CardName – The Brother’s War
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2022
Ratings:
Constructed:
Casual:
Limited:
Multiplayer:
Commander [EDH]:
Ratings are based on a 1 to 5 scale. 1 is bad. 3 is average. 5 is great.
Reviews Below:
I only realized relatively recently that New Phyrexia’s leaders are called Praetors as an homage to Gix. It’s easy to forget since he previously only really appeared in the novel The Brothers’ War, but it’s a very nice piece of continuity from so long ago.
I’ll tell you what else is nice continuity: Xantcha once commented that Gix wanted “puppets to entertain his madness“, and that’s pretty much what you get with his static ability. A lot of multiplayer tables will see the attack rates go through the roof once he adds that little incentive, and if that results in someone drawing an answer for him, at least your opponents will be weaker when you advance your game plan. (Not to mention the whole seeing the puppets dance thing.) And in still another callback, his activated ability is reminiscent of Praetor’s Grasp, which either punishes opponents for playing strong cards or helps decks fight back against the guy with all the mythics. Its cost is steep, but he helps pay for it himself, and it’s downright explosive when you get above an X of only around 2.
Constructed: 3.5
Casual: 4.5
Limited: 4
Multiplayer: 4
Commander [EDH]: 4.5
After years of references and allusions, Gix finally makes his way onto a proper printed card, and he certainly matches what you’d hope for from a notorious Phyrexian of lore. He incentivizes your opponents getting their faces bashed in, and he can eventually steal all of their things with enough mana and cards to spare. The main attraction is his card draw, though, allowing you to pay up to fill up your hand in short order. And with how he’s worded, your opponents in multiplayer games may have incentive enough to leave you alone for a bit. While his body isn’t phenomenal, a low and to-the-ground deck can potentially draw a lot of cards in short order from a timely Gix, and he’s both a value engine and a late-game bomb that lets you steal your opponents’ weapons. Do note that he doesn’t let you cheat on those costs, though, and you’ll do just fine with Gix.
Constructed: 3.75
Casual: 4.75
Limited: 4
Multiplayer: 4 (bit of a two-edged sword that does risk a bit of backfiring if your opponents draw too many cards)
Commander [EDH]: 4.25 (same deal here)
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