The rate is not particularly amazing for any value of X, but it's not totally embarrassing once X=2 or higher, since X=2 is a Skyknight Legionnaire (or a Phoenix of Ash frontside). Hydroid Krasis isn't particularly inspiring at any specific X compared to its peers e.g. Cloudblazer, but many would agree it's a staple these days.
Flying, haste
Shivan Devastator enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it.
0/0
Scalable, hasty, evasive threat. It doesn't compare well at specific MVs, but the bigger picture is what's to look at here, similar to cards like Hydroid Krasis.
The initiative/undercity is a pretty powerful mechanic overall at first glance. With explore, this potentially swings as a 6/7 and follows that up with 7/8 attack and a Lava Axe. If you already have a Cleric/Rogue/Warrior/Wizard from turns 1-3, you can swing with protection immediately. You can also get the initiative back with this creature, if you lose it. Sure, the white 4-drop slot is pretty contested, but this might crack in if testing is promising. I might re-add some of the lower-drop Cleric/Rogue/Warrior/Wizards as well to help support this.
Seems like a reasonable psuedo-evasive 3-power 2-drop for red aggro decks! Domain is mostly flavour text though.
Shivan Devastator {X}{R}
Creature — Dragon Hydra
Flying, haste
Shivan Devastator enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it.
0/0
Scalable, hasty, evasive threat. It doesn't compare well at specific MVs, but the bigger picture is what's to look at here, similar to cards like Hydroid Krasis.
The initiative/undercity is a pretty powerful mechanic overall at first glance. With explore, this potentially swings as a 6/7 and follows that up with 7/8 attack and a Lava Axe. If you already have a Cleric/Rogue/Warrior/Wizard from turns 1-3, you can swing with protection immediately. You can also get the initiative back with this creature, if you lose it. Sure, the white 4-drop slot is pretty contested, but this might crack in if testing is promising. I might re-add some of the lower-drop Cleric/Rogue/Warrior/Wizards as well to help support this.