Might And Magic: Duel Of Champions Review
Price: FREE
Version Reviewed: 2.4.3
Device Reviewed On: iPad 3, iPad mini
Graphics / Sound Rating:





Game Controls Rating:





Gameplay Rating:





Playtime Rating:





Replay Value Rating:





Overall Rating:





Might & Magic: Duel Of Champions is a digital card battler, much like Wizards of the Coast's Magic 2013 or Gameloft's own Order and Chaos: Duels. There are some subtle differences in the mechanics of the basic ruleset, but the idea is the same: lay out artistically rendered cards on a grid, using warriors, spells, and events to outscore an opponent, dropping hit points of the enemy Hero card to zero.
At first, the overwhelmingly florid interface had me ready for an arcane set of rules, but the gameplay here is refreshingly easy to figure out, thanks to a multi-part tutorial that explains the basics of gameplay with some throwaway storyline that could most likely be done away with. That said, it does take quite a while to figure out the interface. Add to that an equally obtuse, proprietary multiplayer matching system (UPlay), and plenty of casual players will be put off.
As with any game of this type, digital or analog, there are many more card "packs" and decks to purchase, using earned in-game gold and spirit points. Player accounts also level up in experience, gaining XP for each match, win or lose. I've spent a good long obsessive weekend with the game, and I've not had to drop any real money on the game, yet, which says a lot for the experience.
Bottom line, Might & Magic: Duel of Champions is a free-to-play digital collectible card battling game that can be appreciated by both experienced card gamers as well as those new to the genre, assuming they are comfortable with some initial confusion, especially around signing up for Uplay and finding where the tutorial is. Once that happens, however, players are in for a delightfully deep experience that's equal parts thoughtful strategy and easy-to-learn simplicity.
[gallery]