Magic: The Gathering Boardgame

Wizards of the Coast announced at the Spiel game fair its plan to release a tactical miniatures game based on Magic: The Gathering. Currently known by its unofficial name Magic: The Gathering Strategy Board Game, its development is a joint effort led by the "team responsible for Risk Legacy and Heroscape."

The game takes place in the Magic universe - Shandalar, to be more exact - and is aimed at both strategy and M:TG players. However, the game does not incorporate the card game itself even thought several mechanics from the card game will be included in the boardgame (deathtouch, first strike, flying, etc.)

Players take the role of one of five Planeswalkers. The current choices are Chandra Nalaar, Jace Beleren, Nissa Revane, and Liliana Vess. The fifth Planeswalker is yet to be named. Players then customize the field of battle by designing the map by placing terrain and power glyphs to aid their battles.

As in all miniature games, players move their units throughout the field of battle attempting to outmaneuver their opponents, while casting spells, summoning creature squads and using their specific Planeswalker's special abilities. The game is for 2-5 players and should play in less than an hour. No MSRP was announced.

If you are in Puerto Rico, contact The Gaming Pit and place your preorder now.