Hydroblast

Description

Released in 1995 as part of the Ice Age expansion, Hydroblast serves as a foundational blue instant in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Identified as card number 72 in the set, this common card is designed by Kaja Foglio and provides players with a strategic choice during gameplay. With a mana cost of one blue mana, it offers efficient interaction against red-colored threats. The card’s unique mechanic allows the controller to decide the effect after the target is chosen. Players can opt to counter a red spell entirely or destroy a red permanent. This dual-effect design makes Hydroblast a flexible tool in the blue mana pool, capable of adapting to different board states without consuming additional resources. Its versatility has made it a staple reference point for understanding early blue interaction in the game's history. For collectors, Hydroblast represents a key piece of Ice Age lore and mechanics. Collectors often seek out original Ice Age prints to complete their sets or to appreciate the early design language of Magic: The Gathering. The card’s straightforward yet effective text box reflects the era’s approach to card design, prioritizing clarity and strategic depth. Whether you are building a vintage collection or studying the evolution of card mechanics, Hydroblast remains a significant artifact of 1990s trading card game design. Its enduring presence in discussions about early Magic: The Gathering highlights its importance to both players and historians of the hobby.