Badseed's Basement

     Magic: The Gathering, considered the cardboard crack by the media for its addictive game play, can now be played with the world, tournaments and all by just logging on to the World Wide Web. Yes, there have been online versions of Magic before, but nothing quite like this. The entire reason for playing Magic, the entire world of Magic and everything we all loved about the game has been perfectly transferred to the online world bringing Magic players closer together than ever before.

     First, a quick introduction to the game for our Magic-challenged readers. Magic is complex and it is hard to understand without actually playing the game, but this little primer will help you out.

     To play, you have to create a deck out of various cards of various colors, including spells, creatures, enchantments, and land. Land is necessary to purchase spells and creatures. You Tap, or turn a land to its side and you get one Mana, which is money to spend on a particular item (it has to match the color of the land tapped). For example, If an item costs three green mana and two colorless mana, you must tap three forests (represents green) and two of anything else (forests, mountains, swamps, islands, plains or colorless lands). The object of the game is to bring your opponent from twenty points of life to zero. Creatures can deal damage in an attack or you can cast spells to deal damage. There are Enchantment cards that supplement creatures and yourself, adding to the fun and strategy of the game. Magic requires a lot of thought, strategy and skill. That's why people love it!

     The online version offers fans and novices exactly the same as the hard copy. From single player to multiplayer games, all of the rules are followed and the computer makes it so no one can cheat. In fact, I believe the virtual game play is better than the real world card game. And the way the online version is set up there can be no disputes between players and no made up rules changing the way game is played.

     Players can play for under $15.00 (Cheaper @Amazon.com). The product comes with a $9.99 Coupon that can be redeemed for decks. Digital Packs, starter decks or pre-made game decks are available via your credit card. Once a deck is assembled, players go into a room filled with people (it actually looks like a big version of Neutral Ground with characters assembled at tables looking for opponents). From there game play begins, with challenges, competitions in various kinds of tournaments. Players can even trade and sell cards with other players.

     The graphics are okay but the sound is really bad, however this is not why you play the game. In fact, the only bad thing about this version of Magic is the money you have to pay for digital cards. I feel that since these are digital cards, you should payless than the real thing, but Wizards of the Coast feels fans should pay the same amount. The cost, however, is nothing compared to the fun. Online Magic doesn't get old, because you have literally people from around the world playing.

     Win prizes in tournaments, join clans, leave messages for your buddies when they aren't signed on, keep track of which friends are playing and what they are doing at the moment. You can even join chat rooms and have private conversations on strategies to keep yourself alive. I love playing two people against each other while I come in for the kill.

     This game gets a 10. There is just no end to the Magic craze and now with online capabilities. No need to hide in the closet and pretend you aren't a fan of Magic. You can't smell the players on your computer! To get yourself in on the action Wizards of the Coast and get a free trial OR just buy the game from @Amazon.com. Warning, once you start, you will find it hard to stop!

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to Badseed@ybfree.com.

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