I prefer this to corrupt. It always felt wrong using corrupt to kill that small flier that is about to kill you when you feel that such an expensive card should only be used to kill giant rares, or players. This one gives you flexibility to use it earlier on problem creatures.
Also, it only needs black mana while corrupt needs basic swamps. So you can happily use this in a multicolor deck that has lots of black dual lands.
Posted By:
Tommy9898
(7/9/2011 12:31:02 PM)
It's somewhat better with Bloodthirst around (though it's pretty inefficient to let activate your bloodthirst). Nice finisher, but I still prefer Corrupt
Posted By:
Narim
(7/9/2011 2:59:14 AM)
Yeeeees, Drain Life is BACK!!!.
I really think a lot of people underestimate the usefulness of this card. I can't tell you how many times I've used it (Drain Life I mean) to get rid of a pesky 1/1 or 2/2 creature with some crazy ability early game because I just didn't happen to have a straight kill spell in my hand, or didn't want to use it (destroy effects are obsiously more powerful than just damage). And you gain some life in the process. Can also be a great finisher when you have 7 or 8 swamps on the baord.
Also, I just noticed, this is actually a little better than it's OG dad, it doesn't have the life gaining restirction limit, so if you have it, and have no other better use for your mana, you can slap a 2/2 creature for 5 or 6 damage and still gain 5 or 6 life. Sweet.
Posted By:
AngelPhoenix
(7/9/2011 10:34:56 AM)
You use this on the opponents, you use Tendrils of Corruption on the creatures. Then you play something like Hissing Miasma and just relax.
Posted By:
sincleanser
(8/18/2011 12:46:28 PM)
I usually look more at the card itself, and I do like this card, but god damn do I love that flavor text.
Posted By:
ZakFrost
(10/11/2011 9:37:42 AM)
This plus Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth and Nirkana Revenant in a black/green deck with alot of land untap creatures.
Posted By:
Xoia
(5/25/2012 10:08:53 AM)
I like corrupt better, but this is relevant more early on. Can take out smaller creatures if needed..
Posted By:
TheWrathofShane
(11/10/2012 8:53:31 AM)
I almost hate to say it, but I think Liliana of the Dark Realms actually made this a legitimate win condition.
If, that is, you manage to run out of removal to clear the way for your shades. In a mono-black deck......
Posted By:
Dienomite807
(11/11/2012 6:17:47 PM)
This has got to be one of my all time fav black spells. I run these in a mono black vampire deck with dark rituals bubbling muck and nirkana revenant. (wish i had cabal coffers.) In the right deck this can definatly win games. With authority.
Posted By:
LawdInfamous
(4/8/2013 7:30:36 PM)
Exsanguinate makes it easier to pull off a Channel combo. You need Initiates of the Ebon Hand if you want to use this.
Posted By:
Liquidprism
(4/19/2013 5:35:50 AM)