This is actually an ok psuedo-sweep if you run a lot of sac effects. The bane of Pox-like decks is tokens/cheap critters getting in the way; and if you can make an opponent pay 3 life for each one of those (or get rid of his little guys) then you're in good shape either way (as now you can force him to sac his lone guy or you can kill him relatively quickly.)
Usually this means an opponent will lose all but 1-2 big guys and pay 3-6 life; but if you plan around that; this is an alright; very usable card. If you cast it at 2 mana you can reasonably expect it to either be the cheapest token wipe ever; or to sap someone of 4-10 life from several players; which is really good for 2 mana.
Posted By:
blurrymadness
(2/13/2014 9:23:32 AM)
Because *** you token decks, that's why!
Posted By:
Nebulium
(3/4/2014 7:39:04 PM)
No, it's not a straightforward, auto-include, tournament-winner; this doesn't mean the card sucks. In this case, the card demands a heavy dose of creativity in order to design a deck so that the deck and the card fit well together, and some measure of skill/game awareness/timing to use the card to its greatest effect. So long as these conditions are met, it's a card well worth its slot, its casting cost, and its very low market value.
The game was built on cards like this in its earliest years, and the game would really benefit from heading back in that direction.
Posted By:
humor_love
(3/7/2014 11:10:42 AM)
I love how people say it's terrible because it can't force them into a bad position every time despite the fact that it's essentially a black Fireball when it doesn't become a Damnation. You can easily ramp into this with Crypt Ghast and Liliana of Dark Realms and have them making the decision to lose all thier creatures or take 9 damage for each creature they keep by turn 5. If you've been playing decently it's not even a choice. Is it more expensive than Damnation in terms of mana cost, usually. Does it cost forty dollars? No.
Posted By:
N03y3D33R
(3/13/2014 9:45:19 PM)
I LOVE this card. My vampire deck couldn't run without it. My opponents won't pay the life by the time I get this out because they'll lose. But if they sac everything then it combos with Blood Artist or Bloodchief Ascension killing them anyway. No way out. 5/5.
Posted By:
Cleo_Kaerf
(4/1/2014 1:29:27 AM)
combos great in a zombie deck
Posted By:
putnamto
(4/10/2014 4:15:50 PM)
Guys, guys... keep calm and know this: This card has integrated "overload." -That not enough? How about enough removal viability to reduce the board to your liking? Sure your opponent has options, but if you're all ramped up then this card can be a devastating board wipe. A situational card that will work best in multi-player.
Card effect: 4/5-ish
Artwork: 5/5
Posted By:
Vursor
(5/13/2014 4:54:31 AM)
Seems this card is a lot more suited to mana ramp decks. Run a couple of crypt ghasts and it would be brutal.
Turn 4: Swamp, Crypt Ghast
Turn 5: Swamp, Crypt Ghast, Caged Sun, Caged Sun, Caged Sun, Caged Sun
Turn 6: Swamp, Killing Wave
All creatures are sacrificed unless their controller pays 48 life for each one.
...which basically means it's a long winded Damnation, but still.
Posted By:
ThatChrisFella
(6/8/2014 7:49:11 PM)