I think the easiest way to understand this card is as 4/4 semi-indestructible creature that can be attacked to death. The +1 ability is basically just acting as a wall on defense- when you're attacking, you're probably just better off making Gideon a creature. The "ultimate" is really just a bit of situational lifegain in most scenarios.
The problem with this Gideon is that he doesn't net you any traction, so he doesn't play like a real planeswalker. He offers you no card advantage, no buffs, nothing that lingers after he leaves the battlefield. He's just another creature in a very competitive slot for creatures.
I'm only about 50% on finding a slot for new Gideon at 400 cards. I think the card is great, but it doesn't do something unique compared or sorely needed. I think it basically needs to be evaluated a bit like a creature as TTF said. He's probably an include on the 'good-stuff' basis but I am already making a couple of changes to white for the new Amonkhet cards, so we'll see how it pans out.
I disagree with the conclusion that Gideon is only another creature. He's pretty far from that, actually. The {+1} ability is relevant (and will be his primary function a lot of the time). It can isolate threats in a similar way to a card like Prison Term can. In addition to also being a 4/4 indestructible attacker when that's what the gamestate calls for. And also being able to create an Emblem that can soak up damage when/if the need for that ability arises. He can also open up lines of attack through an opponent's potentially advantageous creature, since it immediately stops the target from dealing damage.
I like him best in control where [+1] and/or the emblem keep you safe early doors, and the 4/4 mode can beat down once a lock has been established. As a 'walker, it's also a that that survives through your own wraths and Languishes.
With a week of evaluation behind me now, I think I'm going to pass on this at 450 for now. A $25 preorder price plus white planeswalker saturation plus not being convinced this is actually awesome leaves me there.
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I can't say I'm pleased to see you and must warn you I may have to do something about it.
EDH: UGEdric
Pauper: URDelver
Modern: UGRDelver
Draft my cube: Eric's 390 Unpowered
Personally, I like a low planeswalker density. I have about 1% planeswalkers all told, and I wouldn't want much more than that. I would play this Gideon if I opened him, as I only have one mono white planeswalker in the cube, and I allow for 2-3 in each mono color if they are all sufficiently different from one another.
This guy is fine as planeswalkers go, but he's not interesting to me. He's just good. There are lots of good planeswalkers. I like a little zazz. I like Nissa and Liliana much better. I do keep cards out of the cube if I think they are too powerful, and this guy doesn't seem like he warrants that, whereas I wouldn't let Gideon, Ally of Zendikar near my cube. Planeswalkers are so powerful on average that even mediocre ones are insanely good in a format like my cube. This guy doesn't feel like would enrich the format, he's just hyper efficient.
If I open this guy at the prerelease, I'll probably try to trade him off at hype value for cards that I'd rather have in the long run, like cycle lands, or a planeswalker I really want, like Nahiri, the Harbinger.
The problem with this Gideon is that he doesn't net you any traction, so he doesn't play like a real planeswalker. He offers you no card advantage, no buffs, nothing that lingers after he leaves the battlefield. He's just another creature in a very competitive slot for creatures.
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On spoiled card wishlisting and 'should-have-had'-isms:
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!
On spoiled card wishlisting and 'should-have-had'-isms:
EDH: UGEdric
Pauper: UR Delver
Modern: UGR Delver
Draft my cube: Eric's 390 Unpowered
This guy is fine as planeswalkers go, but he's not interesting to me. He's just good. There are lots of good planeswalkers. I like a little zazz. I like Nissa and Liliana much better. I do keep cards out of the cube if I think they are too powerful, and this guy doesn't seem like he warrants that, whereas I wouldn't let Gideon, Ally of Zendikar near my cube. Planeswalkers are so powerful on average that even mediocre ones are insanely good in a format like my cube. This guy doesn't feel like would enrich the format, he's just hyper efficient.
If I open this guy at the prerelease, I'll probably try to trade him off at hype value for cards that I'd rather have in the long run, like cycle lands, or a planeswalker I really want, like Nahiri, the Harbinger.
Low-power cube enthusiast!
My 1570 card cube (no longer updated)
My 415 Peasant+ Artifact and Enchantment Cube
Ever-Expanding "Just throw it in" cube.