LOVE

It doesn't come as a surprise that MTGO is so highly praised and collects 10 from all raters who insist on prividing this game a rank traditionnal games can simply not achieve.

I assume they would also agree on the fact Magic as a video game is actually a better incarnation than its classical form.

Which does not only provide everyone with an almost sectarian adoration for the finesse, complexity and competitive value of Richard Garfield's seminal creation, but also reflects the enlarged potential of video gaming (in its most technical sense) as a tool to enlighten established actors of the playing entertainment scene.

HOPE

If we were to rate online chess softwares or even board and card gaming platforms from the internet (as the brettspielwelt gamesite offers), they'd undoubtly get the same type of love. Since, as an icing on the cake, the computerized interface removes from these games the one tidious operation that could ditsract our attention from the game in tiself.

Though there is a sensual and social value in physically practicing these activities ("IRL" as disjointed people would say), comfort-wise, a decent software is the best dealer and the best clerk you could envision.

HATE

With that said, MTGO is not flawless. Among others, it shines in both its efficiency and fluency as an emulator. If you're into aesthetic orgasms, don't expect 3D dragons but it's looking as good as Wizards' artistic department can draw.

But, in spite of my flawed vision of what will certainly remain the most satisfying experience of my player's life, it fails in its ability to welcome in new players and teach them the subtelties and nuances of the game. The demise of Leagues (momentarily, are we told but for so long this is looking more permanent by the hour) having kept away those new to the game and eager to learn beyond the basics without investing huge amounts on time and money on it.

LIVE

Therefore, I should give it a 9.9.

But  MTGO being the benchmark of what I expect from a game, I won't nitpick.

Just find a way to try it out and join the cult..