Magic: The Gathering

Headlining the Wizards of the Coast lineup at Toy Fair was Magic: The Gathering.

Recently named to the Toy Industry Association's "Century of Toys List," lauding the 100 most treasured toys of the past 100 years, MtG debuted in 1993 and introduced a new genre of game play -- trading card games.

The new Magic: The Gathering core card set, due for publication in July 2003, will feature "some of the greatest Magic cards of all time," according to a press release from Wizards of the Coast. The new starter version of the new core card set will include both physical Magic cards and a Magic Online CD-ROM. The starter set will be available for a suggested retail price of $14.99. Booster packs of 15 cards will be available for $3.29, and theme decks for intermediate-level play will be offered at $7.99.

Created by award-winning game designer Richard Garfield and published by Wizards of the Coast, MtG made its debut in August 1993. Available in nine languages, the game is sold in more than 52 countries worldwide, with more than seven million players worldwide. Wizards of the Coast has created more than 6,000 distinct Magic cards since 1993. There are several billion cards in circulation.

MLB Showdown 2003

MLB Showdown 2003 is scheduled to be available in retail locations nationwide beginning in early March. This sports card game combines the strategy of baseball with the collectability of sports cards and the competition of fantasy baseball.

NeoPets Trading Card Game

More than 68 million virtual pets reside in Neopia, created by more than 45 million NeoPets.com account holders. Currently under development, due for release in late 2003, the NeoPets Trading Card Game will recreate the popular activities found at NeoPets.com.

Pokemon Expansion - Aquapolis

A new Pokemon expansion, Pokemon Aquapolis, is set in a mysterious coastal city. It introduces 186 cards, the largest release in Pokemon history. This new set comes packed with brand new attacks to build your decks with as well as 3 new, unique energy types!.

Now available, Aquapolis comes in theme decks (Abyss and Rock Garden; suggested retail price of $9.99 each) and booster packs ($3.29).

The new set maintains playability within the basic Pokemon TCG universe, but also comes encoded with Dot Code strips that can be swiped like a credit card into the new e-Reader attachment for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance.

The Simpsons Trading Card Game

The Simpsons Trading Card Game, scheduled for distribution later this year, will be released in a series of four 40-card theme decks based on favorite characters including Homer, Bart, Lisa, and Mr. Burns, and in 11-card Booster Packs.

The game, designed for 2 to 6 players, will feature a total of more than 150 cards. Each player must have his or her own deck, and the first player to score seven points wins the game, using location, character and action cards. Players can do it any way they have to, building decks to bumble, trick, outsmart or scheme their way to victory.

Star Wars Roleplaying Game

The Star Wars universe is brought to life in the new Star Wars Roleplaying Game Revised Core Rulebook, which contains all the rules needed to play and is compatible with all existing Star Wars Roleplaying Game products from Wizards of the Coast.

The revised core rulebook has been expanded to include changes based on customer feedback and all-new Star Wars: Attack of the Clones material. The revised core rulebook includes precise statistics on characters and new vehicles, as well as information on the Force and its powers. The revised core rulebook spans all Star Wars eras, including The Rise of the Empire era, The Rebellion era, and The New Jedi Order era with material that has never been compiled into a single source.

The rulebook is also visually appealing with full-color stills from all-five Star Wars movies, as well as many new illustrations. The Star Wars RPG Revised Core Rulebook is available now at book and hobby game stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

Added features of the revised core rulebook include rules for playing droid characters, a new starship combat system, and expanded creature design rules. Whether battling on the light side or the dark side, players can incorporate new species, skills, feats, character classes, and equipment into their campaigns.

Star Wars Trading Card Game - Battle of Yavin

The Rebel Alliance will attempt to overcome the armies of the Galactic Empire in Battle of Yavin, the latest expansion for the Star Wars Trading Card Game.

Battle of Yavin allows fans to recreate classic battle scenes as Han Solo and Chewbacca maneuver the Millennium Falcon against the evil Death Star. Star Wars: Battle of Yavin, is scheduled to be available at retail locations nationwide in late-March.

The 105-card set introduces Han and Chewie as well as a new game mechanic. Randomly assorted 11-card booster packs will feature extensive Episode IV content that adds to the growing levels of complexity and gameplay.

Richard Garfield, creator of Magic: The Gathering, developed the game's innovative game mechanics to enhance the Star Wars experience by allowing players to plan and execute the high-stakes gambits and intense action of a climactic Star Wars battle. The Star Wars TCG gives players the power to choose if they will play on the light side or the dark side, and which characters and ships to employ in their battles.

Note: Hasbro did not have a booth at the Javits Convention Center; they displayed their toys and games off-site. I was unable to visit their showroom, so this information is culled from press releases.