We’re back with yet another card preview for MtG : March of the Machine, this time taking a look at the double-sided Skyclave Aerialist thanks to our friends at Wizards of the Coast.

The past couple of sets have done a pretty good job of showing us that being Compleated isn’t exactly an optimal outcome- we’ve seen it happen to plenty of legendary Planeswalkers and (mostly) harmless creatures.

MtG : March of The Machine will feature cards that can now transform mid battle- going from heroic warriors to Phyrexian horrors, such as with Skyclave Aerialist.

Our fishy friend starts off as pretty good deck filler, with a 2/1 statline and flying, all at a cost of 2 mana (1 colorless, 1 blue). All things considered, it’s a strong opener if you’ve got the right ramping cards like Sol Ring and the like to get it out fast.

But where it’s really unique is its transformation mechanic- adding in another 4 mana and one Phyrexian Green (payable with life), you can transform it into its counterpart- Skyclave Invader.

Skyclave Invader tries to offset its own 6 cost (and 2 life) to bring out by taking a look at the top card of your deck, and letting you play it directly if it’s a land.  Aside from that, transforming it turns it into a 2/4 creature with flying, making it a great tool for defending yourself from other pesky fliers.

It’s effect:

When this creature transforms into Skyclave Invader, look at the top card of your library. If it’s a land card, you may put it on the battlefield. If you don’t put it on the battlefield, put it in your hand

Admittedly, Skyclave Invader and Skyclave Aerialist aren’t really the kinds of cards that are going to break the game- Invader is especially pricey for what it does, and even then instead of a guaranteed card you’re gambling for the chance of getting to put down a second land this turn. Even if you just wanted to go plus one, maybe paying the total cost of Etali, Primal Storm isn’t the optimal way to do it.

From a flavor point of view though, transforming cards are always a treat- considering how many cards we’ve seen already transformed, Skyclave Invader is fun since you can do it mid battle.

You’ll be able to get Skyclave Aerialist and Invade in packs of March of the Machine when it launches on April 21st, and our thanks to Wizards of the Coast for the opportunity to check out this cool new card!