The mages of the Simic Combine are renowned for their skill in altering the biology of creatures, usually done to the advantage of creatures under their command. But biomancy affords its users some offensive spells as well, as the preview card I'm about to go over clearly shows. The French Magic side SMFCorp posted this article yesterday featuring a guild-themed revamp of Pongify suited to the flavor of the Simic under Prime Speaker Zegana. Here is the full English text of Rapid Hybridization:
Rapid Hybridization U
Instant (Uncommon)
Destroy target creature. It can't be regenerated. That creature's controller puts a 3/3 green Frog Lizard creature token onto the battlefield.
We merged your vital essences with those of several other creatures. No need to thank us. - Speaker Trifon
As with the Planar Chaos spell that Rapid Hybridization apes (heh), this one has a dual purpose. In the early game it can swap out a weenie creature for a relatively beefy 3/3, while triggering beneficial leaves-the-battlefield triggers as a side bonus. But later on, when the board is cluttered with things that are 4/4 and larger on your opponent's side of the board, one mana is a small price to pay to bring a fatty down to a manageable size - Lightning Bolt range, in other words.
Is blue creature destruction truly justifiable when it's more of a mutation effect like this one? Let me know in the comments.
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