Magic The Gathering

Darksteel uncommon.
Although it’s almost an exact reprint of Nemesis’s Stronghold Zeppelin, Hoverguard Observer’s creature type was made Drone (instead of Ship) to line up with the flavor of the Mirrodin block.

Invasion common.
There was some discussion during Invasion development to simply make Dismantling Blow a cantrip Disenchant. But since cantrips are found in many blocks and kicker is found only (so far) in Invasion block, it was created with the more unique kicker effect.

Urza’s Legacy and Onslaught common.
During Urza’s Legacy development, there was concern that Swat was able to target black creatures, when many black removal spells can’t. After some debate it was decided that it made Swat interesting enough to leave it that way.

Urza’s Saga common.
As designed, Wild Dogs was a 2/1 for with the life-total drawback. Cycling was added to it later, during development.

Scourge rare.
Part of the cycle of “supercyclers” (the Decrees that generate a huge effect when either cast or cycled), Decree of Pain had its cycling cost reduced from to to make it competitive in constructed play.

Scourge common.
As designed, this card (and a few other non-creature spells in Scourge) had landcycling. During development, it was decided that landcycling should only appear on large creatures and Break Asunder’s ability changed to regular cycling.

Urza’s Saga uncommon.
This is the only wall in Magic with the cycling ability.

Darksteel rare.
This aggressive green attacker is the only card in Magic with a mana cost of .

Darksteel common.
The flavor of this Awe Strikelike instant: it’s a protective spell used by Leonin cleric elders to turn fire or death magic into healing light.

Torment uncommon.
This card was going to cost and be a cantrip, but it was changed to its current form to distance it from Gaea’s Blessing.