They are also somewhat colour fixers although the worst in this regard in the cube - try casting a Cryptic Command for 4 with 2 bounce lands in play for less than 5
Unlike todays minimal designs, this era said, 'Lets throw sparkles and gradients at everything!' And honestly
The flexibility of this card is unmatched by previous iterations of this effect, and that's why I believe it'll be a cornerstone of Blue-based Control decks until it leaves the format
The Orzhov Ephemerate deck focuses on leveraging ETB triggers using Phelia and Ephemerate for strategic plays
With 120 HP and its powerful pre-evolution Eevee, this card is a no-brainer for any Water-type deck
Summons of Saruman is amazing since it essentially works with all themes of the deck: amass orcs, fill your own graveyard, then cast another instant or sorcery for free