Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2015

We really enjoyed it, even though we didn't like that much the microtransaction system, specially when it's a game you have to pay for. If you're interested in it, try the mobile version first, which is free-to-play.

The only thing Duels of the Planeswalkers lacks is, I think, a draft mode, because Hearthstone already has its Arena. And, naturally, they must bring back the Two-Headed Giant. Aside from that, Magic 2015 is really good, truly a second wind for the series.

Duels 2015 lacks any of these fun Multiplayer formats which, to me, is it’s greatest weakness. But with a robust tutorial, a massive selection of cards and an emphasis on allowing the player the freedom to choose their own Decks, I still have to rate Duels 2015 as one of the strongest of the series.

The card game takes one step forward and two steps backwards. Free deckbuilding is a big plus, but when you consider that the play modes from old Duels are cut completely and some of the card pool available is behind an IAP paywall, the new Duels doesn't compare well against other, cheaper, slicker and - quite frankly - more fun competition like Hearthstone. Duels is simple not on par with the competition. [Sept 2014]

Duels of the Planeswalkers is an invaluable tool for learning how to play Magic: The Gathering. [10/2014, p.64]

Magic 2015 provides a neat and polished experience for those who are new to the entire concept, but unfortunately does not have enough of its big brother’s allure to warrant attention from more serious Planeswalkers.

Magic 2015 is still the best way to bring a new player to this old game and the deck building is a great deal of fun, but those who have played the last couple of releases may feel somewhat underwhelmed by this iteration.

Though it's still fun to battle opponents without having to fray my cards, dish out game night snacks, or use up gas to go where the in-person action is, I'll likely return to my Magic 2014 stock, and hope next year's entry provides more sustenance.

Magic 2015 is the worse edition of Duels of the Planeswalker. It has too many limitations and it's nearly a trap that force players to spend their money.

This should have been the comeback year for Magic, but the game lacks in personality even with the nice arrival of the deck builder. The experience is obviously aimed to players that are new to the genre, and even for them there's something better somewhere else.

Duels of the Planeswalkers 2015 gives players what they've wanted for a long time by implementing deckbuilding, but it doesn't excuse the bare-bones package and needless extra monetization.

One step forward, lots of steps back - and the magic is gone.

This year the in-game purchase are too invasive, and the deck building feature is still limited.

Unbalanced difficulty, heavy grinding and micro-transactions: only the quality of the cards and the unique concept can save Magic 2015: Duels of the Planeswalkers from the brink of a total failure.

A horrific payment structure undermines an excellent card battler. [Oct 2014, p.71]

The poor AI becomes increasingly apparent and even more of a chore upon completing the campaign. [Issue#152, p.114]

Eventually the motto "Hunt Bigger Game" for Magic 2015 should be changed to "Hunt for Money". Stay away from this game.

Magic 2015 is a step backwards for the Planeswalkers series, and could potentially prove a costly misstep for Stainless Games given the recent, celebrated arrival of Blizzard in the CCG genre.

Wizards of the Coast needs to learn about loss aversion and the concept of not fixing something that ain't broken.

Magic 2015 Duels of the Planeswalkers fails to reach the heights of previous games

It's the most drab and featureless of the Duels games, and a low mark for a series that started out with such promise.

Do yourself one instead: if you’re thinking of investing in a digital Magic experience, get last year’s instalment and avoid this soulless excuse for a game. Shame on you, Wizards of the Coast.

Long term Magic fans will want to avoid Magic 2015 to avoid utter frustration, whereas newcomers should look further into the Duels of the Planeswalkers’ back catalogue for a more appropriate and fulfilling platform for inauguration.