Innistrad Remastered: The Controversial Cuts & Intriguing Additions Unveiled!

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Summary

  • Innistrad Remastered will feature the best cards, mechanics, and themes from Innistrad expansions.
  • The Daybound/Nightbound mechanic is not returning due to player confusion and negative feedback.
  • New MTG sets include Headliner cards, starting with Edgar Markov, offering something fresh for fans.

As we approach the midpoint of January, it’s nearly time for the first release of 2025 for Magic: The Gathering, which takes us back to the cherished Innistrad plane under the title Innistrad Remastered. Unlike the Standard format, this set is not intended for use in that format. Instead, it serves as a compilation of the finest cards, characters, locations, and themes from the various Innistrad expansions throughout the years. The original Innistrad cards pioneered several significant Magic: The Gathering mechanics, including Morbid or double-faced cards with a “transform” keyword that don’t carry the traditional MTG back design. However, one of these mechanics from the Innistrad sets will not be making a comeback in Innistrad Remastered.

As a seasoned movie critic, I must say that the expansive universe of Innistrad is a cinematic marvel, skillfully crafted across several captivating chapters. This block, my dear readers, consists of no less than seven intriguing films: Innistrad, Dark Ascension, Avacyn Restored, Shadows Over Innistrad, Eldritch Moon, Innistrad: Midnight Hunt, and the recently released Innistrad: Crimson Vow. Each film offers a unique narrative, immersing us further into the enchanting world of this Gothic horror-themed setting.

In many instances, additional packs for Magic: The Gathering may choose to discontinue earlier strategies or terms as they no longer contribute positively to the game or because the game has outgrown them. Conversely, fan-favorite elements, such as Rad Counters from Fallout MTG expansions, might make a comeback due to high demand, even if initially intended for a single use in the game. In the specific case of the Innistrad series, the Day and Night cycle, including Daybound and Nightbound cards, was met with criticism at its debut and will not be included in the remastered version of Innistrad.

Magic: The Gathering’s Innistrad Remastered is Cutting Daybound and Nightbound

A significant factor behind the unfavorable response towards the Day and Night cycle is that it introduces a game scenario requiring players to consistently monitor the number of spells each player casts during each round, not just those who possess Daybound and Nightbound MTG permanents on the battlefield, but also players who use these cards in their decks. This tracking becomes necessary with every participant playing at least one of these cards during gameplay.

In Magic: The Gathering, there are numerous unspoken guidelines that can fluctuate based on who you ask or the game’s intention – whether it’s for friendly or competitive play, bonding with friends and family, or something else entirely. However, one rule that is generally observed is maintaining awareness of your cards, mechanics, and the current game state. This facilitates intervention when required and keeps everyone at the table informed about a specific deck’s actions. Tracking this during both the Day and Night cycles might have been too demanding.

Why MTG’s Daybound and Nightbound Mechanic Was Unlikely to Return in Innistrad Remastered

It turns out that Wizards of the Coast’s Research & Design team, formerly known as Research & Development, found the mechanic to be a misstep in hindsight. In fact, when queried about it, Mark Rosewater, Head Designer for Magic: The Gathering, expressed a preference for the original werewolf designs over the Daybound/Nightbound mechanic, particularly noticeable in the last Innistrad sets. Since neither Daybound nor Nightbound are included in Innistrad Remastered, it seems that this mechanic may not have a future overall.

For players who appreciate a more streamlined approach to game mechanics and card abilities in Magic: The Gathering, this might not bring disappointing news. However, some fans of Innistrad may find it sad that they won’t see the full spectrum of the plane as initially hoped for in Innistrad Remastered. Yet, Innistrad Remastered will still offer something novel, as it marks the debut of Magic: The Gathering’s Headliner cards, represented this time by a special edition of Edgar Markov. With the new set arriving soon, we’ll soon find out if WotC was correct in completely eliminating Daybound and Nightbound.

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2025-01-20 00:05