'Magic: The Gathering," the fantasy-themed collectible card game invented by Richard Garfield in 1993, essentially launched an entire new industry in the gaming world. There are now hundreds of collectible card games on the market, spanning the usual fanboy array of topics - from horror to sci-fi, pirates to Pokemon.
I've spent thousands of hours and hundred of dollars over the years playing "Magic," which is hugely addictive and - from a game design point of view - simply brilliant. In terms of sheer game design elegance, it's up there with chess, backgammon and poker.
A new online version of the game went live over the holidays, and it's a fast and fun diversion for "Magic" fans and old-school gamers in general. " Magic: The Gathering - Tactics" (PC; free to download; Rated T) is a turn-based tactical strategy game that borrows themes and elements from the card game, but plays instead like a souped-up version of old Dungeons and Dragons role-playing games from the 1980s.
It works like this: You create your own magic-wielding "planeswalker" avatar, who in turn conjures creatures to fight against rival planewalkers and their summoned creatures. Battles take place on a variety of terrains, and the game plays out in classic turn-based tactical style.
"Tactics" is free to download, but as with the card game, the expense comes with purchasing digital "booster decks" that expand your range of spells and creatures. You can play online against others, or in regular tournaments. There's also a solo play campaign mode - the first chapter is free; subsequent chapters, like the boosters, cost about $4-$5 a pop.
Graphics and interface here are just OK - the avatars are very small and camera control is a little dodgy. But I've been impressed with the speed and overall design of the online system. The real kick, ultimately, is transposing the card game mechanics to tactical battle scenarios. "Tactics" is a good idea, well-executed, and entirely satisfying for gamers of the old-fashioned persuasion. Highly recommended.
