Astral Masters is a fantasy-themed trading card game (TCG). In other words, it's something like Magic: The Gathering, albeit simpler. It has two big things going for it: First, the interface is slick. Unlike some digital TCGs that try to replicate the tabletop TCG experience too closely, it's easy to figure out what each card does and how to deploy it effectively. Second is the price--a mere $20. Magic Online charges you by the card, and your cost can accumulate pretty rapidly; many other TCGs also have a "boosterpack" or subscription model. For a reasonably low, fixed price, you can play Astral Masters forever.
The game has just about every play mode you might want--single player duels; eight round tournaments against a variety of AI-controlled wizards; and play agianst live opponents, either online via Apus Software's servers, or over a LAN or in hotseat mode with a buddy.
No, you won't put away your Magic cards forever. But when you have a yen for some card play, and a friend with a deck isn't around, you can always fire up Astral Masters to satisfy your jones.
