The Analog Gamer Special: Shadowmoor Pre-Release Exclusive

The latest expansion for Magic the Gathering is closing fast and in conjunction with Wizards of the Coast, Gaming Today is releasing exclusive information this week about cards that Magic players can find in the new set.

“In Shadowmoor, even the all-new game mechanics are warped. Wither and Persist make -1/-1 counters matter, and can turn creature combat into a meat grinder where attrition or reanimation can determine the victor. The untap symbol also makes its debut, allowing you to spring new tricks on the unwary.”

“Hybrid mana costs are back, and appear on over one third of the cards in Shadowmoor. Mono-colored hybrid cards join Wither, Persist, the Untap Symbol, and Conspire as all-new mechanics unleashed in this dark world.”

“Shine a light on the dark power in Shadowmoor, available in stores (and immediately legal for play!) May 2nd.”

Shadowmoor is in pre-release and we have two spoiler cards, one of which -Valleymaker – you will not find anywhere else on the net before the game hits store shelves.

The Valleymaker is a 5/5 Giant Shaman who cost 5 red or green to summon. The giant has two abilities both of which surround the concept of land sacrifice:

Tap and sacrifice a Mountain: Valleymaker deals 3 damage to target creature. Tap and sacrifice a Forest: Choose a player. That player adds 3 green mana to his or her mana pool.
Their home uprooted by a giant, the gang of boggarts mourned their old stomping ground.

The second spoiler card, Wound Reflection is an enchantment that cost 5 black mana. Once in play its abilities go into effect:

At the end of each turn, each opponent loses life equal to the life he or she lost this turn. (Damage causes loss of life.)
The mission of the Nighthearth, Illulia’s cult of murderous cinders, is to intensify every pain suffered in Shadowmoor.

For a better look at both cards simply click on the image above and a larger PDF copy will load.

For more information on the Shadowmoor block check out Magic the Gathering’s website preview.