Two very interesting cards. I think the giant could be played in mono red just because it has the value of 2 cards in 1. The blue card is weird but also quite good in a dedicated deck.
That Giant may be the best card I've seen outside of Murderous Rider. Holy smokes. The fact that Adventure kinda lets you work around Experimental Frenzy is feeling more and more relevant.
Nothing on the gargoyle. Irritatingly large blocker that turns into a wincon. Seems fine, but not terribly exciting.
That giant is VERY pushed. It's a skull crack for one less damage but it has an undercosted creature attached to it. I could honestly imagine Modern burn playing it just because it is almost like a skull crack with a draw attached to it. Might also find a spot in something like 8 wack.
I first read the gargoyle as caring about your graveyard size instead of hand size, seems really poor design to have it care about two different numbers of things in try different places. Association is huge, and the gargoyle seems purposefully confusing.
Giant is neat. The gargoyle on the other hand is an interesting control finisher and enabler.
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Warriors, torch-bearers, come redeem our dreams
Shine a light upon this night of otherworldly fiends
Odin's might be your guide, divorce you from the sane
Hammer's way will have its say, rise up in their name
Scratching hag, you rake your claws, gnash your crooked teeth
You've taken slaves like ocean waves, now feel the ocean seethe
- Children of the Elder Gods by Poets of the Fall
That giant is VERY pushed. It's a skull crack for one less damage but it has an undercosted creature attached to it. I could honestly imagine Modern burn playing it just because it is almost like a skull crack with a draw attached to it. Might also find a spot in something like 8 wack.
It's not skullcrack - it doesn't prevent lifegain. *IF* it was just a 2 dmg version of skullcrack it would be AMAZING, imo. This will be good in standard with all the Protection abilities going around, but it's the lack of a lifegain clause that'll keep it out of other formats.
That giant is VERY pushed. It's a skull crack for one less damage but it has an undercosted creature attached to it. I could honestly imagine Modern burn playing it just because it is almost like a skull crack with a draw attached to it. Might also find a spot in something like 8 wack.
It's not skullcrack - it doesn't prevent lifegain. *IF* it was just a 2 dmg version of skullcrack it would be AMAZING, imo. This will be good in standard with all the Protection abilities going around, but it's the lack of a lifegain clause that'll keep it out of other formats.
Notably the damage cannot be prevented this turn won't let you target a Cerulean Drake with this, but it will let it die to blocking a red creature or a red sweeper a la Deafening Clarion.
That giant is VERY pushed. It's a skull crack for one less damage but it has an undercosted creature attached to it. I could honestly imagine Modern burn playing it just because it is almost like a skull crack with a draw attached to it. Might also find a spot in something like 8 wack.
It's not skullcrack - it doesn't prevent lifegain. *IF* it was just a 2 dmg version of skullcrack it would be AMAZING, imo. This will be good in standard with all the Protection abilities going around, but it's the lack of a lifegain clause that'll keep it out of other formats.
Admittedly, about 90% of my exposure to Modern and Legacy comes from SCG's YouTube but I don't recall ever seeing a life gain strategy at their top tables. I have seen burn run out of cards. I think this solves a much more real problem than that line of Skullcrack addresses. I mean, I wish Life Gain were a thing because I'd love to run Soul Sisters or something with Lone Rider but I just don't think it matters that much?
That giant is VERY pushed. It's a skull crack for one less damage but it has an undercosted creature attached to it. I could honestly imagine Modern burn playing it just because it is almost like a skull crack with a draw attached to it. Might also find a spot in something like 8 wack.
It's not skullcrack - it doesn't prevent lifegain. *IF* it was just a 2 dmg version of skullcrack it would be AMAZING, imo. This will be good in standard with all the Protection abilities going around, but it's the lack of a lifegain clause that'll keep it out of other formats.
Admittedly, about 90% of my exposure to Modern and Legacy comes from SCG's YouTube but I don't recall ever seeing a life gain strategy at their top tables. I have seen burn run out of cards. I think this solves a much more real problem than that line of Skullcrack addresses. I mean, I wish Life Gain were a thing because I'd love to run Soul Sisters or something with Lone Rider but I just don't think it matters that much?
There's certainly no lifegain as a strategy in Modern, but as a burn player I can tell you that even inciental lifegain can really set us back - Thragtusk in Tron, Obstinate Baloth, Timely Reinforcements in UW Control, thopter foundry lifegain in Whirza... These are the things that tempo out burn and make us lose. Skullcrack is essential in some of those matchups.
That giant is VERY pushed. It's a skull crack for one less damage but it has an undercosted creature attached to it. I could honestly imagine Modern burn playing it just because it is almost like a skull crack with a draw attached to it. Might also find a spot in something like 8 wack.
It's not skullcrack - it doesn't prevent lifegain. *IF* it was just a 2 dmg version of skullcrack it would be AMAZING, imo. This will be good in standard with all the Protection abilities going around, but it's the lack of a lifegain clause that'll keep it out of other formats.
Admittedly, about 90% of my exposure to Modern and Legacy comes from SCG's YouTube but I don't recall ever seeing a life gain strategy at their top tables. I have seen burn run out of cards. I think this solves a much more real problem than that line of Skullcrack addresses. I mean, I wish Life Gain were a thing because I'd love to run Soul Sisters or something with Lone Rider but I just don't think it matters that much?
There's certainly no lifegain as a strategy in Modern, but as a burn player I can tell you that even inciental lifegain can really set us back - Thragtusk in Tron, Obstinate Baloth, Timely Reinforcements in UW Control, thopter foundry lifegain in Whirza... These are the things that tempo out burn and make us lose. Skullcrack is essential in some of those matchups.
In Tron at least, a 4/3 beater may be additional leverage as they don't always have Bridge to keep things under control so worth testing in that match-up. I see your point about Timely Reinforcements and Thoptor Foundry.
The gargoyle might be nice in the new flashback deck in C19
I agree, that giant should see Standard play, it's agressively costed for an adventure creature, and can really punish control decks with its ability. Murderous Rider's adventure mode doesn't look so hot now.
MTGS Wikia Article about "New World Order"
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
PSA to everyone who keeps forgetting about the Reserved List:
You're on a website dedicated to talking about MtG. You're only a few keystrokes away from finding out what cards are on the Reserved List. You're also only a few keystrokes away from finding out why some cards on the Reserved List got foil printings in FtV, as Judge promos, or whatnot, as well as why that won't happen again. Stop doing this.
There's certainly no lifegain as a strategy in Modern, but as a burn player I can tell you that even inciental lifegain can really set us back - Thragtusk in Tron, Obstinate Baloth, Timely Reinforcements in UW Control, thopter foundry lifegain in Whirza... These are the things that tempo out burn and make us lose. Skullcrack is essential in some of those matchups.
Or, you know, Batterskull from practically every deck right now...
The Gargoyle will very likely find a place in Legacy. So many decks in Legacy fill their own graveyards as part of their gameplans that the limitation on attacking probably won't last much past the 3nd turn in a large percentage of games. That's my initial reaction. Neat card.
Edit: I just realised, since I haven't played the deck in so long... It's a great addition to the UB Mill deck in Modern. Might just have to put that one back together.
There's certainly no lifegain as a strategy in Modern, but as a burn player I can tell you that even inciental lifegain can really set us back - Thragtusk in Tron, Obstinate Baloth, Timely Reinforcements in UW Control, thopter foundry lifegain in Whirza... These are the things that tempo out burn and make us lose. Skullcrack is essential in some of those matchups.
Or, you know, Batterskull from practically every deck right now...
There's certainly no lifegain as a strategy in Modern, but as a burn player I can tell you that even inciental lifegain can really set us back - Thragtusk in Tron, Obstinate Baloth, Timely Reinforcements in UW Control, thopter foundry lifegain in Whirza... These are the things that tempo out burn and make us lose. Skullcrack is essential in some of those matchups.
Or, you know, Batterskull from practically every deck right now...
There's a big difference between the cards being legal and the deck being played. I'm all for Sisters becoming a deck but all indications are that it is not, at least right now.
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Play Design member Andrew Brown presents... a giant with big feet, and a reward for the UB graveyard matters archetype
Dunes of Zairo
SHANDALAR
Innistrad - The Darkest Night
~THE RAVNICAN CONSORTIUM~
A Community Set
Commander: Allies & Adversaries
Nothing on the gargoyle. Irritatingly large blocker that turns into a wincon. Seems fine, but not terribly exciting.
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That aside, it seems like a strong card.
Shine a light upon this night of otherworldly fiends
Odin's might be your guide, divorce you from the sane
Hammer's way will have its say, rise up in their name
Scratching hag, you rake your claws, gnash your crooked teeth
You've taken slaves like ocean waves, now feel the ocean seethe
- Children of the Elder Gods by Poets of the Fall
'buster
HR Analyst. Gamer. Activist | Fearless, and forthright | Aggro-control is a mindset.
Elspeth and Jhoira rock my world.
It's not skullcrack - it doesn't prevent lifegain. *IF* it was just a 2 dmg version of skullcrack it would be AMAZING, imo. This will be good in standard with all the Protection abilities going around, but it's the lack of a lifegain clause that'll keep it out of other formats.
GWUBRDraft my Old Border Nostalgia Cube! and/or The Little Pauper Cube That Could!RBUWG
Modern:WDeath & TaxesW | RUGRUG DelverRUG
Notably the damage cannot be prevented this turn won't let you target a Cerulean Drake with this, but it will let it die to blocking a red creature or a red sweeper a la Deafening Clarion.
Admittedly, about 90% of my exposure to Modern and Legacy comes from SCG's YouTube but I don't recall ever seeing a life gain strategy at their top tables. I have seen burn run out of cards. I think this solves a much more real problem than that line of Skullcrack addresses. I mean, I wish Life Gain were a thing because I'd love to run Soul Sisters or something with Lone Rider but I just don't think it matters that much?
There's certainly no lifegain as a strategy in Modern, but as a burn player I can tell you that even inciental lifegain can really set us back - Thragtusk in Tron, Obstinate Baloth, Timely Reinforcements in UW Control, thopter foundry lifegain in Whirza... These are the things that tempo out burn and make us lose. Skullcrack is essential in some of those matchups.
GWUBRDraft my Old Border Nostalgia Cube! and/or The Little Pauper Cube That Could!RBUWG
Modern:WDeath & TaxesW | RUGRUG DelverRUG
Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest WUR Voltron Control
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun WU Unblockable Mirror Trickery
Ra's al Ghul (Sidar Kondo) and Face-Down Ninjas
Brudiclad, Token Engineer
Vaevictis (VV2) the Dire Lantern
Rona, Disciple of Gix
Tiana the Auror
Hallar
Ulrich the Politician
Zur the Rebel
Scorpion, Locust, Scarab, Egyptian Gods
O-Kagachi, Mathas, Mairsil
"Non-Tribal" Tribal Generals, Eggs
In Tron at least, a 4/3 beater may be additional leverage as they don't always have Bridge to keep things under control so worth testing in that match-up. I see your point about Timely Reinforcements and Thoptor Foundry.
I mean, even if you don't build around it, it's a very very good blocker on the early game.
and a crazy efficient beater late game.
really powerful card.
The gargoyle might be nice in the new flashback deck in C19
I agree, that giant should see Standard play, it's agressively costed for an adventure creature, and can really punish control decks with its ability. Murderous Rider's adventure mode doesn't look so hot now.
Gotta love the fact the Giant's "Adventure" is stepping on somebody.
Lovestruck Beast: I met the woman of my heart's desire.
Giant Killer: I slew a giant by chopping down the beanstalk he was climbing!
Animating Faerie: I brought a puppet to life.
Smitten Swordmaster: I curried the favor of Lady Ayara.
Bonecrusher Giant: I stomped on a Knight!
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
Edit: I just realised, since I haven't played the deck in so long... It's a great addition to the UB Mill deck in Modern. Might just have to put that one back together.
Legacy - WRG Lands, WR Shortcake, RR Burn, UBRG Delver
Or this Lifegain as a strategy in Modern.
There's a big difference between the cards being legal and the deck being played. I'm all for Sisters becoming a deck but all indications are that it is not, at least right now.