The world of Bloomburrow, the newest expansion for the trading card game Magic: The Gathering, is filled with adorable anthropomorphic animal characters illustrated by David Petersen. The set aims to appeal to fans of classics like Peter Rabbit, Narnia, and Redwall, but don’t be fooled by its charming artwork – this game can be brutal.
During a recent draft tournament event, players were introduced to the unique gameplay mechanics of Bloomburrow. Each of the 10 color pairs in the set focuses on specific animals and their synergies. For example, black-green squirrels benefit from foraging mechanics, white-black bats thrive on gaining and losing life, and blue-green frogs excel at bouncing themselves back to your hand.
While the draft archetypes in Bloomburrow offer a variety of strategies, the set’s fast-paced gameplay can be unforgiving. Players found themselves struggling to keep up with the blistering speed of the matches, reminiscent of the Ixalan set criticized for its narrow archetypes. Despite the challenges, the beautiful artwork in Bloomburrow, created by talented artists like Rovina Cai and Eli Minaya, adds a unique aesthetic appeal to the game.
David Petersen, the acclaimed creator of Mouse Guard, was involved in bringing the animal characters of Bloomburrow to life. His artistic style had to adapt to a more realistic approach, focusing on accurate animal anatomy for the game. Petersen drew inspiration from classic animal stories like The Wind in the Willows and Aesop’s Fables, as well as real-world animal photos provided by Wizards of the Coast.
In a recent interview, Petersen shared his thoughts on creating Bloomburrow versions of iconic Magic: The Gathering cards. From imagining Karn as a set of silver tableware assembled into a golem by a raccoon to altering classic cards like the Shambling Strider, Petersen’s creativity knows no bounds. He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to continue drawing more Bloomburrow animals for Magic: The Gathering in the future.
As players delve into the world of Bloomburrow and explore the intricacies of its gameplay, they will find a unique blend of adorable characters and challenging mechanics. While the set may present its fair share of challenges, the visual splendor and creative artistry behind the cards are sure to captivate players for years to come. So, whether you’re a seasoned Magic player or a newcomer to the game, Bloomburrow offers a whimsical and exciting experience that is not to be missed.
