Mmmh, give him Double Strike even, which is helpfully in Red. Actually, that's some very brilliant card design, I have to admit. Niv-Mizzet is so prideful, you want to pander to him by devoting your resources to maximizing his abilities. Use your intellect and impulses to have an insightful deck building idea!
I propose a challenge to the Johnnies. I can sort of figure this one out, but I'm mostly stumped and would like to see feedback from others.
Spell out the "(Z–>)90º – (E–N²W)90ºt = 1" formula in gameplay. Or in other words, have 26 permanents (for the 26th letter of the alphabet) that you tap (thus rotating them 90 degrees) in order to trigger an Effect that subtracts a resource that starts with N from your opponent twice or geometrically repeats itself. End the situation with all 26 permanents untapped immediately before your opponent loses the game.
TheManakinTransfer
★★★★☆ (4.0/5.0)(2 votes)
I have a feeling counter burn may soon become a viable standard deck, sadly this majestic bastard may not be joining that bandwagon :( Oh well, EDH and casual players everywhere are basking in your resplendent aura my liege :)
.Blaze.
★★★★☆ (4.7/5.0)(3 votes)
Finisher in R/U control decks maybe?
Superllama12
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(2 votes)
This is, in my opinion, much lamer than the original Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind. Sure, it's bigger, and probably has a more relevant ability, but the original was so original and comboable, this one just says "deal damage." Still a cool card, but not as cool as the original
Totema
★★★★☆ (4.9/5.0)(4 votes)
It's sort of a shame that his ability only applies to damage that he deals. But if that weren't the case, you would be able to, among other ridiculous things, create an infinite combo...with himself. He's still really awesome, and you have to love the flavor of old Niv getting into the fray himself, instead of just sitting back and giving you cards.
SyntheticDreamer
★★★★☆ (4.5/5.0)(9 votes)
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Niv-Mizzet...Dracogenius."
syrazemyla
★★★★☆ (4.8/5.0)(9 votes)
I would love to see people's heads explode in his presence.
Battleguild
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius, Mind over Matter, & Izzet Boilerworks for instant win.
Cyberium
★★★★☆ (4.5/5.0)(2 votes)
Not as combo-friendly as his older version, but certainly more destructive. The old Niv is more blue friendly while new Niv more red friendly.
That said, he combos with himself, what a genius...
Tiggurix
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5.0)(2 votes)
I prefer the old Niv-Mizzet, to be honest.
djflo
★★★★☆ (4.9/5.0)(6 votes)
The breakdown between the two is basically that the Firemind is really comboable with a whole bunch of already good cards; Dracogenius is stronger on his own as a card having a bigger body and ability that runs itself.
In EDH, Firemind is the general and Dracogenius the card you're always happy to see; In standard, neither seem playable, although maybe as a control finisher; In limited, either say "you win".
SirMalkin
★★★★☆ (4.5/5.0)(2 votes)
I like this one a lot. I think the other Niv makes a better general, but this one's still getting a slot in my deck, especially given how well the two work together.
Also, interestingly enough, in a pinch you can zap yourself with this guy if you find your opponents suddenly Hexproofed or Shrouded and you really need to draw a card.
@djflo Well put. You've succinctly summed up my own opinions on this card.
Lyoncet
★★★★☆ (4.3/5.0)(7 votes)
I think this guy should have another ability:
: Search your library for a card named Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind and put it into play. Shuffle your library.
We all know NM is so in love with himself he'd probably find a way to go back in time and bring Firemind forward. Because in his mind, the only thing better than him is two of him, right?
lolcatonahottinroof
★★☆☆☆ (2.8/5.0)(2 votes)
Take a perfectly good rare, slap on +1/+1, give it slightly different abilities, and call it a day. Yup, that is one way to crank out a mythic.
Zenzei
★★☆☆☆ (2.8/5.0)(2 votes)
Infinitely better than the old version. Niv-Mizzet 2.0 will see tournament play.
---------------------
@Ferlord and anyone who thinks Niv-Mizzet the Firemind's combo compatibility means something when evaluating Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius' standard potential:
Just because Niv-Mizzet the Firemind combos with curiosity/eye of ophidian to deal damage equal to the number of cards in your deck, doesn't make it good. That combo is super slow and not resilient compared to number of other modern legal combos (I.E. exarch-twin or storm), which is why the stricly worse combination of Niv+Curiosity sees no play.
Outside of being a clunky combo piece, Niv1.0 is just annoyingly anti-synergistic with itself: a fairly large flyer you don't want to attack with (because then you can't tap to draw a card).
Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius on the other hand is just fantastic control deck win condition. It can race really well if needed (kills in 3 attacks no problem), it can shoot down weenie hordes, it can brawl with midrange creatures (since 5/5 is a large body) and it will bury your opponet in card advantage faster than consecrated sphinx itself does.
RowanKeltizar
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Mind Over Matter still combos with Dracogenius, you just need a mana source that produces UR. Two Gilded Lotus would work nicely (effectively "Discard 2 cards: Draw 3 cards")
@ Zenzei. I must disagree with you on one point. In multiplayer Consecrated Sphinx will almost always be the best use of 6 mana. The following (or the same turn) you can cast any handcycling card to draw half of your library - not to mention netting 6 cards just from peoples draw steps.
That said, there's a lot of excellent reasons to play this version as your commander in EDH over Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind, many of which you articulated quite well. I sometimes find myself with no cards in hand and a lot of mana. In that situation Dracogenius is a much more helpful permanent to have in play. That unfortunate situation doesn't happen often but it would be nice to have that insurance.
BUT, the infinite combos with Firemind, although clunky and fragile are just killer IF you can pull them off. The damage done by the draw is really just icing. Once Niv has his library in hand it's over. For example: Inner Fire and Comet Storm.
Turn 4 and 5 wins are typical with my Firemind build, which can be seen here http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?p=8167609#post8167609 . It just takes a lot of ramp and tutors to make it work. The deck doesn't depend on the infinite combos to win but they certainly do enable some early wins.
Another combo that I would really miss is Firemind + Mindmoil + Dream Halls. Definitely still doable with Firemind in the deck instead of in commander zone though since Mindmoil + Dream Halls is a great combo in itself - just dig until you find him.
Needless to say, I'm going to give Dracogenius a thorough test run to see how he plays. Regardless of how that goes, he's definitely going in the deck.
Purple_Shrimp
★★☆☆☆ (2.8/5.0)(2 votes)
horrible design
Lotsofpoopy
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(3 votes)
Pros like me know that this Niv-Mizzet is definitely better than the old one. This one deals much more damage and gives you much more card advantage so I don't think it is even a contest.
Yozuk
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@shotoku64
You don't draw cards equal to the damage dealt. You draw cards when ever he deals damage. Which means, regardless of how much damage he does, you will always draw 1 card. Now with his ping ability, this counts as multiple instances of him dealing damage so each time you activate it to hurt a player you draw a card each time.
TezzieAgentOfWoona
★★★★☆ (5.0/5.0)(28 votes)
"I don't always make peoples' heads explode, but when I do, it's for science."
He is the most interesting Dragon in the Multiverse.
shotoku64
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(1 vote)
I'm voting better than Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind because each time this guy can hit your opponent, you draw 5 cards O.o I heard that's pretty good. He also has flying good god. EDIT: okay so he only gets you 1 card when he swings. That takes all the fun out of it. =( His ping ability might be better if it wasn't double colored mana. After thinking that over I figure that the original Niv-Mizzet is better because it is easier to use and to abuse. This card doesn't seem that great to me anymore =(
infinight
★★★★☆ (4.5/5.0)(4 votes)
So... They slapped Curioity on Shivan Hellkite and reduced the CMC?
Good card design though. It's the only pinger that really makes you have to choose between pinging an opponent and pinging a creature. One scenario I like is if your opponent controls a 2/2 with flying and you have to decide whether you should ping it twice and ping an opponent once so Niv can't be blocked (2 cards, 6 damage), just ping the opponent all 3 times and let Niv get blocked (3 cards, 3 damage, or use some of the mana to cast a spell in your hand (?). It adds a lot of complexity that normal pingers don't, in that way I think Niv-Mizzet, the Curious Hellkite is better than the original.
EnV
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Bolas and Niv should duke it out. Also, we've had too much Bolas in the new sets, it's time for some Niv.
Arachibutyrophobia
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
not as synergistic/comborific as the original, but better in a vacuum
Gcrudaplaneswalker
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I seriously think this guy is smarter than Jace. All four of them.
Vakyoom
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(1 vote)
Won me every prerelease game that he hit the battlefield during. The ping for a card draw is insane and then swinging for 5 and an additional card is just brutal. Cast him on turn 6-7, if you have left over mana ping at the end of their turn. Then continue to hold those essence backlashes and if you don't need to use that, ping em some more at the end of the turn to draw more lands for more pings and cards for more combos.
This card is supremely pro and anyone who denies it or thinks that he wont see major standard/tourney play is severely mistaken. 5/5, put two in every U/R deck, especially since card advantage is the name of the izzet game. Ties with trostani for best guild leader.
DarthParallax
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(2 votes)
Funny thing about the Legend Rule: it doesn't work the same for creatures as Planeswalkers.
I.E. you can have a Firemind and a Dracogenius out at the same time.
I know that Curiosity breakes the Firemind. I'd be interested if anyone knows of a card that can break Dracogenius in exactly the same way:
Equipment or Aura:
"Whenever you draw a card, (equipped creature deals)/(enchanted creature deals) 1 damage to target creature or player"
??? Does this exist? Will such a card be made in this block? ???
Afael
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
DarthParallax, I am quite sure that such card does not exist, but you can have both, Firemind and Dracogenius in play at the same time. They won't create infinite combo, but instead of 1 damage for 1 card you will get 2 damage for 1 card. Then again, there is not so much point in having both since all you need is Firemind. Doubt such card would be made, because it just makes anything into a Firemind and then you slap Curiosity on it. There is UB combination you might abuse, Jace's Erasure + Bloodchief Ascension. But its easier just to build a UB deck around it.
JaFaR_Ironclad
★★★★☆ (4.9/5.0)(14 votes)
"Mind = Blown" has a slightly different meaning in Izzet operations than in our own culture.
mdakw576
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
If he loves people's minds exploding, he'll love it when people see dracogenius and the firemind in play simultaneously.
RxPhantom
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I'm wondering if he'd be good in standard as a finisher in an Izzet deck that revolves around Guttersnipe, Snapcaster Mage and lotsa other spells. It's a six drop, a slot that was recently vacated by the Titans. I may give it a spin at FNM.
pedrodyl
★★★★☆ (4.9/5.0)(6 votes)
I dub thee Nerf-Mizzet They could have made him so much more awesome. Instead the just made a "fixed" version of the old Niv for standard so noone could have fun with him and Curiosity @Ferlord The OG Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind and Curiosity were never in standard together though...
Purplerooster
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
This guy can even draw you cards when he damages you with Rakdos Charm for instance.
Kryptnyt
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Don't like as much as his older self. Drawing extra cards is really only awesome if you can play them down. Still, do like more than Shivan Hellkite.
Viltris
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Firemind is a better combo card, but Dracogenius is more powerful overall. I'm convinced he's the only true bomb in the set. He draws you a bunch of cards and burns away your opponent's board. And if you don't have enough mana to kill all the blockers, he flies in for 5.
Mickacabra
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(4 votes)
While the old one wasn't in standard with Curiosity, it WAS in standard with Keen Sense and Ophidian Eye, both of which would cause the same loop.
I'm still a fan of the older one, but I suppose which one you like better comes down to personal preference.
Nevertheless, I'd have to say this doesn't feel "Mythic" enough. I would have changed the text from "you may draw a card" to "draw that many cards". It would fit the flavor well. Niv-Mizzet picking at a distance = Knowledge. Niv-Mizzet swooping down for a hands-on engagement? Mind-blowing, so much so that you might not be able to handle it.
4/5.
klauth
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I guess we'd have to face the fact that this is Timmy-Mizzet, he's great as a standalone card, but not comboable much...
Oh I do miss the Johnny-Mizzet, he turns Electrolyze into a more flexible Lightning Bolt, makes Remand a hellishly annoying card, best of all, Snakeform into one of the best removals ever
MANABURNWASGOOD
★★★★☆ (4.2/5.0)(5 votes)
Love how he is insta-kill combo with himself. Think I'm making this.
At first, I was like :/ "Where's my combo?" Then I played him, and I was like :D "This is fun."
Emperorben88
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
This is a fine, flavorful mythic rare: strong but not omnipotent (that honor goes to Arcanis).
Seifer447
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I pulled this from my second booster pack in the Izzet Intro deck. He does great work, being bigger than before and the ability to draw multiple cards while doing damage is always fantastic
j_mindfingerpainter
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
A pinging, card-drawing, legendary fatty on wings.
Sounds good in Commander.
TheWrathofShane
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I dont see this card making it past summoning sickness, but if he does, that's probably game.
Homelands
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@Infinight:
I had a similar thought when I first saw Dracogenius, but honestly his mana cost includes four colored mana (including UU), and his ping ability is similarly color-intensive. I think it's a fair trade.
Why Cipher spells like Stolen Identity had to say Combat damage? Why?
Ferlord
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@ Zenzei.
No, no he won't. There isn't an infinite combo with Dracogenius. There is with Firemind, and that doesn't see tourney play... Uhh, I mean Modern Play (you're right, pedrodyl)
Odee
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Kind of surprises me that most people burn then swing. I usually find myself swinging first then using the extra card and remaining mana to hunt for extra damage in the after combat phase. Niv's Dracogenius ability can be activated while he's tapped.
theRenamer
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
More like Niv-Mizzet, Nevermind.
Hakkology
★★★☆☆ (3.8/5.0)(2 votes)
The more i play this card, the more i love it. Saved me from the toughest of situations.
Don't listen to what others say, he sure doesn't have patience for those that do not inspire him or explode trying.
patronofthesound
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Old one is probably slightly better because you don't have to get through or spend mana to get an extra card and two pings every turn. Ultimately though this one is probably slightly stronger, because he combos with mana so well. Although UR acceleration is limiting...
Goatllama
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Put on your monocle and roll your tongue as you speak the name Draco...geeeeenius~!
Trygon_Predator
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I can only imagine him speaking in a Wile E. Coyote voice.
"Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius. I like the way that rolls out! Niv-Mizzet, Draco-Genius".
metabreed
★★★★☆ (4.4/5.0)(7 votes)
Is it wrong that every time I get this out when playing I make my voice sound like Wile E. Coyote and say: "Niv-Mizzet...DRACOGENIUS!" ? Or, is that exactly what we all should be doing?
Doghealer
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Wait, wait, wait.
That flavor text implies that it's not possible to inspire him BY exploding.
Depending on the explosion, I imagine it would be possible. Difficult, probably lethal, but still possible.
LordRandomness
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@Kaleidostorm: "The Izzet Signet is redesigned often, each time becoming closer to a vanity portrait of Niv-Mizzet."
Kaleidostorm
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(4 votes)
Dragon Wizard... That has to be the most awesome creature type in MTG.
He looks so bored. I hope he and Jace didn't fight again. They both get cranky when they give each other the silent treatment.
Daybreak57
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5.0)(1 vote)
Combine this with Niv-Mizzet the Firemind...SUPAH NIV-MIZZET CAMBOH!
Hepatizon
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(1 vote)
I recently played both Niv-Mizzets in one deck a few times. I realized quickly I was not utilizing Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind as well as I could by a long shot.
Dracogenius' dubious advantage is in that he is somewhat more durable. He's better able to defend himself (and you) right off the bat (drawing cards for you and blowing up little buggers), and is able to funnel mana rampery into big direct damage. Unfortunately he lacks the incredible combo power (and reliable damage) that Firemind has, and Firemind can still use his abilty when all your mana is tapped.
The "add +1/+1 to make him comparable" was first off unsuccessful, and secondly kind of uninspired, particularly considering even his name implies cleverer rather than simply beefier gameplay. If it caused you to draw cards equal to damage dealt by him (so 5 cards if he swings) would be the level of horrific I would expect, but no, it's instances of dealing damage.
I like the art of this version MUCH better than the Firemind reprint with no neck and no flavor text, but I'm rather disappointed that it's flavor text didn't inspire me or explode by trying. I would have liked to see art of him in a mirrored hall (see: Nivix, Aerie of the Firemind) perhaps in the midst of some epic experiment, something akin to the art of Firemind's Foresight.
All-in-all it's still a rather nice card. Pity it came second.
1- Tap boilerworks for {R}{U} 2-Use Niv's ability to hit someone and draw a card 3- Discard card to untap boilerworks 4-Repeat until decked or opponent is dead. For funzies, add in an eldrazi to shuffle your graveyard back into your library.
HuntingDrake
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Hmm! Legends usually drop their epithet the second time their name is used. A subtle reminder of Niv-Mizzet's egotism.
Paleopaladin
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(1 vote)
Holy low-balled rating on Gatherer, Batman!
kodykeithhall
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
By itself, this Niv-Mizzet is about a hundred times better than the old Niv-Mizzet. You need to have other cards in your deck that draw cards to make Niv-Mizzet the Firemind go off. You just need mana to get the full effect of Niv-Mizzet Dracogenius. Not to mention how much nicer a toughness of five is than four in terms of red removal. Yes, the combo with Curiosity is both cool and devastating for your opponent, and the Firemind has a lot of potential, but if you don't draw a lot of cards he's a pretty crappy dragon to play for six mana.
You sort of have to build a deck around Niv-Mizzet the Firemind's abilities. When you do that, you risk the chance of just drawing cards that make you draw more cards in the early stages of the game. Also, a six mana card is a lot to build a deck around in U/R so you may never even drop it. When the deck works, it's a sight to behold. When it doesn't, it flounders helplessly, frantically drawing cards and zapping things until it implodes.
Dracogenius is simply more useful, more often and in more decks. I've played extensively with both and I just find that Niv-Mizzet the Firemind hits the table as a dud far more often than Niv-Mizzet Dracogenius. Dracogenius is a self-sustaining closer to be reckoned with and Firemind is a cool mechanic that most people would rather have for 4 or 5 mana as an enchantment/artifact.
Cazaric
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(1 vote)
@Mickacabra
'I would have changed the text from "you may draw a card" to "draw that many cards".'
Comments (67)
I propose a challenge to the Johnnies. I can sort of figure this one out, but I'm mostly stumped and would like to see feedback from others.
Spell out the "(Z–>)90º – (E–N²W)90ºt = 1" formula in gameplay. Or in other words, have 26 permanents (for the 26th letter of the alphabet) that you tap (thus rotating them 90 degrees) in order to trigger an Effect that subtracts a resource that starts with N from your opponent twice or geometrically repeats itself. End the situation with all 26 permanents untapped immediately before your opponent loses the game.
That said, he combos with himself, what a genius...
In EDH, Firemind is the general and Dracogenius the card you're always happy to see;
In standard, neither seem playable, although maybe as a control finisher;
In limited, either say "you win".
Also, interestingly enough, in a pinch you can zap yourself with this guy if you find your opponents suddenly Hexproofed or Shrouded and you really need to draw a card.
@djflo
Well put. You've succinctly summed up my own opinions on this card.
We all know NM is so in love with himself he'd probably find a way to go back in time and bring Firemind forward. Because in his mind, the only thing better than him is two of him, right?
---------------------
@Ferlord and anyone who thinks Niv-Mizzet the Firemind's combo compatibility means something when evaluating Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius' standard potential:
Just because Niv-Mizzet the Firemind combos with curiosity/eye of ophidian to deal damage equal to the number of cards in your deck, doesn't make it good. That combo is super slow and not resilient compared to number of other modern legal combos (I.E. exarch-twin or storm), which is why the stricly worse combination of Niv+Curiosity sees no play.
Outside of being a clunky combo piece, Niv1.0 is just annoyingly anti-synergistic with itself: a fairly large flyer you don't want to attack with (because then you can't tap to draw a card).
Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius on the other hand is just fantastic control deck win condition. It can race really well if needed (kills in 3 attacks no problem), it can shoot down weenie hordes, it can brawl with midrange creatures (since 5/5 is a large body) and it will bury your opponet in card advantage faster than consecrated sphinx itself does.
@ Zenzei. I must disagree with you on one point. In multiplayer Consecrated Sphinx will almost always be the best use of 6 mana. The following (or the same turn) you can cast any handcycling card to draw half of your library - not to mention netting 6 cards just from peoples draw steps.
That said, there's a lot of excellent reasons to play this version as your commander in EDH over Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind, many of which you articulated quite well. I sometimes find myself with no cards in hand and a lot of mana. In that situation Dracogenius is a much more helpful permanent to have in play. That unfortunate situation doesn't happen often but it would be nice to have that insurance.
BUT, the infinite combos with Firemind, although clunky and fragile are just killer IF you can pull them off. The damage done by the draw is really just icing. Once Niv has his library in hand it's over. For example: Inner Fire and Comet Storm.
Turn 4 and 5 wins are typical with my Firemind build, which can be seen here http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?p=8167609#post8167609 . It just takes a lot of ramp and tutors to make it work. The deck doesn't depend on the infinite combos to win but they certainly do enable some early wins.
Another combo that I would really miss is Firemind + Mindmoil + Dream Halls. Definitely still doable with Firemind in the deck instead of in commander zone though since Mindmoil + Dream Halls is a great combo in itself - just dig until you find him.
Needless to say, I'm going to give Dracogenius a thorough test run to see how he plays. Regardless of how that goes, he's definitely going in the deck.
You don't draw cards equal to the damage dealt. You draw cards when ever he deals damage. Which means, regardless of how much damage he does, you will always draw 1 card. Now with his ping ability, this counts as multiple instances of him dealing damage so each time you activate it to hurt a player you draw a card each time.
He is the most interesting Dragon in the Multiverse.
He also has flying good god.
EDIT: okay so he only gets you 1 card when he swings. That takes all the fun out of it. =( His ping ability might be better if it wasn't double colored mana. After thinking that over I figure that the original Niv-Mizzet is better because it is easier to use and to abuse. This card doesn't seem that great to me anymore =(
Good card design though. It's the only pinger that really makes you have to choose between pinging an opponent and pinging a creature. One scenario I like is if your opponent controls a 2/2 with flying and you have to decide whether you should ping it twice and ping an opponent once so Niv can't be blocked (2 cards, 6 damage), just ping the opponent all 3 times and let Niv get blocked (3 cards, 3 damage, or use some of the mana to cast a spell in your hand (?). It adds a lot of complexity that normal pingers don't, in that way I think Niv-Mizzet, the Curious Hellkite is better than the original.
This card is supremely pro and anyone who denies it or thinks that he wont see major standard/tourney play is severely mistaken. 5/5, put two in every U/R deck, especially since card advantage is the name of the izzet game. Ties with trostani for best guild leader.
I.E. you can have a Firemind and a Dracogenius out at the same time.
I know that Curiosity breakes the Firemind. I'd be interested if anyone knows of a card that can break Dracogenius in exactly the same way:
Equipment or Aura:
"Whenever you draw a card, (equipped creature deals)/(enchanted creature deals) 1 damage to target creature or player"
??? Does this exist? Will such a card be made in this block? ???
I am quite sure that such card does not exist, but you can have both, Firemind and Dracogenius in play at the same time. They won't create infinite combo, but instead of 1 damage for 1 card you will get 2 damage for 1 card. Then again, there is not so much point in having both since all you need is Firemind.
Doubt such card would be made, because it just makes anything into a Firemind and then you slap Curiosity on it.
There is UB combination you might abuse, Jace's Erasure + Bloodchief Ascension. But its easier just to build a UB deck around it.
They could have made him so much more awesome. Instead the just made a "fixed" version of the old Niv for standard so noone could have fun with him and Curiosity
@Ferlord The OG Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind and Curiosity were never in standard together though...
Drawing extra cards is really only awesome if you can play them down.
Still, do like more than Shivan Hellkite.
I'm still a fan of the older one, but I suppose which one you like better comes down to personal preference.
Nevertheless, I'd have to say this doesn't feel "Mythic" enough. I would have changed the text from "you may draw a card" to "draw that many cards". It would fit the flavor well. Niv-Mizzet picking at a distance = Knowledge. Niv-Mizzet swooping down for a hands-on engagement? Mind-blowing, so much so that you might not be able to handle it.
4/5.
Oh I do miss the Johnny-Mizzet, he turns Electrolyze into a more flexible Lightning Bolt, makes Remand a hellishly annoying card, best of all, Snakeform into one of the best removals ever
:/
"Where's my combo?"
Then I played him, and I was like
:D
"This is fun."
Sounds good in Commander.
I had a similar thought when I first saw Dracogenius, but honestly his mana cost includes four colored mana (including UU), and his ping ability is similarly color-intensive. I think it's a fair trade.
No, no he won't. There isn't an infinite combo with Dracogenius. There is with Firemind, and that doesn't see tourney play... Uhh, I mean Modern Play (you're right, pedrodyl)
Don't listen to what others say, he sure doesn't have patience for those that do not inspire him or explode trying.
"Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius. I like the way that rolls out! Niv-Mizzet, Draco-Genius".
That flavor text implies that it's not possible to inspire him BY exploding.
Depending on the explosion, I imagine it would be possible. Difficult, probably lethal, but still possible.
He looks so bored. I hope he and Jace didn't fight again. They both get cranky when they give each other the silent treatment.
Dracogenius' dubious advantage is in that he is somewhat more durable. He's better able to defend himself (and you) right off the bat (drawing cards for you and blowing up little buggers), and is able to funnel mana rampery into big direct damage. Unfortunately he lacks the incredible combo power (and reliable damage) that Firemind has, and Firemind can still use his abilty when all your mana is tapped.
The "add +1/+1 to make him comparable" was first off unsuccessful, and secondly kind of uninspired, particularly considering even his name implies cleverer rather than simply beefier gameplay. If it caused you to draw cards equal to damage dealt by him (so 5 cards if he swings) would be the level of horrific I would expect, but no, it's instances of dealing damage.
I like the art of this version MUCH better than the Firemind reprint with no neck and no flavor text, but I'm rather disappointed that it's flavor text didn't inspire me or explode by trying. I would have liked to see art of him in a mirrored hall (see: Nivix, Aerie of the Firemind) perhaps in the midst of some epic experiment, something akin to the art of Firemind's Foresight.
All-in-all it's still a rather nice card. Pity it came second.
1- Tap boilerworks for {R}{U}
2-Use Niv's ability to hit someone and draw a card
3- Discard card to untap boilerworks
4-Repeat until decked or opponent is dead. For funzies, add in an eldrazi to shuffle your graveyard back into your library.
You sort of have to build a deck around Niv-Mizzet the Firemind's abilities. When you do that, you risk the chance of just drawing cards that make you draw more cards in the early stages of the game. Also, a six mana card is a lot to build a deck around in U/R so you may never even drop it. When the deck works, it's a sight to behold. When it doesn't, it flounders helplessly, frantically drawing cards and zapping things until it implodes.
Dracogenius is simply more useful, more often and in more decks. I've played extensively with both and I just find that Niv-Mizzet the Firemind hits the table as a dud far more often than Niv-Mizzet Dracogenius. Dracogenius is a self-sustaining closer to be reckoned with and Firemind is a cool mechanic that most people would rather have for 4 or 5 mana as an enchantment/artifact.
'I would have changed the text from "you may draw a card" to "draw that many cards".'
And that is why you are not a developer.