These expansions into tech tropes were inevitable but do we really need so many cars and fantasy creatures in zoot suits when there is still so much traditional mythology that has gone unexplored? Sure, “my car is powered by spirits” is fun, but there’s so much incredible East Asian mythology we’ve never seen represented.
Still, given that MTG takes place in an unlimited multiverse, these new, modern settings make perfect sense. Of course not every world is going to be an agrarian paradise. Wouldn’t it make sense that a species with access to magic actually advances their technology faster because of that magic?
Wizards of the Coast | Hasbro
Kaladesh, a steampunk inspired set released in 2016, was the first set to introduce the artifact type vehicles. And even though steampunk is aesthetically horrible, almost as horrible as Revillark, vehicles are here to stay. And so it seems, are these modern archetypes. Is this ruining the core conceit of the game? Ultimately, the soul of the game lies in its design. If Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty is any indicator, then the game is not only surviving by introducing modern tropes to help inspire design, it’s thriving. The saga cycle which turns into creatures is defining the set and the high level of interactivity makes it one of the most fun sets to play in a draft format since Dominaria. So, yes, introducing modern tropes into Magic is clearly working and is something we’ll see more of in the future. Hopefully this means we’ll get a cowboy inspired set sooner rather than later.
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