Junction.
I announce whether I would personally be interested in making a deck based on the Commander (brew it) or I don't find them compelling and would sooner chuck them out (bin it).
"Whiskey on the Mississippi" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0The History of Magic the Gatherings Un-Sets Told Via A Card From Every SetMacready Musings2024-04-28 | Magic: the Gathering's Un Sets are a series of comical sets that exist outside of the standard rules of play. This video explores their highs, and lows, and is probably the most eccentric thing that I've ever put out.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Unglued 07:02 - Unglued 11:15 - Unstable 17:16 - Unsanctioned 20:21 - Unfinity 27:57 - EPIC GAMER MOMENT! 28:02 - Unfinity Continued 29:04 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering Via A Card From Every Set 19: Phyrexia-Lost Caverns of IxalanMacready Musings2024-02-11 | In the nineteenth episode of this series we explore some exciting new sets. We conclude the Phyrexian arc by examining Phyrexia: All Will Be One and March of the Machine. We then return to The Wilds of Eldraine and venture into The Lost Caverns of Ixalan.
Mark Rosewater, Drive To Work 1083: The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Vision Design. https://audio.transistor.fm/m/shows/21454/1dfa5c1701a5e738583829cd562513e8.mp3
Mark Rosewater and Jules Robins, Drive To Work 1084: The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Set Design. https://audio.transistor.fm/m/shows/21454/c690a90925005a717fcf1a6f98801c13.mp3
Mark Rosewater and Ovidio Cartagena, Drive To Work 1085: The Lost Caverns of Ixalan. https://audio.transistor.fm/m/shows/21454/098ffc0e75ffd826b3322396fb587bac.mp3
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Phyrexia: All Will Be One 07:30- March of the Machine 10:43 - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan 17:52 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering Told Via A Card From Every Set: Commander Part 1Macready Musings2023-10-01 | We've already looked at the complete history of Magic's standard legal sets from 1993-2022. Now let's look at the history of the Commander format.
The Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 02:50 - Commander 2011 08:49 - Commander 2013 16:25 - Commander 2014 26:10 - Commander 2015 35:47 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering Told Via A Card From Every Set 18: Neon Dynasty- Brothers WarMacready Musings2022-12-18 | In this episode of the History of Magic: The Gathering, we catch up with the present day, covering all of the sets released in 2022.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 02:13 - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty 05:15 - Streets of New Capenna 09:11 - Dominaria United 12:22 - The Brothers' War 18:38 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering Told Via A Card From Every Set 17: Kaldheim-Crimson VowMacready Musings2022-08-14 | The seventeenth episode of this series about the history of Magic: the Gathering. This episode, we covers all of the sets released in 2021. We see fewer banned cards this time around, enjoy a DnD crossover set and head off to Innistrad for the third time.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:37 - Kaldheim 04:26 - Strixhaven: School of Mages 11:40 - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms 15:32 - Innistrad: Midnight Hunt 19:43 - Innistrad: Crimson Vow 22:17 - ConclusionLets Talk About Treasure TokensMacready Musings2022-06-19 | There has been a lot of discourse recently regarding treasure tokens and the role that they play within Magic: the Gathering. I felt that I should make a video outlining this debate and summarising some of the arguments which are being made.
The article goes into more depth analysing the history of treasure tokens throughout the game, and features some quotes from notable Magic content creators I was able to discuss treasure tokens with.
My thanks to Nizzahon Magic, Brewer's Kitchen, DiceTry, Matt Sperling and Rachel Weeks, as well as Andy Mangold and Anthony Mattox of Lucky Paper Radio for sharing their views on this matter with me.
Contents 00:00 - Intro 01:51 - Are treasure being printed too frequently 03:07 - Which colours should have access to treasure tokens? 07:24 - Are treasure cards too powerful? 09:24 - Conclusion
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.History of Magic the Gathering Told Via A Card From Every Set 16: Throne of Eldraine-Zendikar RisingMacready Musings2022-04-26 | Another instalment of this series which looks at the history of Magic: the Gathering. In this episode, we cover the sets released from late 2019 through to late 2020. This was a period where a large number of cards were banned. We take a brief browse and look at some of these powerful banned cards.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - Throne of Eldraine 06:12 - Theros: Beyond Death 09:53 - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths 15:23 - Core Set 2021 19:00 - Zendikar Rising 23:11 - ConclusionMagic: the Gathering - Cubing Misconceptions: Lucky Paper Radio Full InterviewMacready Musings2022-04-10 | Cube is a fantastic way of playing Magic: The Gathering, where you get to design your very own limited environment. It's also possibly one of the least well known formats out there.
An abridged version of this interview, featuring my usual editing and animations, can be found here: youtu.be/87td8UmEs10
The Lucky Paper cube draft format list luckypaper.co/resources/formatsMagic: the Gathering - Cubing Misconceptions (Featuring Andy and Anthony from Lucky Paper Radio)Macready Musings2022-04-03 | Cube is a fantastic way of playing Magic: The Gathering, where you get to design your very own limited environment. It's also possibly one of the least well known formats out there.
In this video I talk with Andy and Anthony, the hosts of Lucky Paper Radio a podcast all about cubing. We discuss the format and debunk some common misconceptions which keep people from designing cubes of their own.
Just like before, let me know if you would like to see more gameplay videos like this in the future. I'm always open to feedback.
Like last time, I blocked out the usernames of my opponents with some little MS Paint rectangles. Generally I think that's just good form, I think it's best to preserve the anonymity of my opponents.
The New Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Contents 0:00:00 - Introduction 0:00:34 - Draft 0:14:47 - GameplayHistory of Magic the Gathering via a Card From Every Set 15: Guilds of Ravnica Block & M 2019/20Macready Musings2022-01-16 | In this video we look at Core Sets 2019 and 2020, as well as the 3 sets which compose the unofficial "Guilds of Ravnica Block" Guilds of Ravnica, Ravnica Allegiance and War of the Spark. This takes us from July 2018 to July 2019.
Josh Lee Kwai and Jimmy Wong, The Command Zone episode 421B: Golos has been BANNED! (And Worldfire Unbanned) https://commandzone.collected.company/be39bff4-12ad-11ec-8415-eb397f22ba8c
The New Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:32 - Core Set 2019 03:24 - Guilds of Ravnica 06:22 - Ravnica Allegiance 09:07 - War of the Spark 12:30 - Core Set 2020 20:59 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering told via a Card From Every Set 14: Kaladesh to DominariaMacready Musings2021-11-21 | In this video we explore a huge stretch of the history of Magic: the Gathering. We begin with Kaladesh which was released in September 2016 and end in April 2018 with Dominaria.
The New Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:27 - Kaladesh 04:37 - Aether Revolt 08:13 - Amonkhet 11:50 - Hour of Devastation 14:15 - Ixalan 18:34 - Rivals of Ixalan 21:46 - Dominaria 28:24 - ConclusionMacready Musings Draft 01: Spooky Ravnica Mixer Halloween DraftMacready Musings2021-10-31 | Have you ever wanted to spend an hour and a half listening to a British man anxiously fumbling his way through several card games? If so then this is the perfect video for you.
I have been working on the next part of my The History of Magic: The Gathering series, but the next episode is going to be very long and I'm currently quite busy with work and other personal matters. I didn't want to just go a month without uploading anything though, so I thought I'd share a bit of MTG Arena gameplay.
Let me know if you would like to see more gameplay videos like this in the future. I'm very open to feedback.
You'll probably notice that I block out the usernames of my opponents with some little MS Paint rectangles. Generally I reckon that's just good form, I think it's best to preserve the anonymity of my opponents.
The New Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.
Contents 0:00:00 - Introduction 0:00:50 - Draft 0:24:43 - GameplayGuildmasters Guide to Ravnica VS Mythic Odysseys of Theros: Reviewing Two MtG SourcebooksMacready Musings2021-09-26 | The Magic: The Gathering set Adventures In the Forgotten Realms was released in July of 2021, but it was far from the first crossover between Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons.
In this video we will be contrasting and reviewing two sourcebooks: The Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica and Mythic Odysseys of Theros. These books bring two planes from the Magic: The Gathering Multiverse into DnD. How do they compare to one another and are they worth a purchase? Let's find out.
The Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Wizards of the Coast own both Magic: the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons. All of the cards and artwork shown in this video belong to them and the artists who created them.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 02:23 - Guildmasters' Guide To Ravnica 10:33 - Mythic Odysseys of Theros 21:09 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering told via a Card From Every Set 13: Magic Origins to Eldritch MoonMacready Musings2021-08-08 | In this episode we look at Magic Origins as well as the first group of two-set blocks. I try, and fail, to restrain my boundless dislike for Battle for Zendikar and we head back to Innistrad for a bit of Eldritch Horror in Shadows Over Innistrad.
The New Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Magic Origins 03:38 - Battle For Zendikar 08:32 - Oath of the Gatewatch 11:37 - Shadows Over Innistrad 15:34 - Eldritch Moon 18:58 - ConclusionUnderstanding the Book of Exalted Deeds BanMacready Musings2021-07-15 | A brief video where I discuss the recent banning of The Book of Exalted Deeds in Magic: The Gathering Arena's Standard 2022 format. I clear up some misconceptions about this ban, and explain the issues with the card.
I'm trying to experiment with some new video formats, so I'm keen to know what you make of this sort of 'News Bulletin' style. Let me know in the comments.
The New Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.The History of Magic the Gathering told via a Card From Every Set 12: Theros to Dragons of TarkirMacready Musings2021-06-20 | In this episode, we're diving into a world of myth and a world of Dragons and warring clans. Let's continue exploring the history of Magic the gathering by analysing a card from every set.
In this episode we review Theros block, Core Set 2015 and Tarkir block.
The New Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:17 - Theros 05:12 - Born of the Gods 07:39 - Journey Into Nyx 10:15 - Core Set 2015 13:29 - Khans of Tarkir 16:58 - Fate Reforged 19:19 - Dragons of Tarkir 22:13 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering via a Card From Every Set 11: Return to Ravnica & Core Set 2013/4Macready Musings2021-05-01 | Today, we head back to Ravnica for episode 11. In this video series, I illustrate the history of Magic the Gathering, using a single card from each set to demonstrate how the game is evolving like a Simic card.
In this episode we look at Return to Ravnica block, as well as Core Sets 2013 and 2014.
The New Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:21 - Core Set 2013 04:21 - Return To Ravnica 07:52 - Gatecrash 11:37 - Dragon's Maze 17:00 - Core Set 2014 19:18 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set 10: Scars Block - Innistrad BlockMacready Musings2021-04-04 | Episode 10 in the series where I illustrate the history of Magic the Gathering, using a single card from each set to demonstrate how the game is adapting and evolving.
In this episode we look at Scars of Mirrodin block, Core Set 2012 and Innistrad block.
The New Macready Musings logo and Banner were designed by Panley, whose work you can find here: twitter.com/panley01
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:22 - Scars of Mirrodin 02:56 - Mirrodin Besieged 05:39 - New Phyrexia 08:55 - Core Set 2012 11:25 - Innistrad 15:41 - Dark Ascension 18:20 - Avacyn Restored 21:40 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set 9: Zendikar & Core Sets 2010/11Macready Musings2021-02-14 | The ninth video in a series where I illustrate the history of Magic the Gathering, using a single card from each set to demonstrate how the game is changing and evolving.
In this episode we have a look at two cores sets, as well as Zendikar block.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:36 - Core Set 2010 03:18 - Zendikar 06:52 - Worldwake 09:32 - Rise of the Eldrazi 11:52 - Core Set 2011 14:05 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set 8: Lorwyn-Alara RebornMacready Musings2020-12-27 | The eighth video in a series where I illustrate the history of Magic the Gathering, using a single card from each set to demonstrate how the game is changing and evolving.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:20 - Lorwyn 04:19 - Morningtide 06:12 - Shadowmoor 08:53 - Eventide 11:31 - Shards of Alara 15:21 - Conflux 17:12 - Alara Reborn 19:33 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set 7: Ravnica Block-Time Spiral BlockMacready Musings2020-11-22 | The seventh video in a series where I illustrate the history of Magic the Gathering, using a single card from each set to demonstrate how the game is changing and evolving.
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:28 - Ravnica: City of Guilds 02:58 - Guildpact 05:35 - Dissension 08:06 - Coldsnap 12:40 - Time Spiral 15:58 - Planar Chaos 18:54 - Future Sight 22:20 - ConclusionThe History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set 6: Mirrodin-Saviours of KamigawaMacready Musings2020-10-09 | The sixth video in a series where I illustrate the history of Magic the Gathering, using a single card from each set to demonstrate how the game is changing and evolving.
The various iterations of Skullclamp's design which I showed throughout this video were made using Mtgcardsmith, and were based on information provided in Forsythe's article. mtgcardsmith.com
Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:28 - Mirrodin 03:34 - Darksteel 07:42 - Fifth Dawn 10:14 - Champions of Kamigawa 13:43 - Betrayers of Kamigawa 16:52 - Saviours of Kamigawa 19:07 - Conclusion
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.The History of Magic the Gathering: Lets Talk About FormatsMacready Musings2020-09-13 | An extra video in my series about the History of Magic the Gathering. In this video I discuss the history of 'Formats' different ways of playing the game and how they have evolved over time. I also talk about the famous Channel Fireball combo and how it led to the formation of the DCI.
I frequently cite price information from mtggoldfish.com throughout this video.
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.The History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set 5: Odyssey-ScourgeMacready Musings2020-08-13 | The fifth video in a series where I illustrate the history of Magic the Gathering, using a single card from each set to demonstrate how the game is changing and evolving.
The Tasty Cardboard, another Magic the Gathering Youtuber, has an excellent video on Onslaught block which can be found here: youtube.com/watch?v=7ZhZz8SVX9A&
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.The History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set 4: Mercadian Masques-ApocalypseMacready Musings2020-07-26 | The fourth video in a series where I illustrate the history of Magic the Gathering, using a single card from each set to demonstrate how the game is changing and evolving.
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.The History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set 3: Tempest-Urzas DestinyMacready Musings2020-07-12 | The third video in a series where I attempt to summarise the history of Magic the Gathering using a single card from each set. Each card I mention acts as a reference point in order to demonstrate the transforming state of the game over time.
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.The History of Magic the Gathering Told via a Card From Every Set 2: Fallen Empires-WeatherlightMacready Musings2020-06-16 | The second video in a series where I attempt to summarise the history of Magic the Gathering using a single card from each set. Each card I mention acts as a reference point in order to demonstrate the transforming state of the game over time.
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.Battle For Zendikar vs Shadows Over Innistrad: Lovecraftian Horror In Magic: the GatheringMacready Musings2020-04-13 | After a long hiatus, caused by a broken laptop, we're back with more Magic the Gathering video essays.
Howard Phillips Lovecraft is a horror writer whose works have influenced many forms of media: including books, comics, films and games such as Magic the Gathering. This video will explore how Battle For Zendikar block and Shadows Over Innistrad block both drew inspiration from Lovecraftian horror to different effect.
Magic: the Gathering's Battle For Zendikar and Shadows Over Innistrad story arcs, which I quote throughout the video, can both be found at the following address: magic.wizards.com/en/story?source=MX_Nav2020
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.Approach of the Second Sun: Conveying a Story and Tone Through GameplayMacready Musings2020-03-05 | Approach of the Second Sun is a memorable Magic the Gathering card printed in Amonkhet in 2017. This video discusses the card, how it creates a tone and atmosphere through gameplay, and how all of this fits more broadly within the themes of Amonkhet block.
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.Re-evaluating IxalanMacready Musings2020-02-20 | Ixalan was a peculiar Magic: the Gathering set. It told the story of a war between Vampires, Pirates, Merfolk and Dinosaurs whilst taking creative inspiration from the age of exploration. Generally Ixalan is not well regarded by the community. Its limited gameplay was considered shallow and stale and its tribes failed to impact Standard. This video will re-evaluate Ixalan's legacy and argue that there is more to it than its current reputation would suggest.
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.War of the Spark: Dissecting one of Magic’s Most Contentious Limited FormatsMacready Musings2020-02-02 | War of the Spark is one of Magic the Gathering's most divisive Limited formats. Some players love it and some hate it. This video analyses the format, and explores just what makes the conclusion of the Bolas arc such a contentious set.
Wizards of the Coast own Magic: the Gathering and all of the cards and artwork shown in this video.Magic the Gathering: The Importance of CyclesMacready Musings2020-01-16 | Cycles are a key design element used in the making of Magic: the Gathering sets. This video discusses cycles and why they matter.