Magic The Gathering Online is the latest product from the masters of marketing at Wizards Of The Coast.  MTG:Online is a successful translation of the tabletop game which is responsible for the explosion of collectable card games in recent years.  MTG:Online is based off the same context that the card game exists in.  A player represents a mighty wizard called a planes walker.  Your deck is full of your available spells and artifacts and also the power to use them.  It is a game of strategy and luck with an almost infinite variety of play styles.

A game is started by selecting a table to sit down at from a digital arena.  Once another player shows up the game starts.  The game on the computer plays much in the same way as it does on the tabletop.  However, there is no friendly play option, if you make a mistake there is no possibility for a take back.  It's excellent for anyone who is interested in playing in tournaments but can be annoying to those who simply want to have fun.  The game mechanics are fairly simple.  There are two kinds of cards Spells and Land.  Land provides the energy (called mana) needed to cast (or play) spells.  Different spells do different things.  Some summon creatures or artifacts while others deal damage or protect you from others attacks.  With a friendly opponent the game can be picked up pretty quickly.

Graphically I was disappointed.  I was hoping for a little animation. Instead I faced the same static, but well illustrated cards, I often saw on the tabletop.  There was also little to say about the sound.  Music and sound effects were less than memorable.  However MTG the card game, has rarely been about the special effects.  Those who play it do so because it is an easy to learn yet highly addictive and complex game that changes every time WoTC releases another expansion.

While I still enjoy playing with people face to face, MTG: Online offers those who have trouble finding people to play with or who are separated by geographical boundaries a chance to enjoy the game to its fullest.  The only real problem I had with the game was the purchasing of cards online.   It irked me to spend real money on digital cards.   The thought of loosing the money invested in the game because of a virus or software conflict made me wary.  However, they do feature a limited redemption policy explained on thier  website.

Overall MTG:Online is a faithful translation of the most popular collectible card game ever.  However I would suggest trying it it out in real life before deciding to start your online collection.

Gameplay: 9.5
Its an amazingly well designed game.  The interface on the computer can be mildly awkward at times.

Graphics: 6 
The majority of the game takes place while looking at still shots of your cards.

Sound: 6
Not annoying but not worth mentioning.

Difficulty: Easy
Anyone can learn to play and the difficulty of a match relies solely on your opponents.

Concept: 9 
Magic the Gathering was one of the most revolutionary games ever made.  Its transfer to the computer was inevitable.

Multiplayer: 9
No shortage of opponents, games are always easy to find at any skill level.

Overall: 8.5
A faithful translation of a great table top game.  Fans will be pleased.  Others however may be put off by its dull appearance.