Magic.

Today, Born of the Gods, the new expansion for Magic: The Gathering was released. After work I headed over to my local store to pick up a box, and I've got to say it was very underwhelming at best.

The cards in this particular expansion are quite weak, and the variety of high value cards is significantly lower than expected, and especially so when compared to the Magic M14 Core Set, and Theros, which was released back in October 2013. 

However, all is not lost. 

After playing several games of Standard, and doing very well with my Big Boros deck, I thought of something. 

How awesome would it be to share the FNM (Friday Night Magic, an entry level tournament that usually happens every Friday night at many local game stores) experience with you guys on the channel? 

No, I don't mean actually take a camera into the store and start filming people like a proper creeper. Although that might make for some good reality TV, it's not really my style. 

If you've heard of Magic 2014 - Duels of the Planeswalkers you probably know what I am talking about. If not, keep reading. If so, keep reading anyway. (did you think you were going to get off that easy?)

Magic: The Gathering (or MTG as it is affectionately known by addicts everywhere) is a card game by Wizards of the Coast that can be played 1v1, or in a multiplayer format (2v2, or free for all). It's actually a hell of a lot of fun, whether you play it in the real world with real cards, or in Duels of the Planeswalkers (which is available on Steam for a very modest price).

Personally I love watching other people play as well, since it gives me insight into building new decks and lets me learn the strategy in use by the pros. 

So, I am going to be working on a Friday Night Magic series, where's I'll be playing a few games online each week. Prior to this I'll see if I can come out with some sort of tutorial or introduction for new players to get into it as I did. In fact, it was the computer game that got me into playing cards for real, and in the time I've played (since about May of last year) I have had tons of fun, met lots of people, and yes, spent a bit of money. 

Some people argue that Magic Online (WOTC's official Magic game meant to be the same thing as paper magic but in digital form) is better, but I don't believe in spending money for digital cards. At least in duels, you'll not only get a great introduction, but you unlock cards and decks as you play, with no additional cost (unless you want DLC.)

If you have any ideas about this, drop me a line. As always, keep it locked here to SSP Gaming for all your gaming pleasure - and check in at the blog for updates on new content going up on the channel. 

Stay classy.

SSP