Out of all of the holofoil cards from the Blastosplosion set, Miraculous Meltdown is by far one of the most beautiful and visually inspirational.  The artwork is just amazing!  As far as the spell effects, however, this card does seem to be overlooked by almost all players.  Let’s see if it deserves its “Super Rare” status…

 

Miraculous Meltdown

 

Cost: 6

Civilization: Dakness/Fire

Type: Spell

Rules Text:

·         (This spell is put into your mana zone tapped.)

·         You can cast this spell only if your opponent has more shields than you do.

·         Your opponent chooses one of his shields for each shield you have.  He puts the rest of his shields into his hand.  (He can use the “shield trigger” abilities of those shields.)

 

 

With a set of effects that are this unique, it is difficult to compare Miraculous Meltdown to any other spell.  It has the potential to both wipe out your opponent’s shields and a potential to backfire.  I’m not saying that this card is worthless but I would only recommend this card to experienced players.  The cost of 6 mana seems pretty fair since this is not an effect that should be rushed.

 

As far as the effect, let’s just make it as simple as possible.  The first part says that you need to have fewer shields.  The second part basically sends your opponent’s shields to the grave yard until he/she has as many shields as you do (they get to pick which shields stay).  This second effect could be an inconvenience because your opponent can still use shield triggers.

 

So what’s the big deal?  The answer is simple…  This card is a finisher.  The best time to use this card is when you have no shields because that means that your opponent gets reduced to no shields.  Using this strategy is EXTREMELY entertaining because your whole strategy is based upon getting pummeled by your opponent and thanking him/her for each shield they destroy.  Yes, it’s a suicide deck.  Just reduce your shields to zero, cast this card, and attack for the win.  Just keep in mind that your opponent’s shield triggers still activate and it can get pretty nasty depending on what they are (especially Holy Awe).

 

Want to make this more enjoyable and effective at the same time?  If your opponent is stalling then the only person who will be breaking your shields will be you.  Sure there are cards that get rid of shields like Baraga, Benzo, and Uliya.  While these cards are decent, it’s always better and harder to predict when you go all out.  Just wipe out all of your shields and go for the win!  Sounds masochistic and dangerous but your opponent will be ripping their hair out as soon as they see the combo.

 

So how do we do this and maximize on the tremendous wonder that is Miraculous Meltdown?  Remember that “useless” card named Aurora of Reversal (which a lot of you have already flamed)?  Think about this ideal scenario:

1)       Cast Aurora of Reversal and send 5 shields to your mana zone (thus negating the cost of Aurora)

2)       Cast Miraculous Meltdown and destroy all of your opponent’s shields.

3)       Swing with an unblockable creature!  (more “useless” cards from the nature civ)

4)       Gloat!

 

Obviously I’ve made a successful deck with these beautiful super rares.  Not only is it fun but it has scored several victories.  The best part is that nobody can defend against suicide decks.  Feel free to also try another “useless” card called Ghastly Drain.  I’m sure you all flamed this one as well.  Ghastly will not only remove all your shields but during desperate times you can draw a card for each shield removed to look find Miraculous Meltdown.  Just remember that EVERY card in DM serves a purpose.

 

As I always say: Never give me the opportunity to exploit a “useless” card.

 

The Good:  This card provides a strategy that’s completely unexpected and difficult to defend against.

 

The Bad:  Playing a deck that is designed to lose is very difficult and frustrating at first.  Only experienced players should try gambling with this card.

 

The Ugly:  Holy Awe is teh sux vs this strategy! (intentional spelling)

 

Constructed Rating: 4.5/5 –  People will flame and hate but only out of sheer ignorance.  Those who discredit a card without ever using it are the true n00bs.  Respect the Miraculous Meltdown.

 

Limited Rating: 2.5/5 – This card is only good at evening the field.  Don’t think too hard about formulating a strategy for this in limited.

 

 

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!

- DRY 1337