Instead of trying to poorly capture the layout of a typical TCG match on the Game Boy, the games instead focus on just the Active Pokmon, that combined with the menu layout, is very evocative of a traditional Pokmon game's battle screen
It matters not, for the ability to kill Psychatog and Wild Mongrel alike puts Smother firmly in the top ten black instants of all time
The history and evolution of MTG have played a significant role in determining the value of cards
Sure, its 2 to play and 2 to sacrifice, and green would rather play other cards that put lands into play for that mana level, but beggars cant be choosers
It also works really well with any cards that allow you to play lands from your graveyard, letting you get multiple uses out of fetch lands
It's a triggered ability that triggers only on combat damage