Hmm. Might have to clarify if it loses its other land types or "becomes an island in addition to its other types.". Also, does it turn it into an island until end of turn or forever and ever? :(
It's based on their market research, usability testing, focus groups etc. More people found the old way confusing than found the new way confusing, although there are some who find the new way more confusing.
That's... why on EARTH is that? That's just annoying extra wording, so that one of your creatures has the printed power/toughness which is actually worse than "Oh yeah, all of these are one more than they say"!
Hah. It's the kind of "islandwalk" that's really unblockability, as seen before on Stormtide Leviathan.
FWIW, WOTC's current policy is to write this kind of card as "3/3. Islandwalk. Other Merfolk you control get +1/+1 and have islandwalk." You may of course disagree with that policy in which case the current wording's fine.
Though, admitedly, I don't think anyone ever thought Sleeper Agent was a broken card. This is one of those really weird scenarios where the smaller the creature's power, the more the casting cost needs to be increased. :D
Based on Spreading Seas if there is no clarification on the card it just becomes an Island losing everything but name and supertype.
Hmm. Might have to clarify if it loses its other land types or "becomes an island in addition to its other types.". Also, does it turn it into an island until end of turn or forever and ever? :(
It also makes the creature read as a better card, which kind of sort of sells more cards. Which looks like a more powerful card to you?
First Example
Creatures you control get +3/+3.
1/1
Second Example
Other creatures you control get +3/+3.
4/4
It's based on their market research, usability testing, focus groups etc. More people found the old way confusing than found the new way confusing, although there are some who find the new way more confusing.
That's... why on EARTH is that? That's just annoying extra wording, so that one of your creatures has the printed power/toughness which is actually worse than "Oh yeah, all of these are one more than they say"!
brought into line with current policy
Hah. It's the kind of "islandwalk" that's really unblockability, as seen before on Stormtide Leviathan.
FWIW, WOTC's current policy is to write this kind of card as "3/3. Islandwalk. Other Merfolk you control get +1/+1 and have islandwalk." You may of course disagree with that policy in which case the current wording's fine.
Though, admitedly, I don't think anyone ever thought Sleeper Agent was a broken card. This is one of those really weird scenarios where the smaller the creature's power, the more the casting cost needs to be increased. :D
The way to template this is like Sleeper Agent. Which also offers some thoughts as to the appropriate size.