This is a very nostalgic crossover, and a close second (to Final Fantasy) for favorite crossover so far. TMT is a smaller set, with 190 cards, compared to 273 cards in ECL. I think it’s safe to assume that it will create a much less diverse experience, with drafts/games feeling repetitive at a much quicker rate. The mechanics of the set are pretty surface level (sewer pun), and the set looks a lot closer to a core set in terms of limited play.
5.0: Disgustingly powerful and basically unbeatable. Either answer it the turn it comes down or just pack up your cards. (Gruff Triplets, Virtue of Persistence, The Eternal Wanderer)
4.5: Incredible bomb that still gives your opponent a slim chance. (Virtue of Loyalty, Imodane's Recruiter, Realm-Scorcher Hellkite)
4.0: Great rare or the absolute best uncommons and removal. (Faunsbane Troll, Gumdrop Poisoner, Talion’s Messenger)
3.5: Great role filler or removal that you never cut. (Candy Grapple, Hearth Elemental, Torch the Tower)
3.0: Good playable that I’m basically never cutting. (Shrouded Shepherd, Spellscorn Coven, Sharae of Numbing Depths)
2.5: Decent playable and the bar I hope nearly every card in my deck to reach. (Evolving Wilds, Archon's Glory, Flick a Coin)
2.0: Mediocre filler that normally is your 20-23rd card(s). (Mintstrosity, Ice Out, Grabby Giant)
1.5: Replaceable, overall bad filler. Could also be decent sideboard cards. (Titanic Growth, Scarecrow Guide, Territorial Witchstalker)
1.0: Bad filler. Gets cut most of the time. (Dark Tutelage, Kindled Heroism, Impact Tremors)
0.5: Very unhappy to main deck this, but maybe it has fringe sideboard applications. Cards that “could” be situationally decent, but bad in most situations. (Smothering Tithe, Rhystic Study, Mana Flare)
0.0: Unplayable in every possible situation. They rarely print cards this bad these days. (Hew the Entwood, One with Nothing)
Bot Bashing Time
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
This is sub-par removal, but it certainly gets the job done. I wouldn’t be upset having one copy in any given Red deck.
Broadcast Takeover
Rating: NA // 5.0
I can’t really even make a case for this as a sideboard card due to the lack of artifact creatures.
Casey Jones, Jury-Rig Justiciar
Rating: 2.5 // 5.0
Assuming you have a good artifact count (8+), this is a solid creature that will hit more often than not.
Casey Jones, Vigilante
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
This is for the chatoic fans out there. In the late game you can potentially cast a spell you drew, or have 2+ lands in hand. At the end of the day, it’s a 4/3 for 3, that will make you very happy, or very upset.
Cool but Rude
Rating: 0.5 // 5.0
I like the repeatable rummage effect on attack, but it’s not worth an entire card.
General Traag, Heart of Stone
Rating: 3.0 // 5.0
While not quite Flametongue Kavu, it’s still incredibly powerful.
Hard-Won Jitte
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
This can be alright in a very heavy creature deck (18+). It still can absolutely fall flat, but I don’t want to write it off entirely.
Improvised Arsenal
Rating: 3.0 // 5.0
The main strength of this card is the cheap equip cost, allowing you to move it around as you see fit. You obviously need other artifacts in the deck, and I wouldn’t play it without any.
Jennika’s Technique
Rating: SB // 5.0
I’d keep this in the sideboard against decks with an abundance of small creatures. Instant speed on this is also huge, and can lead to blowouts.
Manhole Missile
Rating: 3.0 // 5.0
This is a copy of Volcanic Spite, and I’m here for it. This is a powerful burn spell that also says “draw a card” at times.
Mouser Attack!
Rating: 1.5 // 5.0
Even with the added mode, Sure Strike is still a bit weak. Though I should note, it may play better than average with the sneak mechanic at play.
Mouser Foundry
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
Even though you end up spending 7 mana for the full effect, I like the overall value from this card,
Mutant Town Musicians
Rating: 1.5 // 5.0
This is a pretty weak creature.
Null Group Biological Assets
Rating: 1.5 // 5.0
This is another subpar creature. Something you prefer not to put in your deck, but sometimes you need the card to get to 40.
Old Hob, Alleycat Blues
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
This is cool, and has some fun synergies, but overall seems underwhelming for a 5 drop. It does get much better in Boros though.
Purple Dragon Punks
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
This is a 1.0 if the creature has no outlets for the mana ability.
Raphael, Most Attitude
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
This is somewhat difficult to actually get value off of, but it’s not unreasonable.
Raphael, Ninja Destroyer
Rating: 2.5 // 5.0
This works well if you can back it up with a combat trick. The free mana is a nice bonus.
Raphael, the Nightwatcher
Rating: 3.5 // 5.0
While this doesn’t do anything on defence, it can be an absolute powerhouse on offense, especially if you sneak him in.
Raphael, Tough Turtle
Rating: 1.5 // 5.0
This looks like a bad 2 drop for red.
Raphael’s Technique
Rating: 1.5 // 5.0
Instant speed makes this a little bit better, since you can be the first player to unload your had (when cast during opponents turn). It can work well in an aggressive deck, that runs out of cards in hand faster than your opponent. Having said that, I really don’t like these types of “random” effects.
Ravenous Robots
Rating: 3.0 // 5.0
This is a powerful engine in artifact decks, even though it will probably only make a couple tokens. Keep in mind that it’s “cast” not when artifacts ETB.
Rock Soldiers
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
This is fine to maindeck, and can pick off quite a few things, even if it’s only a mutagen token. If your deck is powerful, you can keep this in the sideboard.
Slash, Reptile Rampager
Rating: 3.0 // 5.0
5 for 7/5 worth of stats is nice, and he only needs to attack once to do his job.
Spicy Oatmeal Pizza
Rating: 2.5 // 5.0
I’m not a huge fan of this card, but removal is removal.
Wingnut, Bat on the Belfry
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
I’d only be interested in playing this in a go-wide deck. Otherwise it seems pretty weak.
Zog, Triceraton Castaway
Rating: 2.0 // 5.0
This has a good amount of value built into it, and works better in more aggressive builds.
Top 3 Red Commons:
Manhole Missle Rock Soldiers
Red looks like one of the weaker colors at first glance. Aside from Manhole Missile, none of the removal looks spectacular. Red is also lacking in the creature department in a big way. I’ll be breaking down Green next, stay tuned!
Lose and Learn, Learn and Win!
