Highgrounds creates Magic: The Gathering addiction without cards

The browser-based Highgrounds is a friendly, lightweight version of deck-building strategy games like Magic: The Gathering — but just as addictive.

Your goal is to destroy your opponent's city by placing units around your own. They then attack, defend, generate resources, or complete other actions depending on where they're positioned. Each round gives you a random assortment of new units to choose from, and the variety is what adds to the strategic nature of play.

You can purchase "booster decks" with real money if you choose, but the free game offers plenty of depth and unlockables to keep you and online friends entertained.

Highgrounds is easy to learn, and it's currently in open beta for PC from publisher Spry Fox.

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[Polygon]