How strong is Abyssal Sceptor?

It's better against tanks now than squishies. Also, it's better if you have good base stats on your magic damage abilities. Or sunfire. Basically, it became even more of an ap bruiser defense item.

a decent item, it also allows you to hit the cdr cap with morello and runes, either it or zhonya

Abyssal is better in almost all cases. Abyssal stacks with Void far better now and also acts as a multiplier; its almost the IE of AP items now, at an insanely low price too.

Vlad, Swain, etc can reach 40% bonus damage with abyssal, kit amp, and masteries.

Flat pen stacks far better with both Abyssal and Void now as well!