Recently Collectible Card Games have evolved online. In a move as significant as when original role playing games went from paper and dice on a table top onto video game consoles, now Collectible Card Games (CCG) have moved up too. Legends of Norrath is an online-only trading card game, based on the world of Norrath from the massively multiplayer online role-playing games EverQuest and EverQuest II. Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) has given all EverQuest, EverQuest II and Station Access players that have a valid, active account (not a trial account) a complimentary digital starter deck for Legends of Norrath. Oathbound was the first set for Legends of Norrath with over 350 digital cards. It can be purchased online either as a 55-card digital starter deck and 15-card digital boosters.But there are no paper cards. The game is played with digital representations of physical cards. It does however cost real money to play. The card collector might see this as a great way to continue the hobby without the problem of storage with tangible cards. Competitors are brought right to you via the net so there isn’t any difficulty with finding a local match to play in the way that you would with the usual CCG like Magic. For parents and kids who are into collecting cards, digital might be the way to go.

The interlocking game – play can be accessed from within those two massively multiplayer online (MMOs) games and separately. Legends of Norrath is based on the back story of EverQuest and EverQuest II MMOs. Players start out with a basic 55-card starter pack (of 350 cards at launch) for $9.99. $2.99 15-card booster packs. They then create avatars based on the usual four basic RPG archetypes which are fighter, priest, rogue or mage.

Players learn how to play the game by playing a very long, but well written Tutorial. Then there is a 15-mission single player campaign too. The learning curve is steep for those who might be unfamiliar with the Everquest lexicography. The learning curve would be even steeper for anyone who has never gotten into collectible card games. The game can be played either against human opponents (PvP) or the computers artificial intelligence (AI).

Players can receive rewards for success in the game or purchasing booster packs. As with real world card packs, the contents of booster packs will be randomized, but many of them will contain MMO specific “loot cards.” When found, the lucky recipient will be able to trade the card in for a piece of EverQuest or EverQuest II loot.

The graphics are smooth and very attractive. The cards are animated and when battle takes place the characters on the cards seem to come to life. The playmat is also animated. The colors are rich and vivid. There are sparkly glitter effects for magic too. The music is excellent. While you are playing or just as a screen saver the Legends of Norrath is a useful addition for Everquest fans. The interface is on one side and it allows to to not only peruse your card game, but you can also switch back and forth to MMO play.

The game is more interesting than just playing with the paper cards in some overly lit room full of teen fan boys. Having the cards online opens the genre to millions of players of all ages in a relatively safe environment. Although, all online games have become careful to point out that the chat online is not rated by the ESRB and up to this point it has been said that it’s impossible to filter out all hostility from the notoriously obnoxious adolescent males.

For those who enjoyed CCG like Magic the Gathering or Yugioh this would be a good game to get into as well. If you’ve been curious about MMO’s this is a way to have the best of both worlds. It is all done seamless and crash-less. It’s an unexpectedly well done game if this is your cup of tea. Beginners would be very much at sea with a game like this and might want to get involved with the Everquest MMO first to get aquatinted with that world and it’s lore. The game is a solid 8 out of 10.