The timer can be your best friend or worst enemy. Usually this isn’t a problem, but then there are times when you are trying to block or use your card’s ability, or whatever it may be, and if you happen to run out of time, the computer will choose things for you. This is a pain in the ass, period. Fans of strategy games know that everything can be crucial, and when a game tends to randomly make decisions for you, the game can quickly go all wrong. Though this is not the biggest complaint, during several online matches it refused to allow me to play mana cards. The mana cards are vital because this is how you “pay” to bring out creatures and cast various spells.

Graphically, Duels of the Planeswalkers doesn’t really branch out of showing you the artwork for the cards, though it does show small attack animations. Everything from claw scratches, bite marks, and even little glowing moths are shown on the cards they are attacking. After several matches, you may decide to turn off the animations, but initially they capture a visual representation that is sure to make any fan of the card game smile. Just like the animations, you may find yourself turning off the sounds of the game or turning the volume down to replace it with music of your choice while you annihilate your opponent.

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers may not revolutionize computerized card-based games, but is does one simple thing right, it allows for new and old fans to meet on equal ground. If you have ever wanted to experience Magic the Gathering, or if you have wanted to play again but refused to shell out the money in order to have a good enough deck to play at the local comic shops, this game is designed for you, as it delivers the experience in a simple and easily accessible fashion so that soon everyone will be talking about Magic the Gathering like a pro. For only ten bucks, you really can’t afford to miss this title if you have even the slightest bit of interest in Magic.

By Matthew Walker
CCC Project Coordinator