Today’s creature is almost identical to yesterday’s creature except for a slight change in its effect.  Skyscraper Shell is nature’s version of Hazaria and when both cards are teamed up the results can be potentially devastating.

 

Skyscraper Shell

 

Cost: 4

 

Race: Colony Beetle

 

Civilization: Nature

 

Type: Creature

 

Rules Text:

• Wave striker (While 2 or more other creatures in the battle zone have "wave striker," this creature has its ability.)
  When you put this creature into the battle zone, your opponent chooses one of his creatures in the battle zone and puts it into his mana zone.

 

Power: 2000

 

As stated before, Skyscraper Shell is almost the same card as Hazaria, Duke of Thorns.  Having to pay 4 mana for a 2000 power creature that’s potentially useless is a very poor investment.  The problem with Wave Striker is that unless you have 2 of them in the battle zone when bringing out the next one, it’s pretty much a waste.  You cannot use the effect unless there are three in the battle zone, which is why summoning this creature may not be the smartest thing.

 

Let’s look on the bright side and assume that there are at least 2 other wave strikers in the battle zone.  Now we’re in luck!  As soon as Skyscraper Shell comes out your opponent will have to choose one of his/her creatures and send it to his/her mana zone.  I’m always happy to look at creature removal cards, but unlike Hazaria, Skyscraper Shell might give your opponent a nice little mana advantage.  It’s like casting a Vine Charger but without getting the extra mana on our side of the battle zone.  It’s somewhat of a waste.  Hazaria is a nice clean kill while Skyscraper gives your opponent a mana advantage.

 

Just like I said with Hazaria, this turn 4 wave striker can be the first to use the effect, which is great because your 3 mana wave strikers with +4000 power will be ready to rip your opponent to shreds.

 

The Good:  A turn 4 creature removal and power boost to the 3 mana wave strikers.

 

The Bad:  It suffers the drawbacks of wave strikers.

 

The Ugly:  It creates a field advantage but a mana disadvantage.

 

 

Constructed Rating: 2/5 – It’s a good effect but unless there are other wave strikers in the battle zone you can’t really do anything.  On top of that, with all of the creature hate you may run into these types of complications.  Then again, instead of giving your opponent a mana advantage you might be better off by not being able to use the effect.

 

Limited Rating: 4/5 – It’s decent in limited.  I’d recommend using it.

 

Please feel free to post your comments, questions, and/or objections on the Message Board and I’ll be more than happy to respond.  Happy dueling!