This card is interesting. It's a Giant Growth,
but in Red. That's probably where it need to be
anyway. Interestingly though, it could show up
in some Red/White or Blue/Red aggro decks. Other
than that, it might be left on the sidelines.
Giant Growth only gets played sparingly in
green. We'll jus thave to wait and see if
changing its color makes it more appealing.
Instant-speed power boosts in red are nothing
new. But this one boosts TOUGHNESS as well.
Believe it or not, despite its flavor, it will
probably find its greatest use as a defensive
trick. But it can be offensive or defensive, and
that's what made Giant Growth so strong all
these years. For all the Shock variants over the
years, for Rift Bolt, Fiery Madness, Chain
Lightning, and Incinerate, I believe that this
card is in fact the closest we'll ever get to
Lightning Bolt.
What can I
say about this card that I have said a thousand
times about Giant Growth? It is Giant Growth.
Especially in this format where most red limited
decks happen to be red/green. The only
difference is that when you only have 1 mountain
untapped your opponent may not be expecting a
giant growth. Use that to your advantage. But
when it comes down to it, this is a great card
just like the original.
Giant Growth is so popular in green because
green doesn't have any reach. The only way green
tends to hit is with its creatures (unless it's
teaming up with another color, of course). Giant
Growth let you capitalize on that unblocked or
trampling creature to deal an unexpected 3 (or
to capitalize on a blocked creature to save it
and bump off the enemy). Red can do that
already. Is it good? Yes, it's a very good
combat trick. Is it good enough, in red, to
replace the burn spells that can do the job? No.
Constructed - 2
Casual - 3
Limited - 4
Aethereal
Brute Force
A red Giant Growth. In constructed, Giant Growth
doesn't get played, so why should this? 95% of
the time I'd rather have a burn spell in red, as
it doesn't require a creature to work in case
you get shorted on dudes to play. Lightning
Helix, Volcanic Hammer, even Shock are all
superior to this.
In casual, if you want 4 more Giant Growths,
here you go.
In limited, you play this. Combat tricks are
never a bad thing to have.
