Magic the gathering?

[damianvonbarone]

Watching you guys play the game was like watching...well...like watching people play any board game. BORING!!! I would have preferred watching a session of hungry hungry hippos or snakes and ladders

Thats all, everything else is cool with the show.

Damian

[thebigl]

The joy of the game won't necessarily come off to everyone watching. As someone who played this game for a couple of years, I loved the segment.

What's special about it, is that it mixes equal parts of skill/tactics, with chance, unlike pretty much any other game I've played. And, like you saw, the nature of the game is that, even when the game looks like 1 person is definately going to win, it can switch around in a round or 2.

Also, Alex touched on the 'nuances' of the game, but they are another thing that makes it awesome. Instant spells, like interupts or direct damage, Sorcery spells, which act like instants but can only be played in the Phase before attacking, creatures with varying health and abilities, like double strike, haste, trample, indestructable etc etc, equipment like axes, Sword of fire and ice, Sword of Light and Dark.... I could go on.

I thought it was great these guys covered it (I actually mentioned it in a post recently, which maybe influenced this episode, I'm not sure, but thank you Jeff if it did), and I personally enjoyed the segment, But I could see how someone unfamiliar with the game would not immediately see the depth, and 'fun' of this game, from the segment.

Hope you can extract something useful from that stream of consciousness.
x x

[siraim]

These segments have tended to be some of my favorite segments. I enjoyed seeing the game unfold in mike-time. Not sure if this one compares to Fireball Island.. but it was fun regardless.

[jphayes]

MTG was my first CCG but once I started playing L5R I find it really hard to go back.

Check it out: http://l5r.alderac.com/

[thebigl]

Hmm. Here's an idea: They should do a part 2 to this, where they have learned the rules more, perhaps make their own deck, and bring in Zand for a 4 person game. They are super fun, because you get people teaming up, people betraying others, it's more tenuous deciding when you should attack, as potentially you could have 3 people's creatures coming at you, until you get to untap your creature.

I think why I am so into this segment is that I used to love playing this, but now I have no one to play it with anymore :(

[tuxotaku]

I think why I am so into this segment is that I used to love playing this, but now I have no one to play it with anymore :(

Well, now that the XBL game is out, you've got a chance again!

I'm recently getting back into it myself after taking a break from it these last few years. But I've always been a fan.

[lavahot]

Hmm. Here's an idea: They should do a part 2 to this, where they have learned the rules more, perhaps make their own deck, and bring in Zand for a 4 person game. They are super fun, because you get people teaming up, people betraying others, it's more tenuous deciding when you should attack, as potentially you could have 3 people's creatures coming at you, until you get to untap your creature.

I think why I am so into this segment is that I used to love playing this, but now I have no one to play it with anymore :(

I'm very good at this game on XBL, but I really suck at deck creation. I wonder if the guys picked up their free sample decks at Comic Con? You can also get two free decks and a planeswalker card for registering the XBL game at the website, (which I suggest you do JEFF!)

[cucumberboy]

I can never get into these sort of games, but the segment did remind me that I have some artwork to do for a tabletop adventure game. Wish me luck!

[stubadub]

I loved the segment.

[miyazakihayao]

Personally I think it was a poor segment. I'm sure people familiar with these things enjoyed it quite a bit, but those who don't were probably utterly bored. At the end of the day, its probably not a good idea to have segments that only interest a small portion of the audience.

[crzy8sal]

I just don't know why Jeff didn't use the Master Decoy to tap Dan's 8/8 creature every time before he could attack.

[cucumberboy]

Personally I think it was a poor segment. I'm sure people familiar with these things enjoyed it quite a bit, but those who don't were probably utterly bored. At the end of the day, its probably not a good idea to have segments that only interest a small portion of the audience.

I dunno, I think TRS is niched enough for a segment like this.

[stubadub]

Personally I think it was a poor segment. I'm sure people familiar with these things enjoyed it quite a bit, but those who don't were probably utterly bored. At the end of the day, its probably not a good idea to have segments that only interest a small portion of the audience.

But you would also have them not talk about popular video games released this decade, right?

I think they've said that these segments are well received based on feedback. I never played fireball alley but thought it was fun to watch when they did that segment. These things are only partially about the actual game. It's just as much about seeing them hang out and the opportunities for entertainment that those situations present.

Also, the segment covered Magic, and the audience is primarily composed of geeks. Magic is one of the most successful games of that type ever released. I bet a significant percentage of the audience has first hand experience.

I just don't know why Jeff didn't use the Master Decoy to tap Dan's 8/8 creature every time before he could attack.

I wondered the same damn thing. It seemed like that's what he had to do, but then it never seemed to happen. There must have been a vital piece of info left on the cutting room floor. Mikey!!!!!!!!!

[miyazakihayao]

But you would also have them not talk about popular video games released this decade, right?

No, because that would only interest me, not the majority of the audience.

Try to keep up.

These things are only partially about the actual game. It's just as much about seeing them hang out and the opportunities for entertainment that those situations present.

And some games are better for that than others. Detailed card games, from what I'm seeing in this episode, are not one of those.

[maynza]

I love magic the gathering, and I had to quit because it was just costing me too much money. I am more annoyed that they didn't talk about if they even liked it or not :eek:

edit: I spoke too soon, jeff says he liked it in the video game section.

[quence]

I normally love the segments where the guys play a board game, etc., but this one did kinda bore me. I blame that more on the fact that I don't really care about Magic than how good the segment was, however. Some parts were still pretty funny.

[xinque]

For those interested, there's also a PC version called Magic Online. Has a lot more depth than the recent XBL release, and a ton more cards to build decks from. Maybe they could do a review for it if there's enough interest. And yeah, the game's definitely a cash cow and could see how it's not a game for everyone. The number of mechanics and card interactions can be a tad overwhelming (maybe that's why Jeff didn't use the Decoy), but it's part of what makes the game of interesting and fun for those that like it I think.

[starthorn]

I didn't mind it. Jeff sounded depressed though

[lavahot]

I just don't know why Jeff didn't use the Master Decoy to tap Dan's 8/8 creature every time before he could attack.

I know!!! I'm sitting there watching this segment and thinking, "I want to teach them to play! Nobody there knows what they're doing! Why didn't I play Jeff at Comic Con?!"

[jmp2071]

I just don't know why Jeff didn't use the Master Decoy to tap Dan's 8/8 creature every time before he could attack.

I don't think they understood the rules enough to know that you can use creatures abilities on your opponents turn. That would have really turned the tempo of the game around. It would be fun to see a part 2 of this in a month or two after they played some more and got familiar with the rules and all the other little things in the game that can make a big difference.

[jmp2071]

If anyone wants to play some casual games on Magic Online my screenname is quiksand2526.

[lavahot]

For those interested, there's also a PC version called Magic Online. Has a lot more depth than the recent XBL release, and a ton more cards to build decks from. Maybe they could do a review for it if there's enough interest. And yeah, the game's definitely a cash cow and could see how it's not a game for everyone. The number of mechanics and card interactions can be a tad overwhelming (maybe that's why Jeff didn't use the Decoy), but it's part of what makes the game of interesting and fun for those that like it I think.

Magic Online suffers from the same problems that the actual card game does, which is overpowered trick decks and the fact that you have to continually buy new cards to keep up with newer mechanics. I can't tell you how many times I have been brought to my knees by giant squirrel armies.

I think that Jeff didn't understand the strategy that goes with the use of the Decoy. It was their first time, I'd like to see how they do after playing for a while with somebody who knows the rules.

In fact, I'd like to offer my time to teach anybody who would like to learn to play on the XBLA Duels of the Planeswalkers game. My gamertag is Mr Chipwood, please don't hesitate to drop me a message for some play time. I have played for a while and the XBLA game doesn't use some of the more crazy mechanics (morph, kicker, exile, madness, etc.) so winning is fairly calculable. After a while, you learn what to expect from certain decks and gear your play to anticipate it.

My sn on Magic online is lavahot but all of my cards are outside of the current ruleset so if you're interested PM me and I'll consider buying some new cards.

[xinque]

Ditto. If anyone's interested in trying out the game, or have questions about it, feel free to ask. My screenname's euqnix on Magic Online.

[ojimaru]

Jeff sure got real depressed over a friendly game for the show.

Anyway, I think the whole experience of the episode was rather dulled by the fact that the guys weren't too familiar with the rules and the intricate depths of the game. People who play Magic cringe at their mistakes (like Jeff forgetting about his first Angel of Mercy's summoning sickness) while people who aren't familiar with the game wouldn't know what was going on.

And 9th Edition? I was expecting at least 10th (current set is Magic 2010 or M10) or one of the existing Duel Decks, e.g. Elves vs Goblins (http://www.wizards.com/magic/tcg/productarticle.aspx?x=mtg_tcg_elvesvsgoblins_produ ctinfo), Jace vs Chandra (http://www.wizards.com/magic/tcg/productarticle.aspx?x=mtg_tcg_jacevschandra_produc tinfo) or Divine vs Demonic (http://www.wizards.com/magic/tcg/ProductArticle.aspx?x=mtg/tcg/divinevsdemonic/productinfo).

Overall, much kudos for having a segment on one of my all-time favourite games. Hope you guys keep playing the game and hopefully the new rules and terminology changes in the new set will help bring more TRS fans into the game.

[aerodash84]

I personally enjoy segments like these because it has brought new things into my life or back into it. I think I might break out my Magic cards and try them against my friends. I got a giant binder I've considered selling, but haven't gotten myself to. It was a bit slow, but I partially blame the game since it's not that exciting to watch or sometimes play. But yeah, glad they brought it up and I may check it out on XBL.

[wideawakewesley]

Maybe this wasn't the best segment the guys have ever done, but it was definitely a good introduction to Magic, which didn't spend too much time on the rules, but did give a great sense of the feelings Magic can evoke as a game can seesaw in one direction and another. I'm sure much of the show's geek audience have played or heard of Magic and been intrigued by it, so this was definitely a much appreciated introduction. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[chimpy]

I think segments like these are exactly the kinds of things TRS should do. While I used to play Magic and already know and understand it, I think the segments that introduce geeky/rad things and offer a short primer on them are awesome.

Their geocaching segment made me really interested in trying it. I look forward to more intro-to-geek-stuff-type segments.

[stubadub]

No, because that would only interest me, not the majority of the audience.

Try to keep up.


I'm pretty sure I've kept up. I'm not the one stuck in decades past.:D

The half-joke/half-point I was making with that comment is, based on your disinterest in every video game released this decade that has experienced any amount of popularity, I don't know that your unhappiness with the segment necessarily means that the audience in general will feel the same way.

[inkwell]

I love these kinds of segments on the show. Sure, this one could have been a little more fast paced/exciting had they known the rules a bit more. It was still fun to watch though.

I've personally never played Magic: The Gathering. After this, I wouldn't mind giving it a shot. The only problem is I don't know anyone who would be up for playing. I don't have a 360 either, so I can't play it on there.

I did find Mytheria (http://armorgames.com/play/2738/mytheria), which seems to be a flash version of a Magic clone. It's probably not as fully featured, but I found it to be fun.

First TRS gets me hooked on geocaching, now it might be Magic: The Gathering. I would like to try D&D or Munchkin, but much like Magic I don't know anyone who would be interested.

[damianvonbarone]

I didnt intend this thread to become a Magic the gathering "drum circle love -in" And, PLEASE! No more invitations to join your gathering groups. PLEASE! No more.
From now on I'll walk the path.

Damian:)

[lavahot]

From now on I'll walk the path.

... the path of a Planeswalker?

[quantumtheory]

I really love the segments where they sit down and all those table top games. Watching that segment made me want to go out and the decks, but then I realized I would have no one to play with. THEN they cut to the videogame section and talked about the XBLA version and now I want to go and download that.

I think they need to do another table top DnD segment. I loved when they did it before, hopefully they do it again soon!

[icu]

I think the only real issue with the segment is that they didn't explain how the game is played to the viewer. I know how the game is played I can imagine none of it making sense and perhaps being a bit boring. Maybe some on-screen graphics showing a scoreboard and a some sort of visual representation of what was going on ... y'know like the video game version.

I got a bit into MtG with my friends, but it all fell apart when we'd have to stop halfway through a match and say "Heeey, you went to the store and bought new packs!" I guess if we had figured out how to stem the eventual arms race we started we could have stuck with it.

I really enjoyed a PC game version for a while I can't find anymore. It's a great brain exercise with just enough luck vs. skill to keep you entertained. Games like this I do wish we could play on our PCs with 360 folk.

[bobafettjm]

Has anyone here played the Yu-Gi-Oh card game? I like Magic, but I honestly don't think that it has nearly as much depth and strategy as Yu-Gi-Oh has.

[lavahot]

Has anyone here played the Yu-Gi-Oh card game? I like Magic, but I honestly don't think that it has nearly as much depth and strategy as Yu-Gi-Oh has.

If I ever find you, I will come to your house and bitchslap you in front of your whole family.

[gonzooo]

Has anyone here played the Yu-Gi-Oh card game? I like Magic, but I honestly don't think that it has nearly as much depth and strategy as Yu-Gi-Oh has.
This is the reason you have huge MTG Grand Prix's, a meta game that is unrivaled in any form of competition and a huge playerbase? Being that I've played neither of these games I can't speak in any certain terms, but I've read about MTG quite extensively, and it's, from everything I've read, simply: Awesome.

[ojimaru]

If I ever find you, I will come to your house and bitchslap you in front of your whole family.

Mind putting in a set for me too?

[lavahot]

Mind putting in a set for me too?

no, but it will probably be mostly lefty, as my right hand will be worn out.

[subwayfox]

I loved the segment. I think it might be hard to understand how to play the game for people that are new to playing Magic.

Does anyone know of any web sites where people organize Magic games?

I have been wanting to get back into actually playing some Magic with my old as crap cards.

[icu]

I actually have a nice plastic case/box with all my cards. As I said, playing it for the short time I did instigated a card cold war as each person would escalate and buy MORE PACKS and even buying individual rare cards. That's what killed an otherwise really interesting strategy game.

I always meant to just sell all my cards - do you think they would be worth anything as they are all 10+ years old at this point.

I remember I had a really nice White/Blue deck and a decent strategy that would win quite a bit until one of my friends pulled out an artifact MEGADESTROYER something something they bought for $20.

I see that there is a PC free download MtG game - anyone play this - is it a micropayment game i.e. gets you to buy new decks.
Is there decent AI because I'd just want to play the AI I think initially?
Does the XBLA game also have you buying "card packs"? What's the best MtG game (the one I played was a looong time ago)

[bobafettjm]

If I ever find you, I will come to your house and bitchslap you in front of your whole family.

but have you played it? Everyone bags on the game because of the kiddy marketing and anime of it. But really if you dig into that game there are infinite strategies and deck combinations, a lot more than most other card games I have played, and I have played quite a bit.

[xinque]

I see that there is a PC free download MtG game - anyone play this - is it a micropayment game i.e. gets you to buy new decks.
Is there decent AI because I'd just want to play the AI I think initially?
Does the XBLA game also have you buying "card packs"? What's the best MtG game (the one I played was a looong time ago)

The PC version lets you download the software for free and a one-time payment of $10 to setup an account. The account comes bundled with some random cards I think, though you might want to check what the exact package is. They do charge you for for booster packs and pre-made decks, though you can find other vendors that sell individual cards or trade for them.

There is no AI in the PC version, you will always be playing against a live opponent.

With regards to the XBLA game, I haven't played it myself but I believe it does have an AI, you don't buy new cards but unlock them the more you play. Also the XBLA game has fewer cards than the PC version I think.

[ojimaru]

but have you played it? Everyone bags on the game because of the kiddy marketing and anime of it. But really if you dig into that game there are infinite strategies and deck combinations, a lot more than most other card games I have played, and I have played quite a bit.

How can there be infinite strategies when 50% of every competitive deck has the same cards and one-third of all cards released are banned or restricted from competitive play? People boast themed decks but only have 6 out of 40 cards that abide by said theme.

[bobafettjm]

Themed decks that you buy don't compare to self made decks at all. There are many basic decks, but there are also lots of creative decks based around one or two certain spell cards that end up working very well. A great example of this is a deck called the Seeing Eye deck. There are also of course the pre-made decks like a water deck, fire, ect. But those decks are really either just to get a deck started, in which I remove over half the cards to add my own, or for someone who is new to the game.

I hold local tournaments here where I live and I don't adhere to the banned or limited card list, since we play for fun.

[everybodystalking]

I played this when I was much younger. Played shouldn't be the word, as no one I knew played it, but I enjoyed coming up with good card combos, and simulating a duel between two of my decks.

I seem to remember a ridiculous combination I used with the black magic. Can't remember the names of the cards (except one, Megrim, I think it was), but the idea was to punish the other player whether he had too many cards, or too few, then force discard of the majority of his hand every turn, doing more damage, and keeping him from doing much of anything.

It took a while to get going, but once I had it started, it was all over. It was beautiful.

[sushicombo]

Played a bit when I was 14 and gave it up when I cared more about looking cool.

Turning thirty next month. Downloaded the Xbox Live version this weekend and played for...20 hours? Thinking about going out and picking up a deck but have the same problem... don't know anyone to play with.

Am thinking of taking my nephew to a comic shop. He's actually about the age I was when I first played. Maybe I'll see if he gets into the Xbox game first.

[sugarsickness]

Played for a number of years, a lot of which I spent each weekend at my local shop playing in tournaments. Stopped due to money and other reasons.

Have decided to start playing once I get some money and a car to drive a bajillion miles to a place that holds tournaments. It's been about 6 years I think.

I still love it so much though. So... so... much...

[punk0]

I enjoyed the segment, although Jeff didn't seem all that into it throughout the game because he was sure he was going to lose (which he didn't).

I bought some cards a little over a decade ago and tried to learn the game with my girlfriend at the time. We couldn't figure out when certain cards were allowed to be played and exactly what they did, so we eventually gave up.

Cut to the segment, and my curiosity was peaked again. I picked up the game on XBL and am loving it. The main complaint that you can't make your own decks is a plus to me. I'd rather play a balanced game than lose because I'm playing against a loaded deck. From a marketing standpoint, it was a genius move. It was like a real world version of micro-transactions long before they thought of putting them in video games. But just like how I wouldn't want to play against someone in BF1943 who bought a BFG, I wouldn't want to play a card game against people who bought more powerful cards. I do believe you should be able to make decks with the cards provided though.

Of course, they did leave the door open with dlc for players to make their decks more powerful. I can't see them doing that for any other reason than getting people addicted to upgrading decks, so it will probably end up the same way for the XBL game. I just hope there is the option to play matches without the added cards if all the players don't have them.

Anyway, I'd just like to thank the guys for getting me to buy the game. I screwed up my back this week and needed something laid back to play. I even looked into buying some cards again, but the choices are a bit too overwhelming and in the end it will be too expensive.

[ojimaru]

Alex's Epic MTG loot! (http://twitpic.com/h0puh) What up?!

All 4 Planechase sets, Demonic vs Divine Duel Deck (with the hottest, most badass angel EVER!), all 5 M10 Starter Decks and a box of M10?

Holy smokes! Extrapolating from the "thanks Wizards of the Coast", I'm assuming those were freebies and YES I want to know the story. Does somebody in WotC watch TRS? Will there be another awesome segment showcasing the new coreset? Will jeffcanatta.com become a Legendary Land?

[thavok]

ok so I am totally new at MTG, bought a few decks and a duel deck, played around with them and learned a lot, then I went to the local comic book store and watched some guys play last night, and I have to say I am a little scared, these guys where pulling crazy strategies that I didn't even understand. I quite literally left my cards in the car because I was embarrassed to say the least. is there anyway for a new player to get into this game without spending a fortune? a suggestions for building decks or even just learning would be helpful. oh and btw thanks TRS for the segment.

[ojimaru]

ok so I am totally new at MTG, bought a few decks and a duel deck, played around with them and learned a lot, then I went to the local comic book store and watched some guys play last night, and I have to say I am a little scared, these guys where pulling crazy strategies that I didn't even understand. I quite literally left my cards in the car because I was embarrassed to say the least. is there anyway for a new player to get into this game without spending a fortune? a suggestions for building decks or even just learning would be helpful. oh and btw thanks TRS for the segment.
One of the most recommended places to learn Magic is actually the official website. Go read their various articles on deck building, card combos, etc. Heck, even their behind-the-scenes articles sometimes reveal strategies you may have not known before!

For a more hands-on approach, my suggestion is to brave the comic book store you went to and look for somebody to play your Duel Deck with. There may or may not be some douchebags, depending on your area, but if you ask nicely for a few tutorial games you stand to learn alot.

[jmp2071]

Alex's Epic MTG loot! (http://twitpic.com/h0puh) What up?!

All 4 Planechase sets, Demonic vs Divine Duel Deck (with the hottest, most badass angel EVER!), all 5 M10 Starter Decks and a box of M10?

Holy smokes! Extrapolating from the "thanks Wizards of the Coast", I'm assuming those were freebies and YES I want to know the story. Does somebody in WotC watch TRS? Will there be another awesome segment showcasing the new coreset? Will jeffcanatta.com become a Legendary Land?

that wasn't a box, that was a fat pack.

[raysor]

I honestly think the segments where they don't review things and just do stuff are the most enjoyable. Like the geocache one, or the laser tag. I like the Magic segment, I thought it was fun.

[mondorus]

I loved this segment probably because I am a huge fan of magic the gathering. Maybe next time, include the new cards alex got from wizards.

[mitchbones]

Seeing the segment on MtG reminded me of how much fun I had at lunch in 8th grade. Went down to the local FLGS this weekend and ended up playing for nine hours straight. Won a round in a tourney, it was pretty awesome.