The Ice Age block (meaning the collection of the three sets) was the first block of cards to be printed. While previously, all the cards printed up to this point were meant to be used together. These cards were perfectly capable of meshing with the other cards, but could also function on their own. Although printed in 1995, the block was not complete until 2006 when the second of the 3 sets was finally released. It was kind of a strange situation. Ice age comes first in the chronology of the time within the three sets…

Ice Age – Released June 1995

Ice age is one of the most famous sets in Magic the gathering. Since its popular debut in 1995, it remains famous for it’s unique abilities and creatures even though many of the cards are obsolete today. Ice age introduced a new type of land to the game: Snow-covered land. snow covered land acts as a normal land, but serves more powerful to many creatures abilities. It featured different art, obviously depicting snowy lands rather than the normal lands previously printed in the early sets. Ice age also introduced the concept of Cumulative upkeep. Cumulative Upkeep serves as sort of a count down on more powerful cards. For example, if a card had Cumulative Upkeep : 1, you would have to pay 1, then 2, then, 3 etc in each of your respective upcoming turns. Ice age added new flavor to th game and remains many players favorite set to this day. This is quite possibly why Coldsnap was a hit, more than 10 years later!

The top card in the set was a tournament staple and, possibly, the best card of it’s time. Its style has worn off and there are more effective ways of winning the game nowadays, but none the less this black enchantment served as the best of the best for a long while. It can be purchased for around 5 dollars now for a cheap win condition to a casual deck!

Necropotence – Rare

Runners up : Jester’s Cap, Fyndhorn Elves

Coldsnap – Released 2006

Coldsnap was released 10 years later than the other two sets from the block. It showcased many great cards similar to Ice Age and really made it feel like MTG 1995 again. Another very flavorful set, it slightly modernized the Ice age themes to a more modern level. It introduced the concept of “Snow Creatures” to the game. Although it rarely matters if you control a Snow Creature, it further ads fun an feel to the set and the game as a whole.

Not an overpowering set like some sets printed before it, it managed to have a very even amount of usable cards from each color and type. In my opinion it is a very balanced set. Only one really stands out past a competitive standpoint. It is a rendition of counterspell that can prove rather obnoxious to players playing a similar deck to their opponent. For 2 mana, it is capable of truly messing uo an opponents game. Yet again, the top card is not a rare…

Counterbalance – Uncommon

Runners up : Adarkar Valkyrie & Ohran Viper

Alliances – Released early 1996

After Ice Age was printed, Alliances was it’s immediate follower until 2006 when Coldsnap was squeezed between the two of them. alliances depicts a rather happier approach to the game with much upbeatness compared to the flavor from the set depicting a horrible Ice Age. Alliances was pretty average in comparison to all sets released thus far. Many abilities were attached to creatures and there were some cool tricks within the cards. Alliances was also the last set to use the old type face for the power and toughness. Future cards will display a bolder, easier to read font.

Alliances is the home to one of the most famous cards of all time. This uncommon deck staple has been in constant use and high demand since the day it was printed. A playset will cost the average collector around $100 and most likely be sold out in the first place you look. Originally this card was not regarded as super-powerful, but very soon players began realizing how useful it really was! Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you…

Force of Will – Uncommon

Runners Up : Lake of the Dead & Shielding Sphere

A set called “Homelands” (<– Click to read more) was printed intermittently between Ice Age and Alliances. It is regarded by some to be the worst expansion of Magic Cards.

These Sets were proceeded in 1996 by “Mirage”, an MTG set that had a very different face! Continue reading about the Mirage block

(Pictures from www.magiccards.info)