The fact that Lightning Rift changes all cycled cards into direct damage for just one additional mana is what made RW Rift/Slide decks viable up through early Mirrodin Standard. It transforms Renewed Faith into a mini cantrip Lightning Helix, adds more damage to a cycled Slice and Dice, and burns while fetching a plains through a landcycled Eternal Dragon. Alas, the insane speed of Post-Darksteel Standard with Ravager Affinity, Tooth and Nail, and Tribal Clamp/Bidding decks dominating the meta left rift/slide smoldering in their wake. Nonetheless, this is a very powerful and somewhat underrated enabler that saw continued support in Extended for some time after Onslaught rotated from Standard. For me, it's the epitome of what made cycling great back in Onslaught Standard and is every bit as important and powerful as its more popular white cousin.
Posted By:
Digit
(9/6/2010 8:58:03 PM)
I love cards that take common mechanics and give them "build-around" cards. Cinco por Cinco.
Posted By:
Peaceout734
(10/31/2011 2:40:28 PM)
Erase (Not the Urza's Legacy One)
Posted By:
sbridge
(11/14/2009 9:06:49 AM)
Digit covers this card's history well.
It has potential, but it is specialized.
Personally, I could not see a better card to combo with this than Sigil of the Empty Throne. For 2 mana you get a 4/4 flying Angel token and set yourself up to cause all sorts of cycling shock to the enemy. Just awesome.
Posted By:
SliverApocalypse
(1/21/2012 7:05:09 PM)
This and Fluctuator = 2 damage for 1 mana and sifting through your deck. Fun little interaction.
Posted By:
Earthdawn
(6/10/2013 8:21:28 AM)
Essential in slide decks! 4/5
Posted By:
Combofriend
(7/2/2013 3:20:33 PM)