DESCRIPTION

For fans of the fantasy collectible trading card game Magic: The Gathering and its long history of multiple card-set releases, comes a reference tool that not only provides a means for tracking and viewing nearly every card ever created but for playing the game (online) as well.

Created by Wizards of the Coast as a nice-to-have but not mandatory supplement to the card game, Magic: The Gathering — Interactive Encyclopedia includes a variety of features that should appeal to players and collectors alike. The program is divided into five sections including Magic Online, Deckbuilder, Encyclopedia, Magic Links and Strategy Library.

Magic Online allows players to play on a virtual gaming table against others from around the world over the Internet or on a LAN. Players can set or adjust pre-game options to customize each game to personal likes and dislikes before each multiplayer contest begins. The online portion of the game includes a minimal chat capability and the computer handles all computations and resolutions automatically. There is no computer AI-based opponent supported in gameplay.

The Deckbuilder section gives strategists the opportunity to test their deck's effectiveness and allows collectors to keep track of the value of their cards. Used for creating virtual decks, this option provides the means for printing data and quotes from each card (no pictures) and is a valuable tool for building that perfect deck.

The Encyclopedia features statistics, text and graphics for every card ever printed for Magic: The Gathering with a few exceptions (e.g., no Guru cards). The information includes data such as why a card was created and provides tips regarding the best usage and interaction with other cards.

Magic Links provides the opportunity to keep your Encyclopedia current with the latest information about new cards and locations where you can download card pricing data and get inventory updates. The Strategy Library includes rules and formats and, of course, strategy ploys for building the perfect deck, as well as a means for comparing strengths and weaknesses of specific sets and cards. ~ Michael Tresca, All Game Guide