Understanding the nuances between different editions of Magic: The Gathering cards can often seem daunting. It becomes particularly perplexing when trying to differentiate between Unlimited and Revised sets.
This article will walk you through these two sets’ unique characteristics, offering a detailed comparison to grasp the distinctions better. We will use Underground Sea as an example.
Unlimited and Revised: Similarities and Distinctions
White Border
The white border is a common feature of both the Unlimited and Revised sets.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to remember that a white border isn’t exclusive to these sets. Other editions such as Fourth Edition through recent base sets also share this feature.
Lighter and Darker Colors
Ever notice how some cards appear brighter or darker than others? Well, this isn’t a random occurrence. Unlimited cards typically have a darker coloring compared to Revised cards.
For example, let’s consider the card “Underground Sea,” a famous Dual Land. Even within this bright card, a noticeable contrast exists in color saturation.
Unlimited
Revised
As a general rule, Unlimited MTG cards tend to feature darker art and coloring compared to their Revised counterparts. This distinction is particularly evident in cards that incorporate dark colors into their artwork.
English Text
Unlimited cards were exclusively printed in English. However, as the popularity of Magic cards soared, they became available in various languages. On the flip side, the Revised set had a large portion printed in English, with a few others translated in 1994, the same year of its English printing.
No Copyright Symbol
Both Unlimited and Revised MTG cards lack the Wizards of the Coast copyright line, typically seen as “2015 Wizards of the Coast, Inc. All Rights Reserved.” Newer editions usually feature this line.
The Tap Symbol
The tap symbol had a significant impact on Magic’s templating. In Alpha, the tap ability was written as “Tap THIS CARD to _.” The Revised edition introduced the tap symbol before the colon, which initially sparked some criticism but has now become a universally recognized symbol in the game.
Here, again, we have the Unlimited and Revised version of Underground Sea. Note the difference in treatment of the ‘Tap.’
If a card features a tap symbol, it’s a clear indication that it’s not from the Unlimited set.
Card Name / Title and Border
Closely observing the position of the card name in relation to the black border can provide insight into the card’s set. In Revised cards, the name is placed further away from the black border, while in Unlimited cards, it sits closer to the black outline.
Artist Name Location – Baseline Distance
Here’s a quick hack to differentiate between Unlimited and Revised cards – check the location of the artist’s name.
Unlimited
Revised
In Unlimited cards, the artist name sits more towards the middle of the space between the black line and the card’s text, while in Revised it is positioned above the black line at the bottom of the card.
Changing Mana Color Words to Mana Symbols
A major shift occurred in the Revised set where textual representation of mana colors was replaced by actual symbols. If you find a card with mana symbols in its text box, it’s safe to say it was printed during the Revised set or later.
Conclusion
Differentiating between Unlimited and Revised MTG cards requires keen observation and understanding of their unique characteristics. Considering factors like the white border, color saturation, language, copyright symbol, tap symbol, card name location, and the use of mana symbols can help you identify the specific set of a card.
As you become more proficient in recognizing these differences, you’ll develop an eagle eye for distinguishing between Unlimited and Revised cards in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I rely solely on the white border to determine whether a card is from the Unlimited or Revised set?
No, several other editions also feature white borders. Therefore, the white border alone isn’t a definitive indicator.
Q2: How can I differentiate between the brightness or darkness of colors on Unlimited and Revised cards?
Unlimited cards typically have a darker coloring compared to Revised cards. It’s especially noticeable in cards with darker colors in their artwork.
Q3: Are all Unlimited and Revised cards printed in English?
Unlimited cards were exclusively printed in English. However, the Revised set had a significant portion printed in English, with some other languages introduced later in 1994.
Q4: Can I use the absence of a copyright symbol as the sole indicator of whether a card is from the Unlimited or Revised set?
While both Unlimited and Revised cards lack the Wizards of the Coast copyright line, newer Magic sets usually feature this line. So, it isn’t a foolproof method.
Q5: Why is the tap symbol an important factor in determining whether a card is from the Unlimited set?
The tap symbol was introduced in the Revised set. Hence, if a card has a tap symbol, it clearly indicates that it’s not from the Unlimited set.
