A teaser trailer has recently appeared revealing the next plane that players of Magic the Gathering will be battling to protect, or dominate, in April 2016. Once again we return to a land of Gothic horror and classic monsters in Shadows Over Innistrad.

Innistrad is a plane themed heavily around classic Gothic literature and horror movies. Humans struggle to survive against hordes of vampires, werewolves and zombies, while mighty angels and daemons battle one another for control of the land.

After the last Innistrad block, the story seemed fairly triumphant. The angel Avacyn, whose holy symbol is seen in the teaser, had been released and she and humanity were forcing back the darkness of the world. However, it seems all is not quite so sanguine.

Personally, I think this most likely has something to do with the release of the Eldrazi, an ancient race of Lovecraftian terrors who travel between the planes devouring all they come across. It would not surprise me if they have made their way to Innistrad, especially as Sorrin Markov, the vampire lord of the plane, was one of those who imprisoned them in the first place.

Innistrad may well be my favourite block of Magic the Gathering. It was the one running when I got back into the game a few years ago and I love its focus upon Gothic monsters.

The graveyard focused abilities always provided some great tactical options, while the introduction of the transformation cards for the werewolves was a great way to make the game feel more alive and in line with its theme.

I am definitely looking forward to seeing what they come out for with this new block come April.

What sort of cards are you hoping for?