Tidal Wave

Description

The Magic: The Gathering Tidal Wave card, cataloged as EMA-75, is a distinctive inclusion from The List series released in 2019. Unlike traditional expansion sets, The List functions as a rotating collection of unique cards printed exclusively for the platform, making each card a singular piece of digital-to-physical crossover history. This card is a Common rarity Instant with a mana cost of {2}{U} and a mana value of 3, designed by Brian Snõddy. In gameplay, Tidal Wave offers a strategic temporary threat. By casting the spell, players create a 5/5 blue Wall creature token with the defender ability. This token serves as a potent defensive barrier but comes with a built-in expiration, requiring the player to sacrifice it at the beginning of the next end step. This mechanic allows for flexible board control without permanently committing resources. The card’s flavor text, attributed to Thassa, god of the sea, adds narrative depth, describing a seabed paved with the shattered remnants of unwelcomed vessels. For collectors of Magic: The Gathering, The List cards represent a niche but highly engaging segment of the hobby, offering unique identities separate from standard set releases. The combination of Snõddy’s artistic style and the card’s specific rules text makes Tidal Wave a notable item for those studying the breadth of the game's design evolution.