Subject: Review of Exodus Date: Sun, 7 Jun 1998 21:03:40 -0400 (EDT) From: Elliot Fertik To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com Frank, here's a (slightly long) review of Exodus. My rating system: I given all of the cards in the set two ratings, one for sealed, one for constructed (Type II). The rating is based on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being best and 1 being worst. Here's are some examples: Sealed: ***** - A godlike card that will probably take you to the top 8 in sealed deck tournaments. Examples: Stormbind, Cursed Scroll **** - A must play that will probably cause you to play that card's color by itself. Examples: Rolling Thunder, Winds of Wrath *** - A solid sealed deck card that will fit in nicely if you are playing that card. Exaples: Many green fatties, many shadows, most non-red removal ** - A mediocre card that you only use if you need to fill out a color. Examples: Volrath's Curse, Seeker of Skybreak, Energizer * - Utter trash even for sealed deck. Example: Betrothed of Fire Constructed: ***** - Cards that alone have decks based around them, or cards that define the tournament scene. Exaples: Incinerate, Cursed Scroll, Counterspell **** - Solid tournament cards that you will see again and again in Type II. Examples: River Boa, Mogg Fanatic, Black/White Knight. *** - Good cards that don't quite make the cut for tournament worthy cards. Examples: Nettletooth Djinn, Infantry Veteran, Urborg Stalker ** - Mediocre cards that only newbies play with. Example: Craw Wurm, Scathe Zombies, countless others. * - Utter trash that makes you wonder what brand of crack R+D was smoking when they approved the card. Examples: The Legends banding lands, Sorrow's Path, Lion's Eye Diamond Anyway, here we go! --- LANDS ---------------------------------------------------------- City of Traitors Land none EX-R If you play a land, sacrifice City of Traitors. {T}: Add two colorless mana to your mana pool. Sealed: ** Constructed: *** Pretty damn limited, but actually could be used in some fat decks, the way that ancient tomb was used in some of the red Tempest constructed decks. --- ARTIFACTS ------------------------------------------------------ Medicine Bag Artifact {3} EX-U {1},{T},Choose and discard a card: Regenerate target creature. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** In sealed, this is a card worth considering if you have a lot of fatties. Still, there are better ways to get regenerating - Broken Fall, anyone? Skyshaper Artifact {2} EX-U Sacrifice Skyshaper: All creatures you control gain flying until end of turn. Sealed: **** Constructed: ** I played with thing at the prerelease, and it was quite useful; it can oftan act as a finisher. Would normally play with it. Spellbook Artifact {0} EX-U Skip your discard phase. Sealed: * Constructed: ** This is unoriginal dreck; why do we need this card when we have Library of Leng? Shame, Witc. Transmogrifying Licid Artifact Creature {3} EX-U 2/2; Transmogrifying Licid counts as a Licid. {1},{T}: Transmogrifying Licid loses this ability and becomes a creature enchantment that reads "Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and counts as an artifact" instead of any other type of permanent. Move Transmogrifying Licid onto target creature. You may pay {1} to end this effect. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** In sealed, this card might be useful, both for Stupid licid tricks, and also to toughen up your creatures. Also, since it is an Artifact creature, it is usable in many decks. Coat of Arms Artifact {5} EX-R Each creature gets +1/+1 for each other creature in play of the same creature type Sealed: ** Constructed: *** If it weren't for the cost, this could actually be useful in consctructed, especially in theme decks. One less casting cost and it just might be a tourney-worthy card. Erratic Portal Artifact {4} EX-R {1},{T}: Return target creature to owner's hand unless its controller pays {1}. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: ***1/2 Memory Crystal Artifact {3} EX-R All buyback costs are reduced by {2}. Sealed: ** Constructed: ***1/2 In sealed, useles, but I can see some intriguing decks been made with in decks that use buyback, particularly blue (certainly with Whispers and Capsize.) Will take testing. Mindless Automaton Artifact Creature {4} EX-R 0/0; Mindless Automaton comes into play with two +1/+1 counters on it. {1},Choose and discard a card: Put a +1/+1 counter on Mindless Automaton. Remove two +1/+1 counters from Mindless Automaton: Draw a card. Sealed: *** Constructed: * In sealed, any artifact creature is usually good, though this isn't really that great. At least you will usually be able to use it replace itself. Null Brooch Artifact {4} EX-R {2},{T},Discard your hand: Counter target noncreature spell. Play this ability as an interrupt. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: **** Without doubt the best Exodus artifact. For decks that empty their hand fast, this is pretty damn amazing. Will certainly go well with cursed scroll/Ensnaring Bridge. Very good. Sphere of Resistance Artifact {2} EX-R All spells cost an additional {1} to play. Sealed: * Constructed: *** Intriging in an environment with winter orb, but I bet that (1) additional isn't that big a deal. Also, this costs 3 to cast, not 2. Thopter Squadron Artifact Creature {5} EX-R 0/0; Flying; Thopter Squadron comes into play with three +1/+1 counters on it. {1},Remove a +1/+1 counter from Thopter Squadron: Put a Thopter token into play. Treat this token as a 1/1 artifact creature with flying. Play this ability as a sorcery. {1},Sacrifice a Thopter: Put a +1/+1 counter on Thopter Squadron. Play this ability as a sorcery. Sealed: **** Constructed: ** In sealed, you play flying artifact creatures! In constructed, this is just too expensive. And why are the abilities only usable as sorceries? Workhorse Artifact Creature {6} EX-R 0/0; Workhorse comes into play with four +1/+1 counters on it. Remove a +1/+1 counter from Workhorse: Add one colorless mana to your mana pool. Play this ability as a mana source. Sealed: *** Constructed: *1/2 In sealed, this card is an artifact creature, and so you play it. As usual, not good for constructed. --- BLACK ---------------------------------------------------------- Carnophage Summon Zombie {B} EX-C 2/2; During your upkeep, pay 1 life or tap Carnophage. Sealed: *** Constructed ****1/2 God's gift to suicide black. ANOTHER 2/2 for 1 that has a less nasty upkeep effect than Sarcomancy. And notice that this thing's a Zombie - that means it will stop Sarcomancy from hurting you once the token's gone... This one card alone could propell black weenie into overdrive. Cat Burglar Summon Minion {3B} EX-C 2/2; {2B},{T}: Target player chooses and discards a card. Play this ability as a sorcery. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** Would you rather have this or a stick? Mediocre (should have been 2B or 1BB) Culling the Weak Mana Source {B} EX-C Sacrifice a creature: Add {BBBB} to your mana pool. Sealed: * Constructed: ** Sorry, I'd rather have a Dark Ritual. And if you need mana producing creatures, use a blood pet. Cursed Flesh Enchant Creature {B} EX-C Enchanted creature gets -1/-1 and cannot be blocked except by artifact creatures and black creatures. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** In sealed, this really isn't too bad, as you can use it for removal (most likely use) or to make a creature unblockable. Useless in constructed, of course. Dauthi Jackal Summon Hound {2B} EX-C 2/1; Shadow; {BB}, Sacrifice Dauthi Jackal: Destroy target blocking creature. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** Too expensive for constructed, but you always use shadows for sealed. Death's Duet Sorcery {2B} EX-C Return two target creature cards from your graveyard to your hand. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: ** Nothing wrong with this, as it gives you card advantage, but pretty boring. Grollub Summon Beast {2B} EX-C 3/3; For each 1 damage dealt to Grollub, each opponent gains 1 life. Sealed: ** Constructed: * The side effect is pretty horrific, especially in fast black decks. No thanks. Nausea Sorcery {1B} EX-C All creatures get -1/-1 until end of turn. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** Stench of decay is back, cheaper but as a sorcery. Would use in sealed, but not very exciting. Scare Tactics Instant {B} EX-C All creatures you control get +1/+0 until end of turn. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** It's appropriately cheap, but how often are you going to use this instead of another creature. Thrull Surgeon Summon Thrull {1B} EX-C 1/1; {1B}, Sacrifice Thrull Surgeon: Look at target player's hand and choose one of those cards. That player discards that card. Play this ability as a sorcery. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Can be used as an expensvie Coersion, I guess, but still pretty weak. Vampire Hounds Summon Hounds {2B} EX-C 2/2; Choose and discard a creature card: Vampire Hounds get +2/+2 until end of turn. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: *** This guy really is pretty good, especially because he is much cheaper than the Skyshroud Vampire. With all of the graveyard manipulation, he just becomes better. Probably not constructed worthy, but still nice. Dauthi Cutthroat Summon Minion {1B} EX-U 1/1; Shadow; {1B},{T}: Destroy target creature with shadow. Sealed: **** Constructed: *** Especially in the Tempest environment, you see a lot of creatures with shadow. This can kill all of them (except the Soltari Priest) - and he's cheap too. I like. Dauthi Warlord Summon Soldier {1B} EX-U */1; Shadow; Dauthi Warlord has power equal to the number of creatures with shadow in play. Sealed: *** Constructed: **1/2 Too expensive - wouldn't you just rather have a Horror or Slayer> Fugue Sorcery {3BB} EX-U Target player chooses and discards three cards. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Simply put, too expensive. Keeper of the Dead Summon Wizard {BB} EX-U 1/2; {B},{T}: Destroy target nonblack creature. Play this ability only if that creature's controller has at least two fewer creature cards in his or her graveyard than you have in yours. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Simply put, I don't like many of the keepers, because they are too situational. I had a lot of these in draft, and they simply never worked very well for me. And a 1/2 for BB ain't too hot. Mind Maggots Summon Insects {3B} EX-U 2/2; When Mind Maggots comes into play, choose and discard any number of creature cards. For each card discarded in this way, put two +1/+1 counters on Mind Maggots. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** Boring, but often you can get a 4/4 for this. Necrologia Instant {3BB} EX-U Play Necrologia only during your discard phase. Pay X life: Draw X cards. Sealed: *** Constructed: **1/2 Sorry, but I don't like the new Necro for the simple reason that it is too expensive. 1 less cost, and it would be awesome... Slaughter Instant {2BB} EX-U Buyback - Pay 4 life. Destroy target nonblack creature. That creature cannot be regenerated this turn. Sealed: **** Consructed: ** Of course, you ALWAYS play this in sealed (I had TWO in one draft...). Constructed, I'd rather have a Dark Banishing or even Terror, as the cost in price is simply too great. Spike Cannibal Summon Spike {1BB} EX-U 0/0; Spike Cannibal comes into play with one +1/+1 counter on it. When Spike Cannibal comes into play, move all +1/+1 counters from all creatures onto Spike Cannibal. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: ** Now, I have to give credit to R+D - this is a fun and original card, even if it's not tournament worthy. Play in sealed, though, as you see lots of +1/+1 counters there. Entropic Specter Summon Spirit {3BB} EX-R */*; Flying; Entropic Specter has power and toughness equal to the number of cards in target opponent's hand. If Entropic Specter damages any player, that player chooses and discards a card. Sealed: **1/2 Constructed: ** I don't like; it is simply TOO expensive. Also, damn useless against scroll decks. Hatred Instant {3BB} EX-R Pay X life: Target creature gets +X/+0 until end of turn. Sealed: **** Constructed: ** In sealed, the only problem with this card is that it doesn't produce a gory "fatality" ;) In constructed, simply too expensive. Oath of Ghouls Enchantment {1B} EX-R During each player's upkeep, if there are more creature cards in that player's graveyard than in target opponent's graveyard, the player may return a creature card from his or her graveyard to his or her hand. Sealed: *1/2 Constructed: *** I don't particularly like the Oaths, as things that are available to your opponent are simply too situational to be very useful. Too often, this will simply be useless. Original idea, but I predict will not be used, even in Buried Alive decks. Pit Spawn Summon Beast {4BBB} EX-R 6/4; First Strike; During your upkeep, pay {BB} or sacrifice Pit Spawn. If Pit Spawn damages any creature, remove that creature from the game. Sealed: *** Constructed: *** Expensive, obviously, but probably the best big black beastie we've seen in a long time. Would you rather have this or the late, unlamented Cosmic Horror? Plaguebearer Summon Zombie {1B} EX-R 1/1; {XXB}: Destroy target nonblack creature with total casting cost equal to X. Sealed: ****1/2 Constructed: ** A mox monkey for creatures! in sealed he is da bomb; in constructed, he's not nearly as useful (Mogg/pinger bate, though he might be able to take them out as well). Recurring Nightmare Enchantment {2B} EX-R Sacrifice a creature, Return Recurring Nightmare to owner's hand: Put target creature card from your graveyard into play. Play this ability as a sorcery. Sealed: **** Constructed: ***1/2 This could be pretty damn abuseable, but returning it to your hand weakens it significantly. Still, could see some constructed use. Volrath's Dungeon Enchantment {2BB} EX-R Any player may pay 5 life during his or her turn to destroy Volrath's Dungeon. Choose and discard a card: Target player chooses a card in his or her hand and puts that card on top of his or her library. Play this ability as a sorcery. Sealed: *** Constructed: **** Think about it; Necro for a lot, play this, and you will timewalk over your opponent for a lot, and lock them down for many turns. Look for smart deck constructors to abuse this card. --- BLUE ----------------------------------------------------------- AEther Tide Sorcery {XU} EX-C Choose and discard X creature cards: Return X target creatures to their owner's hand. Sealed: * Constructed: * Utter junk. What were they thinking? Cunning Enchant Creature {1U} EX-C Enchanted creature gets +3/+3. If enchanted creature attacks or blocks, sacrifice Cunning at the end of turn. Sealed: ** Constructed: * Gee, maybe I'd rather use Unstable Mutation? chaff. Fade Away Sorcery {2U} EX-C For each creature, that creature's controller pays {1} or sacrifices a permanent. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Mediocre, because the price really isn't that steep. I'd rather have Pendrill Mists. Merfolk Looter Summon Merfolk {1U} EX-C 1/1; {T}: Draw a card, then choose and discard a card. Sealed: **** Constructed: ***1/2 Card manipulation at an incrdibly cheap price. May go in some constructed decks, because scrolling though your cards is really good. Robe of Mirrors Enchant Creature {U} EX-C Enchanted creature cannot be the target of spells or abilities. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Great flavor quote, but still mediocre chaff. Rootwater Mystic Summon Merfolk {U} EX-C 1/1; {1U}: Look at the top card of target player's library. Sealed: ** Constructed: *** OK, anther decent fish, but still, I think the other 1 casting cost merfolk are better. School of Piranha Summon Fish {1U} EX-C 3/3; During your upkeep, pay {1U} or sacrifice School of Piranha. Sealed: ** Constructed: * I guess this isn't bad for the cost, but upkeep costs are NOT GOOD for blue. Thalakos Scout Summon Soldier {2U} EX-C 2/1; Shadow; Choose and discard a card: Return Thalakos Scout to owner's hand. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: ** Blue shadow, but still pretty expensive. Compare to the good black and white shadow. Theft of Dreams Sorcery {2U} EX-C For each tapped creature target opponent controls, draw a card. Sealed: *** Constructed: *** While you can get massive card advantage from this, if your opponent has 2/3 tapped creatures and you are blue, you are in trouble. Wayward Soul Summon Spirit {2UU} EX-C 3/2; Flying; {U}: Put Wayward Soul on top of owner's library. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** Standard saaled flying chaff. Whiptongue Frog Summon Frog {2U} EX-C 1/3; {U}: Whiptongue Frog gains flying until end of turn. Sealed: **1/2 Constructd: *1/2 Pretty bad, even for blue flyers. And since when did blue get FROGS?! Curiosity Enchant Creature {U} EX-U If enchanted creature damages an opponent, you may draw a card. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Presumably this is the "tourney-worthy" blue enchantment. Sorry, if I wanted an Ophidian, I'd pay for it. Forbid Interrupt {1UU} EX-U Buyback - Choose and discard two cards. Counter target spell. Sealed: **** Constructed: **** People are saying that the buyback cost is too high, but remember somthing, people - you can still use it as a Counterspell! And the buyback, while steep, might be useful in a few desperate situations. I think this is about the best buyback counterspell we could expect. Well done, Wizards. Keeper of the Mind Summon Wizard {UU} EX-U 1/2; {U},{T}: Draw a card. Play this ability only if target opponent has at least two more cards in hand than you. Sealed: ** Constructed: **** This is my favorite of the keepers by far. Though blue normally doesn't have less cards than its opponents, this is easily abusable in a fish deck. Quite good. Killer Whale Summon Whale {3UU} EX-U 3/5; {U}: Killer Whale gains flying until end of turn. Sealed: **** Constructed: **1/2 Not as good as an Air Elemental certainly. And since when do Whales FLY?! Mana Breach Enchantment {2U} EX-U Whenever any player plays a spell, that player returns a land he or she controls to owner's hand. Sealed: ** Constructed: ***1/2 There may well be a way to break this damn thing, but I'm still not sure how. One of those decks a great deckbuilder might make a great deck out of. Then again, maybe not. Mirozel Summon Illusion {3U} EX-U 2/3; Flying; If Mirozel is the target of any spell or ability, return Mirozel to owner's hand. Sealed: **** Constructed: ***1/2 Nearly impossible to get rid of, but pingers or other ability guy make this one hard to keep on the board. Still, incredible in sealed (especially because of of the 1 blue casting cost) and may see use in constructed. Scrivener Summon Townsfolk {4U} EX-U 2/2; When Scrivener comes into play, you may return target instant or interrupt card from your graveyard to your hand. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Nice idea, but TOO DAMN EXPENSIVE! Should have been 2UU at best. Treasure Trove Enchantment {2UU} EX-U {2UU}: Draw a card. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: *** May eventually be a replacement for the Tome, but still too color specific. Also, Browse is so much better... Dominating Licid Summon Licid {1UU} EX-R 1/1; {1UU},{T}: Dominating Licid loses this ability and becomes a creature enchantment that reads "Gain control of enchanted creature" instead of any other type of permanent. Move Dominating Licid onto target creature. You may pay {U} to end this effect. Sealed: **** Constructed: *** While the ability is of course the best of the licids, summoning sickness still makes this impractacle in constructed. Legacy's Allure is still the best creature-grabber in Type II today. Ephemeron Summon Illusion {4UU} EX-R 4/4; Flying; Choose and discard a card: Return Ephemeron to owner's hand. Sealed: **** Constructed: *** While this is amazing in sealed, in constructed I'd rather have an Air Elemental; less expensive and not much can target it anyway. Equilibrium Enchantment {1UU} EX-R Whenever you succesfully cast a creature spell, you may pay {1} to return target creature to owner's hand. Sealed: **** Constructed: **** Oh, my, every creature becoames a Man'o'War?! Amazing; will see use in Fish decks and Penn Flying Beatdown. Ertai, Wizard Adept Summon Legend {2U} EX-R 1/1; Ertai, Wizard Adept counts as a Wizard. {2UU},{T}: Counter target spell. Play this ability as an interrupt. Sealed: **** Constructed: *** While Ertai is impressive, he's too fragile for constructed. Sealed, however, and he's incredibly anoying. Mind Over Matter Enchantment {2UUUU} EX-R Choose and discard a card: Tap or untap target artifact, creature, or land. Sealed: * Constructed: ** I can see why still was broken at 3UUU (Mana Vault, anyone?) but now it is neutered. Expect lots of silly, impractable combos out of this one. Oath of Scholars Enchantment {3U} EX-R During each player's upkeep, if that player has fewer cards in hand than target opponent, the player may discard his or her hand and draw three cards. Sealed: ** Constructed: *** Again, I don't like the Oaths because both sides can use it, but still may be the best of the Oaths. Thalakos Drifters Summon Townsfolk {2UU} EX-R 3/3; Choose and discard a card: Thalakos Drifters gains shadow until end of turn. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: ** Chaff rare. Only gets high rating in sealed because shadow is always good, and this might be the biggest shadow creature yet. --- GREEN ---------------------------------------------------------- Avenging Druid Summon Druid {2G} EX-C 1/3; If Avenging Druid damages any opponent, you may reveal cards from your library until you reveal a land card. Put that land into play and put all other revealed cards into your graveyard. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Sure, it's a little less fragile than the Hermit Druid (and puts the land directly in play), but it needs to damage the opponent - and with only 1 toughness, that ain't gonna happen too often. Bequeathal Enchant Creature {G} EX-C If enchanted creature is put into any graveyard, draw two cards. Sealed: ** Constructed: **1/2 There has been some excitement about this card, but it's basically chaff. If the creature is bounced, you lose the card, and green doesn't have a great deal of ways of killing things anyway. We're still looking for the definitive green enchantment. Elvish Berserker Summon Elf {G} EX-C 1/1; For each creature that blocks it, Elvish Berserker gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** In sealed, I don't like 1/1 unless they have great special ability, and in constructed I'd rather have a mana elf or a ranger. Chaff. Jackalope Herd Summon Beasts {3G} EX-C 4/5; If you play any spell, return Jackalope Herd to owner's hand. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: ** In sealed, this is quite good, as it is splashable, and you aren't as likely to be casting spells all that often. In constructed however, you simply aren't going to be able keep in on the board. Another Ernham wanna be bust. Plated Rootwalla Summon Lizard {4G} EX-C 3/3; {2G}: Plated Rootwalla gets +3/+3 until end of turn. Play this ability only once each turn. Sealed: *** Constructed: *1/2 Incinerate bait for 5 mana? No thanks. Predatory Hunger Enchant Creature {G} EX-C Whenever any opponent successfully casts a creature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on enchanted creature. Sealed: *1/2 Constructed: * Utter chaff - but of course, it must be a green card! Pygmy Troll Summon Troll {1G} EX-C 1/1; For each creature that blocks it, Pygmy Troll gets +1/+1 until end of turn. {G}: Regenerate Pygmy Troll Sealed: **1/2 Constructed: ** Compare to River Boa. 'Nuff said. Rabid Wolverines Summon Wolverines {3GG} EX-C 4/4; For each creature that blocks it, Rabid Wolverines gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: **1/2 Just what green needs, more big fatties. Still, pretty good in sealed, and better than Durkwood Boars. Reclaim Instant {G} EX-C Put target card from your graveyard on top of your library. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: ***1/2 A worthy and good replacement for Regrowth. Might well see tourney play in combo decks (and will probably replace Elven Cache in most decks). Rootwater Alligator Summon Alligator {3G} EX-C 3/2; Sacrifice a forest: Regenerate Rootwater Alligator Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: *1/2 In sealed, big regenerators are very good; alligators gave me fits yesterday. In constructed, of course, this is chaff. Wood Elves Summon Elves {2G} EX-C 1/1; When Wood Elves comes into play, search your library for a forest card and put that forest into play. Shuffle your library afterwards. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Too expensive for the effect. Cartographer Summon Townsfolk {2G} EX-U 2/2; When Cartographer comes into play, you may return target land card from your graveyard to your hand. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** And I would use this instead of Harvest Wurm because??? Crashing Boars Summon Boars {3GG} EX-U 4/4; If Crashing Boars attacks, defending player chooses an untapped creature he or she controls. That creature blocks Crashing Boars this turn if able. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** More silly green fatties. Elven Palisade Enchantment {G} EX-U Sacrifice a forest: Target attacking creature gets -3/-0 until end of turn. Sealed: ** Constructed: * Trash. Why not use constant mists? Keeper of the Beasts Summon Wizard {GG} EX-U 1/2; {G},{T}: Put a Beast token into play. Treat this token as a 2/2 green creature. Play this ability only if target opponent controls more creatures than you. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** I don't like the keepers as I said before, and this is one of the weaker ones. Resuscitate Instant {1G} EX-U Until end of turn, each creature you control gains "{1}: Regenerate this creature." Sealed: *** Constructed: ** Nice suprise factor, but somewhat expensive. Skyshroud Elite Summon Elves {G} EX-U 1/1; Skyshroud Elite gets +1/+2 as long as any opponent controls any nonbasic lands. Sealed: *1/2 Constructed: *** While the Kird Elf is a nice idea, there are so many nonbasic hosers that you won't see many non-basic lands now. Also, probably not going to 2/3 on the first turn, when you want to play it. Song of Serenity Enchantment {1G} EX-U Creatures with any enchantments on them cannot attack or block. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Sorry, overrated. What enchantments are you going to play with this? Spike Rogue Summon Spike {1GG} EX-U 0/0; Spike Rogue comes into play with two +1/+1 counters on it. {2},Remove a +1/+1 counter from Spike Rogue: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. {2},Remove a +1/+1 counter from any creature you control: Put a +1/+1 counter on Spike Rogue. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** While I like the spikes, this one doesn't meaure up to Spike Feeder. Manabond Enchantment {G} EX-R During your discard phase, you may choose to put all land cards from your hand into play. If you do, discard the rest of your hand. Sealed: * Constructed: * The replacement for Fastbond my ass. A trash rare. Mirri, Cat Warrior Summon Legend {1GG} EX-R 2/2; Mirri, Cat Warrior counts as a Cat Warrior; First Strike; Forestwalk; Attacking does not cause Mirri to tap. Sealed: **** Constructed: **** Without question the best Legend ever, except possibly Islan. Great creature for green. Oath of Druids Enchantment {1G} EX-R During each player's upkeep, if that player controls fewer creatures than target opponent, the player may reveal cards from his or her library until he or she reveals a creature card. The player puts that creature into play and all other revealed cards into his or her graveyard. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Since when does green have less creatures than any other color?! Among the worst of the Oaths. Skyshroud War Beast Summon Beast {1G} EX-R */*; Trample; Skyshroud Beast has power and toughness each equal to the number of nonbasic lands target opponent controls. Sealed: *1/2 Constructed: ***1/2 Maybe not in Type II, but in extended or Type I this guy could rock. Just beware 'geddon. Spike Hatcher Summon Spike {6G} EX-R 0/0; Spike Hatcher comes into play with six +1/+1 counters on it. {2},Remove a +1/+1 counter from Spike Hatcher: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. {1},Remove a +1/+1 counter from Spike Hatcher: Regenerate Spike Hatcher. Sealed: **** Constructed: ** In sealed, big regenerators are amazing. Constructed is another story. Spike Weaver Summon Spike {2GG} EX-R 0/0; Spike Weaver comes into play with three +1/+1 counters on it. {2},Remove a +1/+1 counter from Spike Weaver: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. {1},Remove a +1/+1 counter from Spike Weaver: Creatures deal no combat damage this turn. Sealed: **1/2 Constructed: ** Whatever. Survival of the Fittest Enchantment {1G} EX-R {G},Choose and discard a creature card: Search your library for a creature card, reveal that card to all players, and put it into your hand. Shuffle your library afterwards. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: **** Afer Mirri, the best green card in Exodus. Great potentials to get big cards, with Living death, and other fun stuff. --- RED ------------------------------------------------------------ Anarchist Summon Townsfolk {4R} EX-C 2/2; When Anarchist comes into play, you may return target sorcery card from your graveyard to your hand. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** Great quote, but too expensive. Cinder Crawler Summon Salamander {1R} EX-C 1/2; {R}: Cinder Crawler gets +1/+0 until end of turn. Play this ability only if Cinder Crawler is blocked. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** I'd rather have an Ironclaw. Dizzying Gaze Enchant Creature {R} EX-C Play Dizzying Gaze only on a creature you control. {R}: Enchanted creature deals 1 damage to target creature with flying. Sealed: ** Constructed: *1/2 Sideboard card at best in sealed. Furnace Brood Summon Elementals {3R} EX-C 3/3; {R}: Target creature cannot be regenerated this turn. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** I generally like red fatties in sealed, and this one's side ability is decent. Mage il-Vec Summon Wizard {2R} EX-C 2/2; {T},Discard a card at random: Mage il-Vec deals 1 damage to target creature or player. Sealed: **1/2 Constructed: *1/2 The cost for the point of damage is hideous, but it's still a pinger. Still, compare to fireslinger, this guy's pathetic. Maniacal Rage Enchant Creature {1R} EX-C Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and cannot block. Sealed: *** Constructed: *1/2 Suprisingly good in sealed; put on a shadow creature or on a wall. In constructed, inferior to Giant Strength. Onslaught Enchantment {R} EX-C Whenever you successfully cast a creature spell, tap target creature. Sealed: *** Constructed: *** This might even be playable in constructed. In a weenie deck, this is useful. Raging Goblin Summon Goblin {R} EX-C 1/1; Raging Goblin is unaffected by summoning sickness. Sealed: ** Constructed: ***1/2 In sligh, this might replace the vandal, as it is a pretty good 1 cost red creature. Reckless Ogre Summon Ogre {3R} EX-C 3/2; If Reckless Ogre attacks and no other creatures do, it gets +3/+0 until end of turn. Sealed: *** Constructed: *1/2 Strictly sealed deck. Shattering Pulse Instant {1R} EX-C Buyback {3}; Destroy target artifact. Sealed: ** Constructed: **** A replacement for Shatter. Very nice. Sonic Burst Instant {1R} EX-C Discard a card at random: Sonic Burst deals 4 damage to target creature or player. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: *1/2 The replacement for fireblast?! I think not. Flowstone Flood Sorcery {3R} EX-U Buyback - Pay 3 life. Discard a card at random.; Destroy target land. Sealed: * Constructed: * Terrible. The buyback is one of the most atrocious things I've ever seen. Keeper of the Flame Summon Wizard {RR} EX-U 1/2; {R},{T}: Keeper of the Flame deals 2 damage to target opponent. Play this ability only if that opponent has more life than you. Sealed: *1/2 Constructed: *1/2 By far the worst of the keepers. Red has MUCH better ways of doing damage. Mogg Assassin Summon Goblin {2R} EX-U 2/1; {T}: Flip a coin. If you win the flip, destroy target creature an opponent controls. Otherwise, destroy target creature of that opponent's choice. Sealed: ***1/2 Consructed: ** Amusing, but not particularly memorable. Paroxysm Enchant Creature {1R} EX-U During the upkeep of enchanted creature's controller, reveal the top card of that player's library to all players. If that card is a land card, destroy enchanted creature. Otherwise, enchanted creature gets +3/+3 until end of turn. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** A very wierd creature enchantment, and very limited. Still, with library manipulation, it might be good - but there are better red cards to play with. Price of Progress Instant {1R} EX-U Price of Progress deals 2 damage to each player for each nonbasic land he or she controls. Sealed: ** Constructed: **** This card alone may make x-5c decks just about unplayable. It's so cheap, and so deadly, that it's scary. Actually, I think Wizard's nonbasic land hosing has gone too far; do they really want to encourage so many mono-colored decks. I don't thnk think this card should have been printed, but will undoubted see use, if only in the sideboard. Sabertooth Wyvern Summon Drake {4R} EX-U 3/2; Flying; First Strike Sealed: **** Constructed: ** Fabulous in sealed, as it will take out most flyers. Scalding Salamander Summon Salamander {2R} EX-U 2/1; {0}: Scalding Salamander deals 1 damage to each creature without flying defending player controls. Play this ability only if Scalding Salamander is attacking and only once each turn. Sealed: **** Constructed: **1/2 In sealed, this thing is amazing, as it will often kill half of your opponent's creatures, even if they aren't blocking. Use with Reconnaisance. Spellshock Enchantment {2R} EX-U Whenever any player succesfully casts a spell, Spellshock deals 2 damage to him or her. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** This is one of those cards that may be broken at some point, but I really don't see how. Only good vs. slow control decks, and then wouldn't you rather have Pandemonium? Fighting Chance Instant {R} EX-R For each blocking creature, flip a coin. If you win the flip, that creature deals no combat damage this turn. Sealed: *1/2 Constructed: * Almost always useless. A trash rare. Monstrous Hound Summon Hound {3R} EX-R 4/4; Monstrous Hound cannot attack unless you control more lands than defending player. Monstrous Hound cannot block unless you control more lands than attacking player. Sealed: * Constructed: * THIS was the pre-release card?! Another trash rare. Oath of Mages Enchantment {1R} EX-R During each player's upkeep, if that player has less life than target opponent, he or she may have Oath of Mages deal 1 damage to that opponent Sealed: ** Constructed: ** The worst of the Oaths, as it is damn hard to manipulate. Mucho fun in multiplayer, however. Ogre Shaman Summon Ogre {3RR} EX-R 3/3; {2}, Discard a card at random: Ogre Shaman deals 2 damage to target creature or player. Sealed: **** Constructed: ** A Stormbind with legs; too bad's its so expensive. Still, turning eveery card into a shock is wonderful in sealed. Pandemonium Enchantment {3R} EX-R Whenever any creature comes into play, that creature's controller may choose to have it deal damage equal to its power to target creature or player. Sealed: ** Constructed: ***1/2 Wonderful sideboard vs. creatureless in constructed, and a lot of fun besides. Probably won't see much use in tournaments, but that's alright, this is an entertaining card. Play this in multiplayer... Ravenous Baboons Summon Apes {3R} EX-R 2/2; When Ravenous Baboons comes into play, destroy target nonbasic land. Sealed: ** Constructed: *** While it isn't bad, if I wanted to kill non-basic land I'd probably use a miner, and it's a bit too expensive. The best of the 187 creatures are the cheaper ones (man'o'war, Ouranutang) except for Neckretaal, and how do you see that card these days? Seismic Assault Enchantment {RRR} EX-R Choose and discard a land card: Seismic Assault deals 2 damage to target creature or player. Sealed: **1/2 Constructed: ***1/2 Almost strictly better than Land's Edge, and a nice card overall. Still, with land tax gone from extended, I question whether this will be used in tournaments. --- WHITE ---------------------------------------------------------- Allay Instant {1W} EX-C Buyback {3}; Destroy target enchantment Sealed: ** Constructed: ***1/2 Probably better than Divine Offering, and a good card, but still Disenchant's versitility makes it a better card. Angelic Blessing Sorcery {2W} EX-C Target creature gets +3/+3 and gains flying until end of turn. Sealed: ** Constructed: *1/2 The fact that it's a sorcery absolutely kills it. Mediocre. Charging Paladin Summon Knight {2W} EX-C 2/2; If Charging Paladin attacks, it gets +0/+3 until end of turn. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** Solid sealed deck card, but not tournament worthy. Kor Chant Instant {2W} EX-C Redirect to target creature all damage dealt to any one creature you control from any one source. Sealed: **** Constructed: ** In sealed, this card is utterly amazing - don't be suprised to kill two creatures with this card (save your creature during combat, kill your opponent's creature). Constructed is another story. Reaping the Rewards Instant {W} EX-C Buyback - Sacrifice a land; Gain 2 life. Sealed: **** Constructed: **** A great card; white really did do well in this expansion. Get rid of your extra land, and don't have use it all at once. Shackles Enchant Creature {2W} EX-C Enchanted creature does not untap during its controller's untap phase. {W}: Return Shackles to owner's hand. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: ** Pretty good creature control for white in sealed, but white still looks for the replacement for swords to plowshares. Shield Mate Summon Soldier {W} EX-C 1/1; Sacrifice Shield Mate: Target creature gets +0/+4 until end of turn. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Soltari Visionary Summon Cleric {1WW} EX-C 2/2; Shadow; If Soltari Visionary damages any player, destroy target enchantment that player controls. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: ***1/2 This really is a good creature for the cost; in fact, it is almost undercosted for it's abities. Only problem is that the Priest and Monk are still a little bit bad. Still, it's fun when this is the only card that goes through a propaganda. Soul Warden Summon Cleric {W} EX-C 1/1; Whenever any other creature comes into play, gain 1 life. Sealed: *** Constructed: **** Probably the best 1 casting cost white creature since Savannah Lions. Unless the opponent wants to waste creature kill on it, will probably get you 4/5 life over the course of a game, which is pretty damn good. Probably will be killed by moggs as soon as it comes out, but so what? One less point at you, and you've gained a life besides. Standing Troops Summon Soldiers {2W} EX-C 1/4; Attacking does not cause Standing Soldiers to tap. Sealed: ***1/2 Constructed: **1/2 Strictly superior to Femeref Scouts, but who cares? A white Yotian Soldier. Welkin Hawk Summon Bird {1W} EX-C 1/1; Flying; If Welking Hawk is put into any graveyard from play, you may search your library for a Welking Hawk and put it into your hand. Shuffle your library afterwards. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** Sorry, but if you want a cheap white flyer, try the Windreaper Falcon. High Ground Enchantment {W} EX-U Each creature you control may block one additional creature. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** In sealed, this might be useful, but I'd rather just have another creature. Keeper of the Light Summon Wizard {WW} EX-U 1/2; {W},{T}: Gain 3 life. Play this ability only if you have less life than target opponent. Sealed: *** Constructed: *** Probably the second best keeper, this is very annoying for a burn player, but probably becomes shock better. Peace of Mind Enchantment {1W} EX-U {W}, Choose and discard a card: Gain 3 life. Sealed: *** Constructed: *** Nice life gaining ability, but you will often have better uses for your land. Pegasus Stampede Sorcery {1W} EX-U Buyback - Sacrifice a land; Put a Pegasus token into play. Treat this token as a 1/1 white creature with flying. Sealed: *** Constructed: ** Not a bad idea, but I wish it just had a straight mana buyback - that would be awesome! As is, a bit limited to see much use. Penance Enchantment {2W} EX-U Choose a card from your hand and put that card on top of your library: Prevent all damage from a black or red source. Sealed: *** Constructed: *** Probably better than Hidden Retreat; I may be underestimating this one, but who's to say? Reconnaissance Enchantment {W} EX-U {0}: Remove target attacking creature you control from combat and untap it. Sealed: ** Constructed: ** The worse half of a Maze of Iff. Not good at all. Treasure Hunter Summon Townsfolk {2W} EX-U 2/2; When Treasure Hunter comes into play, you may return target artifact card from your graveyard to your hand. Sealed: ** Constructed: ***1/2 Not bad at all; certainly has a more reasonable casting cost than the Anarchist or the Scrivener. Zealots en-Dal Summon Soldiers {3W} EX-U 2/4; During your upkeep, if all nonland permanents you control are white, gain 1 life. Sealed: **1/2 Constructed: ** Another big white creature, but I can do better things with 3W (like 'geddon, for instance). Cataclysm Sorcery {2WW} EX-R Each player chooses from the permaments he or she controls an artifact, a creature, an enchantment and a land and sacrifices the rest. Sealed: **** Constructed: ****1/2 Let's see, a 'geddon, a Wrath, Shatterstorm, and a Serenity, ALL IN ONE CARD? Oh my, this is a good card. As with all of white's amazing cards, the fact that you decide when to cast it is what makes it so good. Possibly will make Enham decks viable again. Could possibly replace both 'geddon AND Wrath in white weenie. I may be actually underestimating this card - it may actually be a 5 star card. Convalescence Enchantment {1W} EX-R During your upkeep, if you have 10 or less life, gain 1 life. Sealed: *** Constructed: **1/2 Nice idea, but it is too slow vs. most burn decks. Should have been 2 life per turn. Exalted Dragon Summon Dragon {4WW} EX-R 5/5; Flying; Each turn, Exalted Dragon cannot attack unless you sacrifice a land. Sealed: **** Constructed: ***1/2 Some people say the drawback is nasty, but I still think this is the best big white flyer since the late, lamented Serra Angel. By the time you can cast this, sacrificing a land won't matter anyway. Limited Resources Enchantment {W} EX-R When Limited Resources comes into play, each player chooses five lands he or she controls and sacrifices the rest. As long as there are ten or more lands in play, players cannot play lands. Sealed: * Constructed: * Any this is useful WHEM? A trash rare. Oath of Lieges Enchantment {1W} EX-R During each players upkeep, if that player controls fewer lands than target opponent, the player may search his or her library for a basic land card and put that land into play. The player shuffles his or her library afterwards. Sealed: ** Constructed: ***1/2 The best of the Oaths. With so many ways to sacrifice land in white (particularly with Reaping the Rewards, and if it helps your opponent, who really cares - just Cataclysm it all away! A very nice card. Paladin en-Vec Summon Knight {1WW} EX-R 2/2; First Strike; Protection from Black; Protection from Red Sealed: **** Constructed: ***** Now, some of you know that I'm a white weenie player at heart. I've often dreamed that Wizards would put out a good white weenie that had both protection from red and protection from black. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine they would make it this good. This card is on the same cost template as the white knight, which is probably one of the best cards of all time. And these days, protection from red is even better than prot from black. And this thing doesn't have shadow, so it can stop sligh dead in it's tracks. When I told people about this card, they stare at me in disbelief. No wonder - this is quite simply the best card in Exodus, and will probably be (along with Cataclysm) the chase rare in the set. From the bottom of a white weenie player's heart, THANK YOU WIZARDS! (BTW, in case you didn't get the message, I like this card :) Wall of Nets Summon Wall {1WW} EX-R 0/7; At the end of combat, remove from the game all creatures blocked by Wall of Nets. If Wall of Nets leaves play, return to play under their owner's control all creatures removed from the game with Wall of Nets. Sealed: **** Constructed: *** Not quite the rumored Wall of God, but still a pretty damn good Wall. Certainly a must-play in sealed. -Elliot Fertik