Gatecrash 'Simic Synthesis' intro pack deck list and review

"Simic Synthesis" is one of five new "Gatecrash" intro packs revealed today Jan. 22, 2013 on www.DailyMTG.com. Like the "Return to Ravnica" intro packs ("Rakdos Raid," "Izzet Ingenuity," "Azorius Advance," "Golgari Growth," and "Selesnya Surge"), each of the new "Gatecrash" intro packs comes with a how to play insert, tip guide, and two unopened "Gatecrash" booster packs for an MSRP of $14.99.

In "Simic Synthesis"

The Simic Combine uses bio-magic to hybridize strange creatures. Advance the state of the art with the "Simic Synthesis" deck, evolving larger and weirder life forms and using their adaptations to evolve yourself a victory.

"Simic Synthesis" comes with two rares: A premium foil Fathom Mage and Unexpected Results.

Simic Synthesis intro pack deck list

Creatures (21)

2 Adaptive Snapjaw

1 Chronomaton

1 Cloudfin Raptor

2 Crocanura

1 Crowned Ceratok

2 Drakewing Krasis

1 Elusive Krasis

1 Fathom Mage

1 Frilled Oculus

1 Ivy Lane Denizen

2 Kraken Hatchling

1 Leyline Phantom

1 Merfolk of the Depths

1 Sapphire Drake

2 Shambleshark

1 Zameck Guildmage

Other Spells (13)

2 Bioshift

2 Encrust

2 Forced Adaptation

1 Hindervines

2 Simic Keyrune

1 Sleep

1 Tower Defense

1 Unexpected Results

1 Urban Evolution

Land (26)

12 Forest

13 Island

1 Simic Guildgate

If you're a scientist who likes to conduct experiments then the "Simic Synthesis" intro pack is right for you. The deck revolves around creatures that have Evolve, a new mechanic that puts a +1/+1 counter on your creature if any other larger creature enters the battlefield under your control.

The decks innocent looking creatures can quickly grow to large proportions after just a few turns. You'll want to carefully select the order in which you cast your creatures in order to ensure that you gain the optimum amount of +1/+1 counters on your Evolve creatures.

As we've seen with all intro packs, "Simic Synthesis" features several suboptimal cards so new players to the game can get that "aha!" moment after they opened the two booster packs and find better cards to upgrade the deck. The included insert suggests adding Primordial Hydra and creatures with Undying like Strangleroot Geist and Vorapede. Experiment One is a powerful one drop Evolve creature that you'll want to pick up a play set of and Gyre Sage can help you speed up into bigger threats. You might also consider a Simic Manipulator, Master Biomancer, and Prime Speaker Zegana.

If the "Simic Synthesis" intro pack doesn't suit your play style, then one of the other four "Gatecrash" intro packs might:

• "Orzhov Oppression"
• "Dimir Dementia"
• "Gruul Goliaths"
• "Boros Battalion"

Related: Full "Gatecrash" spoiler card lists revealed:
White, Blue, Black, Red, Green, Orzhov, Dimir, Gruul, Boros, Simic, Hybrid, Artifact, and Land.

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Catch up on "Return to Ravnica"
Event decks: "Golgari: Creep and Conquer" and "Rakdos: Wrack and Rage."
Intro packs: "Rakdos Raid," "Azorius Advance," "Golgari Growth," "Selesnya Surge," and "Izzet Ingenuity."
Card lists: White, Blue, Black, Red, Green, Azorius, Izzet, Golgari, Rakdos, Selesnya, Hybrid, Artifact, and Land.

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