by Lime Blue Cube

Created on: August 05, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

So you've just cracked a few 10th Edition packs, or you're pondering buying a box. What follows is a list of the cards that are extremely good if you happen to open them, as well as fetching a nice retail price. This is Magic's 10th Installment of the Core Set and it has not failed to please.

#5 Phage, the Untouchable
10th Edition was the first core set in Magic history to include legendary creatures as part of its repertoire. Phage the Untouchable is one such legend, and the sheer power it commands when it comes into play is unreal. It has a "block-me-or-die" ability, and that means that your opponent is going to throw everything they have at phage, lest she get through for any amount of damage. Giving Phage trample makes it even harder for your opponent to not be struck dead by her attacks, and she gets downright unstoppable if you can equip her with a Whispersilk Cloak (which is also included in 10th Edition).

Approximate Retail Price - $10.00 CAN

#4 - Seismic Assault
This heavily red-costed enchantment recently made headlines as the key card in the winning deck of Australian National Champion, Aaron Nicastri. This deck, known only as Aussie Assault uses Swans of Bryn Argoll, along with Seismic Assault and Dakmor Salvage to deal enough burn damage to an opponent through seismic assault to win the game. The pilot of Aussie assault also utilizes swans to draw or dredge more cards to keep up the burn damage.

Approximate Retail Price - $6.00 CAN

#3 Treetop Village
This is the green member of the Urza block "man-land" cycle. They all come into play tapped, yet can become ferocious creatures once activated. This member, for an installment of two mana, can become a 3/3 trampler on turn 3, without having to commit to the board. Your opponents weaker creatures will just stand by and wathc their master's life total start dropping aggressively.

Approximate Retail Price - $3.00 CAN (uncommon)

#2 Troll Ascetic
This 3 drop green creature has a cheap regeneration ability to make sure he survives those long-drawn out battles. However, the Ascetic has "Troll-Shroud," which means that it has shroud from all your opponents spells and abilities, but you may enchant, pump, or otherwise target him with your own spells and abilities. Many an opponent will be forced to waste a Damnation, just to kill this troll, because it's just that hard to get rid of.

Approximate Retail Price - $9.00 CAN

#1 Wrath of God
Ahh... the classic board-sweeper. For a one-time investment of four mana, you can basically wipe the slate clean. Got a bunch of elves chasing you down? Wrath them. What about masses of kithkin? Wrath them. It is the universal answer to anything and everything creature-based, and it gladly takes the title of #1 card in 10th Edition.

There it is for you, a look at the 10th installment of Magic's Core Set, and the 5 best and brightest cards.

Have fun, and happy gaming!

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