Okay, first of all, Joseph, that approach is not a good way to compare cards. By that logic, Shock would be better than Flame Javelin because three Shocks do more damage for the same mana. This is one card. Using three cards does not compare to the clear advantage of using one card. The ability to divide damage and kill multiple attackers or blockers is a clear benefit over straight burn. Also, the bolt wasn't in the format at the time to compare this to.
That said, you and Treima are correct in that there ARE better options out there. Hail of Arrows and Arrow Volley Trap are better (though not STRICTLY better), if only limited to attackers. Ballista Squad is the same thing with legs. Arc Lightning is this without the restriction, but without the possibility of playing it in mono-white. Rock Slide has a no-flying restriction, and is also ... (see all)
Posted By:
DoctorKenneth
(4/7/2010 12:38:20 PM)
a card that can potentially kill 3 creatures for 3 mana is never completely useless!
Posted By:
GengilOrbios
(6/30/2011 6:48:39 AM)
Shock x3. Lightning Bolt x3. Both do way more damage for the same mana.
Talking apples and oranges here.
You're talking about drawing into three cards vs this single card which is very versatile. Forked Bolt is close, however, it nor the cards you noted use R/W mana.
Fire at Will with Reverberate when you have two Fire Servants out would be devastating - 24pts of damage divided up amongst 2-6 target creatures.
Also goes nicely with Inflame.
Posted By:
somegeek
(3/9/2012 9:30:06 AM)
This thing was a game winner in Limited. As for constructed, this thing is terrible. So I'll give it an average 2.5/5
Posted By:
dberry02
(9/22/2010 7:04:52 AM)
The flavortext for this card should have been
"Which one's Will?" --Confused archer
Posted By:
Zher0
(12/1/2009 11:02:55 AM)
Forgettable. Many better options for three mana for both white and red.
Posted By:
Treima
(5/13/2009 3:37:58 AM)
Should have been either three damage to each or six damage divided.
Posted By:
SoulShatterer
(11/5/2010 7:14:33 PM)
Worthless.
Shock x3. Lightning Bolt x3. Both do way more damage for the same mana.
Posted By:
Joseph_Leito
(7/4/2009 8:55:49 AM)
base on the flavor text id say this a good turn 3 drop to kill the inevetable 1/1 and 2/2 atacking you on tun 3. by the way if the next set after inistrad is multi-color-loving then this will almost be gaurenteed a to be included (because of all the token love)
Posted By:
KnexWiz
(3/21/2012 7:06:24 PM)
"Kithkin arrows are the only arrows for me." - Will
Posted By:
HoboNumber4
(4/21/2012 9:23:51 AM)