What do you think of Tempest?

[Maraxus of Keld]

How would you rate Tempest as a set? I give it a 10/10, as I consider it the greatest set ever released. I've given some reasons why in other posts, but let me reiterate a few:

Buyback- one of the greatest card abilities ever, far better than Madness or Cycling, even a little better than Flashback. The Tempest buyback cards were largely pretty good. It wasn't until Exodus that buyback cards became crap, as cards like Flowstone Flood and Forbid had buybacks that weren't worth it.

Shadow- It's a useful ability. On the surface, it's not as good as flying, but I find it more helpful, because not many people use shadow creatures, and I still do. Therefore, I have things that people can't block.

And here are just a few of the great cards to come from Tempest:

Shocker
Seeker of Skybreak
Aluren
Overrun
Disturbed Burial
Whim of Volrath
Furnace of Rath
Time Warp

[Baron Sengir]

I liked Tempest a lot, I found buyback and shadows to be a very brilliant abilites as well. It's also good to see that a lot of Tempest cards are being re-printed in the newer sets.

[Butcher Orgg(s)]

It had slivers. It had a cool set symbol.

[Baron Sengir]

It's the greatest set ever no doubt in my opinion, so many useful cards; in fact I'm still considering spending the $300 on a box of Tempest.

[Butcher Orgg(s)]

Despite my earlier comments, I still have never quite "gotten" the big deal about this set... Care to elucidate me?

[Maraxus of Keld]

I think it was just really popular because it was very well balanced (more powerful than the Mirage block but nothing like Urza's). Also it had a cool storyline (compared to other MtG sets anyway) and besides that, it had the amazingly powerful Serpent Warrior.

I think it looks better in comparison because it's right before the Urza block, also.

[Volrath, the Fallen]

That set basically kicked off the entire story that magic would have up until Apocalypse.

[Butcher Orgg(s)]

PH34R T3H W4R10R!!11!@~!~1!

Anyhow. Yes, I can see that. For me, Slivers will always be the thing I remember about it though.

[Baron Sengir]

And don't forget all the evil shadow creatures like
Soltari Guerrillas

[Maraxus of Keld]

One of the things I loved about Tempest was Buyback, one of the greatest card mechanics ever.

[CrimsonTears]

I loved the whole Rath Cycle story too. It was nice when set stories connected. Like Ice Age and Fallen Empires are connected.

[Maraxus of Keld]

They are? I guess that shows how much I paid attention to the story back then.

[Butcher Orgg(s)]

No, Shadow is of the devil.