The 2-life downside is still noticeable, but its often more than worth it
The Lord of Pain, with its ability to inflict damage while also providing a strategic advantage, would fit well in a control or midrange deck that focuses on resource denial and board control, particularly in formats where life gain and creature-based strategies are prevalent
Additionally, a playset (4 copies) of some important cards is guaranteed, such as Mulan - Disguised Soldier and Captain Hook - Forceful Duelist
It looks like something youd expect from ancient Egypt, or similar, if they had access to more modern artistic tools
Magics third-ever 5-color precon is a sliver deck, making it one of two typal decks revolving around a creature type with a huge fanbase
I feel like the technology of the transform-into-saga-creature cards from Final Fantasy are perhaps the peak of Legendary Transform designs, and I hope (and believe) well see a lot more of this in the future