Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2015 (Xbox One)

Having had played the actual MTG trading card game in the past, and having followed up said experiences with playthroughs of the console video game series my love for what Wizard's of the Coast and Stainless Games has offered has continued to grow over the years. Up to this point I've really loved being able to get back into the game with the Planeswalkers game series. It has afforded me a long lost opportunity since my old MTG gaming pals have all parted ways, and have gone about their own life paths. I cannot tell you how invaluable a game such as MTG 2015 is, especially when you have no one else to teach you the ropes, or to play with. With all that being said though I do have to be honest about some things pertaining to this latest release. This playthrough was not without incident. There were a handful of bugs, and things that hindered my progress in the game's single player campaign, but in the end it could all more than likely be tied to the Xbox One's operating system. Thankfully though I did find solutions to each of the issues, and ended up enjoying the game as much as any version before it.

MTG 2015 Core Set is here!!!

I know I'm super late getting this article posting out to you guys, and that all of your regular MTG enthusiasts have already covered the latest series with unboxings, booster pack openings, and what not. Even so I though I'd go ahead, and support the one TCG that I have mad respect for. For those of you who follow MTG (Magic the Gathering) closely you will know that the latest 'Duels of the Planeswalkers' game released on a variety of different gaming formats not too long ago. Among those gaming consoles, and mobile devices were the iPad, PC (Steam), Xbox 360, Android, and Kindle Fire. Of course Xbox One players will also be getting their turn at the game a little later this Summer. Where does that leave us Playstation players? Sh*t out of luck. That's where. Yes, I'm a little butthurt by Stainless Games', and Wizards of the Coast's decision to leave out the Playstation players. It's just wrong. I personally think it was a bad decision, and that they could have made more money had they at least released it on the PS4 as well. Regardless of that fact, PS faithfuls who love MTG can still nab the 2015 cards which come in the usual pack, and deck varieties.

MTG Theros: Intro Pack + Booster Pack Video Review

Magic the Gathering, gotta love it! Recently, being the lucky dude that I am I was chosen by the Wizard of the Coast's PR to do a review on some samples of the newly released "Theros" set. Before the samples ever reached me though I opted to go out, and get an Intro pack for myself to see what this latest set had to offer. After getting it home I decided to review it on my dime. I honestly had no idea I'd be getting another intro pack, and some boosters for review. After finding out that that was the case though I had to make the most of the situation by supplying you with a different sort of review this second time around. I do have to warn you that the video included in this particular article is rather long. In fact it's two minutes away from being an hour long. I went over each individual card, as well as the intro pack offerings after opening them up. It's the sort of video that will mostly appeal to MTG fans. When watching this video keep in mind that I may have said some things that were incorrect pertaining to the cards, but nothing that I said was significantly wrong. I'm fully aware of my mistakes in the commentary, and apologize for them beforehand. I hope MTG followers don't tar & feather me for the acts of treason (^.^). I'm just not a professional commentator, yet. Enjoy it for what it's worth, and feel free to leave a comment if you like. As always comments are moderated due to trolls, and have to go through me first before being posted.

Magic: The Gathering - Theros set released today!!!

I know I don't talk about it much, but growing up as a kid I used to love to play MTG any chance that I got. Often times me, and some other friends would take our MTG card decks to the school library during break time, so we could play. Back then schools weren't such a !@#$% about rules, and regulations though. There also weren't as many thieves around stealing your cherished collectibles. The world has become a harsh place, but I digress. The reason I brought all that background info to your attention is that I've been following the release of the "Theros" MTG set since it was first announced. Naturally I'm always excited to learn about new card types, and this new 240+ card set aims to bring new things to the forefront. Mark of 360pr has kept me in the loop about the new cards as well as an event that is to take place starting today through this coming Sunday. It's basically an MTG release celebration that will be held at any 'Wizards of the Coast' supported hobby store. While I won't be able to attend I thought that you might be interested in checking it out in my stead. I'll leave with you the memo from Mark as well as a link to the official site with all the details. MTG is an awesome game, and is definitely one worth getting into. I hope that you will give it a chance as I did so many years ago. You won't regret it.

MTG 2014 - Expansion DLC (XBLA)

Wizards of the Coast, and Stainless Games up the ante with their latest MTG 2014 expansion DLC. Along with five new decks, and five new challenges you'll find a completely new story arch with an entirely different protagonist. This latest female planeswalker known as "Elspeth Tirel" is basically on a quest for immortality. In her quest to find the items she needs to complete the spell she first seeks out the gods' council, and ends up challenging some of the most formidable adversaries seen thus far in the planeswalkers storyline. You will follow her through five of the most difficult challenges you have ever encountered within the console series of the game, as well as ten campaign encounters, three planeswalkers duels, and five revenge duels all of which will put your MTG knowledge to the ultimate test. Whether, or not you, and this planeswalker prevail will lie heavily on your understanding of the game thus far.

MTG 2014 (XBLA): "Double Take"

I know some of you are wondering what this "Double Take" review/article is all about, so I will gladly explain. As a gaming journalist I strive to give accurate details in my reviews, and as thorough as my initial review of MTG 2014 was it ended up seeming more like a "First Impressions" type of article. I absolutely do not like doing things half-assed, and as thorough as that last review was it still seemed half-assed to me. Being the perfectionist that I am I have decided to right my wrongs, and deliver a more in-depth review of MTG 2014. A game like "Magic the Gathering" is truly complex in nature, and takes some quality time to fully understand. As such a gaming journalist like myself should not rush their work just to get the job done. I knew I needed to spend some more time with the game, but at the same time felt that I needed to rush to get the review out there to support the game. For this I apologize. As I mentioned earlier I am here to rectify that wrongdoing though. So, without further adieu, let us get into this beast of a game that is MTG 2014!!!

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014 (XBLA)

Wizards of the Coast, and the game development studio known as Stainless Games return with a fiery vengeance. In this iteration of the classic card game experience turned digital we find that the main protagonist is none other than the Planeswalker, Chandra Nalaar. In past versions of the arcade game Chandra's background was only hinted at, but the developer decided to go all out this time around, and present her in a wholly complete way. Not only will you gain an understanding of Chandra's current predicament, but you'll also be able to hear her voice (via voice acting), and see her come to life before your eyes in full motion 3D cutscenes. Everything about MTG 2014 is fleshed out in a way that brings the characters to life more than they ever have been in the world of MTG. There's definitely tons of new features to enjoy, and explore as you navigate the expansive new menu system that is made available to buyers of the full version of the game.

MTG: The Secretist Pt.1-3 (Kindle, NOOK, ebook)

Magic the Gathering novella author, and website producer Doug Beyer brings to us a vividly fleshed out tale of one of MTG's (Magic the Gathering's) most powerful Planeswalkers, Jace Beleren. If you've played the "MTG: Duels of the Planeswalkers" video games then you'll likely recognize that the name "Jace Beleren" belongs to the Planeswalker/Mind Mage who is sporting the mystical blue cloak. In this particular story arch the author takes us, and Jace on a thrilling adventure to uncover an unknown power that has been locked away ages ago by the Guildmasters of Ravnica within it's maze-like streets. Jace, and a couple of his fellow companions (Emmara of the Selesnya Guild & Kavin a Valdalkian) not only find themselves in the midst of the mysterious findings, but also find themselves collectively threatened by various Guilds of Ravnica's Ten Districts.

MTG 2013 DLC Expansion Pack (XBLA)

Stainless Games, and Wizards of the Coast continue to bless us with more downloadable content for the "MTG: Duels of the Planeswalkers" series. While it took a while to arrive this latest expansion set is chock full of worthy additions to the core set. Straying a little from the path of the 2013 core set these new decks involve cards from an upcoming expansion release titled "Return to Ravnica". Luckily for diehard MTG (Magic the Gathering) fans these new cards can be experienced in their entirety through the 5 new decks that the DLC expansion pack offers. The new decks each feature dual color, and dual effect mana properties allowing for more in-depth strategies, and more involved gameplay. You will face five very ruthless duelists including Selesnya, Azorius, Rakdos, Izzet, and Golgari. Accompying the five new decks are 10 new campaigns, and 5 new challenges to familiarize you with the gameplay mechanics.

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.

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 (XBLA)

When it comes to the trading card game of 'Magic the Gathering (MTG)' I am no stranger. I actually collected, and played MTG years back with a friend. What always held my interest was the artwork on each, and every card. The art really brings the game to life, and makes imagining a fantasy duel much easier. Without the artwork I honestly think that MTG would have failed years ago, but thankfully they decided to to include the mini-masterpieces on the cards. 'MTG: duels of the Planeswalkers 2012' keeps true to everything the trading card version stood for, and brings it to digital life in a truly amazing way. The game features very detailed customization options as well as lots of unlockable content (via in-game & xbox live marketplace). Wizards of the Coast/Stainless Games (the developer) even went so far as to include the premium holographic cards that veteran fans of the game will likely recognize. Everything about this game is done in great quality. It even opens with an epic cinematic scene that would put most video games to shame. Throughout the entire game there are artistic images of the paintings that adorn the MTG cards. It's eye candy at it's best with quality gameplay that doesn't dilute the core values that 'Wizards of the Coast' set out to achieve.