Instead of sprawling cities or planeswalking epics, the set centers on mice, frogs, bats, birds, squirrels, and other critters battling to protect a picturesque valley
In a format where Dimirand Azorius control players rely on one-for-one removal, forcing them to pay a life tax for every interaction is exactly how we get them into burn range for finishing Burst Lightning
Of course, it always worked out when he needed it the most
Toss in being a main deck answer to some very problematic cards - like Ensnaring Bridge - and it wouldnt be a surprise to see Gleeful Demolition become an 8 Whack staple moving forward
Genetic Apex also reused the art from some popular TCG cards, so hopefully more classic cards will get referenced in a similar way