i think this card can be really good especially more in the late game if you're not doing so well and nearly dead i'm pretty sure the artifact count includes itself but even 9 life extra can turn a game around unless you were doing really bad then you're just dead. i think this card can do better in mirrodin artifact decks rather than esper decks though etherium sculptors do decrease the pain of costing 8 mana. Still seems hit or miss in its usefulness in most artifact decks unless you do have a master transmuter then you could keep bouncing it back in and out as you are able to get more creatures out or you could just get a darksteel collosus out and kill them. Actually thinking about it i'd rather get sphinx of the steel wind out. Still can be good.

  -- By Chraq from Mordhaus on January 18, 2010

You don't necessarily need an esperzoa. Master Transmuter works just as well, especially if you have two of these. Bounce one back to your hand to bring out the other. Repeat until you think you have enough life. A bit expensive otherwise, for a 4/4, even if the ability is very good.

  -- By Anonymous from Cleveland, OH USA on June 27, 2009

This card is only good when you have alot of artifacts out and esperzoa

  -- By Julian from hi on June 14, 2009