The surge keyword is also interesting to me, as
the teammate-related design space has not been
used very much in Magic to date. There is a
general lack of co-operative experiences in
gaming right now (when there are people who,
sadly, see even Dungeons and Dragons as a forum
for competing with others, you know we have a
problem), and it'll be interesting to see if
this set leads to more interest in team Magic.
I'd be surprised if it didn't, when there are
cards like this around - I've been on the
receiving end of the Odyssey block's Upheaval
into Psychatog play, and this is quite
comparable in the modern context. The token you
get when paying the surge cost compares
favorably to Elder Dragons and Eldrazi, and
would be hard enough to come back from on its
own even before you factor in whatever your
teammate led with (From the Ashes, much?).
Constructed: 3/5
Casual: 5/5
Limited: 3/5
Multiplayer: 5/5 (Emperor is a format!)
EDH/Commander: 3/5
Michael "Maikeruu" Pierno
Today's card of the day is Crush of Tentacles
which is a six mana Blue sorcery with a Surge
cost of five that bounces all non-land
permanents to hand and puts an 8/8 into play if
Surge was paid. This is a great card for
Two-Headed Giant or other team games where
activating Surge is easier as a topdeck or
without having to play your own card. As a
bounce it works well against tokens or to reset
enters play effects and the 8/8 with a clear
field is a notable advantage while recasting
spells. Overall this is a possible
finisher, but more likely a support and backup
plan for a build that benefits more directly
from bounce.
In Limited it is slightly more difficult to get
Surge as another card is needed in reserve and
the mana requirement might be higher. However,
more mana is often available and the effect more
noticeable in the higher average cost format.
A solid first pick in Booster and easy inclusion
when running Blue in Sealed, though Surge should
always be a priority as the 8/8 for five is too
powerful to miss unless stalling is absolutely
required.
it's kind of crazy. At one point, it's a bad
cyclonic rift. but surge makes it a bit more
fun. ponder into this as a 5 drop nets you an
unconventional boardwipe and an 8/8 beater. it's
pretty great in EDH, might be okay in standard.
I'm okay with it, but it requires a bit of setup
for it to be worthwhile.
