You might want to note that there are no playable artifact commanders since both of the legendary artifact creatures have colored activation costs. Basically they're self negating, as is Thelon. Also, (to my great disappointment) Haakon can't really be played.
Nice article, I enjoyed the smattering of information as well as the links to the deck techs (I didn't know Mr. Orange did coverage at the GP!). Awesome job.
Hey dont let them get you down...it was well though out and I felt it flowed and made sence. Yes it was different from the norm and thats good....i get tired of ready the same blah blah about a deck and how it does or doesnt work well. He entitled it "ode to the Fae" and that is exactly what he did. Good work man.
Thank u for pointing out all that. I don't think I could have gotten all that since I started top down and started to put more things in. I didn't write this as a comprehansive history guide in mind since I didn't actually start recording everything down on a diary or something. I tried to put what I remember happened and some more additional stuff came along which I found and I had to gather more of those info to make it a little more complete.
As for these - 2.Did not mention the Chritmas Events for 2002, where free constructed tournaments were open to the public. 3. Did not mention the Jan 2003 addition of CF1, Casual Format 1, which would later be named Prismatic. 4. Gaping omission of the 3/22/2003 Stress Test which was the first sign of the inherent weakness in the server architecture. 5. Gaping omission of the end of Leaping Lizard's involvement with programming MTGO and WotC taking over on 5/16/2003. 6. Not enough emphasis was made on the fact that version 2.0 was beyond broken and nearly destroyed Magic Online altogether. 7. No mention of the beginning of the Closed Beta for testing beginning with Mirrodin, or of the horrible breaking of the PE code that came with Darksteel, leading to the forced Beta. 8. No mention of Linda Cox being replaced by Justin Ziran as Brand Manager of MTGO. 9. No mention of the 1700(1800) room and its demise. 10. No mention of the addition of Classic Format and Anything Goes room.
Some I didn't notice some as a player. I probably should have put up the changes to v2 . Even though many of the old links are gone, there are some with some usable info around which I found really late.
During this big chunk of time, I kept a lookout for the avatars more than anything which is why there is a rather big emphasis on them and I initially wanted to just write on how to get everything online but it felt wierd when stuff like IPA IX game up if I didn't mention IPA I, II, III... and even more stuff turned up so this is what I got. They don't keep any timelines on magicthegathering.com so I really doubt that I would have been able to cover everything in detail. I am sorry for dissappointing you for not being able to make it have everything but I don't think I could do it even if I had another chance to if I did it the same way. And indeed Terry Soh was R&D's pick and not the Judges pick (there wasn't a judges pick my bad). Abt the avatars, I don't know when they dropped the count. I thought that it would have been very wierd if they changed it all in a downtime but since there are a few of you who have pointed it out, I suppose I could be wrong there.
I wish Ravnica was still in STD so that we could play Snapback :(
Shard Volley is a dangerous card because you will not wanna play it early in a mid-range style of deck because you do not want to set yourself back a turn in terms of being able to fill out your curve. I totally agree though that it would work great in Thresher, but I would not expect to see it in any other deck.
Negate is a cool card. I don't like Disperse, bounce isn't that good in general.
While this isn't really the article for it, I'll take a couple stabs at what might be going wrong:
!) Don't install it into c:program files.... instead, put it in c:games or somesuch.
2) Make sure you're running everything as adminstrator.
If that doesn't do it, http://forums.gleemax.com/forumdisplay.php?f=669 is the V3 tech issues forum on WotC's boards, I'd recommend posting more info there about your computer, specs, version of Vista, etc. :)
Unfortunately my rather thorough response was eaten by the browser. so I have to keep this brief.
There are tremendous holes in this article. Errors and omissions that simply make it unusable as a reference, and which simply do not help educate someone who might genuinely be interested in the history of the game. Shame on the editors for not making a simple check on some of the facts presented here, and for not asking the author to double check.
For any of you genuinely interested in learning about the history of MTGO, please check:
There are some errors and omissions in the article:
1. The avatars at launch were not limited to 5. The limit came later, when WotC decided to begin releasing avatars with each expansion. WotC wanted to make the avatars a collectable item, so they decided to scale down.
2. Did not mention the Chritmas Events for 2002, where free constructed tournaments were open to the public.
3. Did not mention the Jan 2003 addition of CF1, Casual Format 1, which would later be named Prismatic.
4. Gaping omission of the 3/22/2003 Stress Test which was the first sign of the inherent weakness in the server architecture.
5. Gaping omission of the end of Leaping Lizard's involvement with programming MTGO and WotC taking over on 5/16/2003.
6. Not enough emphasis was made on the fact that version 2.0 was beyond broken and nearly destroyed Magic Online altogether.
7. No mention of the beginning of the Closed Beta for testing beginning with Mirrodin, or of the horrible breaking of the PE code that came with Darksteel, leading to the forced Beta.
8. No mention of Linda Cox being replaced by Justin Ziran as Brand Manager of MTGO.
9. No mention of the 1700(1800) room and its demise.
10. No mention of the addition of Classic Format and Anything Goes room.
11. Terry Soh was the R&D pick, not the Judges.
and I have to go back to work, so can't finish dissecting.
The effort and idea behind the article are commendable, but it is just not nearly thorough enough and has gaping holes which most players that have been around a while can see.
Another great, memorable article but now you have me worried. Isn't a muscial episode a sign that the show has jumped the shark? (www.jumptheshark.com) I hope not! Keep them coming and I don't want to see a marriage episode or anybody giving birth then I will have to split while the gettings good.
The reduction to 5 avatars happened after the game left the beta stage since v2 went up after legions (with the phage avatar). They did make some other avatars on the beta servers that tested the new sets like the Scion of Darkness avatar which never made it into real life. Once in awhile u see stuff from the old times (like a cephalid or other wierd stuff) used by wotc employees.
U got me there with the trophy case. Errata: The trophy case was a v2 function.
We assume the cvp was an apology (for it being worse than the leaping lizards work)but they did specifically say to celebrate the v2 when they announced it. (They will never say stuff like: sorry we screwed up. here's some stuff to make u happy.. not directly anyway) I'll leave the interpretation to u but I think it was really ironic when the party got abruptly stopped because of server probs.
I forgot to mention that you can’t buy every troop at level 1 and PWN some NEWBZ.
First of all, RTS stands for Real Time STRATEGY, which means someone with more experience is going to have an edge over someone who simply spend more money.
Second SAGA is an MMO which means at level 1, your troops will be level 1, and while a level 10 troop is not 10 times as strong as a level 1 unit, by the time you equip it with items which you can only get through questing, then customize those items through our crafting system (didn’t think we had that one did you?) that level 10 unit is going to seriously womp your army of level 1’s.
Fortunately we have many systems in place to prevent high level players from doing much more than helping lower level ones, unless the lower level players choose to subject themselves to such torture, which for some reason many of them do.
The upcoming sealed deck tournaments will allow level 35 players to compete on equal footing with level 1 players.
I should warn you, the game has a steep learning curve, which I expect not to be a problem for MTGO players. If you can take the time to learn MTG rules, your going to find SAGA simple. The game is also FREE to try, which most people find reasonably priced.
You might want to note that there are no playable artifact commanders since both of the legendary artifact creatures have colored activation costs. Basically they're self negating, as is Thelon. Also, (to my great disappointment) Haakon can't really be played.
wait.. there was a major tournament event in your hometown and YOU DIDN"T PLAY? GP are open events correct?
boo hiss on being a spectator when you could have done massive damage.
Nice article, I enjoyed the smattering of information as well as the links to the deck techs (I didn't know Mr. Orange did coverage at the GP!). Awesome job.
Four dredge decks made top 8 at GP Vienna. I saw some dredge in Philly but it wasn't very well represented and it is a tough deck to play properly.
Nice article.
Hey dont let them get you down...it was well though out and I felt it flowed and made sence. Yes it was different from the norm and thats good....i get tired of ready the same blah blah about a deck and how it does or doesnt work well. He entitled it "ode to the Fae" and that is exactly what he did. Good work man.
Not one dredge deck made 8-1? I find that more than surprising.
Thank u for pointing out all that. I don't think I could have gotten all that since I started top down and started to put more things in. I didn't write this as a comprehansive history guide in mind since I didn't actually start recording everything down on a diary or something. I tried to put what I remember happened and some more additional stuff came along which I found and I had to gather more of those info to make it a little more complete.
As for these -
2.Did not mention the Chritmas Events for 2002, where free constructed tournaments were open to the public.
3. Did not mention the Jan 2003 addition of CF1, Casual Format 1, which would later be named Prismatic.
4. Gaping omission of the 3/22/2003 Stress Test which was the first sign of the inherent weakness in the server architecture.
5. Gaping omission of the end of Leaping Lizard's involvement with programming MTGO and WotC taking over on 5/16/2003.
6. Not enough emphasis was made on the fact that version 2.0 was beyond broken and nearly destroyed Magic Online altogether.
7. No mention of the beginning of the Closed Beta for testing beginning with Mirrodin, or of the horrible breaking of the PE code that came with Darksteel, leading to the forced Beta.
8. No mention of Linda Cox being replaced by Justin Ziran as Brand Manager of MTGO.
9. No mention of the 1700(1800) room and its demise.
10. No mention of the addition of Classic Format and Anything Goes room.
Some I didn't notice some as a player. I probably should have put up the changes to v2 . Even though many of the old links are gone, there are some with some usable info around which I found really late.
During this big chunk of time, I kept a lookout for the avatars more than anything which is why there is a rather big emphasis on them and I initially wanted to just write on how to get everything online but it felt wierd when stuff like IPA IX game up if I didn't mention IPA I, II, III... and even more stuff turned up so this is what I got. They don't keep any timelines on magicthegathering.com so I really doubt that I would have been able to cover everything in detail.
I am sorry for dissappointing you for not being able to make it have everything but I don't think I could do it even if I had another chance to if I did it the same way.
And indeed Terry Soh was R&D's pick and not the Judges pick (there wasn't a judges pick my bad).
Abt the avatars, I don't know when they dropped the count. I thought that it would have been very wierd if they changed it all in a downtime but since there are a few of you who have pointed it out, I suppose I could be wrong there.
It is a great article, but I think lark is not hard to deal with at all, in fact, that is one of the fae's favorate matchup.
I see Walk the Aeons win alot but it might be because i never play controlish enough decks
I wish Ravnica was still in STD so that we could play Snapback :(
Shard Volley is a dangerous card because you will not wanna play it early in a mid-range style of deck because you do not want to set yourself back a turn in terms of being able to fill out your curve. I totally agree though that it would work great in Thresher, but I would not expect to see it in any other deck.
Negate is a cool card. I don't like Disperse, bounce isn't that good in general.
While this isn't really the article for it, I'll take a couple stabs at what might be going wrong:
!) Don't install it into c:program files.... instead, put it in c:games or somesuch.
2) Make sure you're running everything as adminstrator.
If that doesn't do it, http://forums.gleemax.com/forumdisplay.php?f=669 is the V3 tech issues forum on WotC's boards, I'd recommend posting more info there about your computer, specs, version of Vista, etc. :)
~Erik
$19.95, which isn't bad for a game in general. $2.95 per pack of cards if you choose to buy packs. :)
any help on getting MTGO to run ok on vista? my bro is having problems with it
Quit stealing my nonsensical rhymes
Ill be sure to check it out tonight what are the cost for the real version?
Unfortunately my rather thorough response was eaten by the browser. so I have to keep this brief.
There are tremendous holes in this article. Errors and omissions that simply make it unusable as a reference, and which simply do not help educate someone who might genuinely be interested in the history of the game. Shame on the editors for not making a simple check on some of the facts presented here, and for not asking the author to double check.
For any of you genuinely interested in learning about the history of MTGO, please check:
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=790364
which contains a much better compilation of the history of MTGO.
-zahori
There are some errors and omissions in the article:
1. The avatars at launch were not limited to 5. The limit came later, when WotC decided to begin releasing avatars with each expansion. WotC wanted to make the avatars a collectable item, so they decided to scale down.
2. Did not mention the Chritmas Events for 2002, where free constructed tournaments were open to the public.
3. Did not mention the Jan 2003 addition of CF1, Casual Format 1, which would later be named Prismatic.
4. Gaping omission of the 3/22/2003 Stress Test which was the first sign of the inherent weakness in the server architecture.
5. Gaping omission of the end of Leaping Lizard's involvement with programming MTGO and WotC taking over on 5/16/2003.
6. Not enough emphasis was made on the fact that version 2.0 was beyond broken and nearly destroyed Magic Online altogether.
7. No mention of the beginning of the Closed Beta for testing beginning with Mirrodin, or of the horrible breaking of the PE code that came with Darksteel, leading to the forced Beta.
8. No mention of Linda Cox being replaced by Justin Ziran as Brand Manager of MTGO.
9. No mention of the 1700(1800) room and its demise.
10. No mention of the addition of Classic Format and Anything Goes room.
11. Terry Soh was the R&D pick, not the Judges.
and I have to go back to work, so can't finish dissecting.
The effort and idea behind the article are commendable, but it is just not nearly thorough enough and has gaping holes which most players that have been around a while can see.
7.
Great article but you are writing your articles in the 3.0 chat format now?
For any 'haters' out there: try being creative. It's freakin' hard. This was a really neat and very interesting.
Well done!
Whereas I found the article so painful to read that I couldn't get through it. Please don't do this again.
Another great, memorable article but now you have me worried. Isn't a muscial episode a sign that the show has jumped the shark? (www.jumptheshark.com) I hope not! Keep them coming and I don't want to see a marriage episode or anybody giving birth then I will have to split while the gettings good.
Was this game demo'd at gencon indy? I remember trying a game along these lines and it was fun... was it you, Saga?
This was seriously the best article ive read in a while i propose that you do all youre articles in rhyme you could be known as the Minstrel of Magic.
The reduction to 5 avatars happened after the game left the beta stage since v2 went up after legions (with the phage avatar). They did make some other avatars on the beta servers that tested the new sets like the Scion of Darkness avatar which never made it into real life. Once in awhile u see stuff from the old times (like a cephalid or other wierd stuff) used by wotc employees.
U got me there with the trophy case. Errata: The trophy case was a v2 function.
We assume the cvp was an apology (for it being worse than the leaping lizards work)but they did specifically say to celebrate the v2 when they announced it. (They will never say stuff like: sorry we screwed up. here's some stuff to make u happy.. not directly anyway) I'll leave the interpretation to u but I think it was really ironic when the party got abruptly stopped because of server probs.
I forgot to mention that you can’t buy every troop at level 1 and PWN some NEWBZ.
First of all, RTS stands for Real Time STRATEGY, which means someone with more experience is going to have an edge over someone who simply spend more money.
Second SAGA is an MMO which means at level 1, your troops will be level 1, and while a level 10 troop is not 10 times as strong as a level 1 unit, by the time you equip it with items which you can only get through questing, then customize those items through our crafting system (didn’t think we had that one did you?) that level 10 unit is going to seriously womp your army of level 1’s.
Fortunately we have many systems in place to prevent high level players from doing much more than helping lower level ones, unless the lower level players choose to subject themselves to such torture, which for some reason many of them do.
The upcoming sealed deck tournaments will allow level 35 players to compete on equal footing with level 1 players.
I should warn you, the game has a steep learning curve, which I expect not to be a problem for MTGO players. If you can take the time to learn MTG rules, your going to find SAGA simple. The game is also FREE to try, which most people find reasonably priced.
-Slava