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[joelseph]

I picked this up. This is my first time playing Magic and I am really enjoying it, but as I play I'm wishing I could add some counter cards to my deck (using the default green one atm). I've gotten up to the last battle on campaign and that guy destroys my deck. I can't hit flying shit very well, and I have nothing to break enchantments.

I saw that you can go back and fight battles you've won for cards so maybe I'll do that. What all gives card unlocks?

This is my main complaint with the mono green deck. I have unlocked over half the cards for it and they all seem to be more offensive trample based creatures. The deck is sorely lacking counters and flying. Why don't the unlocks address that?

 

[sonicmj1]

Wouldn't that deck be easily countered with the mono green deck due to the artifact card that gives life on every green spell played? Specially if you got all 4 unlocked, you could mulligan your hand down until you get the artifact and start the game with a great advantage.

I don't think that would work.

For one thing, the elf deck also gets four of that card. So it's not an advantage at all.

For another thing, when the Elf deck gets explosive, it can easily do dozens of points of damage out of almost nowhere.

The Green deck probably has one of the worst matchups against the Elf deck, in my opinion. Elvish Champion is basically an auto-win for the Elves if it hits the board with any sort of backup.

 

[Ronabo]

This game keeps locking up on me. Usually as I'm about to win. Cheating CPU :lol

There was an update today when I fired it up. Is that causing the lock ups? I have no idea what it did since I didn't get to play it much before the update.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

I don't think that would work.

For one thing, the elf deck also gets four of that card. So it's not an advantage at all.

For another thing, when the Elf deck gets explosive, it can easily do dozens of points of damage out of almost nowhere.

The Green deck probably has one of the worst matchups against the Elf deck, in my opinion. Elvish Champion is basically an auto-win for the Elves if it hits the board with any sort of backup.

That's what I said!

The only real counters I can see is:

- Go mirror-match and try to out-race/out-draw
- Go mono-blue and play stall games with counter/bounce as you poke with lots of small fliers until the big fliers can come out
- Go mono-white and do the same thing stalling with pacifism/holy day and poke with small fliers until you either can get a bunch of buff enchantments out or the big fliers
- Go mono-black and hope to get a good starting hand a real good draws so you can get the discards moving along with rack damage, saving your Terrors for the key creatures you need to worry about.

I can see mono-red working if you get a good start with a bunch of haste creatures early, but once green-black gets a decent number of creatures out it gets tough unless you can get a shivan out, which isn't necessarily a lock either due to the possibility of Eyeblight's Ending killing it.

 

[ElyrionX]

Wouldn't that deck be easily countered with the mono green deck due to the artifact card that gives life on every green spell played? Specially if you got all 4 unlocked, you could mulligan your hand down until you get the artifact and start the game with a great advantage.

As others have said, the advantage is not as big as you'd imagine it to be. Throwing out four Elf creature cards yields only 4 health. Hardly an advantage.

Besides, the Elf deck hits so hard and so fast that the Mono Green won't be able to cope with it at all. Mono Green is about big creatures in mid to late game but the Elf deck has so many different ways of dealing with that (Coat of Arms, Moonglove Winnower, Imperious Perfect, Eyeblight's Ending and the list goes on). The only way the Mono Green can win is if it gets lucky with an Overrun at the right time.

EDIT: I'd suggest that we ban the Elf deck if we're really going to go with the GAF tourney. Really, everyone's going to be using that deck if we don't ban it.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

EDIT: I'd suggest that we ban the Elf deck if we're really going to go with the GAF tourney. Really, everyone's going to be using that deck if we don't ban it.

Maybe we should have a pre-tourney warmup challenge and see if people can figure out how to beat the G-B deck? Could be fun.

 

[AstroLad]

Overrun or Blanchwood Armor. Especially on Troll Ascetic. But yes it's a tough matchup, mostly because of the Forestwalk discussed above. I think they limited Green to the super basics because it's the first deck.

I played Green/Black to get the ranked achievement and it's definitely strong but there were a few droughts in there based on some rotten draws. Black can match up pretty well because it's easy to burn through cards on Green/Black. I'd imagine blue would also do well with the unlocks, but I'm only a few cards in on that one.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

Overrun or Blanchwood Armor.

Overrun's the main key, Blanchwood can get negated by Naturalize.

The main issue Green-Black has really is mana - being a dual color deck and all, mana screw is much more painful with this one.

 

[sonicmj1]

As others have said, the advantage is not as big as you'd imagine it to be. Throwing out four Elf creature cards yields only 4 health. Hardly an advantage.

Besides, the Elf deck hits so hard and so fast that the Mono Green won't be able to cope with it at all. Mono Green is about big creatures in mid to late game but the Elf deck has so many different ways of dealing with that (Coat of Arms, Moonglove Winnower, Imperious Perfect, Eyeblight's Ending and the list goes on). The only way the Mono Green can win is if it gets lucky with an Overrun at the right time.

EDIT: I'd suggest that we ban the Elf deck if we're really going to go with the GAF tourney. Really, everyone's going to be using that deck if we don't ban it.

If I had to guess, I'd think the deck with the best matchup against Elves would be the Blue deck. There are a number of extremely strong threats, but if those are neutralized, the Elf deck isn't that strong. It generally wins with numbers, supported by enablers like Coat of Arms, Imperious Perfect, or Elvish Champion. If those are countered, the deck can be stopped.

It still would probably be an uphill battle, though, considering that there are a lot of threats like that in the Elf deck, and considering that if Gaea's Herald hits the field, the Blue deck can't counter anything worthwhile.

Removal would be key in the matchup. White might have a shot if it draws a few of its mass-removal unlocks, but they don't have that much.

 

[AstroLad]

I think there are only two Naturalize in the deck. Basically Green can easily stomp you early if he gets Blanchwood and you don't have Naturalize. But otoh there's about a million ways for Green-Black to win. I certainly don't dispute that it's an awful mismatch.

Anyways, I'm not relying exclusively on Green-Black since it's so popular. I have a full White that everyone hates/doesn't care about so I'll mix that in as well as a few others probably. Fucking happy little elves can eat some Mass Calcify.

 

[Struct09]

Really liking the game so far. It's rough around some technical edges, and the computer makes some bone-headed decisions, but I appreciate it for what it is. I haven't played MTG in a few years, and I'm happy that this one has pre-built themed decks. I didn't want to have to go research the most up to date themes/combos, so I was able to just hop in and start having fun with the game.

I've been using the all white deck, but I plan on playing through with all the other decks at some point. Tons of content for a $10 title, well worth the money. I just hope they don't dilute the online experience with DLC (as in, making it so those who spend the most have the advantage).

 

[ElyrionX]

Yeah, I can see the White deck doing well too especially with the buffs and the flying creatures/enchantments.

 

[Cheech]

Definitely if you are thinking "wtf is going on with this creature?" it's usually very helpful to use the right stick to navigate to the card, read the text with RT, and then hit RB to read the detailed description pages. The detailed descriptions are copious, and they include any effects that may have been added subsequent to the card being played (e.g., Forestwalk).

Excellent, thanks to you and sonicmj. I'll check the ruleset out.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

I agree that mono-white's the deck that consistently gives me fits playing as the Green-Black deck. While I think Green-Black is what I'll mainly play, I'll likely mix in some play from the white, blue, and black decks for some mixup.

 

[Dr. Kitty Muffins]

I just beat the black deck bitch. Took me two tries with green but oh well.

I haven't tried the new decks I unlocked. I've always been obsessed with green.

My only complaint about Magic over the years is the severe lack of Dwarves. Hopefully, since this game is made for casuals, Dwarves and Gnomes will make a few appearances just to please people who are Elf Haters (like me).

 

[ElyrionX]

I just beat the black deck bitch. Took me two tries with green but oh well.

I haven't tried the new decks I unlocked. I've always been obsessed with green.

My only complaint about Magic over the years is the severe lack of Dwarves. Hopefully, since this game is made for casuals, Dwarves and Gnomes will make a few appearances just to please people who are Elf Haters (like me).

You're out of luck. I don't recall any dwarves in this game and I think there's only one gnome. The elves, on the other hand. Oh boy, the elves. :lol

 

[XiaNaphryz]

You're out of luck. I don't recall any dwarves in this game and I think there's only one gnome. The elves, on the other hand. Oh boy, the elves. :lol

I can easily see some nice red goblin decks coming out as DLC, as the red deck in this one serves as an okay intro.

 

[Des0lar]

8 challanges? Really? That's all? Mehtastic.

Oh boy, I wish this was on PC for all the free content updates it would bring...

 

[Saerk]

This game keeps locking up on me. Usually as I'm about to win. Cheating CPU :lol

There was an update today when I fired it up. Is that causing the lock ups? I have no idea what it did since I didn't get to play it much before the update.

I was having a few lock ups as well. It didnt fully lock up, but it hang for a few minutes.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

I was having a few lock ups as well. It didnt fully lock up, but it hang for a few minutes.

For the temporary hangs, just rotate the camera with the D-pad, it'll get things going right away.

 

[Cheech]

8 challanges? Really? That's all? Mehtastic.

Oh boy, I wish this was on PC for all the free content updates it would bring...

Yeah, because they give out SO much free shit on MTGO. Don't they charge the same for virtual card packs as real packs? :lol

Anyway, I found an update as to what today's patch did.

http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1207505

I know it fixed the hand/discard bug. That might be it, we thought that one in particular was bad and we noticed it a couple weeks ago.

Rest assured, more bug fixes are incoming once we get another title update done and into certification. Unfortunately the cert process can be a little slow, but we've gotten pretty good at it by now.

I'm sure we'll have more news (and news on DLC) to announce soon.

 

[Ronabo]

I haven't had any temp lockups. When it happens the game totally freezes and I can't even bring up the guide. Now I've run into a bug on my first online match. I was using the Green/Black deck and I couldn't play any lands after my second turn. I'd have a forest highlighted and it would tell me to press A, but nothing would happen. Needless to say I had to quit that match. I message the dude what was up.

 

[sonicmj1]

I just beat the black deck bitch. Took me two tries with green but oh well.

I haven't tried the new decks I unlocked. I've always been obsessed with green.

My only complaint about Magic over the years is the severe lack of Dwarves. Hopefully, since this game is made for casuals, Dwarves and Gnomes will make a few appearances just to please people who are Elf Haters (like me).

Wizards hates Dwarves. There hasn't been a large contingent of them since Odyssey block.

Goblins have displaced them.

 

[Freshmaker]

The cheating A.I. is starting to make the unlocking joyless. Odd how the A.I. always has enough manna yet never draws 8 land cards in a row, yet I always seem to get screwed on my draws.

You must believe in the heart of the cards!

 

[mattoz85]

I hate to ask another question like this, but can someone tell me if this is a bug or just a game rule I'm missing (again)?

I was playing mono blue online against a mono white deck. A few times when I attacked, they paused the timer and played Holy Day. Somehow, stopping the timer prevented me from countering it. It was like the card was played instantly—it never did the little animation that all the cards do when they get played, and I had no chance to counter. This happened 3 times and kept me from winning.

 

[kuYuri]

Good news everyone... MTG is at the top of the Live Activity list for last week. So glad it's doing well.

1 Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers
2 Castle Crashers
3 Sonic The Hedgehog 3
4 Worms
5 Sam & Max Save the World
6 UNO
7 CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars
8 Peggle
9 Hasbro Family Game Night
10 Rocket Riot

 

[Kifimbo]

Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions purchased)

1 Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers
2 Castle Crashers
3 Sonic The Hedgehog 3
4 Worms
5 Sam & Max Save the World
6 UNO
7 CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars
8 Peggle
9 Hasbro Family Game Night**
10 Rocket Riot

Nice start.

EDIT: RAWR.

 

[NameGenerated]

Final battle is a bitch with the mono green deck.

 

[Grecco]

Bought it today. Love the Puzzles actually. Stuck in the third one. There was a card magazine i used to buy that had these same types of puzzles.

 

[Struct09]

Good news everyone... MTG is at the top of the Live Activity list for last week. So glad it's doing well.

I said it in the weekly XBL activity thread, but I'll say it again here: the game is priced right and provides many hours of content. Glad to see it had a strong opening, well deserved.

 

[kuYuri]

So I just decided to start playing and got prompted for an update. Wonder what the update is for...

 

[NameGenerated]

Bought it today. Love the Puzzles actually. Stuck in the third one. There was a card magazine i used to buy that had these same types of puzzles.

Scrye? I knew someone who got like every issue, they were pretty fun.

 

[Suburban_Nooblet]

Bought it today. Love the Puzzles actually. Stuck in the third one. There was a card magazine i used to buy that had these same types of puzzles.

I think "Wizard" or "Scrye" had them at one time. does "Scrye" still exist? Am I even remembering that name right?

 

[tengiants]

8 challanges? Really? That's all? Mehtastic.

Oh boy, I wish this was on PC for all the free content updates it would bring...

Uhh... I hope this is a joke. I'm pretty sure the developers (who decide when a game is updated) would be the same whether or not they made the game on PC or Xbox.

 

[PedroLumpy]

I think there are only two Naturalize in the deck. Basically Green can easily stomp you early if he gets Blanchwood and you don't have Naturalize. But otoh there's about a million ways for Green-Black to win. I certainly don't dispute that it's an awful mismatch.

Anyways, I'm not relying exclusively on Green-Black since it's so popular. I have a full White that everyone hates/doesn't care about so I'll mix that in as well as a few others probably. Fucking happy little elves can eat some Mass Calcify.

That white deck vs black deck match we played was a real nail biter. When the paladin came down my forehead hit the desk. That black deck really bugs me in it's sort half/half theme between discard and weenie fliers.

And people, those artifacts that let you gain one life are terrible. Don't put em in the deck

The big problem with that mono green is that it too is sorta doing two different things. The giant growths and blanchwood armor are great, especially with the amazing Troll Ascetic, but there isn't nearly enough acceleration to justify all the craw worms, or those 7/7 tramplers etc. Overrun is a great finisher, and you can hit that at 5 mana. If they tossed out walls of wood for some Llanowar elves, add some Sakura tribe elders, Kodama's reach THEN maybe start rocking the stupidly huge creatures. Also natural spring is terrible, one shot life gain that's not tied to a creature blows.

I've been trying the Red/Green/White deck a bit, I'm not really liking many of the cards though. That +3/+3 and double strike card really needs an unblockable creature, or needs to be instant speed.

 

[AstroLad]

Yeah that was a great one. Too bad the other ones were just brutal.

I was playing around with R/G/W too yesterday; a handful of cards in and I too really don't like it. Maybe the late cards completely redeem it but blech just a mess and it just invites destruction. Never builds up to much.

 

[Dr. Kitty Muffins]

Wizards hates Dwarves. There hasn't been a large contingent of them since Odyssey block.

Goblins have displaced them.

Hopefully they see some consumer demand and don't just decide things on mechanics.

Dwarf fans of the world, UNITE!

 

[Grecco]

Yeah that was a great one. Too bad the other ones were just brutal.

I was playing around with R/G/W too yesterday; a handful of cards in and I too really don't like it. Maybe the late cards completely redeem it but blech just a mess and it just invites destruction. Never builds up to much.

Unfortunate. RGW used to be my favorite color mix back in the day. With Rith the Awakener being my favorite magic the gathering card ever followed by Armageddon. Was looking forward to it

Also challenge 6 is kicking my ass

 

[Phreaker]

So I just decided to start playing and got prompted for an update. Wonder what the update is for...

It fixed the discard bug where you couldn't pick which cards (sometimes) to discard. They said another patch is on the way with more fixed, but it must go through MS cert.

FWIW, The game has never locked up on me.

 

[PedroLumpy]

Unfortunate. RGW used to be my favorite color mix back in the day. With Rith the Awakener being my favorite magic the gathering card ever followed by Armageddon. Was looking forward to it

Also challenge 6 is kicking my ass

The challenges were a nice touch, is 6 the blue one? That one stumped me the longest, I had the right idea for so long too......

As for the Red/White/Green, I haven't unlocked all the cards, but there are a bunch I definitely want out of the main deck, and of course you can't do that..... I'm not an amazing deck builder by any stretch, but hitting that 5/4 on turn 3 seems key, and I'm not sure there's enough mana fixing to consistently do it. Also having tundra wolves and the 2/2 haste in the same deck seems odd. While both are alright, you can't cast the 2/2 on turn 2 if you cast the wolves turn one. And there's no real finisher, that 5/5 vigilance haste isn't bad, but probably needs some help to survive against punching through the first group of blockers.

 

[AstroLad]

It fixed the discard bug where you couldn't pick which cards (sometimes) to discard. They said another patch is on the way with more fixed, but it must go through MS cert.

FWIW, The game has never locked up on me.

There was actually a way to get out of that--you had to click one of the sticks. Odd, but it worked. The bug seemed to be caused by moving the right stick right when someone plays a discard spell.

 

[Grecco]

Did the 6th chalenge but the solution was kind of bunk.

 

[Phreaker]

AstroLad I did, just as time ran out one time when it was stuck I figured out how to pick a least 1 card.

They also say DLC news will follow soon and thanked everyone for making them the #1 arcade game on 360!

Link: http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1207505

Last, but not least - if you are getting the Invalid Error code when trying to get your card they request you send in a help ticket and they'll sort you out.

Link: http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=18863502&postcount=57

 

[PedroLumpy]

It is sad that we may never see decks like this, perhaps my favorite deck I've ever seen. i can live without stuff like that, but I really would like to get the chance to make really dedicated theme decks, even if they can't stray into absolutely bonkers territory.

 

[Dr. Kitty Muffins]

If the DLC is massive enough, I could easily see this one going to disc at retail for 30 bucks after 3 or 4 expansions.

 

[Grecco]

7th chalenge done. Real easy. (But smart)

8th Chalenge. I somehow had her at -1 damage but still lost. Confused as hell..

 

[kuYuri]

7th chalenge done. Real easy. (But smart)

8th Chalenge. I somehow had her at -1 damage but still lost. Confused as hell..

Check her Platinum Angel.

 

[ElyrionX]

I can't wait to hear about the DLC. I would gladly pay 800 points for another eight decks and a bunch of campaign battles.

Also, I tried unlocking the cards for the Mono Green but that deck is boring as hell to play.

 

[RevenantKioku]

As far as unlocking goes is it tied to the campaign ones? That is to say, once I use the Blue deck on the first challenge I only unlock that one card? I can't remember which ones I did with which decks so I'm not sure how to go about unlocking everything.

 

[sonicmj1]

As far as unlocking goes is it tied to the campaign ones? That is to say, once I use the Blue deck on the first challenge I only unlock that one card? I can't remember which ones I did with which decks so I'm not sure how to go about unlocking everything.

If you win any match in singleplayer against the CPU or online, you unlock a new card in the deck you won with.

It's that simple. You can grind out victories on a low-level CPU to unlock more cards if you wish.