It can cycle as a counterspell, cycling doesn't use the stack, which means it's a uncounterable spell that is also invalid for redirection, control or bounce effects.
one of the only cards in the game that can counter split second.
Posted By:
Azrael1911
(3/6/2011 10:59:45 PM)
"Alright Literais, I'll bite. How is this not strictly better than Runeboggle?" --UNBAN_SHAHRAZAD
There are a few situations when Runeboggle is better since a cycled Complicate has to get countered differently.
E.g. if your opponent only has Quelch in hand, he will be able to counter the cycled Complicate, but not Runeboggle.
That's a very rare situation and usually the fact that a cycled Complicate can't be stopped by regular counters makes it even better. But simply just not strictly better.
Posted By:
Mode
(9/26/2013 3:44:47 AM)
@Kryptnyt, this is uncounterable when cycled. It's a trade-off, but in this case you got an additional option (the card's main effect) that makes it better, IMO.
Posted By:
DespisedIcon
(8/15/2010 1:13:23 AM)
@Lyoncet : Cycling is an activated ability. It says so right at the start in the rules explanation for cycling.
Posted By:
BuffJittePLZ
(5/22/2012 4:48:04 AM)
I haven't seen a decent answer. Why is this not strictly better than Runeboggle? In what situation would you rather have a RUNEBOGGLE?! This is the definition of Strictly Better.
Posted By:
Shadoflaam
(6/13/2012 7:55:03 PM)
@ Shadoflaam
Stifle can counter Complicate's cycling, if you opponent's ally has a Stifle they can counter this for their teammate, who may be tapped out if you tried to cycle it, with the intention of him not having mana (and countering it) and to draw a card.
If you have 5 mana, and cast a Bloodbraid Elf who cascades into this, you can't use Complicate for any good purpose (only to counter your Bloodbraid Elf), while Runeboggle could be used to draw a card for 1 mana. Any effect similar is the same way. If you can cast it, without paying its mana cost, and if it would counter the target spell (such as if your opponent taps out for a spell, and you may cast it for free) Runeboggle is better.
You cannot copy "target instant or sorcery" with a cycled Complicate. With something like Echo Mage you can make it something like UUU2, counter ta... (see all)
Posted By:
ICEFANG13
(6/24/2012 8:48:05 AM)
Well this card makes them sad to tap out.
Posted By:
Bear_Scape
(12/26/2012 11:17:44 AM)
Often times you'd rather want Sage's Dousing. However, I use this next to Illusory Demon and then rely on activated abliities for most of my mid game handiwork. Being able to counter something without casting a spell is very very advantageous. Decree of Silence is awesome for the same reason.
Side note: I uprated Lemoistico for doing all the typing I would've done and for being correct.
Posted By:
blurrymadness
(4/29/2013 12:31:53 PM)
There is an important reason this isn't strictly better than Runeboggle: countering as an activated ability is USUALLY superior, but there are many cards (Suppression Field, Azorius Guildmage, Bind, Rimewind Cryomancer, Voidmage Husher, etc) that will hose the cycle mode on this and not the cycle mode on Runeboggle. (Note that while many of these options are more expensive than paying {1}, they also deny you your card)
Not to mention all the cards that interact directly with cycling. It's not a niche thing where "being better is actually worse", some cards specifically hose this without hosing Runeboggle and in some situations you will prefer a Runeboggle in hand because Complicate doesn't let you get the card advantage because your opponent's activated ability hoser makes the cycling worthless.
So in summary @leomistico, this card does NOT do everything Runeb... (see all)
Posted By:
LordRandomness
(5/15/2013 6:45:52 PM)
@Mode
Ok, so your opponent has two lands untapped for the Quelch, why in the world would you try to counter a spell cycling complicate when he can just pay 1 (unless you just want to cycle it)? You would cast complicate normally and counter that spell, and quelch can't do anything.
It's ok, you may say it's not strictly better than Runeboggle, but that's definitely not the reason why.
P.S.: Strictly better than Runeboggle :D:D:D
Posted By:
Thanato5
(4/18/2014 7:28:52 AM)