Magic: the Gathering revolutionized gaming in the early nineties, creating an entirely new genre of game from scratch: the trading card game (also known as the collectible or customizable card game). As the name implies, Magic mixes the collectability of trading cards with an addictive card game that let gamers design their own decks using a mix of rare, uncommon, and common cards. The game casts you and an opponent (or opponents) as all-powerful wizards commanding armies of creatures and slinging powerful spells that can damage opposing creatures or otherwise affect gameplay. When one wizard is reduced to zero life points, his opponent wins. This setup is reflected perfectly in Infogrames new strategy game Magic: the Gathering—Battlegrounds. This Xbox title translates all of the intangibles of the card game into video form, creating an even more addictive gameplay experience (if that’s possible) that truly reflects the Magic card game’s origins, while redefining it as a real-time strategy tour de force. Add in Xbox Liveplay, and Magic is set to conquer another gaming genre.
Battlegrounds is much more than a simple online version of the card game, ala Magic Online for the PC. Whether you’re a Magic newbie or a card-slinging veteran of the Pro Tour, you’ve got a lot to learn.
The Colors of Magic Mana (magical energy) comes in five colors, each focusing on a different style of play. The planewalkers you can initially choose from each focus on a single color, and their spells reflect their style. Go red, and you can expect goblin warriors of various types, fiery destruction spells, and attack enhancements. Green, on the other hand, will give you elves and spells that reflect growth and life. Research your colors, and choose one that fits your own play style.
Enchanted, I’m Sure Enchantments are spells with extended effects. They help your creatures and hurt your foes. Get enchantments “on the table” (i.e. cast them) early for maximum effectiveness, but make sure you’ve got a target. If the enchantment targets all of your creatures, you must have a few in the arena.
You Walk the Line The two sides of the “table” are represented onscreen by an arena divided by a simple line. You can walk across the line into your foe’s area, but doing so cuts you off from most of your magic power. Until your opponent’s life is running low, try staying on your own side. Then, cross the line to finish him or her personally.
Customize ... One of Magic’s most addictive qualities is that no two games are ever alike, and unless you’re a shameless rip-off artist, two decks are rarely alike either. As you gain spells (which include creatures), you’re essentially building your deck, so customize it according to your preferences.
… and Strategize Some tried-and-trueMagic tactics work just as well in Battlegrounds. You can build an army of small 2/2 or 1/1 creatures to preoccupy your opponent’s creatures. Then, you can do direct damage with sorceries, for example, or use your swarm to overwhelm your opponent by augmenting each creature’s attack and toughness scores.
Creatures Die But you don’t have to. Creatures can often be considered both a weapon and a shield, soaking up damage so you don’t have to. (Remember, when all of your 20 life points are used up, that game is over.) If it helps, you can imagine that the summoned goblins or elves or trolls or whatever don’t really die, but go home to wherever they were summoned from. You old softy.
Watch for Your Opening Any opportunity to inflict direct damage on your opponent is a gift. Take every shot you can, unless it will open you up to a mortal attack.
Balance, Balance, Balance Creatures, sorceries, and enchantments cost mana, but mana certainly isn’t infinite. If you go into combat with nothing but 6/6 bruisers, you might look imposing, but odds are you won’t get a creature into the arena before the enemy cuts you down. For every expensive bruiser, be sure to toss a few smaller creatures into the mix to soak up damage that might get through to you.
