Card games are not something that I would have thought to be a good source for a console game. They usually have a relatively slow pace, with rules and regulations that must be learned before any fun can be had. These are both things that most console gamers aren’t real keen on. I mean, seriously folks, how often do you actually read the entire manual for a game, much less remember it? To say that I was more than a little surprised with Atari Games rendition of Magic: The Gathering—Battlegrounds is a serious understatement. They have taken a card game (that I was never interested in) and have transformed it into a fast-paced action-strategy game that is really a blast to play. They have managed to incorporate the original game system in a way that makes it very playable and understandable to the average gamer (or even the below-average gamer, like me).
If we ignore the actual gameplay for a moment or two and just look at the features, design, and artwork, there is a ton of good things to say. The graphics are hot, with great animation and a really great look and feel. The game engine itself is another upcoming title built on the Unreal® engine. From previous experience, we all know that it’s about as solid an engine as any gamer could ask for. With the relatively small amount of activity and dynamic changes necessary for a game of this sort (compared to an ultra-fast-paced first-person shooter, for example), it seems to me that the engine isn’t being pushed that hard in the usual ways, freeing up resources for the sprites, animations, and effects. The results are frame rates that are through the roof, with graphics that are on par with the best around. Seriously though, there’s nothing wrong with eye candy.
The features list is fairly extensive as well. While there is going to be a single-player quest mode, the real deal is going to be the multiplayer. Magic: The Gathering—Battlegrounds is going to be Xbox Live-capable, which means that, not only will you be able to play against friends in person and over the Internet, but that you’ll also be able to download new content—new spells, wizards, and a ton of other extras should be coming down the line in the months to come. Of course, there are unlockable items hidden in the game itself, but if you want them, you’ll have to play through the single-player mode.
The gameplay itself is all based around the Magic: The Gathering universe. To start with, there are nine wizards to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses as well as their own list of spells. These wizards will compete in 16 arenas to start with. Atari hasn’t said so, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see more arenas available for download later on, with the rest of the Xbox Live content.
At any rate, the game is basically comprised of two wizards fighting in an arena. They each have a set of spells that they can use to defeat the opponent. Each spell takes up a certain amount of mana, with more powerful ones being more expensive (of course). With around 70 spells to choose from, mastering the use and strategy of them will be the true test of skill. They consist of spells to summon creatures, various sorcerous spells, and permanent enchantments. The spells are divided by color, with each one having different characteristics (think red for aggressive monsters, green for larger monsters, etc.). Players will be able to customize their own list of spells to support their own strategy and style of combat. The results will be quite profound, I expect.
The combat itself is very fast-paced. With the wizards on opposite sides of the field, they can move around and cast spells at will. When summoning creatures, the player can choose where it will appear. Should he start out close to the wizard, for extra protection? Should he be closer to the enemy, to keep the pressure on him? All of this comes into play when the action is in full swing. There really isn’t any time to stop and think about it in too much detail, though. Since it takes time for your mana reserves to build up, you may find yourself playing entirely defensively for a period of time, just to store up enough to break out your big guns. The results are quite different than what you would expect, making the game quite different then most everything else out there.
