1) It is uncommon because of its size.
2) It is not intended to be a match-closer card.
3) It is big.
4) Its mana cost is less than its power/toughness average.
OK, it's green-intensive; that must be said... But dammit, while reading some comments it seems like now every card which costs more than 5 should be an immediate game-winner! Magic is a game of fun and strategy, and there are cards made for both these things. Were the power level of all the cards pretty the same, the game would be a lot boring.
I don't like Mirrodin Besieged, I don't like the Scars of Mirrodin block in general, but IMHO this card is an example of GOOD DESIGN.
Final note: VANILLA 4EVER!
Posted By:
Paolino
(2/27/2012 6:11:41 AM)
Funny how hexproof makes an 8/8 a 7 go from a 2 star to a 4.5 star creature :/ This thing has a better P/T than its CMC. This guy is no Pelakka Wurm or Wurmcoil Engine, but come on. 3 stars wouldn't be that unreasonable...even though it should have trample.
Posted By:
HedronMyr
(3/30/2012 1:48:25 AM)
Not sure why it is rated so low.
Rather efficient at 8/8 for 7 with no drawback.
Posted By:
minollma
(7/13/2012 5:19:51 AM)
So are there just no advantages to having quills instead of plates?
Posted By:
DeckMechanic
(7/25/2012 2:09:00 PM)
I think this card could do with Haste or Vigilance, so it's always ready to kill like the flavor text says.
Posted By:
Arachnos
(8/15/2012 4:56:35 PM)
This guy is powerful and efficient. We shouldn't disregard that just because there are better cards than it. There are better cards than nearly everything!
Posted By:
RunedServitor
(10/29/2012 9:16:21 AM)
It's an uncommon vanilla 8/8 for seven. I fail to why it's not at least rated with three stars.
Posted By:
Solstice-273.15
(11/10/2012 11:55:26 AM)
Undercosted but at 7 mana, you should be changing the game with every drop. It's past time for vanilla creatures- it's time for something that breaks the stalemate.
This doesn't do that, so it's really not worth playing unless you don't have access to anything better. And I hope you do, because expecting this to do much is not a good plan.
Posted By:
Jannissary
(7/4/2013 5:45:31 AM)
Biggest vanilla creature in MTG.
Well technically it's tied with fusion elemental but its mana cost cost is a gimmick in itself.
Posted By:
Moxxy
(12/16/2013 11:01:32 AM)
Strictly worse than a lot of cards near its CMC with effects, but this guy doesn't need effects in limited. Think I'm going to give it a 5/5 just to make its rating closer to where it should be (3, maybe 3.5)
Posted By:
docjarvisd09
(3/20/2014 12:24:33 PM)