I know that there are probably some people
out there who are disappointed that Lightning
Helix itself didn't return in Dragon's Maze. The
fact is, though, that effects of that type are
very powerful in any setting where they're
available, and I can imagine an argument that
the original Helix outclasses not just most
creatures of its cost but also most damage
spells, of almost any cost. Not that Warleader's
Helix is irrelevant by any means - just that it
may shine more in the midrange or control
mirrors than its famous ancestor did. For
example, three damage is just under the
threshold that many slower decks feel safe
ignoring, while four damage is over it.
Restoration Angel and Teysa have four toughness.
Just spare a thought for the mono-black players
out there - this card's rules text is in their
color pie, but I can't remember the last time
they got a version as powerful as this!
Today's card of the day is Warleader's Helix
which is a four mana Red and White instant that
deals four damage to target creature or player
and you gain four life. This is double the cost
of Lightning Helix for just one more damage and
life gain, but it does help against the
increasing number of threats at four toughness
and works well in settings where the two mana
version isn't available. Playable for a Boros or
Naya theme deck, though may be overshadowed by
lower cost options.
In Limited this is an excellent source of
removal for Boros in a block with many four
toughness creatures and also works well as an
eight point life swing when no worthwhile target
is available. There's no real drawback to the
card and it is is an automatic inclusion when
using the colors, easily splashed, and a
possible first pick in Booster over a weak rare.
Welcome to a new week of reviews here at
Pojo.com. We continue our look at Dragin's Maze
today with Warleader's Helix. Warleader's Helix
is an uncommon red and white instant that costs
two generic, one red, and one white mana.
Warleader's Helix deals four damage to target
creature or player, and you gain four life.
While Warleader's Helix is no Lightning Helix,
it still is a decent burn and life gain spell.
Four mana for four damage is a great deal, and
to gain that life on top is really good. Most
burn spells that pull that have to have much
more than four mana available to achieve that
result.
All in all, a really great spell in my opinion
that I can see people running mainly due to the
"you get what you pay for" value of the card.
Spend four mana only, deal four damage, and gain
four life. Can't go wrong.
