How does the excess damage rule in Magic: The Gathering impact gameplay and strategy?

The excess damage rule in Magic: The Gathering allows players to assign extra damage from a creature to another target after the original target is destroyed. This impacts gameplay by giving players more strategic options, such as being able to take out multiple creatures with one attack or deal damage to an opponent's life total even if their creature is blocked. It adds depth to decision-making and can influence the outcome of a game.