Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012

 Xbox 360
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Gamers' Temple
    Oct 12, 2011
    81
    While Magic 2012 can be entertaining for those who play online, it really serves more as an expanded training program for anyone who has thought about delving into the real game.
  2. Worth Playing
    Jul 31, 2011
    80
    Overall, Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is a definite improvement over Duels of the Planeswalkers from 2009.
  3. Eurogamer Spain
    Jul 11, 2011
    80
    A great game to introduce yourself to Magic and a worthwhile challenge to experienced players.
  5. Video Game Talk
    Jul 11, 2011
    80
    If you're one of last year's players who has come this far and what you've read hasn't swayed you, stick with last year's edition. It's not obsolete; the decks are different enough that you'll still have fun playing them. If you are intrigued, I say drop the $10 and get going.
  6. GamingXP
    Jul 8, 2011
    82
    A must-have for fans of the Magic universe and those to be.
  7. GameTrailers
    Jun 30, 2011
    80
    Sure, the game has some limitations when compared to the real-life hobby, particularly as played by those who've been collecting cards for years, but Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is a full-featured package that successfully communicates the spirit of this timeless game.
  8. The Escapist
    Jun 28, 2011
    80
    The engine of the game hasn't changed, but the chrome is super-polished and new multiplayer modes are great new features.
  9. IGN
    Jun 28, 2011
    85
    Magic 2012 strikes a big chord with my inner Magic nerd. If you're thirsting for another major round of card-battling wizardry, then the extra cards, fresh play options, and new presentation make it worth diving into this remix.
  10. The A.V. Club
    Jun 26, 2011
    75
    The narrow range of options actually strengthens the game in some respects, as each deck has its own specific play style and strengths, and they all seem balanced.
  11. Cheat Code Central
    Jun 24, 2011
    76
    With a deep single-player mode, 10 decks to unlock, and new online modes, you'll get plenty of value from this $10 package.
  12. Machinima
    Jun 20, 2011
    80
    A substantive package for a $10 download. The new additions to the core mechanics make for a diverse and enjoyable experience.
  13. Official Xbox Magazine
    Jun 15, 2011
    85
    For new and old players alike, this sequel is a superb adaptation of the classic CCG.
  14. Game Informer
    Jun 15, 2011
    80
    Archenemy mode flopping on its face and a few minor balance issues aren't enough to keep me from appreciating Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012. This is a fantastic way to play Magic without eating your entire bank account in the process. Lapsed players like me will have a grand time messing around with some of the newer cards and mechanics, particularly in online play against other humans. If there were more decks and cards, and/or an online league structure to compete in, this could have been a true gem. As it is, it's fun as a solid, but limited, digital adaptation of one of the definitive tabletop games of our generation.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 3 out of 27
  1. YetiConfetti
    Jun 15, 2011
    8
    Most of the changes made between the last "Duels of the Planeswalkers" and this one are superficial - sound effects, music, minor interfaceMost of the changes made between the last "Duels of the Planeswalkers" and this one are superficial - sound effects, music, minor interface tweaks to keep things flowing smoothly - but so far they have been making a huge impact on my enjoyment of this newer version. I had to turn the sound effects and music on the last version to 0 because they literally drove me insane, whereas now the music almost seems welcoming (and maybe that has yet to wear off, but I remember being put off initially by the music in the first one). Also in the last version the computer would skip your last main phase if it thought you had nothing to do, even if you had equipment or abilities you wanted to use, but now you can change options so that you can finish those last few decisions. 10 decks to start with is a lot better than the 8 from last time, but I still wish they would either let you build your own decks or simply give you more decks/extra cards to choose from (as of now only 16 unlocks per deck, and sometimes you unlock more than one at a time). I haven't tried Archenemy yet, but I know what it is and it doesn't seem like the kind of thing that would change my review. In any case, this is still the best option for playing Magic online, and is slightly superior to the last version they released. If you have the original DotP you might not think getting the 2012 edition is necessary, but for anyone looking for some new cards to play with and an enhanced overall feel look no further.… Full Review »
  2. InsaneDC
    Aug 2, 2011
    9
    I will admit the customizing of the decks was improved over the very first Duels of the Planeswalkers that came out 2 years ago. The nice partI will admit the customizing of the decks was improved over the very first Duels of the Planeswalkers that came out 2 years ago. The nice part is that they've made things so much smoother in 2012. The slight graphics updates came as a wonderful transition as did the addition of Archenemy. The only part that brings this game down is that the soundtrack for this game is absolute garbage. The sound is needed for the most part so you know when you can do something if you're not paying close attention. But other then that this is one of the more enjoyable experiences on the XBLA. The "luck" portion balances out the "skill" portion very well. And the way the decks actually compliment one another and aren't at all overpowered makes any deck a winner. Just gotta know what you're doing. $10 well spent.… Full Review »
  3. ablindkid
    Dec 1, 2011
    9
    Magic 2012 is a solid game that is better than it's predecessor in every way. There are several fun game modes o choose from, and a decent,Magic 2012 is a solid game that is better than it's predecessor in every way. There are several fun game modes o choose from, and a decent, if not overly-similar selection of decks. The graphics are as simple as you'd expect from a card game and the music is a vast improvement over the last Magic title (which was ear-splittingly awful). However, online matches tend to drop, and AI difficulty can be inconsistent, so I have to ding the game a point or two on that count. However, replayability is where the game really shines, with several hours worth of battles and challenges, plus regular DLC, it will keep you coming back again and again. Overall this game gets an 8.5/10 (rounded up) and recognition as one of the best values on XBLA.… Full Review »
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