... just one hiatus. I think there are a number of factors going on, and it's not just here.
1) 9/11 pretty much shot everyone's day. I have seen so many security memos at my work since that day it's really bothersome.
2) The sets are balanced for the most part towards creature battles. Combo is there and so is control. This is the most balanced I can remember it being in a very, very long time.
3) There have been no controversial cards made in a long time. There have been no bannings. There has been no errata.
4) Odyssey is the first set in a long time with a different flavor and feel, much like Legends to me. This makes me happy. This is what I have been asking for for a long time.
5) Economy. The economy is bad right now, people aren't being paid as much, it's harder to find jobs. People aren't spending on cards like they used to. People aren't stumbling over wacky combos either. Also, Christmas is coming. You're more likely to get a post from someone cracking a pack of Odyssey and seeing Zombie Infestation for the first time than someone looking over the same old cards.
6) Video games... Hear me out... There are 2 new game systems coming out shortly - Xbox and Gamecube. Those are pricey, I'm sure some people are saving their money.
7) Tourney scene. Right now it's the week before States. Everyone clams up and focuses on that sort of thing.
8) 5-Color Magic. The 5-Color Magic scene is kicking. You literally have 250 cards to decide upon and I'm telling you, my 5-Color deck has gone through 35 or more different cards in its list in the space of 2 months. There is nothing like bouncing Radiant's Dragoons 7 turns in a row to stall a beatdown deck. If any of you are getting the "dirty-tourney feel" (
), give this format a try! I have had a lot of fun with it. 5-Color Magic really feels like the roots of Magic all over again.
9) Lack of support from the DCI (
not R&D). Yes, this means I'm advocating regulating casual play, an oxymoron if I ever wrote one. People like to play by strong established rules, and supported formats feel accepted and worth trying. 5-Color picked up a strong following and people really are seeing it as fun because of the Magic Invitational. If the DCI started to support such formats (very unlikely), we probably would have people discussing here what cards rock in Peasant Magic for example and fun decks to play. Tournaments are a strong place for gathering players together.
10) Interest in Type 1. I've seen a strong call for reprints of all "good" cards for people to play Type 1 and get hold of strong cards instead of having to pay an arm and leg for them. There is more nostalgia than cash flow right now.
To 5-Color Players: Speak up, start posting your decks and discuss it here. I'll be posting mine shortly. Maybe we can generate interest here.
That's my 3.14159 (approximate value of pi) cents.