first strike

Wow! Wizards of the Coast acquires TSR!

Things have certainly changed since the sum-
mer of 1993... I remember, when paying for their
booth at Gen Con was a seen as a real challenge.
We're looking forward to seeing what WotC will do
with the great AD&D property. For those of you
who didn't know... Wizards of the Coast began as
an adventure game company, but that changed in
1995 when they ceased their adventure game lines:
Talislanta, The Primal Order and Everway. We'll
have to wait at least a month or so to find out what
WotC plans for TSR's product release schedule.
TSR's future is suddenly much brighter and their
loyal fans can look forward to better times.

This summer, there are five major new CCGs
being launched, plus an expansion is coming out
for (seemingly) just about every living CCG. The
number of new games seems just about right, for
the first summer in a long time. But with so many
expansions coming out, there's no way a few good
ones won't get overshadowed.

What's great is that the quality level of CCGs in
general, continues to rise. Consumers demand bet-
ter product and they're getting it.

We're especially proud of this issue. We think it
has exceeded all other SCRYEs for quality of article
content. Plus, there are some really cool insert
cards. Red Leader in Red 1 and Gold Leader in
Gold 1 are much sought-after by Star Wars players
and we feel privileged to bring them both to you
in one issue. The real-life Rebel leaders are profiled
in this issue's Pro-Talk, make a point of checking
in with them...

The Smoke & Mirrors cards are extra special. If
you are an X-Files fan you'll probably have already
guessed that there are five different versions of the
one card named Smoke & Mirrors. You'll only get
one of the five possible cards in an issue of SCRYE
but you can always enter the contest on page 120
to try and win the whole set or trade with your
friends... All five are pictured here so you'll know
what to look for.

The Lidless Eye is the first stand-alone expan-
sion for Middle-earth and we're pleased to offer
you a special promotional card, Deadly Dart, in
advance of its release.

We hope that you will find this issue our best
ever and if you have some comments, make sure
you send them to me!

Enjoy!