Generally,
Marvel Trading Card Game is an interesting game, though some of the card game’s mechanics are complicated not because they need to be, but just because they someone felt they needed to be.
In order to put a character into play, you must first pay a resource cost. Because of this, the early game is pretty slow going – though they do pick up with the right deck (and if you know what you are doing). Characters are cast on either the front or back line; where they end up determines their abilities and usefulness in battle. Only one type of a named character can be on the table at any time, so you don’t run into a situation where Spider-Man is fighting Spider-Man (though this restriction doesn’t seem to be in place in the Marvel comics). If you happen to draw the same character, the extra can be discarded to power-up the version already in play.
In addition, some characters receive special bonuses if they are close to members of the same team. If two members of the same team, like the Avengers or X-Men, are in play they can team up for a special team attack.
Combat is one of the more difficult to understand gameplay elements. Characters can attack and defend in the same turn, which is unique for a CCG. Another odd aspect is how damage is totaled. Rather than just counting the amount of damage that isn’t blocked by a defender against your total life points, you instead take those points plus the amount it cost to put that character into play, something that is also unique for CCGs.
Marvel TCG is a faithful translation of the physical card game into video game form. All of the mechanics seem to be in place. However, unless you are up for learning how to play, the mechanics are difficult to learn -- at least if you’re relying on the in-game tutorial. The interface takes time to understand as well. But, if you’re up to it, the ability to play with other players online or have an A.I. opponent to match up against is a good thing.
