Magic: The Gathering (Magic) was first introduced to the market by Wizards of the Coast back in 1993. The game is designed for two or more players each using a deck of printed cards - although in more modern times the game has added the option of virtual cards which can be played over the Internet. The 62nd Magic expansion set is the Theros series, a large expansion which also includes Born of the Gods and the latest set, Journey into Nyx...

Journey into Nyx represents the third set of the Theros block. This is a small set consisting of 165 cards. The set completes the cycle of ten dual-coloured 'demigod' cards that debuted in Born of the Gods, as well as the cycle of ten 'scary lands' that premiered in the first set of Theros.

There are five intro packs in the Journey into Nyx series. These include Mortals of Myth; Fates Foreseen; Pantheon's Power; Voracious Rage; and The Wilds and the Deep.

The Voracious Rage deck boasts a horde of powerful and aggressive Minotaurs. These Minotaurs boost each other in a variety of ways.

Ragemonger decreases the cost of all your other Minotaurs, allowing you to swarm your opponents before they can set up their defences. Kragma Warcaller and Rageblood Shaman make your Minotaurs bigger as well as granting haste and trample, respectively. Felhide Petrifier gives your Minotaurs deathtouch, which allows them to take down an opponent's larger creatures and also works wonders with trample.

This deck wants to end the game quickly, but sometimes you will want to hold your forces back for a few turns until they reach a critical mass. You have a number of spells at your disposal that can remove opposing creatures while your Minotaurs do battle. These spells should primarily be used on creatures you can't block, as your Minotaur army will likely be able to handle anything on the ground.

If you don't know how to play Magic, then worry not as these packs are designed for the novice as well as the hardcore gamer in mind. These intro pack contain everything you need to play your very first game (including instructions).

All five of the intro packs available include a ready to play 60-card deck; one foil premium rare card; two sealed 15-card booster packs; a strategy insert; and a Magic "learn to play" guide. The rare foil card in the Voracious Rage pack is the premium Spawn of Thraxes.

Collectors will already have had these packs on pre-order for months, but if you're new to the world of Magic, or only a casual player, it's worth picking up this latest release.

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Nick Smithson