The Over/Under - Predicting the Popularity of the Final Fantasy Commanders

by
Kyle Massa
Kyle Massa
The Over/Under - Predicting the Popularity of the Final Fantasy Commanders

Sin, Spira's PunishmentSin, Spira's Punishment | Art by John Tedrick

Prepare for the longest MTG article I've ever written. So we'll keep this preamble short.

You're reading the Over/Under. Our line is 1,200 decks. Every commander gets an "Over" or "Under" prediction based on where I think it'll be in one year. There's also a Can't-Miss Pick, which is my surefire call for the set. And here's my review of all the precon commanders.

Alright. We're ready. Prepare to read my novella.

Adelbert SteinerAdelbert Steiner

Adelbert Steiner

I don’t care how many Equipment you have. If this guy is your commander, I’m skeptical.

My prediction: Under

Aerith GainsboroughAerith Gainsborough

Aerith Gainsborough

This is the greatest Ajani's PridemateAjani's Pridemate of all time. Pridemate appears in just 1.27% of decks, yet considering the overwhelming popularity of this set, even before its release, I'll give Aerith the benefit of the Over.

My prediction: Over

Ambrosia WhiteheartAmbrosia Whiteheart

Ambrosia Whiteheart

A little underpowered, and that’s putting it nicely.

My prediction: Under

Ashe, Princess of DalmascaAshe, Princess of Dalmasca

Ashe, Princess of Dalmasca

I would rather play Ash Ketchum than this Ashe, and it took Ketchum like 20 years to win a title.

My prediction: Under

Beatrix, Loyal GeneralBeatrix, Loyal General

Beatrix, Loyal General

Now this is more like it. Although mono-white is the consensus worst color, cheating Equipment costs is notoriously broken, as evidenced by Puresteel PaladinPuresteel Paladin, Sigarda's AidSigarda's Aid, and the like. Just give me that Colossus HammerColossus Hammer.

My prediction: Over

Cloud, Midgar MercenaryCloud, Midgar Mercenary

Cloud, Midgar Mercenary

I don't know Final Fantasy super well, but I do know Super Smash Bros., and I distinctly recall this dude walloping Link off the map frequently (I played a lot of Link). I take it he's a popular character, and it doesn't hurt that he's plenty strong, too. Just look at that sword.

My prediction: Over

Dion, Bahamut's DominantDion, Bahamut's Dominant

Dion, Bahamut's Dominant

As we're going to see, this cycle of Dominants is, well, dominant. Dion is mana intensive, sure, but the value is certainly there, especially if you’re able to flip him over and over. Speaking of which...

My prediction: Over

G'raha TiaG'raha Tia

G'raha Tia

Over-costed and under-statted, but at least your opponents will accidentally attack their flyers into it.

My prediction: Under

Minwu, White MageMinwu, White Mage

Minwu, White Mage

A clerical error this is not. This is just a sick beater that fuels itself and your Clerics. And with cards like Soul WardenSoul Warden, it's got plenty of help.

My prediction: Over

Rosa, Resolute White MageRosa, Resolute White Mage

Rosa, Resolute White Mage

Reach on a commander is underwhelming, and a couple free counters can't make it overwhelming, or even regular 'whelming.

My prediction: Under

Snow VilliersSnow Villiers

Snow Villiers

Snow? More like no.

My prediction: Under

Stiltzkin, Moogle MerchantStiltzkin, Moogle Merchant

Stiltzkin, Moogle Merchant

Stiltzkin? As in Rumple?

Not exactly. This little boi gives your stuff away in exchange for free cards, which is less fun without utility tools like Illusions of GrandeurIllusions of Grandeur in blue or Demonic PactDemonic Pact in black.

My prediction: Under

Venat, Heart of HydaelynVenat, Heart of Hydaelyn

Venat, Heart of Hydaelyn

This has tons of text, but the most important bit is the legendary stuff. I mean, there's a whole Tag dedicated to it on this very site.

My prediction: Over

Zack FairZack Fair

Zack Fair

"Zack" is not much of a fantasy-sounding name, nor is this much of a commander.

My prediction: Under

Edgar, King of FigaroEdgar, King of Figaro

Edgar, King of Figaro

I doubt there’s significant crossover between artifacts and coin-flipping, yet both are popular, so I’m willing to take a chance on this dude — especially since there’s no chance involved with a two-headed coin. Unless you call tails, for some reason.

My prediction: Tails—I mean, Over

Gogo, Master of MimicryGogo, Master of Mimicry

Gogo, Master of Mimicry

Providing an exhaustive list of interactions with this commander would be another whole article, and I’m already on my second for this set. Suffice it to say that this card is totally broken.

My prediction: Over

Jill, Shiva's DominantJill, Shiva's Dominant

Jill, Shiva's Dominant

Not very dominant. I even considered making a Sam Adams Cold Snap joke due to the text on the back, but that wouldn't be a good decision.

My prediction: Under

Matoya, Archon ElderMatoya, Archon Elder

Matoya, Archon Elder

The most obvious comp here is Eligeth, Crossroads AugurEligeth, Crossroads Augur. However, that card is a partner, which tends to skew the numbers. That said, free cards are free cards, and blue is probably the color best suited to take advantage of those two keywords. Just don’t get on her bad side; she appears to be holding a severed human hand.

My prediction: Over

Quistis TrepeQuistis Trepe

Quistis Trepe

Commander players always love casting opponents' stuff, so this has some intrinsic appeal. However, the cards cast aren’t free, meaning you’re never getting a great deal, meaning I’m skeptical.

My prediction: Under

Ultimecia, Temporal ThreatUltimecia, Temporal Threat

Ultimecia, Temporal Threat

SleepSleep without stunning plus a saboteur effect, all for the too-high cost of six mana? I’ll pass.

My prediction: Under

Ultros, Obnoxious OctopusUltros, Obnoxious Octopus

Ultros, Obnoxious Octopus

This dude is aptly named, although "disappointing" could’ve been another adjective to add. Note that you actually need to spend eight mana to get the eight counters, meaning you can't delve a Dig Through TimeDig Through Time, for example. Funny, but too hard to set up.

My prediction: Under

Y'shtola RhulY'shtola Rhul

Y'shtola Rhul

You wouldn't think an extra end step would matter much, but with Helm of the HostHelm of the Host, Agent of TreacheryAgent of Treachery, Jin-Gitaxias, Core AugurJin-Gitaxias, Core Augur, and so much more, it's outstanding. More importantly, she's a Cat Druid.

My prediction: Over

Ardyn, the UsurperArdyn, the Usurper

Ardyn, the Usurper

Pro: I look forward to calling this guy "The Uslurper." Con: Eight mana is a lot. I mean, I can barely count that high. But for three relevant keywords on a popular creature type, along with free reanimation on your (or your opponents') stuff, it's worth a try.

My prediction: Over

Gaius van BaelsarGaius van Baelsar

Gaius van Baelsar

This is a nice effect to have on a sorcery in your 99 — not on your commander.

My prediction: Under

Jecht, Reluctant GuardianJecht, Reluctant Guardian

Jecht, Reluctant Guardian

Disturbing transformations aside, this card is super splashy, despite the fact that he sacrifices himself during Chapter III rather than flipping back over like the Dominant cycle. If he flipped, I’d be willing to go Over, but as it stands…

My prediction: Under

Kain, Traitorous DragoonKain, Traitorous Dragoon

Kain, Traitorous Dragoon

This is one of the few Final Fantasy games I played, so I do recall this 'goon being my buddy. Problem is, if you give him away, there's no guarantee anyone will give him back - especially if you augment him, which you'll want to do for more cards and Treasure.

My prediction: Under

Reno and RudeReno and Rude

Reno and Rude

We’re jumping through a lot of hoops just to do what many other commanders do better. How rude!

My prediction: Under

Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIERSephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER

Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER

This card is unfair. Four creatures dying isn’t that high a hurdle, and in exchange, you get a free emblem, which usually only comes from a planeswalker ultimate. Plus, you get a 5/5 flyer that draws you tons of cards? I repeat: This card is unfair.

My prediction: Over

Seymour FluxSeymour Flux

Seymour Flux

This sounds like one of the joke names Bart gives to Moe Szyslak over the phone. As if that wasn't damning enough, Phyrexian ArenaPhyrexian Arena from the command zone isn't exactly enticing.

My prediction: Under

Vincent ValentineVincent Valentine

Vincent Valentine

This is a super sweet design. Vincent gets really big really fast on his front side, then becomes a nigh-unkillable beater when flipped. With instant-speed sac outlets, he may never need return to the command zone. Plus, he’s a Werewolf on the backside, and although most payoffs are in red and green, that’s still a popular creature type.

My prediction: Over

Zenos yae GalvusZenos yae Galvus

Zenos yae Galvus

Mono-black has the sickest commanders in this set. The front side is relatively lackluster, admittedly, but the backside creates a bizarre minigame in which Players One and Two must prevent Player Three from getting murdered by Player Four (i.e., you), because I assume you’re playing this card. I certainly will be.

My prediction: Over

Zodiark, Umbral GodZodiark, Umbral God

Zodiark, Umbral God

Also known as Fleshbag MarauderFleshbag Marauder’s best bud, this dude might just appear on EDH’s Saltiest Cards list. Still, salty cards tend to be impactful ones, hence their high sodium count.

My prediction: Over

Barret WallaceBarret Wallace

Barret Wallace

Equipment costs mana (unless it’s Bone SawBone Saw). Equipping costs mana (unless it’s Lightning GreavesLightning Greaves). That makes this guy way less efficient — and therefore less effective — than he might appear.

My prediction: Under

Clive, Ifrit's DominantClive, Ifrit's Dominant

Clive, Ifrit's Dominant

Six to cast and six to activate is not exactly efficient, especially in mono-red. That said, you’re probably up a ton of cards after casting Clive, and if you ever flip him, you eat a creature and get eight mana back on your investment. Probably won’t get as famous as Clive Owen, but should come pretty darn close.

My prediction: Over

Firion, Wild Rose WarriorFirion, Wild Rose Warrior

Firion, Wild Rose Warrior

Equipping SkullclampSkullclamp for zero mana sounds like a recipe for crazy card drawing, assuming you’ve got enough X/1s lying around. Still, a two-mana discount isn’t all that impactful, and this doesn’t work with legendary Equipment like Blackblade ReforgedBlackblade Reforged and The Reaver CleaverThe Reaver Cleaver, which are some of the best around.

My prediction: Under

Freya CrescentFreya Crescent

Freya Crescent

I know this Rat doesn’t look like much, but we’ve never seen Llanowar ElvesLlanowar Elves as a commander before, let alone a turn-one mana dork in red. If I may paraphrase a famous phrase from another IP, I have a good feeling about this.

My prediction: Over

Gilgamesh, Master-at-ArmsGilgamesh, Master-at-Arms

Gilgamesh, Master-at-Arms

I was out on this guy until reading the final line of text. Samurai is a popular yet underserved creature type, which should make all the difference here. Plus, there’s a King Gizzard song that shares a name with this guy, which can’t hurt.

My prediction: Over

Lightning, Security SergeantLightning, Security Sergeant

Lightning, Security Sergeant

I’d rather have Lightning McQueen as my commander than this Lightning. And the way things are going, I just might have the chance.

My prediction: Under

Prompto ArgentumPrompto Argentum

Prompto Argentum

Although this selfie-taker gives you a rebate on your pricier spells, I don’t think that’s quite enough for an Over.

My prediction: Under (But Kudos on the Artwork)

Queen BrahneQueen Brahne

Queen Brahne

At only three mana, this queen should easily score a free hit or two in the early game. From there, feel free to cast cheap cantrips to your heart's content, of which there are many in red.

My prediction: Over

Raubahn, Bull of Ala MhigoRaubahn, Bull of Ala Mhigo

Raubahn, Bull of Ala Mhigo

That ward ability looks flashy, but it does nothing against board wipes, which are far more devastating than targeted removal, anyway. Furthermore, among the many auto-equippers in this set, this looks like the weakest.

My prediction: Under

Seifer AlmasySeifer Almasy

Seifer Almasy

This dude is a little at odds with himself, since half of him requires a single attacker, while the other asks for cheap spells. Of course, he himself can be that attacker, and red provides plenty of three-mana-or-less spells to supplement.

My prediction: Over

Vaan, Street ThiefVaan, Street Thief

Vaan, Street Thief

I’m just glad he doesn’t care about outlaws, because I can never remember what the heck those are.

My prediction: Over

Zell DinchtZell Dincht

Zell Dincht

This guy certainly holds a high opinion of himself, and I'm unsure it's warranted. He's basically Mina and Denn, WildbornMina and Denn, Wildborn without green, which feels like a big blow to a lands-based commander.

My prediction: Under

Bartz and BokoBartz and Boko

Bartz and Boko

There was an emu farm near my childhood home, and although I never saw anybody riding them, I suspect they would’ve done a lot of damage to anyone who tried. What I’m trying to say is, I can imagine this rules text in real life, and it works.

My prediction: Over

Diamond WeaponDiamond Weapon

Diamond Weapon

Preventing combat damage is cool, but there's little that can threaten an 8/8 in combat, anyway.

My prediction: Under

Quina, Qu GourmetQuina, Qu Gourmet

Quina, Qu Gourmet

This artwork makes me feel like I’m watching a phantasmagoric reboot of Planet Earth. It also reminds me of Chatterfang, Squirrel GeneralChatterfang, Squirrel General, only less nutso. Fun stuff, but not fun enough to win Top Chef, or Planet Earth, or Final Fantasy, or whatever the heck is going on here.

My prediction: Under

Sazh KatzroySazh Katzroy

Sazh Katzroy

There aren’t many quality Birds in mono-green, but there aren’t many quality Bears, either, and look how Ayula, Queen Among BearsAyula, Queen Among Bears turned out.

My prediction: Over

Tifa LockhartTifa Lockhart

Tifa Lockhart

You know those games where everyone agrees you have enough for lethal, even though no one bothers to do the math? Tifa's going to lead to a lot of those.

My prediction: Over

Torgal, A Fine HoundTorgal, A Fine Hound

Torgal, A Fine Hound

I know this rules text is suggesting people would get along great with this canine, but the art says different. Even if I was a Stark, I wouldn't go near this pooch — and I'm crossing the IP streams again.

My prediction: Under (For Safety Reasons)

Absolute VirtueAbsolute Virtue

Absolute Virtue

There are ways around this, but while Absolute VirtueAbsolute Virtue is on the battlefield, it essentially reads, "LOL, nice try."

My prediction: Over

Cid, Timeless ArtificerCid, Timeless Artificer

Cid, Timeless Artificer

Stock up on Cid now, because these catch-'em-all cards always end up being worth a few bucks. This is an interesting wrinkle on the formula, since they usually aren't legendary. The gimmick is that you can cycle away extra copies, or better yet, play Mirror BoxMirror Box and hope nobody destroys it.

My prediction: Over

Hope EstheimHope Estheim

Hope Estheim

I hope Hope isn’t as good as she looks, because I hate getting milled. Regardless, I don't recall ever seeing lifegain and mill combined so elegantly on one commander.

My prediction: Over

Tidus, Blitzball StarTidus, Blitzball Star

Tidus, Blitzball Star

I've never heard of blitzball, but if this is the quality of play, something tells me ESPN won't be covering it.

My prediction: Under

Emet-Selch, UnsunderedEmet-Selch, Unsundered

Emet-Selch, Unsundered

“You may play cards from your graveyard” was my senior yearbook quote. Now that they’ve finally put it on a Magic card, I can’t wait to play it.

My prediction: Over

Golbez, Crystal CollectorGolbez, Crystal Collector

Golbez, Crystal Collector

For a set with a lot of wacky cards, this is one of the wackiest. There’s not much to compare it to, and eight artifacts seems like a heck of a lot, but if there’s one thing Commander players enjoy, it’s dreaming big, and this enables one of the biggest dreams of all. Dream on.

My prediction: Over

Locke ColeLocke Cole

Locke Cole

Appreciate the noble sentiment in the flavor text, but aside from that and the amazing artwork, there’s not much to see here.

My prediction: Under

Sephiroth, Planet's HeirSephiroth, Planet's Heir

Sephiroth, Planet's Heir

Massacre WurmMassacre Wurm meets Algae GharialAlgae Gharial meets a great hair day. Sounds like a fine combination for the 99, though not quite enough for a commander.

My prediction: Over

...Wait, what? Why still an Over? Because Sephiroth and another commander we'll later meet appear in a new Starter Kit product. You know, the one you're going to see in Target, Walmart, and pretty much everywhere else. People are going to buy this thing, and buy it out, so enjoy Sephiroth — and his hair.

Ultimecia, Time SorceressUltimecia, Time Sorceress

Ultimecia, Time Sorceress

I think we all understand that exiling eight cards and paying eight mana is a lot, especially on top of the five we already paid to cast Ultimecia.

…But come on, an extra turn? That's priceless.

My prediction: Over

Xande, Dark MageXande, Dark Mage

Xande, Dark Mage

If I’m pronouncing this correctly, "Xande" rhymes with "bland," which is fitting. You can certainly pump him, but we're in the era of power creep, and this is not nearly powerfully creepy enough.

My prediction: Under

Black Waltz No. 3Black Waltz No. 3

Black Waltz No. 3

GuttersnipeGuttersnipe from the command zone with flying, deathtouch, and a persecution complex? Sign me up.

My prediction: Over

Garland, Knight of CorneliaGarland, Knight of Cornelia

Garland, Knight of Cornelia

Sweet design, but there’s a reason this is uncommon. Power level just isn’t there.

My prediction: Under

Kuja, Genome SorcererKuja, Genome Sorcerer

Kuja, Genome Sorcerer

This character’s name is dangerously close to Cujo, which is concerning. However, he's not a rabid dog, so I’m inclined to stay positive here.

My prediction: Over

Balthier and FranBalthier and Fran

Balthier and Fran

My only question is, which is Balthier and which is Fran? While some angry readers furiously type into the comments below, I'll proceed with my prediction.

My prediction: Over

Gladiolus AmicitiaGladiolus Amicitia

Gladiolus Amicitia

This artwork looks like an Instagram profile pic for a travel influencer, which seems like a promising start for 1,200+ followers. The free land is another point in his favor, as is the landfall ability. Plus, Gladiolus appeared early in preview season, meaning he's had extra time to recruit fans with his sick content. Next up, sponcon.

My prediction: Over

Rydia, Summoner of MistRydia, Summoner of Mist

Rydia, Summoner of Mist

Rydia can't cheat the mana value of your Sagas, nor can she replay them multiple times thanks to that finality counter. Seems like an issue.

My prediction: Under

Garnet, Princess of AlexandriaGarnet, Princess of Alexandria

Garnet, Princess of Alexandria

Not to be confused with Kevin Garnett, Prince of Boston, this Garnet clearly goes best with the Saga creatures of this set by keeping them alive longer. She can also replay your favorite chapters, which is, incidentally, what I do with my Audible account.

My prediction: Over

Rinoa HeartillyRinoa Heartilly

Rinoa Heartilly

I know people love dogs, but they can’t possibly love them enough to play such a low impact commander. Right? Right?

My prediction: Under (Hopefully)

Serah FarronSerah Farron

Serah Farron

Building around legendary creatures is usually a recipe for success. However, this is almost exactly Arvad the CursedArvad the Cursed, and he leads 165 decks.

My prediction: Under

Yuna, Hope of SpiraYuna, Hope of Spira

Yuna, Hope of Spira

Shades of Anikthea, Hand of ErebosAnikthea, Hand of Erebos, only a bit less busted. Yuna is still plenty impactful, of course, especially with the help of the various Saga creatures of this set.

My prediction: Over

Cecil, Dark KnightCecil, Dark Knight

Cecil, Dark Knight

A one-mana 2/3 obliterates the vanilla test, though that's admittedly less relevant in a format as powerful as Commander. Furthermore, neither half of this card is all that appealing, especially the later the game goes. Should pack a punch in Standard or Modern, but not here.

My prediction: Under

Judge Magister GabranthJudge Magister Gabranth

Judge Magister Gabranth

This is basically a reboot of Bartolomé del PresidioBartolomé del Presidio, only without the ability to fuel itself. Judge!

My prediction: Under

Rufus ShinraRufus Shinra

Rufus Shinra

If I want some Darkstar, I’ll play the Grateful Dead song on Spotify — not this commander.

My prediction: Under

Squall, SeeD MercenarySquall, SeeD Mercenary

Squall, SeeD Mercenary

Last year, I gave an Over to Annie Flash, the VeteranAnnie Flash, the Veteran and got burned (spoiler for an upcoming article). This year, I’m not making the same mistake. Both Annie and this commander compare favorably to Sun TitanSun Titan, but evidently, that’s not enough.

My prediction: Under

Shantotto, Tactician MagicianShantotto, Tactician Magician

Shantotto, Tactician Magician

This Tactician Magician is in no position to be wishin' for an omission from my prediction, which is Under.

...Did I just become a rapper?

My prediction: No/Under

Tellah, Great SageTellah, Great Sage

Tellah, Great Sage

This guy's name sounds like a Bostonian saying the word "teller." He's also super cool. One to three equals chump blocker, four to seven equals card advantage, and eight plus equals massive global damage. When you put it like that...

My prediction: Ovah

The Emperor of PalameciaThe Emperor of Palamecia

The Emperor of Palamecia

I feel like a card called "The Lord Master of Hell" should be way better than this. And maybe have Dave Grohl in devil makeup for the artwork.

My prediction: Under

Vivi OrnitierVivi Ornitier

Vivi Ornitier

If this card's preorder price is any indication, this will be an easy Over.

My prediction: See above

Cloud of DarknessCloud of Darkness

Cloud of Darkness

In a set as powerful as this, dinky little commanders like these really stand out.

My prediction: Under

Exdeath, Void WarlockExdeath, Void Warlock

Exdeath, Void Warlock

This dude reminds me of Abomination of LlanowarAbomination of Llanowar without the kindred synergies, which seems like a major downside.

My prediction: Under

Fang, Fearless l'CieFang, Fearless l'Cie

Fang, Fearless l'Cie

You'll notice this is a Meld creature, and this is the half for the 99.

My prediction: Under

Jenova, Ancient CalamityJenova, Ancient Calamity

Jenova, Ancient Calamity

I’ve watched enough X-Files to know the truth is out there, and that’s never been more true than with a literal Alien. And the truth is, this kind of unbridled card draw is rarely out there.

My prediction: Over

Vanille, Cheerful l'CieVanille, Cheerful l'Cie

Vanille, Cheerful l'Cie

This is the Meld half of Ragnarok, Divine Deliverance for the Command Zone.

My prediction: Over

Cloud, Planet's ChampionCloud, Planet's Champion

Cloud, Planet's Champion

Which planet is Cloud champion of? Judging by those delts, I’m guessing Planet Fitness.

Dad jokes aside, Boros Equipment is a classic archetype at this point, and our ripped friend here looks like he’ll fit right in. Plus, he's the other half of that aforementioned Starter Kit product, which can only help his popularity — and perhaps his fitness goals.

My prediction: Over

Giott, King of the DwarvesGiott, King of the Dwarves

Giott, King of the Dwarves

Boros Equipment? Yes. Dwarf kindred? Maybe. Rummaging as your payoff? Definitely not.

My prediction: Under

Joshua, Phoenix's DominantJoshua, Phoenix's Dominant

Joshua, Phoenix's Dominant

Not to be confused with the protagonist of Troll 2, this Joshua seems too cool not to play. Another dominant Dominant.

My prediction: Over

Lightning, Army of OneLightning, Army of One

Lightning, Army of One

You don’t need a schlub like me telling you this is a desirable effect.

My prediction: Over

Zidane, Tantalus ThiefZidane, Tantalus Thief

Zidane, Tantalus Thief

Not to be confused with that French soccer player who headbutted another dude on the pitch, this Zidane will probably fit better in the 99 of Zedruu the GreatheartedZedruu the Greathearted decks than in his own.

My prediction: Under

Ignis ScientiaIgnis Scientia

Ignis Scientia

Are the judges on Top Chef as mean as Simon Cowell? If so, I think they’d make this poor guy cry.

My prediction: Under

Omega, Heartless EvolutionOmega, Heartless Evolution

Omega, Heartless Evolution

If I told you this set had a seven man 8/8 Robot, I think you’d expect it to do a little more than this.

My prediction: Under

Noctis, Prince of LucisNoctis, Prince of Lucis

Noctis, Prince of Lucis

This card reminds me of Zoraline, Cosmos CallerZoraline, Cosmos Caller, only less likely to carry rabies. Furthermore, my pal Ian showed me you can use cards like Nesting GroundsNesting Grounds to move those finality counters onto opposing permanents, which is even more diabolical than it sounds. Shoutout to Ian. And Noctis. And rabid bats.

My prediction: Over

Kefka, Court MageKefka, Court Mage

Kefka, Court Mage

Bonkers. Outrageous. Unbelievable. Kinda creepy. I could list more adjectives to describe this commander, but only three words will suffice…

Can't-Miss Pick

Choco, Seeker of ParadiseChoco, Seeker of Paradise

Choco, Seeker of Paradise

Whether it’s the Bird kindred synergies, the free lands, the landfall, or the adorable artwork, there’s no way this card is going under.

My prediction: Not Under

Sin, Spira's PunishmentSin, Spira's Punishment

Sin, Spira's Punishment

Love the artwork on this thing, and the effect isn't half bad, either. If you only have lands in the 'yard, it casts a free Splendid ReclamationSplendid Reclamation on entry. If you've got creatures, they all suddenly become excellent populate targets. Either way, you're getting your mana's worth with this beast.

My prediction: Over

Terra, Magical AdeptTerra, Magical Adept

Terra, Magical Adept

If we learned anything from Tom BombadilTom Bombadil, it’s that LSD is a powerful drug. Also, Sagas go great with five-colored nonsense.

My prediction: Over

The Wandering MinstrelThe Wandering Minstrel

The Wandering Minstrel

Modern players familiar with Amulet Titan already know the nuttiness of lands entering untapped. They also had last year's Horizons set taken over by us Commander players, but that’s beside the point. The point is, this effect is excellent, especially on a five-color commander.

My prediction: Over

Ultima, Origin of OblivionUltima, Origin of Oblivion

Ultima, Origin of Oblivion

This seems like a surefire way to lose friends and alienate people. However, this fellow also doubles colorless mana, which is like half a Caged SunCaged Sun for one less mana. And with those multiple limbs and his general distaste for nature, he should fit right in with all your Eldrazi.

My prediction: Over

Recap

Over (52)

  1. Aerith GainsboroughAerith Gainsborough
  2. Beatrix, Loyal GeneralBeatrix, Loyal General
  3. Cloud, Midgar MercenaryCloud, Midgar Mercenary
  4. Dion, Bahamut's DominantDion, Bahamut's Dominant
  5. Minwu, White MageMinwu, White Mage
  6. Venat, Heart of HydaelynVenat, Heart of Hydaelyn
  7. Edgar, King of FigaroEdgar, King of Figaro
  8. Gogo, Master of MimicryGogo, Master of Mimicry
  9. Matoya, Archon ElderMatoya, Archon Elder
  10. Y'shtola RhulY'shtola Rhul
  11. Ardyn, the UsurperArdyn, the Usurper
  12. Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIERSephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER
  13. Vincent ValentineVincent Valentine
  14. Zenos yae GalvusZenos yae Galvus
  15. Zodiark, Umbral GodZodiark, Umbral God
  16. Clive, Ifrit's DominantClive, Ifrit's Dominant
  17. Freya CrescentFreya Crescent
  18. Gilgamesh, Master-at-ArmsGilgamesh, Master-at-Arms
  19. Prompto ArgentumPrompto Argentum
  20. Queen BrahneQueen Brahne
  21. Seifer AlmasySeifer Almasy
  22. Vaan, Street ThiefVaan, Street Thief
  23. Bartz and BokoBartz and Boko
  24. Sazh KatzroySazh Katzroy
  25. Tifa LockhartTifa Lockhart
  26. Absolute VirtueAbsolute Virtue
  27. Cid, Timeless ArtificerCid, Timeless Artificer
  28. Hope EstheimHope Estheim
  29. Emet-Selch, UnsunderedEmet-Selch, Unsundered
  30. Golbez, Crystal CollectorGolbez, Crystal Collector
  31. Sephiroth, Planet's HeirSephiroth, Planet's Heir
  32. Ultimecia, Time SorceressUltimecia, Time Sorceress
  33. Black Waltz No. 3Black Waltz No. 3
  34. Kuja, Genome SorcererKuja, Genome Sorcerer
  35. Balthier and FranBalthier and Fran
  36. Gladiolus AmicitiaGladiolus Amicitia
  37. Garnet, Princess of AlexandriaGarnet, Princess of Alexandria
  38. Yuna, Hope of SpiraYuna, Hope of Spira
  39. Tellah, Great SageTellah, Great Sage
  40. Vivi OrnitierVivi Ornitier
  41. Jenova, Ancient CalamityJenova, Ancient Calamity
  42. Vanille, Cheerful l'CieVanille, Cheerful l'Cie
  43. Cloud, Planet's ChampionCloud, Planet's Champion
  44. Joshua, Phoenix's DominantJoshua, Phoenix's Dominant
  45. Lightning, Army of OneLightning, Army of One
  46. Noctis, Prince of LucisNoctis, Prince of Lucis
  47. Kefka, Court MageKefka, Court Mage (Can't-Miss Pick)
  48. Choco, Seeker of ParadiseChoco, Seeker of Paradise
  49. Sin, Spira's PunishmentSin, Spira's Punishment
  50. Terra, Magical AdeptTerra, Magical Adept
  51. The Wandering MinstrelThe Wandering Minstrel
  52. Ultima, Origin of OblivionUltima, Origin of Oblivion

Under (46)

  1. Adelbert SteinerAdelbert Steiner
  2. Ambrosia WhiteheartAmbrosia Whiteheart
  3. Ashe, Princess of DalmascaAshe, Princess of Dalmasca
  4. G'raha TiaG'raha Tia
  5. Rosa, Resolute White MageRosa, Resolute White Mage
  6. Snow VilliersSnow Villiers
  7. Stiltzkin, Moogle MerchantStiltzkin, Moogle Merchant
  8. Zack FairZack Fair
  9. Jill, Shiva's DominantJill, Shiva's Dominant
  10. Quistis TrepeQuistis Trepe
  11. Ultimecia, Temporal ThreatUltimecia, Temporal Threat
  12. Ultros, Obnoxious OctopusUltros, Obnoxious Octopus
  13. Gaius van BaelsarGaius van Baelsar
  14. Jecht, Reluctant GuardianJecht, Reluctant Guardian
  15. Kain, Traitorous DragoonKain, Traitorous Dragoon
  16. Reno and RudeReno and Rude
  17. Seymour FluxSeymour Flux
  18. Barret WallaceBarret Wallace
  19. Firion, Wild Rose WarriorFirion, Wild Rose Warrior
  20. Lightning, Security SergeantLightning, Security Sergeant
  21. Prompto ArgentumPrompto Argentum
  22. Raubahn, Bull of Ala MhigoRaubahn, Bull of Ala Mhigo
  23. Zell DinchtZell Dincht
  24. Diamond WeaponDiamond Weapon
  25. Quina, Qu GourmetQuina, Qu Gourmet
  26. Torgal, A Fine HoundTorgal, A Fine Hound
  27. Tidus, Blitzball StarTidus, Blitzball Star
  28. Locke ColeLocke Cole
  29. Xande, Dark MageXande, Dark Mage
  30. Garland, Knight of CorneliaGarland, Knight of Cornelia
  31. Rydia, Summoner of MistRydia, Summoner of Mist
  32. Rinoa HeartillyRinoa Heartilly
  33. Serah FarronSerah Farron
  34. Cecil, Dark KnightCecil, Dark Knight
  35. Judge Magister GabranthJudge Magister Gabranth
  36. Rufus ShinraRufus Shinra
  37. Squall, SeeD MercenarySquall, SeeD Mercenary
  38. Shantotto, Tactician MagicianShantotto, Tactician Magician
  39. The Emperor of PalameciaThe Emperor of Palamecia
  40. Cloud of DarknessCloud of Darkness
  41. Exdeath, Void WarlockExdeath, Void Warlock
  42. Fang, Fearless l'CieFang, Fearless l'Cie
  43. Giott, King of the DwarvesGiott, King of the Dwarves
  44. Zidane, Tantalus ThiefZidane, Tantalus Thief
  45. Ignis ScientiaIgnis Scientia
  46. Omega, Heartless EvolutionOmega, Heartless Evolution

If you made it this far, you have the fortitude of a chocobo. Well done!

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