Two more spoilers for the February Magic: the Gathering set, Mirrodin Besieged, were released during the past few days. The two new knights, Phyrexian Crusader and Mirran Crusader, are two sides of the same coin, and reminiscent of the card Paladin-en-Vec from way back in 1998's Exodus expansion (later reprinted in 9th and 10th editions).
Looking at the two crusaders, it is easy to see them being draft bombs, and casual players will definitely be scooping them up for their fun knight decks. In Standard, however, it is probably unlikely that either will see much competitive play, outside niche decks. Phyrexian Crusader is an auto-include in any Black/Green Infect deck, replacing current three drops Cyst Bearer or Ichor Rats, or running alongside them. Protection from Red is a particular bonus for this card as it makes it immune to Lightning Bolt (and similar cards) and weenie-wiping effects like Pyroclasm. Mirran Crusader would be at home in any white weenie deck, and perhaps would see play in the Quest decks running around. However, since those decks seek to cheat out Argentum Armor early with low cost creatures activating Quest for the Holy Relic in combo with Kor Outfitter, a three drop may simply be too much.
The elephant in the room for both of these cards in Standard, however, is the color neither has protection from: Blue. With Jace, the Mind Sculptor the number one threat out there, his ability to Unsummon creatures becomes relevant here. You want to give me poison counters or double strike me for 4? Sorry, knight. Back to the hand with thee!
Extended is where I believe the crusaders, at least the Mirran Crusader, could shine, and I look forward to adding Mirran Crusader to a White/Green Extended Knight deck running Knight Exemplars and Wilt-Leaf Lieges. Hmm...not only does my Mirran Crusader have double strike, protection from black and green, but it is also indestructible and hugely pumped up? Yes, please! Oh, and may I also put Sword of Body and Mind on you? YES!
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