Random Card of the Day #9

Random Card of the Day #9:

Paralyze - B

Enchantment - Aura

Enchant creature

When Paralyze enters the battlefield tap enchanted creature.
Enchanted creature doesn't untap during its controller's untap.

At the beginning of the upkeep of enchanted creature's controller, that creature's controller may pay {4}. If he or she does, untap that creature.

Initial thoughts:

Reminds me of Narcolepsy--but in a different color. I find it odd that this kind of mechanic found it's way into blue. (Then again I could say the same for Harmonize or Brute Force.)

It basically shuts down creatures without activated abilities. I don't think I would play this card though. Sure it shuts down a creature but for one black mana, it would be used early in the game, and I don't know what early game cards would be a threat that couldn't be dealt with a more versatile two-drop, or something like a black Oblivion Ring for three: Oubliette. And if it was a creature that gave a lot of trouble, your opponent can still pay (albeit a hefty cost) to untap it. And it still doesn't stop your opponent from sacrificing his creature for other effects, such as Flesh-Eater Imp.

On the other hand, this card is an Enchantment so it's hard to deal with, especially against Red. I could see this being a huge deal against an aggro deck with Stromkirk Noble or Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration. -- but once again Disfigure or Dismember could just be more relevant and more versatile than a sorcery-speed Enchantment shutdown.

Seems like a sideboard card to me. A pretty effective one, but definitely won't be maindecking this. If the card is relevant to your opponent, probably give it a 3/5. Otherwise it just falls short or being effective and I would rather have the card beneath it.