Today we review a card from the
Blastosplosion set which is very welcome in
a non-evo duelist’s arsenal. There are
other cards that attempt to foil evolution
strategies but Royal Durian seems to come
out a few steps ahead. Let’s take a look.
Royal Durian
Cost:
5
Race:
Wild Veggies
Civilization:
Nature
Type:
Creature
Rules Text:
·
Shield trigger (When this creature is put
into your hand from the shield zone, you may
summon it for no cost).
·
When you put this creature into the battle
zone put the top card of each evolution
creature from the battle zone into its
owner’s mana zone.
Power:
1000
At first glance this creature doesn’t seem
too spectacular. For five mana we have a
creature that comes into play with a
laughable 1000 power. It’s a terrible deal
but at least we’re fortunate that Royal
Durian is a shield trigger creature so it
can potentially be summoned for free. Even
so it’s still the weakest shield trigger
creature for its cost. Even Fantasy Fish, a
7 mana shield trigger creature can kick
Royal Durian’s posterior.
As far as the effect, however, we’re in
luck. Whenever Royal Durian comes into the
battle zone, it unleashes a nifty little
effect. As soon as it gets summoned you
send the top card of each evolution creature
in the battle zone into your opponent’s mana
zone. This is utterly debilitating when
facing decks that focus on a strong evo
strategy. Unfortunately the same goes for
your evos so use caution. With this
“double-edge” ability in mind we need to
exploit it by throwing Royal Durian into a
deck with no evos. This may sound like a
pain at first but just consider the fact
that a lot of the stronger decks can win
without using any evos.
If you’re still not sure as to whether this
creature is worth it then just consider the
possibilities… You can completely stifle a
Beast Folk agro/rush deck or even throw away
your opponent’s Uber Dragon Bajula. You can
also watch your opponent’s unblockable
Crystal Lancer go to waste or decimate the
ever-so-annoying Warlord Ailzonius. Want to
take it a step further? Keep this card in
mind when the next set is released. Feel
free to thank me later when you realize that
you can do away with your opponent’s vortex
evolutions without breaking a sweat. Nobody
is safe.
The last thing I need to add is that with
the shield trigger ability you now have a
card that can pretty much be splashed into
any deck. The effect alone is worth the 5
mana so it’s incredible that it comes with a
body. Make sure you give Royal Durian a
shot.
The Good:
It’s a little body equipped with a
devastating effect.
The Bad:
You’ll have better things to summon for 5
mana but the shield trigger ability more
than makes up for it.
The Ugly:
Decks with Alcadeias, Bajula, Abzo Dolba,
Warlord Ailzonius, and other difficult evos
will be devastated by this little creature.
Constructed Rating:
4.5/5 – An effect like this that comes
equipped with a body and a shield trigger
ability can be pretty much used in any
deck. Go for a little green splash and
it’ll work when you need it.
Limited Rating:
2.5/5 – The only thing it’s got going for it
in limited is the fact that it can be
instantly summoned from your shields. Aside
from that, evolutions are rarely used 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!
ability.)