I realize it may not be an auto-include at most sizes, but I really think Hammer of Purphoros deserves more than a 1. While it may not be properly costed to support a Fires archetype, I think it fits really well into the cube definition of mono-red aggro. Not only are you looking for a glut of 1-drops with 2+ power that don't have haste (no net tempo loss if you play them a turn later), but excepting a Hellrider or something, you will always be turning your extra lands into golems once you cast this. Most non-green, non-white decks don't play creatures that can reliably block golems either, and if necessary you can simply hold them back and play defense while you get creature overload or find burn. Also, I really like Loam decks, and this + Exploration effects is one way to make them work.
I realize it may not be an auto-include at most sizes, but I really think Hammer of Purphoros deserves more than a 1. While it may not be properly costed to support a Fires archetype, I think it fits really well into the cube definition of mono-red aggro. Not only are you looking for a glut of 1-drops with 2+ power that don't have haste (no net tempo loss if you play them a turn later), but excepting a Hellrider or something, you will always be turning your extra lands into golems once you cast this. Most non-green, non-white decks don't play creatures that can reliably block golems either, and if necessary you can simply hold them back and play defense while you get creature overload or find burn. Also, I really like Loam decks, and this + Exploration effects is one way to make them work.
Great review, thanks for posting.
Thanks!
See, I actually don't think it fits into mono-red aggro at all, which is why I gave it a 1. Casting this on turn 3 is not an option unless your draw is really bad (or you have the read on a sweeper and you can't afford to commit more to the board). Almost all of the creatures that come after it on curve in mono-red aggro already have haste. It costs 6 mana to make your first token (which means it will take 2 turns to make a dude in most cases in mono-red, because if you have six lands in play something probably went awry).
Adding those things on top of the other concerns (not really 'splashable', e.g.). It DOES sound like it would be neat in a loam/crucible/exploration shell, but I don't think that makes it good enough for inclusion.
I think the card is actually very good, and well designed. It will warp limited. It will see good constructed play. I just don't think that it will play well enough to include it in the Cube over other things.
"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less." -Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass
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My Theros Cube review went up earlier this week!
http://legitmtg.com/casual/the-wrath-of-the-titans-a-theros-cube-review/
Hope you enjoy!
-AA
I use descriptive language. Assume that I'm being nice and respectful. (I'll tell you when I'm not.)
My Cube: http://cubetutor.com/viewcube/9029
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My Article - "Mana Short: A study in limited resource management."
My 50th Set (P)review - Discusses my top 20 Cube cards from OTJ!
"What am I looking at? Ashes, dead man."
This article made me want to play Purphoros, even without distinctly supporting a token theme in red.
My 630 Card Powered Cube
My Article - "Cube Design Philosophy"
My Article - "Mana Short: A study in limited resource management."
My 50th Set (P)review - Discusses my top 20 Cube cards from OTJ!
Same... but since you are adding it to your cube I'll just wait until you give us a playtest report
My 630 Card Powered Cube
My Article - "Cube Design Philosophy"
My Article - "Mana Short: A study in limited resource management."
My 50th Set (P)review - Discusses my top 20 Cube cards from OTJ!
Great review, thanks for posting.
Cubetutor Link
Thanks!
See, I actually don't think it fits into mono-red aggro at all, which is why I gave it a 1. Casting this on turn 3 is not an option unless your draw is really bad (or you have the read on a sweeper and you can't afford to commit more to the board). Almost all of the creatures that come after it on curve in mono-red aggro already have haste. It costs 6 mana to make your first token (which means it will take 2 turns to make a dude in most cases in mono-red, because if you have six lands in play something probably went awry).
Adding those things on top of the other concerns (not really 'splashable', e.g.). It DOES sound like it would be neat in a loam/crucible/exploration shell, but I don't think that makes it good enough for inclusion.
I think the card is actually very good, and well designed. It will warp limited. It will see good constructed play. I just don't think that it will play well enough to include it in the Cube over other things.
-AA
I use descriptive language. Assume that I'm being nice and respectful. (I'll tell you when I'm not.)
My Cube: http://cubetutor.com/viewcube/9029
The 'suggested cuts' are a very good way of describing the relative cubability of a card.
My 380 Beginners’ Cube on Cube Tutor
"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less." -Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass