Magic: The Gathering and Wizards of the Coast are gearing up for a new edition with high expectations. But before that, and with Fallout in Commander talking a lot, we were able to talk to the Assassin’s Creed development team at Karlov Mansion, which officially goes on sale on February 9, 2024.
In this edition we are back to Ravnica map, this year’s first character and game envelopes have been released, which will replace draft and edition envelopes.
An interview with the Karlov Mansion Murders development team
Given the theme of the Karlov murders, was Clodo a natural fit for this version? Has clue and card skill been a challenge in bringing the two games together?
In regards to the Cluedo/Cluedo collaboration, the game design team had the idea of uniting the fun of Magic and Cluedo. As board game fans, Cluedo is part of our growth and love of gaming. As Clue celebrates its 75th anniversary and the magic of creating a game based on a murder mystery, we caught up with our colleagues at Hasbro to see what the possibilities are.
The MKM core set already has five weapons from the Clue board game, so it was a good starting point. Plus, legendary creatures are a big focus of Magic’s favorite format, Commander, so we knew we had a great way to draw inspiration from popular flashback characters.
If the adapted game is successful, can the formula of combining board games be retained in later editions? Or is it a one time release for this expansion?
We’re really excited because it’s a collaboration with the classic mystery board game that fits right in with Magic and Assassination of Karlov Manor. Every time we go into a new plane we look for opportunities to expand that world setting and it will be fun to be able to make a board game in the future. So for now, this is a one-time deal for the Calove Manor murders. However, if it succeeds and we are given another chance, I would love to take it.
Is the common thread of the murders in Karlov’s Mansion an extension of the power struggle between the factions? How is this struggle transferred to Cluedo’s version?
From the beginning, we knew that we would put the setting in Ravnica, and with ten friends, we only need to add the secret pass, with the colors of Dimir, and we can make two double lands for each room in the game. I’m very happy, I’m impressed with what the team has done, when they play it, it’s fun and a good combination between two amazing games.
At the artistic level, the style of the editions based on the Ravinika universe has been preserved. What would be the biggest evolution compared to other editions of the map of Ravnica?
The effects of the Fraxian invasion will continue to be reflected in individual cards and storylines. The murders at Karlov Manor take place a year after the March of the Machine, and even though Ravnica is able to defend itself against the Phyrexian invasion, all is not right in Ravnica. All groups are affected by raids. Some guilds, like Dimir, used the invasion as cover to advance their own agendas, while others ended up worse – for example, Golgari was marginalized for his role in aiding the Pharacians.
Also, the focus on the murder mystery changes the feeling we had in Ravnica before. Normally the feel of Ravnica is focused on the gangs, but with Karlov Manor Murder, we wanted to expand the sense of mystery. And about our cards, display dossier cards and magnetic display cards are a new look for Ravnica that adds to the history and sense of mystery.
Going back to Cluedo’s version, will the game’s cards work in other Magic: The Gathering formats?
All Ravnica: Cluedo Edition cards are completely legal in regular Magic play, these cards are legal in Commander format and other older formats.
We’re really excited because it’s a collaboration with the classic mystery board game that fits right in with Magic and Assassination of Karlov Manor.
Finally, what’s the main motivation when creating initiatives like Magic Cluedo, that might appeal to more than just Magic players?
As the product architect for Karlov Mansion Murders (MKM), I’m involved in all aspects of the collection, while I won’t give away the secrets of the cards and products, I can say that the team has gone above and beyond. Created Experience For players who want to go beyond the cards and solve their own puzzles, we created the RavnicaDetectiveAgency.com website to guide players through the experience and provide puzzles of all difficulty levels.
Regarding the Cluedo/Cluedo collaboration, the game design team had the idea of combining the fun of magic and Cluedo. The original MKM game had five of the six weapons that the Clodo board game had, so we shared it with that. The incredible team at Hasbro is ready to design an exciting experience inspired by both games.