When discarded by a card effect, he can target and destroy a card the opponent controls, but if the opponent discarded it it can also look at one of the opponents cards randomly, and special summon it to their field if its a monster
It lets you cast a free instant or sorcery spell with a mana value of 2 or less each time the equipped creature deals combat damage, which is an awesome value engine
The "Bleed" option extends the card image beyond its normal borders, filling the extra space around each card
Finally, "Bystial Saronir" can send other "Bystial" monsters or "Branded" Spells/Traps to the GY if it is sent to the GY
A more controlling Gideon makes for a nice change of pace, and it emphasizes the characters ideals as a protector thats too willing to pursue justice through self-sacrifice
I dont have empirical evidence that anything has changed with the manufacturing process to create foil cards