[U Counter] 3 Variants

Mind Shiv
Instant
Counter target spell unless it's controller pays .
Very similar to force spike, but has a possible shock tacked on.

and/or

Mind Pulse
Instant
Choose one -- Counter target creature spell unless it's controller pays ; Return target creature to it's owners hand unless it's controller pays .
Modal Force Spike with a nerfed unsummon (also an homage to crystal shard) tacked on.

How about a Daze variant?

Awesome Phyrexiblue Counter
Instant
You may cast ~ for if you control 3 or more lands.
Counter target spell unless it's controller pays .
Force Spike that gets a slight upgrade once you hit midgame.

Hey there, theses are cool cards! Thanks for posting them. Unless a card is nearly the same, we like to post them in different threads though for future reference.

Mind Pulse is pretty cool. For example here is my variant:

Mind Pulse

Instant
Choose one — Counter target noncreature spell unless its owner pays ; or return target creature to its owner's hand unless its controller pays .

Because we would never put both of these versions (yours and mine) into this cube, we can post them in the same thread.

Of the three, the one I like the most is Mind Pulse as well. I think I would prefer a Mind Pulse that costs and is "unless " instead of the , "unless " that reaper suggested, but I like the "noncreature spell" clause better than the "creature spell" one since it already unsummons a creature.

^ Agreed.

Mind Pulse v3

Instant
Choose one — Counter target noncreature spell unless its owner pays ; or return target creature to its owner's hand unless its controller pays .

I love this one a lot too.