Technically, Kess, Dissident Mage was also newly released with this Commander deck, but I dont believe it was billed as an alternate commander
Despite the inherent variance, its a very potent effect to the point that most spells that trigger cascade dont need to do much else besides that
Giants believe that tossing redcaps at knights is the best way to deal with both
A Thoughtseize or Duress asks you to spend resources to avert a play your opponent hasnt committed anything to (other than a card draw)
There are a lot of "build around me" style cards that may excel once you figure out how to use them (cards like Lady Octopus, Inspired Inventor or Behold the Sinister Six)
The Birds come down a turn earlier, require fewer colors to play, and generate any color of mana when they tap instead of just black