Difficulty:

Easy

Time Spent:

10 Hours or Less

The Bottom Line:

"Instant classic"

Planeswalkers 2012 is composed of three core campaigns: A standard path of one-on-one duels with AI opponents whose decks you unlock with each victory, a "Revenge" mode in which said opponents have even beefier decks and an entirely new gametype, Archenemy. In this mode, three players are pitted against an overpowered opponent; a fun mix on the traditional Magic formula. It's a variation that's perfect for the TCG's video game adaptation -- it's not always easy to find three other friends to play some Archenemy in the real.

The online portion of the game has received really only one notable improvement: You can now play the game's Two-Headed Giant mode online. In the original, you could only play the frantic two-on-two matches locally -- being able to do so without being within punching distance of one another makes the co-op experience a much more accessible (and safe!) way to play.

For many, the inability to import any cards or decks from the previous game is likely going to be the sequel's biggest drawback. It's disappointing, not only because of all the hours returning players assumedly spent grinding for cards in the first game, but also because some of the new decks lack the punch of their O.G. counterparts. What good is the ability to almost completely customize my decks if it's simply not a fun deck to use, or is far less competitive than it was in the last game?

For those who tore through the last game and are hungry for more, the inclusion of Archenemy, an online Two-Headed Giant mode and some new cards to play with are features worth the price of admission. However, if you're only interested in the odd game of Magic here and there, the first game will suit your needs just fine. It boils down from what you want from Wizards' timeless TCG franchise: With all of its expansion packs, the first game has greater card variety; but if you're looking for some innovative changes to the classic gameplay formula, Planeswalkers 2012 deserves your attention.