Create a Powerful Turtle Power! Commander Deck Design
Melissa DeTora, a senior game designer for Magic, leads the Casual Play Design team. She played a significant role in the creation of the Turtle Power! Commander deck for the Magic: The Gathering® | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set. DeTora’s passion for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) dates back to her childhood, where she enjoyed TMNT cartoons, collectibles, and video games.
Creating the Turtle Power! Commander Deck
The initiative for a TMNT-themed Commander deck stemmed from the desire to represent the entire franchise cohesively. Athena Froehlich, El-Balad’s lead product architect, emphasized the need for a singular deck that captures the essence of TMNT without pitting the characters against each other. After careful consideration, the design team opted for a five-color deck to encompass the variety of characters.
Character Identities and Gameplay Mechanics
- Each Turtle and Splinter received a unique monocolor identity.
- Additional characters from the TMNT universe enhanced the deck’s color diversity.
To set the Commander deck apart from the main set, the team incorporated themes inspired by TMNT video games. Significant elements included popular game tropes such as electric seaweed, recognizable bosses like Bebop and Rocksteady, and phrases like “Pizza time!” These aspects were pivotal in creating a nostalgic and engaging gameplay experience.
Deck Design and Mechanics Themes
The design process encompassed brainstorming various mechanics that resonated with TMNT themes. After evaluating potential mechanics, the final choice was to incorporate +1/+1 counters, symbolizing the progression and leveling up found in video games. This choice allowed for a wider range of playable cards compatible with the five-color identity of the deck.
The Commander Selection Process
Choosing the deck’s commander was crucial. While four Turtles could have been represented, the team favored a new mechanic inspired by character selection in arcade games. Initially dubbed “Character Select,” this mechanic allowed players to choose their commanders from a selection of characters. However, after thorough playtesting, this idea was abandoned due to its complexity and the burden it placed on card space.
The final design employed a partner mechanic that facilitated a five-color identity while simplifying gameplay. This adjustment enabled players to choose characters freely while maintaining a streamlined experience.
Character Representation
The Turtle Power! Commander deck features a diverse array of characters, including:
- Irma, who frequently undergoes mutations.
- Bebop and Rocksteady, depicted in pirate costumes from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time.”
- Exploding Barrel, reminiscent of classic arcade game mechanics.
In conclusion, the Turtle Power! Commander deck combines nostalgic elements with innovative gameplay. Fans can look forward to an engaging play experience that captures the spirit of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. The complete decklist and card gallery are available on El-Balad.
