Wow, even though Colony Beetles are some of the least-used creatures in the game, they still some of the best names and graphics.  In this respect, Fortress Shell is my favorite out of the Colony Beetles, although Legacy Shell is a very close second.  Let’s see what it can do.

 

Legacy Shell

 

Cost: 5

 

Race: Colony Beetle

 

Civilization: Nature
 

Type: Creature
 

Rules Text:

• Each of your light creatures and fire creatures has "power attacker +3000." (While attacking, a creature that has "power attacker +3000" gets +3000 power.)
  
   

Power: 3000

 

A lot of people don’t know what to think of Legacy Shell.  At first glance, it looks questionable because of the power to mana ratio.  Let’s face it, 3000 power for 5 mana isn’t really the greatest, especially since there are already so many other exciting 5 mana creatures.  Fortunately, with its 3000 power Legacy Shell is at least safe from some of the Fire Civilization destruction spells, including the notorious Burst Shot. 

 

The funny thing with Legacy Shell is the fact that you can overhaul your fire creatures, making them even stronger.  Once your power attackers get an additional 3000 power, there will be very little standing in their way.  In addition you’ll have creatures like Core-Crash Lizard and Smash Warrior Stagrandu, shredding through your opponent’s shields and creatures with authority.  Heck you’ll even have a ball attacking with a 7000 power Gonta!  To make things even more interesting, unlike the other two cards from this week, Legacy Shell has an effect that can stack.  You can eventually power your creatures up by 6000 and then 9000.

 

Interestingly enough, it appears that Legacy Shell has a lot more synergy with the Light Civilization.  Light creatures are very solid to start with but Legacy Shell really puts them over the top.  Just think of how devastating a Holy Awe would be or even a cheap little Screaming Sunburst.  Just keep tapping your opponent’s creatures and shred them up with your +3000 power blockers.  You’ll even have game-breaking weaklings like Skysword being able to deliver the final blow.  With Legacy Shell there is no hope for the weak.

 

As far as combos, just consider this as a final thought…  Combine this creature with Pala Olesis and it’ll seem as if neither creature’s effect has worn off (without any race restrictions).

 

The Good:  No matter, which civilization you choose to use out of the two, your opponent will be in for a barrage of punishment.

 

The Bad:  The power is not the greatest.

 

The Ugly:  Your creatures return to their normal power after they attack, leaving them somewhat vulnerable.  I would suggest combining this effect with that of Pala Olesis.

 

Constructed Rating: 4.5/5 – Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”  This certainly holds true for Legacy Shell.  It looks seemingly harmless at 3000 power but it instantly converts your field into beatdown arsenal, no matter how fragile your creatures appear.  A lot of people have overlooked this card, so surprise them with a little bit of overkill.

 

Limited Rating: 4/5 – If you can get this card out (with either fire or light on the field) then nothing will be able to stand in your way.  Kill everything in your path and do not relent.

 

 

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