Last year, the Magic: The Gathering universe expanded with intriguing themes, first delving into a murder mystery and then galloping into the Wild West. Critics playfully dubbed these expansions as “Magic in detective hats” and “Magic in cowboy hats.” Now, with the upcoming Aetherdrift set, which draws inspiration from high-octane racing games like Speed Racer and Twisted Metal, the naysayers are quick to label it as “Magic in a racing helmet.” Yet, this sentiment seems misplaced, especially considering the recent Foundations set, which returned to the game’s roots, featuring classic elements like dragons, angels, and the timeless clash of swords. For those yearning for traditional fantasy, Foundations offers a rich banquet. Aetherdrift, on the other hand, caters to those seeking a refreshing change, a departure from the same high fantasy fare served night after night.
Exploring Aetherdrift
The concept of magical Carmageddon is not as far-fetched as it might seem. The multiverse of Magic is not confined to medieval aesthetics; after all, New Capenna boldly embraces a 1920s vibe infused with demonic charm. Thus, the introduction of whimsical racing elements in Aetherdrift feels like a natural evolution. Embracing this spirit, I attended a prerelease event at Plenty of Games in Melbourne to experience Aetherdrift firsthand. These events are characterized by their casual atmosphere, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game without the pressure of strict time constraints. My table opted for a four-player match that unfolded throughout the evening, perfectly embodying the racing theme rather than adhering to a series of one-on-one duels.
Engaging in a sealed format meant sifting through a selection of boosters to construct decks from the available cards. I was initially tempted to craft a black deck centered around Pactdoll Terror—a whimsical toy car piloted by a killer doll that siphons life points from opponents upon playing an artifact. However, I ultimately decided to explore the new speed mechanic. With cards featuring the phrase “Start your engines!” players gain speed points, which escalate with each turn if they inflict damage on opponents. Achieving maximum speed, which is four, triggers various card-dependent effects. My Walking Sarcophagus transformed from a modest 2/1 to a formidable 3/3, while my Aether Syphon forced opponents to mill two cards whenever I drew one. Another player pursued a similar strategy, but my early lead in speed instilled confidence that I would outpace them to victory.
However, I had not anticipated the player across from me wielding Push the Limit, a card that resurrects all vehicles and mounts from the discard pile, allowing them to attack without the need for crew that turn. As we had been filling his discard pile, he turned our contributions into a devastating advantage, eliminating one player and leaving the rest of us teetering on the brink of defeat. Though this maneuver was impressive, it ultimately did not secure him the win. The player in the far corner had previously unleashed Pactdoll Terror, swiftly draining the remaining life points of her opponents with a series of artifacts. Her victory was reminiscent of the classic tortoise-and-hare fable, where the unassuming racer crossed the finish line while others faltered in their final push. This outcome beautifully illustrated the synergy between theme and mechanics.
Aetherdrift also boasts a rich narrative connection, thanks to the worldbuilding efforts of narrative designer Miguel Lopez, who has intricately woven lore into this vibrant setting. The set is set to launch on Arena on February 11 and will be available in paper format on February 14, with in-store events hosted by participating retailers.
