A 2/2 for three that you can't block. Blue
doesn't tend to be an aggro color, but this card
makes it able to act as one if a player really
wants to do so. And I can see how a Bant exalted
deck would want it to carry a few Exalted
triggers straight to the opponent's noggin. Of
course, there was no Exalted when this was first
printed, so it's traditionally been involved
with simply braining the other guy for 2 until
he sees fit to blow that kill card in his hand,
at which point Serra Angel comes down and mops
up what's left. Or perhaps you'd like to adorn
it with a Blachwood Armor, or for you neophytes
Armored Ascension. Whatever the application,
sometimes you just can't beat the piece of mind
that comes with knowing your opponent is taking
the damage.
One of the oddities of the color pie is that
enemy colors often get similar abilities.
Phantom Warrior, for example, could almost be a
red creature. In addition to unblockability, he
has an aesthetic similarity to fellow M10
uncommon Prodigal Pyromancer: you tap him, and
your opponent loses two life (after a couple of
turn steps, anyway). There are usually a couple
of creatures ahead of Phantom Warrior in the
line for constructed play, but this card is
still perfectly serviceable, and quite good at
what it does - watch out for the accompanying
Might of Oaks in draft!
Constructed:
The little Jhessian Infiltrator has stolen his
spotlight in Standard, I think the casting costs
has alot to do with it plus she is new.
Casual & Multiplayer:
He has been around the block a few times. Still
does not see him much with the casual crowds.
Limited:
Him being a uncommon keeps his power level down
for M10 sealed and draft. When he hits the
battlefield he puts your opponent on a clock to
have to deal with him, or it is 2 damage a turn
or more if pump spells are available. Draft or
open up a Armored Ascension a watch your
opponent go bye bye.
Overall a oldie that still very good.
Constructed: 3
Casual: 3
Multiplayer: 2
Limited: 4
Later
Miguel
Michael "Maikeruu" Pierno
Today's card of the day is Phantom Warrior a
decent unblockable creature for three mana with
a 2/2 body.
In Constructed, Casual, and Multiplayer this is
a good offensive weapon for a color not known
for an offensive strategy. Without any natural
protection it is an easy target and generally a
high priority for removal. Also note that as a
Warrior this does work with Obsidian Battle Axe
and a hasted unblockable 4/3 isn't a bad move.
In Limited this is a great card to team up with
some Flying creatures in a Blue or Blue/White
deck. This is far more likely to come up in
Booster Draft and it works very well as Flying
is a major advantage in the format. I consider
it a high draft choice if Blue is already the
main color, but with the double cost it is
difficult to splash.
