As a fan of Magic: The Gathering for years now, I was naturally exuberant when I heard that there would be a digital version of the TCG on Xbox live. After all, Magic is arguably the best TCG out there (ad inarguably is among the best). The complex rules, the unique, interesting creatures, and the sheer amount of customization available in the TCG has not only secured its place in the pantheon of the world of Collectible Card Games, but has rendered it a permanent fixture in geek pop culture. But does the XBLA version stack up to the real thing?

The first thing you’ve gotta know is that you’re gonna be getting a very basic representation of Magic. The game offers no deck customization, but rather has a set of pre-made decks to chose from of various elements and styles. As you progress through the campaign mode, you unlock more decks to use – and all the basic deck types are represented in the game – from the quick-strike damage-dealing based red deck, to the Flyer stacked protection & healing based white deck. As you play more with each deck, you can unlock more cards, which are automatically added to your deck – whether you want them or not.

You’ll be seeing this screen a lot.

I have to say, the production of the game is top-notch. The card artwork is richly detailed, the playing field is simple, and uncluttered, and the attack animations (if simple) add a bit of crunch to the whole affair. As Digital versions of card games go (and believe me, I have played a few), it really doesn’t get much better than this. It’s a shame they couldn’t get far more cards in the game, but for 800 points, it’s tough to complain.

The gameplay itself is well done. Any cards you’re able to play are bordered in a shining gold graphic, so you can pick them out with ease. The game moves smoothly between attack, block, and main phases, and automatically taps and untaps your mana, which is nifty. Each phase has a 3 second timer that starts once a card is played. During this timer, you can press the X button to stop the timer and play an instant card to affect the current chain of cards.

If you’re having a tough time with the lingo, fear not – there’s a decent in-game tutorial that teaches you the rules of play and various terminology. But be warned – if you don;t like collectible card games, you will NOT like this game. It tries in no way to be anything it isn’t, and makes no apologies for being a card game. Keep this in mind going in, or you could end up wasting points.

The game also includes full Xbox live online play both in one-on-one modes, and two-on-two (which is called “Two headed giant” mode).

All in all, This is a tough video game to review, because it’s essentially a review of the card game, and the card game is great – that is, if you like card games. If you’re looking to play some Magic: The Gathering online, but don’t want to shell out the big bucks for Wizards of the Coast’s Magic Online for the PC, this game is for you. Keep in mind the lack of customization, however. This may not be a problem in the future, as smart money says that WotC will release future DLC for the game.

At least we can hope so.

Score:

7.5/10