March of the Machines: A Comprehensive Review
TL;DR Summary March of the Machines is an enchantment that has far-reaching implications for artifact-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering. By transforming noncreature artifacts into powerful artifact creatures, it creates opportunities for synergies with equipment and other artifact creatures.
Detailed Card Mechanics and Interactions
The key to understanding March of the Machines lies in its simple yet impactful effect: it transforms noncreature artifacts on the battlefield into artifact creatures, granting them power and toughness equal to their respective mana values. This distinction is crucial, as it allows the enchantment to avoid conflicts with cards like Equipment Master and Myr Enforcer, which can give equipment a creature type.
One of the most significant aspects of March of the Machines is its ability to create an army of artifact creatures from seemingly mundane artifacts. For example, a 2-mana artifact like Schematic would become a 2/2 artifact creature, while a 5-mana artifact like Thopter Spy would become a 5/5 artifact creature. This transformation has significant implications for artifact-based strategies and creates opportunities for synergies with equipment and other artifact creatures.
Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies
The impact of March of the Machines on artifact-based strategies is substantial. With noncreature artifacts transformed into powerful artifact creatures, players can employ a variety of aggressive or controlling playstyles. One potential combo involves pairing March of the Machines with Wheezewort, which creates an army of 1/1 artifact creatures that can easily overwhelm opponents.
Another synergy arises from combining March of the Machines with equipment like Myr Enforcer or Iron Golem. These equipment grant significant boosts in power and toughness, but under March of the Machines' effect, they become artifact creatures themselves, further amplifying their impact.
March of the Machines also creates opportunities for artifact-themed decks to interact with creatures more effectively. For instance, pairing it with a deck featuring Furnace of Rath or Mox Opal can generate an enormous number of artifacts and subsequently create a formidable army of artifact creatures.
Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes
March of the Machines is most effective in artifact-based decks that prioritize creating an early-game advantage through aggressive artifact deployment. This can include mono-blue artifact strategies, artifact-creature hybrids, or even combinations with tribal synergies like Golgari.
To maximize March of the Machines' potential, players should focus on generating a high number of artifacts and optimizing their mana development to create as many artifact creatures as possible. A strong starting hand and efficient mana ramp are essential for successful deployment of this enchantment.
In addition to aggressive strategies, March of the Machines can also support more controlling playstyles by creating a wall of powerful artifact creatures that can interact with opponents' removal spells and artifacts in complex ways.
Format Viability and Competitive Context
March of the Machines is most viable in constructed formats where artifact-heavy decks are common. This includes modern and future sets, as well as Commander and EDH variants. In these environments, the enchantment's effect is amplified by the prevalence of artifact-based strategies and equipment.
In competitive tournaments, March of the Machines can be a valuable inclusion for teams seeking to exploit opponent weaknesses in artifact removal or equipment-based strategies. However, its impact may be diminished in formats where opponents are well-prepared with anti-artifact measures.
Rules Interactions and Technical Notes
March of the Machines' effect only applies to noncreature artifacts on the battlefield, not those in hand or library. As such, players can still use artifacts as part of their draw step or combat phase without triggering the enchantment's effect.
When an artifact becomes a creature under March of the Machines' effect, its power and toughness are recalculated based on its new mana value. This can result in unexpected changes to an artifact's ability to block or attack.
Art, Flavor, and Historical Context
The artwork for March of the Machines depicts a procession of mechanical creatures marching across a darkened cityscape, as if summoned by some unseen force. The illustration hints at a world where machines have taken on a life of their own, echoing themes explored in other Magic sets like Dominaria and Guilds of Ravnica.
The flavor text for March of the Machines highlights the enchantment's potential to "bring forth an army" from seemingly mundane artifacts. This narrative resonates with the set's overarching theme of exploring the intersection between technology and life.
Key Takeaways
Synergistic Cards
Some cards that synergize well with March of the Machines include:
Deck Archetypes
March of the Machines is most effective in artifact-based decks that prioritize creating an early-game advantage through aggressive artifact deployment. Some possible deck archetypes include:
Ramp and Acceleration
A strong starting hand and efficient mana ramp are essential for successful deployment of March of the Machines. Consider including cards that accelerate mana development, such as Mox Opal or Furnace of Rath.
Anti-Artifact Measures
In competitive tournaments, opponents may have anti-artifact measures in place to mitigate the impact of March of the Machines. Consider including cards that can interact with these effects, such as removal spells or artifact destruction.
Conclusion
March of the Machines is a powerful enchantment that has significant implications for artifact-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to transform noncreature artifacts into artifact creatures creates opportunities for synergies with equipment and other artifact creatures. To maximize its potential, players should focus on generating an early-game advantage through aggressive artifact deployment and optimizing mana development.