Gifts Ungiven

In games, I appreciate a confluence of mechanics and flavor. It's not enough that a game have interesting mechanical actions; it better engage me thematically as well. This is why I tend toward more characteristically "American" games like Axis & Allies, and away from purer abstracts (although I appreciate games that are fairly abstract with lighter themes, like Carcassonne).

Magic is confluence city. More in the extended.

The Angel of Despair from Ravnica block represents a "home run" game component -- that is, an all-around success. See the extended for an explanation of game design "home runs" and discussion about how this card fits the bill.