As others have said earlier, the current Gen of MtG Plainswalker games consist of being able to play the card game against AI or Human opponents using preconstructed decks that can only be tweaked slightly with the substitution of additional cards that can be unlocked as you win matches. You CANNOT build any deck you want from the available cards.

I used to have that old Microprose MtG game too. I wish I hadn't given it away oh so long ago. That game was like a Heroes of Might and Magic that used MtG duels to resolve combat. You buy/earn cards along the way, and you could make any deck out of the cards you had in your inventory without restriction. Etherlords I/II was a very similar game that used a different card game mechanic.

Tempted to get the 2013 version, as I enjoyed the 2012 version quite a bit. If you don't have real people to play with, it can scratch that MtG itch without throwing you into the vast ocean (and money sink) that is MtG Online.

Quote: Originally Posted by CrimsonTribe Question on Magic the Gathering: I loved the PC game that came out in the late 90's (I think it was just called Magic the Gathering - I played the Duels of the Plainswalkers version). In fact, I still have it installed in my netbook. I'm a little worried that apparently you don't build your deck in the new versions. My favorite part of the old game was collecting the cards and putting together a great deck, then tweaking it based on the color you were fighting. Does anyone who's played both have comparisons or thoughts on whether the new versions will appeal to players of the old version? For $5 I'll probably pick it up, but any feedback would be greatly appreciated.