Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014

 PC
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 117 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 117
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 117
  3. Negative: 34 out of 117

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  1. soulreaver
    Jun 27, 2013
    10
    I have played all of the Duels of the Planeswalkers games and put 100's of hours into them (I enjoy Magic but don't have the money to play the real game!). That being said, I think this one is the best yet. It's nicely polished, the decks are interesting, the presentation has been improved, and the introduction of sealed play is a welcome addition to the series. Unlike others I don't haveI have played all of the Duels of the Planeswalkers games and put 100's of hours into them (I enjoy Magic but don't have the money to play the real game!). That being said, I think this one is the best yet. It's nicely polished, the decks are interesting, the presentation has been improved, and the introduction of sealed play is a welcome addition to the series. Unlike others I don't have ridiculously high expectations, I don't expect there to be a full deck editor and I was aware of the limitations of sealed play before I bought the game. Seriously people, it's a $10 game! When you compare what you get here with what you'd get in physical Magic for $10 this game is an amazing deal. If you have enjoyed the other games in this series, or just want to give Magic a try in a casual way, you can't go wrong with this game.… Expand
  2. max_gradient
    Jun 30, 2013
    10
    This game is a lot of fun to play, you get a lot of bang for the 10 bucks. Sealed mode works EXACTLY as it should, and here is why: The booster pack limit is there to ensure that games are balanced when playing multiplayer (and more challenging single player as well). I want to play a casual game of Magic online once or twice a week, and I would not appreciate to be beaten by 12 year oldThis game is a lot of fun to play, you get a lot of bang for the 10 bucks. Sealed mode works EXACTLY as it should, and here is why: The booster pack limit is there to ensure that games are balanced when playing multiplayer (and more challenging single player as well). I want to play a casual game of Magic online once or twice a week, and I would not appreciate to be beaten by 12 year old kids who can afford to sink hundreds of hours into the game to unlock a gazillion booster packs and beat me 100% with their über-decks. It is also ridiculous to ask for new boosters each time you beat an opponent in SP again. If you want a new deck for whatever reason, open a new slot, and get a new chance at your 9 booster packs, nobody forces you into microtransactions as was stupidly alleged here. Single player sealed deck is challenging but fun I have not played magic for 20 years, but had no issues finishing single player campaign with a win rate of about 40%. It is challenging but fun, just ignore the whiners and go for it, you won't regret!… Expand
  3. olliebruce126
    Jun 10, 2014
    10
    The majority of reviews have been bulls***. Obviously not from magic fans. Well Magic will always be best played in real life with a real deck etc. However this game fills the area of wanting to play from home. For what it is, and for the price, it does it perfectly. Mainly focusing on the multiplayer, getting a couple of friends together for a match of free for all or two headed giant isThe majority of reviews have been bulls***. Obviously not from magic fans. Well Magic will always be best played in real life with a real deck etc. However this game fills the area of wanting to play from home. For what it is, and for the price, it does it perfectly. Mainly focusing on the multiplayer, getting a couple of friends together for a match of free for all or two headed giant is so much fun! Also hopping into the multiplayer on your own is a breeze because I find the community so friendly and mature (when not over free weekends etc), they chat to you through team chat and I have even made some friends over it. Magic is challenging; no doubt about it. Put the time in and you'll do well. People complain about "OP" decks, all you have to do is look on the forums and there is a thread for just about every deck saying it is OP. When in reality you can easily counter each deck. For a game that is only £6 ($10 roughly) and only £1.74 on sale, it is so worth it. Pick up a few copies on sale and play with friends!… Expand
  4. Awesumo
    Jun 28, 2013
    9
    Sure, the new sealed deck section is a bit of a disapointment but the core game has been improved. A few annoyances have gone and the decks are far less... dull than before.
    The decks are fun and varied, nice combos and more balanced (many of the past edition decks were solidly rock/paper/Scissor style great against certain decks, but useless against many others the kind of deck you    Sure, the new sealed deck section is a bit of a disapointment but the core game has been improved. A few annoyances have gone and the decks are far less... dull than before.
    The decks are fun and varied, nice combos and more balanced (many of the past edition decks were solidly rock/paper/Scissor style great against certain decks, but useless against many others the kind of deck you would never ever have a chance of winning a tournament with)
    Draw card milling decks of the last version are (thank god) gone.    … Expand
  5. ReDDx
    Jun 29, 2013
    9
    this game is great, if you loved 2013 you will not be disappointed, many complain about the challenges but you do not buy the game for challenges.I think the decks more balanced than last year.overall the game is great especially it doesn't cost a lot of money. The online experience is great especially with friends. If your main reason to buy this game is for the sealed deck do not do sothis game is great, if you loved 2013 you will not be disappointed, many complain about the challenges but you do not buy the game for challenges.I think the decks more balanced than last year.overall the game is great especially it doesn't cost a lot of money. The online experience is great especially with friends. If your main reason to buy this game is for the sealed deck do not do so because its a little bit disappoint… Expand
  6. AbyssionGaming
    Jul 24, 2013
    9
    The game available on steam, Xbox 360, and ps3 known as Magic: The Gathering 2014 is absolutely amazing. It takes after the trading card game produced by Wizards of the Coast. Whether you are just learning how to play the game, or have already mastered it, this game tailors to your skill level. In this game, you are a planeswalker; traveling the multiverse and conquering otherThe game available on steam, Xbox 360, and ps3 known as Magic: The Gathering 2014 is absolutely amazing. It takes after the trading card game produced by Wizards of the Coast. Whether you are just learning how to play the game, or have already mastered it, this game tailors to your skill level. In this game, you are a planeswalker; traveling the multiverse and conquering other plansewalkers. Who you battle and defeat is up to you, it could be a computer for practice, a skilled live opponent or a rival friend. The goal of the game in campaign mode is to defeat all of the other computer controlled plansewalkers and scenarios. Whilst online, the ultimate goal is to beat the other player.

    Magic: the Gathering 2014 introduced a very interesting concept with this game as well, sealed deck mode. Sealed deck is where you start off with 6 booster packs. Inside each of these packs, is a random set of cards. You have to build your own deck, and compete against others to unlock more and more booster packs. The goal is to unlock all of them, and tailor your deck to perfection.

    The tutorials aren’t boring and frustrating long either, it puts you right into a duel and teaches what you need to do to survive and flourish. After dueling some of my friends, I’ve come to the conclusion that Magic: The Gathering 2014 has a very clean and well-presented interface; its simply beautiful.

    The graphics and audio were surprisingly good as well. The animation during combat damage, or when you zoomed in on a card was a pleasant surprise. The epic background music during duels helped orchestrate an immersive experience

    Synthesing, Magic: The Gathering 2014 is an awesome game. It is a great introduction into the wonderful world of trading card games.    … Expand
  7. orctown-troll
    Jun 18, 2014
    9
    A lot of the people who play 'real' Magic with cards were disappointed with this game.

    Fair enough. The game lacks several key dimensions of the card game, especially building your own decks. Others complain about the DLC. Also fair. It is far easier to pay to win than actually grind the card unlocks. So yes, the DLC is bad. However this is still a good magic game, and it is an    A lot of the people who play 'real' Magic with cards were disappointed with this game.

    Fair enough. The game lacks several key dimensions of the card game, especially building your own decks.

    Others complain about the DLC. Also fair. It is far easier to pay to win than actually grind the card unlocks. So yes, the DLC is bad.

    However this is still a good magic game, and it is an excellent product as an introduction to the game for beginners or the curious. If you are a veteran magic player you may wish to avoid it. But if you are an outsider who wants to see how this famous game functions this is a good place to start. And of course the way around the high price of DLC is PATIENCE. Wait for the inevitable Steam sale.

    9/10 as a great demo for magic.

    Orctowngrot.    … Expand
  8. BlazingTiamat
    Jul 18, 2014
    8
    At first I was deeply disappointed by limitations of DotP - this was because I approached the game as a long-time Magic TCG player. But after some time I switched to perceive DotP as a computer game, and in such case the 2014 version is great - fantastic graphics and overall style, challenging, deep duel system based on rock solid MTG mechanics, plenty of modes and things to do. Very good,At first I was deeply disappointed by limitations of DotP - this was because I approached the game as a long-time Magic TCG player. But after some time I switched to perceive DotP as a computer game, and in such case the 2014 version is great - fantastic graphics and overall style, challenging, deep duel system based on rock solid MTG mechanics, plenty of modes and things to do. Very good, already went to Magic 2015 on Xbox, hope it will be at least as good!… Expand
  9. UjuidarEhcram
    Jul 3, 2013
    8
    Magic 2014 is a continuation of the Duels of the Planeswalkers series of Magic: the Gathering video games. You can play a number of pre-made decks against computer or human opponents, which unlocks more cards that use can use to tweak the decks.

    The big improvements to this version are the music, which is pretty good now, and the story, which reveals something about the greater MtG    Magic 2014 is a continuation of the Duels of the Planeswalkers series of Magic: the Gathering video games. You can play a number of pre-made decks against computer or human opponents, which unlocks more cards that use can use to tweak the decks.

    The big improvements to this version are the music, which is pretty good now, and the story, which reveals something about the greater MtG storyline for a change. The graphics are nice as always, and the control is decent as always. The new decks are fun to play with, but most of them are very similar to decks in Duels 2013. New encounters make the single player campaign more interesting. Sadly, the challenges are much easier this time.

    A new addition this year is Sealed Deck mode. There's a huge caveat that they don't tell you, and it was almost a dealbreaker for me: you can only play Sealed twice. I mean, you can use your deck from Sealed as much as you want, but you only get two pools to make decks from. The rest will cost you $2 a piece. Unfortunately, I was done with Sealed very quickly, and it didn't add much to the game for me. At least it's better than Magic Online?

    If you're going to buy a Magic: the Gathering game, Magic 2014 is the bet one so far, and it still had tons of content for the $10 price. It's definitely worth getting, but don't buy any DLC for it.    … Expand
  10. mikevall
    Jul 4, 2013
    8
    GREAT PRICE-GREAT GAME.

    A amazing game for 9$ This game compares to other titles priced at 29-59$ All the dlc,s are optional and only unlock the items you get for playing? Do people really buy a game unlocked and not play it? Unlocking the decks, and cards is the best part. There is a new game mode, that is separate from the game itself, and you have a option to buy extra deck slots..    GREAT PRICE-GREAT GAME.

    A amazing game for 9$ This game compares to other titles priced at 29-59$ All the dlc,s are optional and only unlock the items you get for playing? Do people really buy a game unlocked and not play it? Unlocking the decks, and cards is the best part. There is a new game mode, that is separate from the game itself, and you have a option to buy extra deck slots.. This game is 9$ and is a better value then most games at 59$ price point. But that goes to show you that trolls and morons and fanbois, Still wright negative reviews that have no TRUTH.

    PS. I never thought I would be into Magic, but im hooked. It also teaches you the ropes well for us beginners.    … Expand
  11. Tankre
    Jul 2, 2013
    8
    I was a long time MTG player, who quit because the price of the hobby was simply too expensive. Drafting and Sealed were 2 of my favorite types back when I played MTG, so when I heard this would have sealed, I immediately pre-ordered

    At first I was fairly unhappy with what I considered false advertising with "unlimited sealed" play. The way it works is: you open 6 booster packs and they    I was a long time MTG player, who quit because the price of the hobby was simply too expensive. Drafting and Sealed were 2 of my favorite types back when I played MTG, so when I heard this would have sealed, I immediately pre-ordered

    At first I was fairly unhappy with what I considered false advertising with "unlimited sealed" play. The way it works is: you open 6 booster packs and they give you unlimited basic land for you to make your sealed deck. Finishing the Sealed Campaign nets you another 3 sealed decks. From then on, that is your sealed deck, and you can play "unlimited" amounts of games with that deck.

    YOU DO NOT OPEN UP CARDS TO MAKE A DECK EACH NEW TIME YOU START A SEALED GAME.

    You do get 2 "Sealed" sets with the game (2 x 6 packs 2 x 9 packs when you beat the campaign twice). You cannot mix the cards between your sealed sets to create 1 ultimate pool of cards.

    Now then, I am actually finding this game very enjoyable.
    - I've probably played 20 hours online against other opponent's against their sealed decks, and it has brought me several very close and enjoyable games. Everyone I've played against has also been very nice and polite.
    - I did experience the game crashing twice when trying to invite my RL friends to play against them online, but it wasn't too bad, and we did get several games in after a reboot.
    - There is an option to buy more sealed slots beyond then 2nd for $2 each, or 5 for $9, and I ended up buying 7 extra slots simply because I'm having fun online and want to try making different decks

    - Now this year's preconstructed theme decks for the normal campaign are MUCH MUCH better and a lot more fun than 2013's (with the one exception of the monogreen starting deck). I definitely enjoyed going through the campaign more than the previous year's

    - Unfortunately, all the puzzle "challenges" this year are way too easy.
    - They've also removed the "Planes Chase" mode to FFA. Now it's just regular FFA.

    Overall, I've spent about $21 on the game, and I've had 30 hours of game play, and I expect around 50-60 hrs until I start to get bored.    … Expand
  12. Defy_Juice
    Sep 21, 2013
    8
    Everything you could possibly want from a duel game. Though the very few bugs it has does ruin game-play sometimes. Sealed play is okay but kind of disappointing Still a solid game for people who are new to Magic
  13. Aiven
    Jul 10, 2014
    7
    I've played some casual MTG and it's a great game. After I bought Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 I was heavily dissappointed that you could not create decks yourself. Now I've come to terms with that. Wizards of the coast simply don't want to cannibalize on their own business by allowing it. Now I'm enjoying these titles every year, for a week or two. The games are not great, but theyI've played some casual MTG and it's a great game. After I bought Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 I was heavily dissappointed that you could not create decks yourself. Now I've come to terms with that. Wizards of the coast simply don't want to cannibalize on their own business by allowing it. Now I'm enjoying these titles every year, for a week or two. The games are not great, but they still tickle that magic itch. And they are cheap to buy.… Expand
  14. TwoPlusTwo
    Jun 27, 2013
    7
    When I saw the low rating, I was a bit surprised, as I enjoyed the previous versions so much. When I read the users reviews, I understood their lament I guess. The new "Sealed Deck" mode is pretty much a travesty. However, I didn't even know that mode existed until I had the game running. I always buy these games for the campaign; never tried MP or challenges in the other ones. SoWhen I saw the low rating, I was a bit surprised, as I enjoyed the previous versions so much. When I read the users reviews, I understood their lament I guess. The new "Sealed Deck" mode is pretty much a travesty. However, I didn't even know that mode existed until I had the game running. I always buy these games for the campaign; never tried MP or challenges in the other ones. So yeah if you wanted to build a custom deck, stay away.

    If you are like me and like the campaign and the pre-canned decks, well it's "pretty good" then. I enjoyed it, but 2012 still had the best campaign and pre-canned decks for me. 7/10.    … Expand
  15. lifeofbrian
    Aug 3, 2015
    7
    If you haven't played magic in years and are looking for an easy game to pick up and play then this is basically a good choice for you. More hardcore magic players looking for more variety will need to look elsewhere. For $10 I ended up getting a solid 15 hours out of it, which I consider to be a good bargain. Thats even after playing two of the previous planeswalker video games.
  16. AmebawPanierce
    Jul 1, 2013
    6
    This Games is really not that bad as some people say. Campaign part is pretty straightforward and decks are pretty interesting. I think it might be a bit easier than previous versions but still it is something You might expect. New thing is Sealed Campaign. I might be the only person who liked this mode because for the first time (except Micro-prose's Shandalar) it gave me some room forThis Games is really not that bad as some people say. Campaign part is pretty straightforward and decks are pretty interesting. I think it might be a bit easier than previous versions but still it is something You might expect. New thing is Sealed Campaign. I might be the only person who liked this mode because for the first time (except Micro-prose's Shandalar) it gave me some room for experimentation. I never got bad booster out of it. I think it is an essence of limited that You construct playable decks from mediocre cards. I made few competitive decks out of this and I'm pretty satisfied. Sealed campaign is pretty short but it is only testing device before You go MP.... if You are lucky. Luck is absolutely the most important factor when You struggle to join the game. If You played MP in Magic 2013 I can say only one thing. It's worse. Connection problems, hang-ups, and complete helplessness make this part of game a complete disgrace. I hope it will change but for the moment it is the biggest problem. I know it costs only 10$ but Magic 2010 was way better with MP than current version.… Expand
  17. Jerot
    Jul 17, 2014
    6
    As has been stated before, the sealed campaign was handled poorly. There are some workarounds that involve save editing and changing your steam ID to get a little more out of it without spending more money, but its a bit of a hassle for something that should have been better designed.

    The base decks and card selection are interesting enough, I felt the campaign was a little lacking    As has been stated before, the sealed campaign was handled poorly. There are some workarounds that involve save editing and changing your steam ID to get a little more out of it without spending more money, but its a bit of a hassle for something that should have been better designed.

    The base decks and card selection are interesting enough, I felt the campaign was a little lacking compared to previous games but still enjoyable for the most part. I would definitely recommend getting this over the recent 2015 version of the game. Its better in just about every aspect. Unfortunately this will probably be the last enjoyable game in the series unless they make a serious effort to distance themselves from their current design philosophy. Originally the game was supposed to be a stepping stone for people to get into the magic universe and gaming community without shelling out tons of money on booster packs or decks.    … Expand
  18. stocean
    Jul 2, 2013
    5
    I've bought all the DotP series and its DLCs. However this is the only time I've been disappointed. The interface is horrible. Card looks better which is good. The decks play same old same old. I think they're holding back the creative ones for DLCs and left us with only the basic sets. Sealed deck play is a big disappointment. Maybe I'm just too bored of the whole DotP series. It feelsI've bought all the DotP series and its DLCs. However this is the only time I've been disappointed. The interface is horrible. Card looks better which is good. The decks play same old same old. I think they're holding back the creative ones for DLCs and left us with only the basic sets. Sealed deck play is a big disappointment. Maybe I'm just too bored of the whole DotP series. It feels average at best.… Expand
  19. Flar
    Jul 30, 2013
    5
    Overall the content is pretty good with some pretty interesting decks and the introduction of sealed play letting you make your own decks, but unfortunately it is still plagued by most of if not all of the same bugs and little annoying things that were present in 2013 including common timer freezes in multiplayer forcing everyone to leave the game. They were very lazy putting this togetherOverall the content is pretty good with some pretty interesting decks and the introduction of sealed play letting you make your own decks, but unfortunately it is still plagued by most of if not all of the same bugs and little annoying things that were present in 2013 including common timer freezes in multiplayer forcing everyone to leave the game. They were very lazy putting this together not putting any effort whatsoever in to improving and fixing the gameplay… Expand
  20. g0ing2f4st
    Jan 1, 2014
    5
    This game has some entertainment in it but falls way short of what is possible. The lack of customization of decks is just frustrating. A decent buy if on sale but its best approached with low expectations.
  21. RobinSeina
    Aug 2, 2013
    4
    Here comes new Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014. Should we be in awe and say "yay!"? I think not. The only new thing that came this year is draft play called sealed campaign. Other mods includes include classic campaign through planes, two-headed giant and custom game. If you compare this with MtG: DotP 2013, you find missing planechase mode. In the multiplayer there is high number cheatingHere comes new Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014. Should we be in awe and say "yay!"? I think not. The only new thing that came this year is draft play called sealed campaign. Other mods includes include classic campaign through planes, two-headed giant and custom game. If you compare this with MtG: DotP 2013, you find missing planechase mode. In the multiplayer there is high number cheating players thanks to open deck creation that came thanks to sealed campaign.

    In short MtG DotP 2014 brings on plus side this years card editions, draft play and deck building and is better optimized for mouse and keyboard.
    On cons side it´s missing planechase mode, has some unwelcome UI changes, and there is cheating in multiplayer.
    If that´s enough for you to buy the game is up to you.    … Expand
  22. dopigsfly123
    Nov 23, 2013
    3
    Very disappointing.

    1. The pre-made decks are terrible and they allow very little flexibility to change them. 2. The timer system is awful, too. First time I've ever needed to use reflexes to play magic. 3. The default settings prevent you from targeting your own creatures with certain spells. Why? Who knows! 4. The in-game purchases are outrageous. They want real money just to use a    Very disappointing.

    1. The pre-made decks are terrible and they allow very little flexibility to change them.
    2. The timer system is awful, too. First time I've ever needed to use reflexes to play magic.
    3. The default settings prevent you from targeting your own creatures with certain spells. Why? Who knows!
    4. The in-game purchases are outrageous. They want real money just to use a full versions of their crap pre-made decks.
    5. On top of all of this, the computer cheats. It appears to be programmed to get near perfect hands. After around 50 games, I've never seen it get stuck with less than 5 land (or the wrong type of land, even against decks with 3+ colors), and it has a near-perfect mana curve every single time.    … Expand
  23. Surg3on
    Jul 3, 2013
    3
    For some reason they make it incredibly hard for me to have a casual game against a computer opponent without forking out another $10! Graphics are poor with much of the wonderful art wasted with the table taking up 85% of the screen. Surely they could fork out for an animator or something?

    That said once you get into the game it works and the AI opponents are very challenging (as    For some reason they make it incredibly hard for me to have a casual game against a computer opponent without forking out another $10! Graphics are poor with much of the wonderful art wasted with the table taking up 85% of the screen. Surely they could fork out for an animator or something?

    That said once you get into the game it works and the AI opponents are very challenging (as others have pointed out this is mainly due to the decks being completely unfair in sealed mode). Campaign mode is just as dull as dishwater as the opponent is completely non-random. Actual gameplay pace is frustratingly slow with no option to speed it up so in the end the game is just DULL.    … Expand
  24. kirkkh
    Aug 5, 2013
    3
    Holy god this game sucks! No custom decks! Evil greedy psuedo-sealed play (you have to pay $1 to play it after 2 times)! All the while feeling like this is just a marketing gimmick to get you buy magic cards (the game feels like just a long tutorial/advertisement for MTG). Seriously appalling.
  25. BoredBork
    Jun 26, 2013
    3
    Overall I'm pretty disappointed with how they advertised "sealed play" first off you get 2 deck slots in which to play sealed(but you can spend MORE MONEY! if you want more). however you get 6 booster packs to make a meh 40 card dual color if you're lucky, unfortunately the campaign you are NOT playing against other sealed constructed decks you're playing against potent 40 card MONO decksOverall I'm pretty disappointed with how they advertised "sealed play" first off you get 2 deck slots in which to play sealed(but you can spend MORE MONEY! if you want more). however you get 6 booster packs to make a meh 40 card dual color if you're lucky, unfortunately the campaign you are NOT playing against other sealed constructed decks you're playing against potent 40 card MONO decks myself hit a wall at jace(second guy, yet 17% done already) all in all you don't get boosters after each win like the advertising and the descriptions on steam made it out to be. Otherwise it's just a flashy(litrerally) Magic:2013(which I had more viable decks available on anyway) with a disgustingly blue and bland menu. I just can't help feel a little cheated, would rather not have gotten it.… Expand
  26. lallan7
    Jul 13, 2013
    3
    I enjoyed the last two DoTP, and found this to be a big disappointment. I understand that a good amount of the game revenue will be generated through the dlc's. I have no problem with that.
    However, the interface was made poorly. They made it look better, but function slower, and generally harder to navigate. It's very easy to play the wrong thing, or select the wrong card (they    I enjoyed the last two DoTP, and found this to be a big disappointment. I understand that a good amount of the game revenue will be generated through the dlc's. I have no problem with that.
    However, the interface was made poorly. They made it look better, but function slower, and generally harder to navigate. It's very easy to play the wrong thing, or select the wrong card (they slightly shade the one you are selecting, and there is a delay so you can mess it up easily). I play the PC version with an xbox controller. You get to see an awesome example of poor programming this way. If your mouse moves at all, your controller stops working. You can keep playing with the mouse, but that should not occur when the game is set up correctly.
    The game itself is tedious, and far less entertaining then the previous. The encounters are set up to be extremely repetitive and unimaginative. I get that the matches are meant to have patterns, but with as few matches as there are in the game, those very limited patterns get boring quickly. The puzzles are a joke as well. I know the last one had pretty difficult puzzles, but these are just too easy. They involve such difficulties as "play something from your hand", or "attack with a creature that can get through".
    They give you a very limited selection on your decks, which again, I understand as they make money off the expansions. However these decks are very close to the last duels, so again they are pretty boring. I find it frustrating to play against a deck I unlocked completely, and see the computer pull out cards that deck doesn't have.
    Overall, I see where they are going with this, but the execution was poorly wrought and the game had the biggest fault I can give a game it was not fun. I hope they address the issues in upcoming patches and dlc's or release a better game in the future.    … Expand
  27. Eskana
    Jul 25, 2014
    3
    Now, I love Magic: The Gathering, and when I saw this in the steam sale at Christmas, I was like: "What the hell, I'll try it out, it's only like £3." But... My mind is blown at how poorly done it is. This must be one of the cheapest games in the world to make, besides a few CGI cutscenes and like, Chandra's voice actress.

    The mechanics are OK, they do the job, but my biggest problem is    Now, I love Magic: The Gathering, and when I saw this in the steam sale at Christmas, I was like: "What the hell, I'll try it out, it's only like £3." But... My mind is blown at how poorly done it is. This must be one of the cheapest games in the world to make, besides a few CGI cutscenes and like, Chandra's voice actress.

    The mechanics are OK, they do the job, but my biggest problem is the interface, at least on PC (can't speak for the tablet version). Like seriously, "Let's play a cardgame on opposite sides of the room." Great, now the cards on the board are distant, indistinct, blurry non-entities. Oh, but there's a top-down view? Let's try that. "Let's play a cardgame... From ORBIT!" If this is on the iPad or whatever, these cards must be microscopic. There is SO much wasted space everywhere. It's absurd. Why don't the developers take a look at Hearthstone, which is frankly a superior experience in almost every single way in terms of interface and user-friendliness, and remake this game to be more like that, where you can actually see the cards you are using and read what they do, and see what your opponent has. Does it even show you the graveyards? I wasn't able to see that, although it was so far away I might be forgiven if I couldn't spot it.

    Wake up Stainless Games, you have a mediocre product that needs a serious overhaul. The idea is alright, even with the very limited level of customisation (Hearthstone is also superior when it comes to that, too... Did I mention that HS is also free to play? I've not dropped a dime on it) it's just... Ugh. It leaves the sour taste of wasted potential.    … Expand
  28. suneater
    Aug 22, 2013
    2
    Introducing a new "Sealed Deck" game mode, DotP 2014 at first appears to finally introduce deck customization to the series. Sadly, this is just another marketing ploy, a shallow attempt at introducing casuals to the limited Sealed Deck format. You open up boosters composed of cards available in DotP 2014, resulting in terrible mish-mashed decks (with still no non-basic lands available!)Introducing a new "Sealed Deck" game mode, DotP 2014 at first appears to finally introduce deck customization to the series. Sadly, this is just another marketing ploy, a shallow attempt at introducing casuals to the limited Sealed Deck format. You open up boosters composed of cards available in DotP 2014, resulting in terrible mish-mashed decks (with still no non-basic lands available!) that you have to use against mono-colored decks. If you "unwrap" a terrible set of boosters, there is no reset button; after the initial two decks you can make you have to buy additional slots at $1.99 each. This game also features the worst decks in the series: STILL no non-basic lands and a terrible core set (m14 is incredibly bland with casualified slivers).

    Once again locking you out of all but two decks at the start (Chandra & Garruk's again), DotP 2014 is a terrible introduction to MTG for new and casual players. Featuring the worst decks, the worst UI, easiest challenges, an awful campaign comprised of static decks (enemies pull the same cards no matter what, making the campaign little more than long challenges), and the worst game modes, 2014 is the worst DotP game since the original and not worth playing.    … Expand
  29. Stormrhodos
    Jun 26, 2013
    2
    Dealbreaker: the promised deck customization is almost nonexistant,purely rng-luck based and heavily restricted to a few random cards you will get in your 6 starter booster packs.And it only exists in the "sealed deck campaign",which is essentially 6enemies in a row.
    Don't buy this game because the long-awaited (and needed!) addition of deck customization and booster packs sounded nice    Dealbreaker: the promised deck customization is almost nonexistant,purely rng-luck based and heavily restricted to a few random cards you will get in your 6 starter booster packs.And it only exists in the "sealed deck campaign",which is essentially 6enemies in a row.
    Don't buy this game because the long-awaited (and needed!) addition of deck customization and booster packs sounded nice (which it did.) The advertized "deck customization via booster packs you unlock ingame" is absolutely disappointing and lackluster,you essentially get 2 chances of 6booster packs each (which can't be exchanged,you just unlock the random cards you get in those 6 packs on one of the 2 free "sealed deck campaign slots",which you cannot delete or "try again",you would have to buy more slots to get more chances) and if you happen to not get decent synergy cards or just cards that wont work well versus the first enemies you're forced to fight against in a set order, you're screwed or at least won't have a good time at all. Your only way of unlocking new booster packs is by defeating every second planewalker in your "path",which you cannot change,it is randomly set for you,with a chance of certain planewalkers not appearing or others appearing multiple times. Again,you cannot choose who to fight in which order. The game makes the decision for you. If you cannot get past one of these planewalkers (which have a fully unlocked mono deck each from the very start with beefy cards and good synergies) you will not progress and you will not get any more booster packs until the luck is on your side in a match. What sealed deck mode essentially boils down to is: If you're lucky on your first 6 boosters and you get enough creatures and synergy to make it work against the randomly chosen enemies with fully unlocked decks and strategies, you might get to a point where you can actually make a deck to your liking or develop a strategy that *you* chose,not that the game or rng chose for you.
    Still sounds acceptable to you? Here comes another bombshell.
    The screenshots and steam description of the game made it look like you could unlock booster packs by defeating certain enemies,which is only true *FOR THE FIRST TIME* you defeat that enemy. What.the.hell!
    Now,this *would* have worked if they just added a way to actually unlock booster packs by winning versus a certain enemy several times (and getting a booster pack each time you defeat an enemy) ,or hell,if they even allowed you to pick your enemies so you're not stuck on the same planewalker you cannot defeat because of the random card distribution. But no. You will only unlock a new booster pack if you defeat a certain planewalker for the first time. If you happen to not get any cards that compliment your existing limited number of cards you got from your first 6packs...you guessed it. You're screwed or won't have a fun time until you painfully unlock the next booster pack if you can manage to defeat 2 more planewalkers with fully unlocked decks. You can repeat battles versus planewalkers you defeated...but it doesn't give you anything. nada. And after defeating the first enemy on my path I was already at 17% completion. so if the system of unlocking ONE(!) booster pack every 2 enemies continues to be existant, you will unlock a whooping 3 booster packs in your sealed deck "campaign". 3.packs. 9packs in total. there is no way you would get enough cards to actually build and customize a deck to your liking/personal strategy. The game makes that choice for you,so pray to the rng-gods that you get enough creatures and cards to make a deck you somewhat like,to then fight against the same 6 enemies the game chooses for you over and over for nothing.
    This is ridiculous. Sealed deck mode sounded like it could have potential to finally bring deck customization and the fun of unlocking booster packs to the Magic Videogame series. Unfortunately,it seems it was just a way of tricking people into thinking the game finally has proper deckbuilding yet again. Sealed deck mode is essentially "fight 6 planewalkers,which the game chooses for you, in a row with an improvised deck of a very limited number of total cards." It isn't a campaign. And it sure as hell isn't the deckbuilding via booster packs a lot of us have hoped for.

    A non-fanboy can't help but to feel ripped off. The normal campaign is the same as previous games. You have prebuilt mono decks you can "choose" from (usage of the word choice in this game is an overstatement) and you work your way through often predictable AI until you get bored and hope for the next game to finally have proper deck customization and personal strategy planning. They goofed it up again.    … Expand
  30. Gojuroku
    Nov 13, 2013
    2
    I actually made the effort to create an account just to review this game. I have been playing Magic since revised ed and is a huge fan, which adds to my huge disappointment to this poor excuse of an adaptation of what is the greatest game ever.
    You can download and play for free, but for very limited features. I paid to unlock the game but it's just not worth it. Like many reviewers have    I actually made the effort to create an account just to review this game. I have been playing Magic since revised ed and is a huge fan, which adds to my huge disappointment to this poor excuse of an adaptation of what is the greatest game ever.
    You can download and play for free, but for very limited features. I paid to unlock the game but it's just not worth it. Like many reviewers have pointed out you can only play the sealed game 2 times; you'd need to pay to "unlock" subsequent games. Unlike conventional sealed games, you do not get to "keep" the cards as the cards are solely for the very sealed game, which is useless after you completed that game.
    Oh and there is no customisable deck; you just get cards to add on to the pre-build decks. And these additional cards are just additional copies from the same deck. Imagine Magic where deck construction is non-existent... Wha?
    The interface can be frustrating occasionally, especially for cards that "search card from library". It sometimes does not select the card you want. The drag to cast motion can sometime be hard to execute, for reasons unknown, and can ruin your game when trying to play instants in reaction. (Good luck with counter spells).
    The most annoying bug has got to be the constant crashes. (I have read this in some reviews but chose not to believe it was that bad, guess I deserved it). I must have attempted the raving prophet like 5 times, and it always crashes when I have the upper hand. Guess the app is a sore loser.
    I still love the original game, but just stay away from this horrendous app. It's not worth even downloading for free. If you must, do not spend any money on it. Don't let this ruin your opinion of MTG.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Everyeye.it
    Oct 22, 2013
    70
    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.
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  2. Level7.nu
    Sep 10, 2013
    70
    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.
    Read full review
  3. Hyper Magazine
    Aug 8, 2013
    80
    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]
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