We’re one week into March of the Machine Limited, and I feel like there’s still a lot to learn about the format. It seems like most agree that it has been a very enjoyable format, which should come as no surprise with Dave Humphreys (design) at the helm. I don’t want to get off-topic by talking about meta and color balance, but let’s just say that the aggro decks are still trying to find their legs. I think it’s important to talk about the cards that are better or worse than initially expected, and figure out what I missed during initial evaluation, so let’s do that.
Overperformers
I’m always skeptical of the white “tap when attack” creatures. They are often undersized, and are easy to punish and play around. I had underestimated how strong the backup ability can be, both pumping up one of your squad permanently and getting a good attack in. White doesn’t have a lot of tools to play the late-game, which makes Bola Slinger a contender for best white common creature.
I wrote off Saiba Cryptomancer entirely before playing the set. I thought there were better tricks, and blue didn’t necessarily want to be in the business of protecting creatures. When compared to Angelic Intervention, it works somewhat similarly, but leaves behind a 0/1 blocker, which has proved to be a bigger difference than I had initially would have guessed.
In my initial prediction about top commons, I was under the assumption that Vanquish the Weak would likely be the better removal spell compared to Final Flourish, because it hits most all the commons and uncommons. While that remains true, and it is still a great removal option, it’s not so much the common and uncommons that are deciding the games. Final Flourish has the kicker option to take out most of the bombs, which is incredibly relevant.
I didn’t initially have Blighted Burgeoning as part of my top three green commons, but I do now. This set is full of powerful bombs, and my most successful decks have been three or more colors. There isn’t any better mana-fixing card at common, and between incubate and transform, you want a lot of mana.
I think a lot of people had written off Marauding Dreadship initially, and I’d be lying if I thought it good as well. But I knew there had to be some reason for the card, because it’s a unique design when compared to the rest of the set. Aside from haste, one of the reasons this hungry vessel has risen to a Top 3 red common is the lack of creatures that trade well with it. This thing often trades with a decent two- to three-drop and leaves behind a 2/2 Incubator token that doesn’t go down with the ship!
Underperformers
I expected to see Kithkin Billyrider as a role-player in Selesnya or Boros. With backup being one of white’s mechanics, as well as a good amount of Equipment including Kitesail, I figured the battle-goat rider would be a real threat. I can’t say that I’ve given it enough of a chance just yet, but I have been unimpressed by the card, and the win rate data seems to point that direction as well.
Etched Familiar is similar to Vampire Spawn, but March of the Machine is not the set for this type of creature. While the Phyrexian Fox is a fine three-drop to fill your curve, it often feels like the two-point life drain is insignificant at the end of the game. I’m not even sure if a switch in the power and toughness would make it better or worse, but until we see some aggressive decks that can get under Sultai value decks, this Fox will continue to underwhelm.
Pump creatures like Iridescent Blademaster have had some big impacts to Limited formats, with the pump enabling said creature to attack most turns with the threat of activation. While this isn’t Sunbathing Rootwalla, I did expect it to be one of the better two-drops. What I hadn’t considered was how many other things will be competing for your mana. I can’t recall if I’ve ever really activated this card, and I’d rather have Wary Thespian or Portent Tracker as a two-drop in any deck.
While I can’t say I was excited about Oculus Whelp overall, I didn’t expect it to be straight-up unplayable. I figured the set would be slow, and this thing could maybe take down some battles in the air, or trade and draw a card. But it does close to none of those things well. It’s slow, it’s overpriced, and its breath stinks (probably). I’d recommend not playing this card.
I had expected Trailblazing Historian to be a key piece to Gruul and Boros decks, threatening big hasty creatures to swing games. The main reason this card has underperformed is likely because aggressive decks can’t be aggressive enough before the Historian becomes irrelevant. I’ll keep trying this card out, but the Shaman should likely stick with history and maybe trailblaze as a backup option if things don’t work out.
What March of the Machine cards have surprised you the most? I’d be curious to hear!
As always, Lose and Learn, Learn and Win.
