Stats:
No. of players: 2-4
Amount of time to play: 60 min
Age requirements: 10+
Set-up time: 5-10 min

Battle for Zendikar is the first expansion for Magic the Gathering Arena of the Planeswalkers. It adds more creatures, spells and scenarios.

Battle for Zendikar Description:

Magic the Gathering Arena of the Planeswalkers is a miniatures skirmish game that has a lot in common with Heroscape. If you have not played the base game you can read my review and overview of it here. This post is going to focus on what the Battle for Zendikar expansion adds to the game.

Two new Planeswalkers debut in this set. One is a new black Planeswalker and the other is the first multi-color Planeswalker. Kiora is both a green and blue caster and can use creatures and spells from both colors.

Each faction gains one new squad or hero and three new spells. Also colorless units that may be used by any faction are introduced.

The new scenario pits two or three players against one giant creature, the Eldrazi Runner. It is one of the new colorless units. You also have the option to up your army build total to 600 points in regular play.

A Quick Review of Battle for Zendikar:

Battle for Zendikar adds some new units and extends the replay value of the Arena of the Planeswalker base set. It offers some army-building opportunities, but I wish it had more.

The components for this game are really nice just like those in the original game. The rules are more organized (maybe because there are less of them). And the artwork and the miniatures look very good.

In a series like Arena of the Planeswalkers more is better. So getting more units to play with and new spells is great. Likewise the new scenario is fun and adds another way to play the game.

The multi-colored Planeswalker is cool and you can actually build some different armies around her. The new higher point build and colorless units also add to your army building capabilities. And three new spells per color lets you tweak your spell deck a bit. All good things.

But I have to say I wish there was more here. Specifically in the way of army building. As I mentioned above there are a few more opportunities to tinker with your armies, but not enough. I really hope future expansions will give all factions more new army possibilities.

Even though I wish there was more here, I have to say I like the new additions. If you play Arena of the Planeswalkers often, you should pick up the Battle for Zendikar expansion. It adds more to the system and will hopefully be followed up with other expansions that will keep growing your army possibilities.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 3 out of 6
Luck 5 out of 6
Player Interaction 6 out of 6
Replay Value 4 out of 6
Complexity 3 out of 6
Fun 4 out of 6
Overall 4 out of 6