Final-Word Phantom is a brilliantly disruptive card that allows players to set up a perfect next-turn counterattack.
MTG’sMurders at Karlov Manorset has drawn on references to beloved pop-culture detectives like Sherlock Holmes and the Scooby gang.
Thinking CapandSophia, Dogged Detectivewill definitely have their fans when Murders at Karlov Manor launches onFebruary 9. But of all these gumshoes, the unassuming Columbo might just have delivered the strongest detective crossover of this set.
Final-Word Phantom provides incredible interrupts
While the luxurious mustache on this spiritCreaturemay put players more in mind of Hercule Poirot, the Columbo comparisons are clear in both the card’s flavor text and its mechanics.
‘Just one more thing’ is a near-verbatim reproduction of Columbo’s favored catchphrase, and when deploying this card, players can catch their opponents off-guard with a similar last-minute gambit.
The benefits of playing during opponents’ end steps cannot be overstated. Flash is one of MTG’s mostversatile abilities, and Final-Word Phantom granting a pseudo-flash to all your cards is a momentary miracle.
While opponents can still respond to your plays at instant speed, any interaction at sorcery speed that would normally be done to clear away your field is unable to be cast. Keeping your lands untapped and then sneaking in a whole turn’s worth ofsetupthat can almost immediately be paid off on your next turn will leave you at a significant advantage.
Any of your creatures cast at this point will be ready and raring to fight as soon as it becomes your upkeep, getting around the usual summoning sickness restriction and enabling you to startswinging for the win.
If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.
Jack Bye was a Games Writer on Dexerto’s UK team, specializing in ecommerce content. He is a Magic The Gathering and DnD expert, covering all things tabletop games. He also has bylines at WePC and VideoGamer.
