The difference is that this card still has great potential even when you dont meet the criteria
There are plenty of Magic sets worth talking about, especially if you are buying based on enjoyment rather than only expected value
With a ward effect of sacrificing a creature, Vein Ripper was so good in formats like Pioneer and Explorer, that it caused Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord to get banned since the planeswalker could cheat out the Vampire as early as turn three
Do note that the Nightshade Assassin requires a different, more control, deck to function
It is a premise that is very reminiscent of the mainline Pokmon games, as well as the classic anime, with the only difference being battling with cards instead of monsters
Make your mulligan decisions very carefully your deck doesnt mulligan well because of your mediocre late game