The Eye of Judgment Preview
Sony and Hasbro have got their eyes on you with this intriguing new collectible card game exclusive to PlayStation 3.
Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Author: Tracy Erickson

Look no further for the most unusual game in Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation 3 line up. The Eye of Judgment brings paper and machine together for a crossover collectible card game on PlayStation 3. Even more, it'll be the first title to utilize the high definition PlayStation Eye camera. We went hands-on with the game to see what the fuss is all about.

The Eye of Judgment is a card-battling game that plays out on a nine square grid. Two players compete to win a majority of the squares by placing creatures on the board and casting magic spells for special effects. Cards are placed on a special mat bundled with the game designed to interface with PlayStation Eye; additionally, the cards themselves are encoded for specific use with the high definition camera.

Working with Wizards of the Coast, which also manages the ever-popular Magic: The Gathering collectible card game, Sony promises well over a hundred different cards. The company hasn't confirmed a retail price structure for The Eye of Judgment; however, expect a package including the game, PlayStation Eye, stand, a card mat, a 30-card starter deck, and an additional 8-card booster pack. You're free to purchase booster packs to augment your deck, although the pricing hasn't been announced either.

The game supports play against the computer, local duels, online matches, and exhibitions played out by the system against itself. At the start of every match, the computer randomly selects 30 cards from your registered deck. When you first start the game, you register your starter pack; moreover, new booster packs must be registered with the game before use.

Every deck includes a variety of creature and spell cards at varying mana costs. Playing cards on the grid requires spending mana points. For example, if you possess five mana points, you can lay down as many cards that add up to that value. Obviously, more advanced spells and hardy creatures cost more mana. Any mana not spent during a turn rolls over into your next one, so it's possible to build up extra points that way to unleash potent creatures from your deck.

Playing cards is a strategic affair, involving careful consideration of the elements and card position. Each square on the grid possesses an elemental alignment that can boost a creature's attributes; however, place a contradictory card on a space and it'll lower a creature's statistics. There are five elements: fire, water, earth, wind, and metal. Matching creatures to elements on the board will naturally increase your chances of winning.

How you position cards on the field of play can dramatically affect the outcome of battles. PlayStation Eye can read the position of cards on the mat, meaning if you place a creature card facing away from an adjacent opponent's creature card, it'll leave your card vulnerable to attack from behind.

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