Magic’s TMNT set made me fall back in love with Food
Polygon
by Corey PlanteFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Returning to Magic: The Gathering after a long hiatus, the TMNT Universes Beyond set reignited my passion for the game with its innovative Food token mechanics. This fresh approach to gameplay, introduced in the Eldraine set, transformed simple tokens into exciting, thematic elements that added depth and creativity to every turn. For fans of black-green synergy, cards like *Bake into a Pie* and *Giant Opportunity* became fan favorites, blending humor and strategy in ways that made even the most routine plays feel special.
The journey back to Magic began with purchases of core sets in 2019, but it was the release of Eldraine that truly captivated me. The set’s Food mechanics weren’t just a gimmick—they offered a unique playstyle that encouraged creativity and experimentation. Cards like *Bake into a Pie* destroyed creatures while generating Food tokens, evoking a playful, Sweeney Todd-inspired flavor. Meanwhile, *Giant Opportunity* turned sacrificing two Foods into a massive 7/7 green giant, perfectly capturing the magic of eating “magic beans” in a fun, accessible way.
For players like me who love black-green combos, Eldraine’s Food mechanics provided endless opportunities for synergy and excitement. The set proved that even simple mechanics can be elevated through clever design and thematic consistency. For anyone on the fence about diving back into Magic or exploring new sets, the TMNT Universes Beyond offers a fresh perspective on old mechanics—and a reminder of why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/26/2026