Strictly easier to judge as powerful than Force of Will. Force of Will is better for the only non-casual format where you could play this, but it's harder to see that when all you've read is "card advantage 4eva".
Posted By:
deworde2510
(1/3/2014 1:19:49 PM)
Cheaper AND less restrictive than Essence Backlash? Yes!
Posted By:
Casimir_the_Great
(1/20/2014 8:15:42 PM)
This is strictly better than something on the second page of the highest rated cards.
It's a shame this is never played in Vintage, I would love to see this countering something like Emrakul, the Aeons Torn or Griselbrand or Blightsteel Colossus.
"Ok, so I tap 2 islands, you don't get your win condition, and I start next turn with 15 free mana."
"...*tableflip*"
Posted By:
SirLibraryEater
(4/14/2014 5:41:25 PM)
The reason this card out ranks Force of Will is because Force is not 0 mana every time.
This is the best counter hands down. Force on me is just OK countered my guy no big deal but this fricking thing is counter my play and then go to town next turn.
Posted By:
RetroGamer3
(4/24/2014 10:32:17 PM)
It's hard to say if this is the best counter spell ever printed or the second best. Sometimes you need a Mana Drain and sometimes you need a Force of Will. Either way this card is so powerful it seems like it shouldnt have ever been printed. Depending on the hand I draw, I like to use it as an offensive weapon as well as a counterspell. Counter some little spell my opponent plays on the first or second turn, and on my next turn my mind twist is even better. If Ive got a dark ritual or some power 9 artifacts I can empty your hand on the second or third turn. The fact that it also counters a spell you just cast is kind of a bonus at that point.
There used to be an occasional 'downside' to playing it, in that you would sometimes wind up with more mana then you could spend on your next turn, but since they changed the mana burn rule, Mana Drain has gotten even better.
Its not on the 'reserved list' and it doesnt need to be. ... (see all)
Posted By:
ox411
(5/23/2014 7:05:36 PM)
You know what else this card drains besides mana?
My money.
And my happiness.
Posted By:
KiitchenFinks
(6/2/2014 10:16:34 AM)