Unbound Flourishing – Modern Horizons MTG Review

David
Fanany
Player
since
1995

Not too long ago, a card that referred to the concept of X in a mana cost or activation cost would probably have been considered something for an Un-set. I am glad that we got it, regardless of border color; it is a fun tool to play with. It’s probably too specific for competitive decks that need to be generally powerful, but X spells are a theme that everyone can get behind in more casual settings. They offer decks a lot of flexibility and can scale to a range of different game states.

It’s interesting to note that the doubling effect is mandatory. I don’t know if there are a lot of situations where you would want to avoid doubling your effect anyway; maybe if you have something like Blue Sun’s Zenith and you’re in risk of drawing so many cards there aren’t any left in your library. 

Constructed: 2/5
Casual: 4/5
Limited: 1/5 
Multiplayer: 4/5
EDH/Commander: 4/5

Have you ever wanted to make X even larger than you once thought possible? Unbound Flourishing might be the card for you, if that is the case. While the hydra in the artwork gives an idea of a tribe that likes this spell (hint: they’re hydras), any large X spell would like this. Like massive burn spells or massive card-draw spells. Just about any color has a use for this effect, and it’s a potent one!

…if you build around it, of course. And Unbound Flourishing is a three-drop enchantment that doesn’t do a whole lot by itself when it comes into play. If you don’t build around it, it’s not going to do anything, and it’s a dud in Limited as a result of not really having cards to build around it or pair with it (outside of…Crypt Rats, I guess?). It’s an interesting spell with the chance to do crazy things, but it needs a lot of support to do so, and I question if Modern has a home for something this slow.

Constructed: 3
Casual: 4.5
Limited: 1.5
Multiplayer: 4
Commander: 4.75