Magic: The Gathering is preparing to release its highly anticipated new set of cards titled "Outlaws of Thunder Junction." This unique expansion takes the trading card game in a whole new direction, featuring a Western-themed setting centered around a daring heist led by a group of ambitious villains.

In a recent conference call with the press, head designer Mark Rosewater explained that the release of "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" marks a significant shift in the game's storyline. Last year, the epic "March of the Machine" event concluded a four-year narrative arc where the Phyrexians, one of the game's main villains, invaded the multiverse. As a result, the cosmology of the Magic multiverse underwent drastic changes, opening up possibilities for new sets that were previously unimaginable.

Among the standout characters in "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" is Oko, a shape changer who is infamous for being both incredibly powerful and previously banned. Oko takes on the role of the ringleader in this band of outlaws, joined by other notable characters such as Tinybones, Kellan, Vraska, Rakdos, and the newly introduced Annie Flash.

The new set also introduces a captivating storyline revolving around a valuable treasure hidden within a vault, placed there by the enigmatic Fomori. This treasure, known as "The Big Score," comprises the first sub-set of cards included in "Outlaws of Thunder Junction." Each of the 40 Big Score cards is brand new to Magic and will be available in Play Boosters and Collector Boosters, some even featuring special raised foil treatment. These cards feature their own distinct symbol and set code, suggesting that we may see them incorporated into future sets.

In addition to the exciting new characters and storyline, "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" brings forth a range of fresh mechanics to enhance gameplay. The term "outlaw" is now introduced as a new categorization for certain types of cards, including assassins, mercenaries, pirates, rogues, and warlocks. This allows designers to streamline effects and potentially bring a fresh perspective to existing decks.

To further add spice to the gameplay, crimes become a focus in "Outlaws of Thunder Junction." Crimes are now considered spells or abilities that target opponents, their controlled objects, or cards in their graveyard. Cards like Oko, The Ringleader, interact with these crimes, triggering buffs or debuffs based on how many crimes have been committed.

The set also features new sub-sets of cards called "Breaking News," all of which consist of crimes. These cards, with their own symbol and set code, will be available both in Play and Collector Boosters, with the latter offering exclusive raised foil variants.

"Outlaws of Thunder Junction" introduces several new keywords, including plot, which allows players to exile and recast spells without paying their mana cost. This mechanic allows for strategic planning and more explosive moves in later turns. Another new keyword, spree, grants players the ability to add on additional effects when playing certain cards, but with limitations on the number of times it can be activated.

Additionally, the set introduces the saddle keyword, which augments specific creatures by allowing characters to ride them into combat. These saddle abilities apply to a new type of creature called mount creatures, offering exciting tactical opportunities.

Finally, "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" presents Commander decks with a new mechanic called bounty. Bounties introduce a mini-game element, increasing the chaos in multiplayer matches. These bounties, set goals to achieve during gameplay, are shared through a bounty deck and can only be accessed by acquiring all four Commander decks from the "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" set.

Magic: The Gathering fans can look forward to the digital release of "Outlaws of Thunder Junction" on April 16th via Magic: The Gathering - Arena. A physical release is set for April 19th and pre-orders are currently available both online and at friendly local game stores. With its Western theme and innovative mechanics, this new set is bound to captivate players and bring a fresh twist to the game's meta.