Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 (XBLA)

In my earlier days as a video game journalist for this blog I was able to secure, and post a review of 'MTG: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012". Through my knowledge of the game I was ultimately able to convince the PR of 'Wizards of the Coast' to allow me to review their game. It was a huge step for me to take at the time, and one I definitely enjoyed venturing into. I've been a fan of the MTG card game for a long time, so being able to post a hands-on review of the Xbox 360 version was sort of a dream job for me. When news of the latest edition of the Planeswalkers game was announced I was seriously psyched! I had to try my best to get the game for review so I could see for myself the changes that had been made, and the new additions that were talked about. I also wanted to share what I found with you guys, and gals. Through some persistence, and determination I was able to score a review code close to the release date of the game. If it weren't for my contact I wouldn't be able to do this review, so my thanks goes out to 'Whitney S.'. Thank you for not getting annoyed by my persistent begging, and for getting me the code. I hope you like the following review.

I'm not going to attempt to rehash all the rules of the MTG gaming universe in this review. Instead I'll be telling you about the things this game has to offer as well as the new additions that were applied. MTG 2013 offers an in-depth tutorial that is actually presented in a much better way than that of 'MTG 2012', so learning about the game is much easier than going out and buying an MTG starter deck. If you've ever tried to learn the rules of the game from a starter deck manual then you'll know exactly what I'm speaking about.

MTG 2013, as I'm going to refer to it opens up in the usual artistic/cinematic way telling the plans of an ancient dragon (Nicol Bolas), and the various planeswalkers who are pawns in his scheme to become the ultimate being. Through college level dialogue, and stop motion artwork this perspective based tale unfolds in an engaging way that sets the mood for the duels that are to come. Just laying eyes on the larger than life dragon demi-god will make you realize that when/if you finally make it to stand before him you'll be in for the fight of your life. As a fellow planeswalker you will not only face Nicol Bolas, but other planeswalkers as well. Ultimately it is up to you to thwart Nicol Bolas' dream of god-like power, and in the end you will be put to the ultimate test. Only the most cunning, and craftiest planeswalker will prevail.

Continuing the trend of the previous 'MTG: Duels of the Planeswalkers (2012)' game, MTG 2013 presents you with a wide array of multiplayer, singleplayer, and localized gaming options.  Like last time you will be able to enjoy the standard, and competitive 2-4 player MTG matches (Free-For-All). For those who prefer some team based gameplay "Two-Headed" giant makes a return. If you are looking for something new though then 'Wizards of the Coast/Stainless Games' has provided something just for you with the new 'Planechase' multiplayer mode. While you can choose to play friendly 'Player' matches in any one of these modes, you'll find that shooting for that top global rank via 'Ranked' matches isn't that bad of an idea. If you ever need to practice though 'Custom' mode offers game matches from all of the available modes, and can be used to play against AI opponents instead of the pros you likely run into online.

In the 'Free-For-All' mode/s your goal is as it has always been. The ultimate goal in this mode is to whittle away your opponents life to nothing by utilizing a combination of land, creature, and various effect/attack/defense based cards. Your battle is displayed on a playing field where the cards are laid out as they are played, and used. MTG is a turn based card game, and the translation to digital gaming has remained true to its core gameplay standards. As with the last Planeswalkers game there are special effects displayed enhancing the gaming experience though. New card types such as medallions have been added to slightly change the already complex style of gaming. You'll also find that there are a total of 10 new decks (Celestial Light, Born of Flame, Pack Instinct, Dream Puppets, Goblin Gangland, Obedient Dead, Peacekeepers, Exalted Darkness, Ancient Wilds, Crosswinds) this time around, each with there own unique playing style and cards.

Aside form the standard 'Free-For-All' mode there is also the 'Two-Headed Giants' multiplayer mode/s. As with the 2012 version of the game you will experience the standard style of MTG gameplay with a 2v2 (two versus two) twist. This tag team style of duel has each set of two players sharing a life total of 30 points. To be able to pull off a victory in this particular mode will require a team effort. If one teammate falls behind it usually means certain doom for that team. Choosing complimentary deck types also helps when it comes to achieving victory. While you can mix, and match the team decks as you like choosing decks that have the better advantage/s is the best way to go.

What would MTG 2013 be without a new game type/mode? Well think no further, because 'Wizards of the Coast' has created one of the most engaging multiplayer game types to date. This mode is none other than 'Planechase'. In 'Planchase you still abide by the standard MTG rules, but Planes cards, and Planar Die (Dice) have been added into the mix making the duels into an entirely new experience. The new Planes cards are placed at the center of the playing field with the purpose of adding effects to the gameplay, and cards that are played during each player's turn. In order to utilize the effects shown on the Planes card/s you must activate it by rolling a certain symbol on the Planar Die. The Planar Die has two functions, and three side types that result in different things. On one side of the Planar Die you'll find the Planeswalkers symbol. Rolling this symbol will draw the next available Plane card. Rolling the side of the Planar Die with the circular (Chaos Effect) symbol will set the Plane cards underlying effect/s in motion assuming all of the requirements are met. If you roll the blank side of the Planar Die nothing happens. In order to gain extra rolls of the Planar Die a player must tap an additional land card for each roll. It's a sacrifice that is sometimes very much worth the trouble.

Caimpaign mode returns in full force in MTG 2013. Like the 2012 version of the game this one continues the trend of multiple "Campaign" mode types. The first mode you'll find on the list is actually titled 'Campaign'. In this made your goal is to advance through 'Encounter' matches, and duels with other planeswalkers. In the end you will face 'Nicol Bolas', the dragon who wants to be god. The "Encounter" matches are basically duels/matches that challenge the player to overcome certain gaming situations that you might encounter during an actual match with someone who knows what they are doing. In a way it's sort of like advanced training. The matches against the planeswalkers on the other hand are exactly that, 1v1 (one versus one) standard MTG duels.

'Revenge' is the second game type in the 'Campaign' mode. In it you'll face five groups of planeswalkers in individual duels/matches. As with the 'Campaign' mode you will end up fighting against 'Nicol Bolas' when it's all said, and done. The third 'Campaign' mode is centered around the 'Planechase' game type. You will be forced to fight against multiple planeswalkers opponents in this particular mode.  Last, but not least in the 'Campaign' mode is 'Challenges'. In this mode you will face 10 different matches that each have various requirements that must be met in order for you to be deemed the winner.

Some of the smaller changes included in MTG 2013 are just as significant as the new modes, and decks. You'll find that there is a new deck grading system that uses 5-star ratings as it's standard. Things like deck speed, available creatures, deck flexibility, and card synergy are displayed beside each deck giving the player proper insight on how the deck operates. This grading system definitely helps in picking out which deck best suits your style of gameplay. As far as the visuals go the developer seems to have gone the 3D route with the backgrounds that are displayed during loading screens, and match-ups. The card art that is shown during these screen loading sessions are also different, and include some creatures that aren't included in the decks.

Another thing I noticed was that when you win a 'Campaign' match/duel a gold, or silver planeswalker token will be placed beside the defeated character's picture/persona. How relevant this is to the overall 'Campaign' I'm not exactly sure. I'm sure it has something to do with how well you did during the match/duel though. New 'Personas (characters)' are also available for choosing/unlocking this time around. I ended up choosing a sun burnt goblin which suited my gamertag (OtakuDante) quite well. When it comes to rewards the game doesn't fall short. You'll find a a three piece avatar costume set that can be unlocked by winning certain duels/matches. Even the achievements seem to have been increased, and now stand at an impressive 20. If you happened to have purchased the 2012 version of the game you'll have a pleasant surprise when you start up MTG 2013. You will be rewarded with a deck key that can be used to unlock foil cards within a deck, or even unlock a full deck if you so desire. As with MTG 2012, MTG 2013 also has a promotion code offer that will reward you with some actual MTG cards. The offer this time around involves a special edition booster pack that must be redeemed online.

After playing MTG 2013 for an extended amount of time I found it to be a fun, but flawed game. There are definitely some patches that need to be issued for the game. Most of the problems revolve around lag issues, and functions that do not seem to be operating properly during certain circumstances. During one of my online matches with the #1 world MTG 2013 player 'IzDaisho' the match became unplayable making it impossible for me, and him to continue the match for a decent stretch of time. In that instance it was more than just lag plaguing the game, but something more along the lines of a glitch/glitches. Aside from these issues the game is still fairly solid. It has a lot to offer for both online, and offline players. If you're a fan of the MTG card game, or the Xbox 360 "Duels of the Planeswalkers" translations then this version is definitely worth buying. If your new to MTG (Magic the Gathering) this is a perfect starter that will not only get you acquainted with the core gameplay, but will also help you advance your strategies.