Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014

The game’s story is a poor joke, but DotP 2014 is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to get into Magic: The Gathering and see what it’s all about. [CD-Action 09/2013, p.70]

The addition of Sealed Deck mode makes this the best Duels yet, but the requirement of microtransactions for deck slots leaves a rather sour taste. [Sept 2013, p.78]

Magic 2014 still provides one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences out there for fans of strategy and card games.

Fans will like the new modes and the inclusion of Silver creatures, and newcomers shouldn’t feel scared of joining the fun, as Magic 2014 is once again another successful attempt at digitally recreating the intricate card game and breaking it down to easy, understandable fun.

Magic 2014 Duels of Planeswalkers is a solid and intriguing version of the renowned card game. Wizards of the Coast still limits the experience to bring people to their shops: will they resist next year with Scrolls, World of Warcraft: Heartstone, HEX e Might & Magic: Duel of Champions coming?

Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014 isn’t a substitute for the real game, but it’s clear that it’s not trying to be. Its narrower scope of cards and options work well to introduce new players to the game, as well as give veterans a quick fix.

Also for this year Wizards has done its homeworks releasing a new Duels of the Planeswalkers for all the beginners of Magic. And with the Sealed Play probably also the advanced players of the card game could have several hours of fun and enjoyment.

The Sealed Play mode is quite cynical in its attempt to squeeze more money from players, but then again, the entire Magic: The Gathering franchise is built on that concept. Plus, Magic 2014 will consume you even if you choose not to pay for additional slots – it is still a brilliant game, after all.

Magic 2014 is still well worth its modest ten dollar price tag, but players looking to jump into a duel for the first time would be better served by the better-rounded 2012 and 2013 versions of the series, even if their art doesn’t move.

Duels of the Planeswalkers isn't the full Magic experience. It's a taste of the broader landscape to entice players and make them more comfortable attending a casual Friday Night Magic event. If you're new to Magic: The Gathering, Duels of the Planeswalkers remains the best way to learn how to play without the intimidation of other players. Even with the online connection issues and additional purchases tied to making the most of Sealed mode, this is the best version to date. It's easy to recommend for new players just learning and veteran spellslingers looking for new single-player matches.

Another incremental upgrade, Magic 2014 is still just the bastard child of Magic Online and the physical card game.

Magic 2014 doesn't exactly offer a wealth of content - the campaign modes are short and the Sealed Mode is especially limited - but the 2014 card set seems to be well represented and Stainless continues to hone the interface and game modes with each annual release.

Stainless Games creates another solid adaptation of Magic: The Gathering, but plays it safe by delivering a product that does little to improve on last year's game. It's the FIFA of collectible card games.

Quotation forthcoming.

If you enjoyed the 2014 version of the popular card game, then you have no reason not to play the expansion pack released in late September.

The new version of Magic manages to capture the essence of its analogue original. Fast paced battles with plenty of room for strategy and modifications of your deck. Too bad it is not as mechanically deep or varied to work as a full-blown substitute. Still strongly recommended for beginners.

The visual representation of the duels, as well as rewarding Challenges and time-consuming Sealed Deck mode, all make for a fun experience for the player. Now if only they’d use their powers to make a dedicated custom deck building tool with every magic card ever made. That would be something.