While occasionally having this Rampant Growth on a creature can be downside - usually if there's a negative toughness modifier on the field like Night of Souls' Betrayal - but it's almost always an upside. Permanents tend to be much easier to abuse than spells and sorceries, and of course Sakura-Tribe Elder is a clear example of this. You can attack with him, you can straight up ramp with him, you can clone him, you can fish him out of the graveyard, you can put him under a Mimic Vat or Soul Foundry - lots of potential.
These days, unless I find myself in a meta with at least one or two negative toughness modifier decks around, I see no reason to run Rampant Growth over this guy.
Posted By:
JaxsonBateman
(3/6/2012 11:45:05 AM)
I agree with SparkleTiger. There is no reason this should be less than 4.5 stars. It's THE 2 drop for mana ramping or fixing. Just like Kodama's Reach/Cultivate is THE 3 drop.
Posted By:
ScissorsLizard
(8/21/2011 7:58:39 AM)
1. Sac this guy
2. Caravan Vigil with free morbid
DOUBLE LAND POWEEEEERRR
Posted By:
Totema
(11/22/2011 9:21:09 AM)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a functional reprint in M13
Posted By:
luca_barelli
(12/10/2011 11:43:52 AM)
He loses a bit of value in Commander, but I don't think anyone could ever argue against playing him in a deck that taps for forest mana ;)
Posted By:
lorendorky
(6/19/2011 1:08:47 PM)
These are in all my Commander decks with green. Nothing better than land search on a body. I mean you can attack with it, it can be a chump blocker and still give a land and you can take it in response to something. What's not to like?
Posted By:
wholelottalove
(9/27/2012 11:26:18 AM)
Steve here is arguably one of the best ramp creatures. I am always happy to have this guy in my Ghave EDH. Coupled with Sun Titan, he can do a lot. Plus, he's a chump blocker when you need one.
Posted By:
ParishInquisitor
(2/13/2013 1:40:22 PM)
This'll be hilarious with Gift of Immortality from Theros.
Posted By:
MostlyLost
(9/10/2013 6:17:47 AM)
Why is the Commander reprint rated so low compared to previous prints? Sigh... It's a solid card. You get the effect of Rampant Growth plus a 1/1 body if you want to use it for a bit.
Posted By:
SparkleTiger
(7/3/2011 7:03:54 PM)
Rampant Growth and Fodder for Karador, Ghost Chieftain
Posted By:
Aureola
(7/8/2011 2:40:28 PM)