June 19, 2023

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Hellish Throwback: Doom 32X Review

Welcome readers, and get ready to take a trip down memory lane! Today, we are going to discuss a throwback game that has left its mark on the world of gaming for years to come. We are diving into the world of Doom, one of the most significant games in the history of video games. As a first-person shooter game, Doom’s success has led to numerous sequels and adaptations and has a cult following amongst gamers worldwide. In this article, we will be focusing specifically on the game Doom 32X and what makes it unique compared to the original and other adaptations. Doom 32X was released in 1994 for SEGA 32X, a video game console developed as an add-on for the Genesis. The game was ported from the original Doom, but many features were improved, including graphics and audio. So buckle up, and let’s take a closer look at this legendary game. We’ll delve into Doom’s history before diving into Doom 32X. Get ready for an action-packed journey as we explore what makes this game such a groundbreaking title. Game Design and Graphics Doom 32X was a significant advancement in the world of gaming due to its impressive level design. Developed by id Software, the game’s design was focused on a fast-paced action that kept players on their toes. Each level of the game successfully culminated in a challenging boss fight that left players feeling like they had accomplished something significant. In comparison to the original Doom, Doom 32X had noticeable upgrades in terms of graphics and art style. The game was unlike anything that players had experienced before, with dark and gruesome scenery that was eerily beautiful. However, while the graphics of Doom 32X were impressive for its time, it still failed to match up against the superior graphics of the PC version. The levels in Doom 32X were larger and had more complex designs than its predecessor. The game designers added more monsters than in the previous game, making the levels more challenging. Some locations were also reimagined, such as the ‘Sewers’ level, which, in Doom 32X, had intricate plumbing tunnels, leading players on a maze-like journey. In conclusion, Doom 32X’s level design contributed significantly to the game’s overall success, providing players with a challenging and engaging experience. Despite its advancements in graphics and art style, the game still couldn’t match the superior graphics of PC version. Gameplay Mechanics and Controls When it comes to Doom 32X, the gameplay mechanics are noticeably different compared to the original Doom. The game’s mechanics are a bit clunky, with movements and actions being delayed or unresponsive at times. The controls are also a bit challenging to get used to, especially for players who are accustomed to today’s smooth and seamless gaming experience. However, despite the clunky mechanics and challenging controls, the gameplay experience is still enjoyable. The fast-paced action and intense combat make up for the drawbacks, and the game’s replayability is notable. The level designs are done well too, with many hidden secrets and surprise enemies that add to the overall adventure. The difficulty in Doom 32X is relatively higher than the original Doom. The enemies are more challenging, and the levels require strategic thinking and careful planning. The game’s difficulty, coupled with its clunky mechanics, can come across as frustrating for some players. In conclusion, while Doom 32X’s gameplay mechanics and controls have their flaws, they do not affect the overall experience negatively. The game’s challenging nature, coupled with fast-paced action and excellent level designs, makes Doom 32X a must-play for any fan of old-school, classic gaming. Sound and Music Doom 32X is a game with a distinctive soundtrack, offering an immersive experience for the players. The soundtrack heavily relies on metal tones, which are characteristic of the Doom franchise, and the bonus tracks are not only nostalgic but also reminiscent of the game’s immediate predecessors. The sound effects are also incredibly well-done, creating a tense and intimidating atmosphere, adding to the novelty of the game. When comparing the Doom 32X soundtrack to that of the original Doom game, we can observe that the latter has a more straightforward and blunt representation of sound effects, while the former offers a more immersive and elaborate experience. The original game focused mainly on background music to maintain a constant flow and provide an “anchoring” effect during the gameplay. In contrast, 32X Doom concentrated on the overall sound design to create a sense of dread and horror throughout the game. To sum up, Doom 32X surely stepped up the music game while also introducing new sound effects to make the gameplay even spookier. The soundtrack complements the gameplay and gives players an extra incentive to play for long hours. Criticism and Reception Doom 32X received mixed reviews upon its release in 1994. While some critics praised the improved graphics and sound effects, others argued that its graphics were no match for the PC original. On the one hand, Doom 32X was an incredible achievement for a console of the time, and it showed the potential of the 32X hardware. Yet, on the other hand, the limitations of the hardware compared to its PC counterpart resulted in some compromises, such as a reduced frame rate and a slightly decreased resolution. While criticism was aimed at the hardware limitations, other concerns relate to the gameplay mechanics that did not live up to the PC version’s standard. Today it is difficult to deny that the original version of Doom remains the better source, which is also reflected in the GameRankings score of the game. Additionally, ports of Doom had been released for earlier consoles, such as the SNES and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, but those versions had their limitations. For example, the SNES version lacked certain effects such as floor and ceiling textures and had toned down violence to comply with Nintendo’s strict policy at the time. Comparatively, Doom 32X holds up considerably better than other console versions, but it’s still unmistakably inferior to the

Dark Knight Rises Again: Batman Returns Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Review

Are you ready to proceed with the introduction? If so, here’s a proposed version: Batman has been around for generations, and it’s no surprise why he continues to intrigue and capture our imaginations. The Dark Knight Rises was one of the most popular Batman movies of all time, and it was only a matter of time before Sega Mega Drive/Genesis made a game centered around it. Batman Returns Sega Mega Drive/Genesis game is an action-packed adventure that combines classic gameplay with the popular franchise’s storyline. In this article, we will be taking an in-depth look at this game and how it manages to keep up with other Batman games despite its age. From the game’s history to reception, we will examine everything that makes Batman Returns Sega Mega Drive/Genesis game a classic among video games. The History and Development of Batman Returns Game The Batman Returns game for Sega Mega Drive/Genesis was developed by Sega and released in 1992. The game was inspired by the popular Tim Burton film of the same name released in 1992. The game development team at Sega spent close to a year developing the game, incorporating elements from the movie storyline and comic book characters. The development team was led by Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima, who were the key designers of Sonic the Hedgehog. They intended to create a Batman game that combined the elements of a traditional side-scrolling action game with a beat ’em up style. The team also looked beyond the movie adaptation and drew inspiration from the Batman comic book series to create a game that would appeal to both fans of the movie and the comics. The development of the Batman Returns game began in early 1991. The team worked on character design, programming, and game mechanics. The goal was to create a game that could stand alone as a Batman title and not just a marketing spin-off. The project was overseen by Mark Cerny, who was known for his work on the Marble Madness and Sonic the Hedgehog games. The game development team paid close attention to the details, creating the gothic and dark atmosphere of Gotham city with its iconic snow-covered streets. They also incorporated the various villains from the movie, including the Penguin and Catwoman, and gave them unique characteristics that stayed true to their comic book counterparts. Overall, the development team’s attention to detail paid off. The Batman Returns game was praised for its graphics, sound design, and engaging gameplay. It was also lauded for being a well-developed Batman game and not merely a movie tie-in. This combination of elements led to the game becoming a classic among retro gamers and a staple of the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis library. Gameplay and Features of Batman Returns Game The Batman Returns Sega Mega Drive/Genesis game boasted an impressive array of features that set it apart from other games in its genre. From the first level, players could tell that they were in for a unique and immersive experience. The game’s intricate mechanics and attention to detail helped players feel like they were in the middle of the action. The developers of the Batman Returns game implemented several innovative features that made it stand out. The game had a unique combat system, which involved punch and kick combos that could be executed in various ways, enhancing the player’s interactive experience. Additionally, the game mechanics included stealth combat, adding an extra dimension to the gameplay. Each level of the game was designed with meticulous detail, keeping players engaged throughout the game. The levels featured multiple sub-tasks that had to be completed to progress to the next level. The difficulty level of the game varied from level to level, making it a challenging experience. The game also allowed players to upgrade Batman’s gadgets and weapons, making it an even more addictive gameplay experience. The game characters were designed with attention to detail, with each level featuring unique villains who had their own style of gameplay. The game also included a thrilling boss battle system, challenging players to apply their skills and expertise to defeat each level’s ultimate villain. The Dark Knight Rises storyline implemented in the game was a major highlight. The game developers successfully captured the essence of the comic book series, bringing it to life in an interactive setting. The plot of the game revolved around Batman’s quest to save Gotham City from the clutches of supervillains. The immersive gameplay and storyline of the game made it clear that the developers were truly passionate about bringing the Dark Knight Rises franchise to life. The Reception and Legacy of Batman Returns Game The launch of the Batman Returns Sega Mega Drive/Genesis game in 1992 was highly anticipated among fans of the Dark Knight Rises franchise. It was met with positive critical reception and praise for its faithful adaptation of the film’s storyline. However, it was criticized for its perceived difficulty level and excessive violence. Despite the criticisms, the game’s long-term impact on the gaming industry cannot be ignored. It paved the way for several successful video game adaptations of the Dark Knight Rises franchise. The Batman Returns game introduced new gaming mechanics and elevated the side-scrolling beat ’em up genre to new heights. Moreover, the game is still being discussed by gaming enthusiasts and retro gaming experts alike. Some players even consider it one of the best games of all time, and it has been listed in several “best of” game lists. When comparing the Batman Returns game to other Batman games, it is widely regarded as a classic in the franchise. Its reputation has even inspired the production of fan-made mods and remakes, making it clear that its legacy will continue to live on for years to come. Nostalgic Appeal of Batman Returns Game The Dark Knight Rises is one of the most iconic characters in the history of comic books and entertainment. As the franchise proceeded, it expanded in various media such as television, comics, and video

Old-school Gaming: HERO Atari 2600 Review

The HERO Atari 2600 game is a legendary title known for its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, graphics, and sound effects. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth analysis of this iconic game, its reception, and its legacy among other Atari 2600 titles. Before diving into the mechanics of the game, let’s take a brief look at the history of the Atari 2600. The Atari 2600 was released in 1977 and was a revolutionary gaming system for its time. It became one of the most popular video game consoles of the 1980s, with over 70 million units sold worldwide. The HERO game, in particular, was a standout title that added fresh and innovative gameplay mechanics to the platform. In the next section, we’ll delve deeper into the exciting world of HERO Atari 2600 and explore its gameplay mechanics. HERO Gameplay Mechanics If you’re looking for an Atari 2600 game that is different from the rest, HERO is the game for you. This classic game challenges players to save lives and fight their way through various obstacles while collecting treasures and battling enemies. Detailed Explanation of How to Play HERO Atari 2600 The game follows the player’s character, HERO, as they navigate through twelve increasingly difficult levels. HERO can run, jump, climb ladders, shoot lasers, and save people from dangerous situations like fires. In each level, the player must rescue a certain number of people while avoiding and defeating enemies that block their path. HERO is known for its unique method of saving people. The player lowers a rope, and the person on the ground climbs up it to be rescued. This feature adds an interesting twist to traditional gameplay mechanics, allowing players to have greater control over the people they rescue. Discussion of How HERO Differs from Typical Atari 2600 Games HERO stands out from other Atari games because it offers a distinct challenge to players. The game is not only about defeating enemies and scoring points but also requires players to use strategy to save lives. This provides a refreshing change from other Atari games. Another way in which HERO differs from typical Atari games is that it features an interactive environment. The player can change the shape of the playing area by destroying walls with lasers or finding hidden passages. This keeps the game fresh and exciting and provides a sense of exploration that is not commonly found in other Atari games. Players’ Feedback and Review of HERO Gameplay Experience HERO has been praised by players for its innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging level design, and intuitive controls. Players have noted that the game provides a unique challenge compared to other Atari 2600 games. The rope rescue feature is especially popular among players. The game has an average rating of 4.5 stars on the AtariAge community forums and is well-regarded among retro gaming enthusiasts. Overall, HERO is a classic Atari 2600 game that offers challenging gameplay, intuitive controls, and innovative mechanics that set it apart from other games of its time. HERO Graphics and Sound HERO Atari 2600 offers players a unique gameplay experience with its pixelated graphics and 8-bit sound effects that take players back to the classic video game era. The graphics may seem outdated compared to modern games, but HERO holds its own with its distinct art style and gameplay mechanics. In comparison to other Atari 2600 games, HERO has more refined graphics, with more detail and better use of colors. The sprites have a unique design and are easily distinguishable in-game, which helps with gameplay clarity. HERO’s graphics also hold up well in comparison to other popular Atari 2600 games of its time, such as Space Invaders and Pitfall!. Moving on to the sound, HERO boasts an excellent soundtrack that blends seamlessly with the visuals. The catchy chiptune music and retro sound effects enhance the gameplay experience, drawing players deeper into the game’s world. Overall, HERO’s graphics and sound are essential components that contribute to the game’s unique appeal. The blend of classic arcade-style graphics and sounds are what makes HERO an unforgettable experience for avid gamers and retro game enthusiasts. HERO Level Design When it comes to video game design, the level layout is critical in determining the player’s experience. In the case of HERO for Atari 2600, the level design not only significantly contributes to the game’s challenge, but also elevates the game to be one of the best games for the platform. The levels in HERO are designed to be challenging, yet not overwhelmingly so. Players are required to navigate through maze-like structures to locate and rescue trapped hostages, all while evading enemy drones and picking up vital power-ups. While some early levels may seem relatively easy to complete, as the game progresses, the levels become increasingly complex and require a great deal of skill and accuracy to complete. The level design in HERO instills a sense of adrenaline in the player as they frantically work to avoid enemies, rescue hostages, and collect necessary items. This combination of engaging and challenging gameplay mechanics keeps the player hooked and immersed in the game. Compared to other Atari 2600 games of the era, HERO’s level design stands out. The levels are more intricate and well-designed, making the game a complete and enjoyable experience. It’s clear that the developers put a lot of thought and effort into creating a game that stands the test of time. In summary, the level design in HERO is carefully crafted to keep players engaged and entertained. The game’s challenging yet rewarding gameplay mechanics, combined with the intricate level structure, make it one of the greatest games ever made for the Atari 2600. Hero Reception and Legacy Since its introduction in 1984, Hero for Atari 2600 has received positive feedback from the gaming community. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics and graphics have contributed to its popularity. Compared to other games in the Atari 2600 library, Hero stands out for its use of an animated protagonist. This element alone has

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Fixing MTG Arena Friends List Not Working

The MTG Arena friends list may stop working for a few common reasons: friend requests fail, a display name or five-digit number does not match exactly, Direct Challenge or Challenge Lobby screens get stuck, the social panel shows outdated information, or Arena is dealing with a server-side issue. If you are trying to add friends, receive requests, or start a match and nothing behaves the way it should, the usual fixes are checking the exact account name and number, restarting the client, updating the game, and making sure your network connection is stable. The MTG Arena friends list is supposed to make playing with friends simple: add a player, send a challenge, pick decks, and start the match. When it works, great. When it does not, you get the full Arena social experience: missing friend requests, stuck challenge screens, mismatched names, and two players staring at menus while insisting they definitely typed everything correctly. Most MTG Arena friends list problems fall into a few buckets. The friend request will not send. The friend does not appear. The display name or five-digit number is wrong. Direct Challenge or Challenge Lobby invites get stuck. The social panel shows outdated information. Or the entire friends list behaves like it has been hit by a very legal, very annoying bounce spell. Wizards has also acknowledged multiple social and challenge-related issues over time, including Direct Challenge mismatched-option behavior, friend requests lingering after acceptance, challenge animations looping, and friend challenge UI problems. So if you are having trouble, it is not always user error. Sometimes the client is simply doing Arena things. This guide focuses on the fixes that matter most to players dealing with friends list and challenge problems, from basic checks and cache clearing to advanced network troubleshooting, bug reporting with logs, and a few habits that help keep the feature working reliably. https://magic.wizards.com/en/mtgarena Gathering Arena Friends List Context The friends list in MTG Arena is tied to your Wizards account display name, your five-digit identifier, the client’s social menu, and the current challenge system. Older guides and many players still say “Direct Challenge,” while newer Arena updates introduced Challenge Lobbies, which unified Friend Challenge and Direct Challenge into one lobby-style system. Wizards announced Challenge Lobbies as a social feature upgrade that lets players create lobbies from the Challenges section of the social menu or invite online friends from the friends list. That matters because some troubleshooting depends on which flow you are using. A friend request issue is different from a challenge issue. A display name problem is different from a server-side social outage. And a challenge that will not start may have nothing to do with your friends list at all. Start with the simplest explanation first. Check spelling, restart the client, confirm the game is updated, then move into cache, reinstall, logs, and support. Quick Checks For MTG Arena Friend List Before deleting files or reinstalling anything, run through the basic fixes. They are boring, yes. They also solve a surprising number of Arena problems, which is somehow both comforting and irritating. First, restart MTG Arena completely. Do not just return to the home screen. Close the client, wait a few seconds, and relaunch it. On mobile, force close the app and reopen it. Next, check the official MTG Arena status page. The status page tracks platform and service components such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Game, Logins, Matches, Social, and Store. If Social, Logins, or Matches are degraded, your friends list may not behave normally no matter what you do locally. Then update the game. If Arena is asking for a small download or restart after a patch, both players should update before trying to add friends or challenge each other. Wizards notes that update and install problems can come from network issues, Windows-level problems, or leftovers from a partial install. Finally, confirm your network is stable. If Arena loads slowly, hangs on menus, or disconnects often, the friends list may only be a symptom. On mobile, Wizards recommends checking the device’s internet connection, toggling Wi-Fi off and on, restarting the device, force closing background apps, updating the app, and reinstalling if needed. Troubleshoot: Add Friends And Display Name Issues Most failed friend requests come down to the display name. Friends list issues in MTG Arena are common because Arena is strict about username formatting. MTG Arena names are not just “PlayerName.” They include the visible display name plus a five-digit number, usually shown in the format DisplayName#12345. Wizards’ Direct Challenge FAQ says players need both the display name and the five-digit number associated with the account. It also notes that display names are case sensitive, which means DragonFan#12345 and dragonfan#12345 may not be treated the same. Check these details before assuming the friends list is broken: Make sure the display name is typed exactly as shown. Confirm capitalization. Confirm the five-digit number separately. Do not include extra spaces before or after the name. Make sure your friend is sending you the correct account name, not the name from an old or secondary account. That last point matters. Wizards explains that two accounts can have the same display name text but different five-digit identifiers, such as SameDisplayName#12345 and SameDisplayName#54321. If a player accidentally logs into or creates a secondary account, the friends list lookup will not point to the account they actually use. The safest method is to have your friend copy their full Arena name from the client and send it to you outside the game. If they type it manually, ask for a screenshot. It feels overly cautious until you lose ten minutes to one lowercase letter. Step-by-Step: Add Friends To add a friend in MTG Arena, use the friends list panel rather than guessing from the main Play menu. Open the Friends List panel, usually found at the bottom-left of the Arena client. Click the plus sign at the top right of the friends list. Enter the exact Arena username for the person you want to

Cheap MTG Cards: Budget Options for Magic Collections

Cheap MTG Cards are not just for new players. They are for Commander brewers, cube builders, collectors who like having options, and anyone who has ever looked at the price of one land and thought, “Surely cardboard has gone too far.” The best budget strategy is not one single source. It is a mix. Use real singles when you need tournament legality, use lots when you want volume, use proxies for casual testing, and use ready-made cube products when you want a complete play experience without turning your evenings into spreadsheet maintenance. Gathering Cards: Cheap MTG Cards Sources The cheapest MTG collection strategy usually breaks into four lanes. ProxyMTG.com is a strong choice for bulk budget proxies and on-demand printed proxy cards for casual use. Print-at-home proxies are the cheapest overall route if your group allows them and you already have a printer. PrintACube.com is worth considering if you want a ready-to-draft 540-card cube near the $100 mark. For authentic cards, compare singles against bulk lots before buying, because “cheap” can mean very different things depending on your goal. Singles are better when you need specific cards. Lots are better when you want maximum cardboard per dollar. Proxies are better when you want to test decks or protect expensive originals. Cubes are better when you want an entire repeatable format in one purchase. ProxyMTG.com And Bulk Proxies ProxyMTG.com is one of the better budget options for players who want bulk proxies and on-demand printing. The value improves as order size increases, which matters if you are printing a Commander deck, testing multiple decks, or building a cube. Before ordering from any proxy seller, check the reputation, production samples, card feel, customer photos, and shipping policies. Good proxy cards should be clearly treated as proxies, not as tournament-legal originals. They should also be readable, consistent in size, and easy to sleeve. Also check delivery times and shipping costs before buying. A low per-card price can get less exciting once shipping, tracking, taxes, and rush fees join the table like an uninvited combo player. Print At Home: Cheapest Route Printing proxies at home is usually the lowest per-card cost. It is not the prettiest option, but it works well for deck testing, kitchen-table Commander, cube prototypes, and deciding whether a card is actually good before spending money on the real version. For better durability, print on heavier cardstock or print on paper and sleeve the proxy in front of a bulk card. The sleeve and backing card do a lot of the work. You are not trying to create a museum object. You are trying to remember whether your seven-mana dragon is playable or just emotionally persuasive. Check local event rules before using printed proxies. Home-printed cards are fine for many casual groups, but sanctioned Magic events require authentic cards except for judge-issued proxies in narrow tournament situations. PrintACube.com Cheap Cube Option PrintACube.com is a useful shortcut for players who want a full cube without buying hundreds of individual singles. Its headline value is the ability to get a complete 540-card cube around $100, which is hard to beat if your goal is draft nights rather than collecting originals. This is especially attractive for cube beginners. Building a cube from scratch can be fun, but it also means choosing archetypes, balancing colors, sourcing cards, sleeving everything, and updating the list over time. Buying a ready cube skips a lot of that work. If your playgroup wants a repeatable draft experience and does not care whether every card is an authentic original, a ready-made proxy cube can be one of the most cost-efficient MTG purchases you make. Buying Singles Vs Lots Buy singles when you need exact cards. This is the right move for Commander staples, missing lands, sideboard cards, or format-specific pieces. Singles reduce waste because you are not buying 800 random cards to find three that matter. Buy lots when you want volume. Bulk lots are useful for new players, casual deckbuilding, school clubs, cube experiments, and anyone who wants a pile of commons and uncommons for cheap. Just understand that most lots are not secretly filled with expensive staples. Sellers also know how Google works. Compare per-card prices across multiple sellers. A $20 lot of 1,000 cards sounds great, but if shipping is $18 and the lot is mostly duplicate draft chaff, the value may be less impressive. On the other hand, a well-sorted lot with lands, tokens, commons, uncommons, and usable rares can be a great starter purchase. Local Sources And Community Local game stores are still one of the best places to find cheap MTG cards. Many stores have bulk boxes, discounted binders, damaged-card bins, and low-cost singles that are not worth listing online. Trade nights can be even better. Bring cards you do not use and trade into cards you actually need. For budget players, trading is often more effective than buying because you are converting dead collection value into playable cards. Also scan Facebook Marketplace, local classifieds, and community groups regularly. Collections appear when players move, quit, clean out closets, or decide that they have too many white storage boxes. Which, to be fair, is all of us eventually. MTG Cards: Quick Buying Tips Compare market prices across major trading sites before you buy. Do not rely on a single listing. One seller asking $12 for a $3 card does not make the card $12. It makes that seller optimistic. Check seller photos for condition accuracy, especially on older cards, foils, and higher-value staples. “Lightly played” can mean very different things depending on the seller’s eyesight and moral flexibility. Set alerts for price drops on targeted cards. Price trackers are useful for Commander staples, reprints, and cards that spike because of new set previews. If you can wait, waiting often saves money. Magic The Gathering Basics For Budget Buyers Rarity affects price, but it does not control price by itself. Commons and uncommons are usually cheaper because they are printed more frequently, while rares and

Where to Buy MTG Proxies: Best Sites, Pricing, And How To Order

TLDR The best place to buy MTG proxies depends on what you need. ProxyMTG.com is the best pick for deck-building tools and bulk pricing. PrintMTG.com is best for high-quality print on demand proxies with strong cardstock and service. ProxyKing.biz is best for single staples, dual lands, and realistic proxy cards. For print-at-home testing, use MTGprint. For cubes and large custom batches, consider ProxyPrintery or MakePlayingCards with MPCFill. Avoid PrintingProxies for bulk orders if price matters, since its published high-volume pricing is much higher than ProxyMTG and PrintMTG. Avoid Proxxied if you are trying to buy finished cards, because it is a browser-based print-at-home tool, not a finished-card seller. What This Guide Covers Buying MTG proxies can mean a few different things. Some players want a full Commander deck printed and shipped. Some want a few expensive staples for casual play. Some want a print-at-home PDF. Some want custom cards, double-sided cards, foil upgrades, or an entire cube. This guide is for players who want to know where to buy MTG proxies, what each site is best at, how pricing works, and how to place an order without creating a pile of unusable cards. The selection criteria are simple: print quality, cardstock fidelity, price per card, bulk-order value, ordering tools, decklist import support, turnaround, reputation, realistic appearance, and whether the site is better for casual play, playtesting, custom cards, or full-deck production. The short version: start with ProxyMTG.com, PrintMTG.com, or ProxyKing.biz if you want finished cards. Use MTGprint if you want print-at-home control. Use MPC if you are comfortable with a more involved workflow and want low per-card pricing on custom deck production. Why Choose MTG Proxies Players use MTG proxies for three main reasons: casual play, playtesting, and protecting expensive Magic cards. Casual play is the big one. Commander players often want to try a mana base, a few Reserved List cards, a cEDH shell, or a new deck idea without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars first. A proxy lets the group focus on the game instead of everyone’s collection value. Playtesting is another good use. If you are tuning a cube, testing a new Commander list, or trying cards before buying real copies, proxies save time and money. You can test ten versions of a card package before deciding which real cards are worth buying. Protection matters too. If you own expensive MTG cards, you may not want to shuffle them every week. ProxyKing describes proxies as stand-ins that let players avoid damaging high-value cards, especially expensive staples, dual lands, fetch lands, and other cards that can be costly to replace. Proxies are also useful for custom cards. Some players print custom commanders, cube cards, joke cards, tokens, alternate art versions, or entire deck projects. This is where services like PrintMTG, ProxyMTG, ProxyPrintery, MTGprint, and MPC start to feel very different from each other. How We Chose The Best MTG Proxies The first filter is print quality. A good proxy should be readable, centered well enough for sleeved play, and printed on cardstock that does not feel like paper in a sleeve. For higher-end orders, S33 German black-core stock is a common premium choice because it has a black-core center layer that blocks light and gives cards a more finished feel. The second filter is price. A few single cards can cost more per card and still make sense. A full Commander deck, cube update, or 500-card bulk order needs better pricing. ProxyMTG and PrintMTG both publish bulk pricing that drops as low as $0.30 per card at 1,000+ cards. The third filter is ordering friction. Decklist import matters. Searching card by card is fine for five cards. It is not fine for a full cube unless you enjoy turning admin work into a second hobby. The fourth filter is reputation and use case. Some sellers are best for realistic singles. Some are better for high-volume deck building. Some are better for home printing. And some are fine products but not the best value for the job. Best 6 Sites To Buy MTG Proxies For Deck Building 1. ProxyMTG ProxyMTG.com is the strongest first stop for players who want to print MTG proxies from a decklist, build large orders, and keep pricing clear. It is built around Commander, cube, casual play, and deck testing, with tools for browsing sets, searching cards, uploading lists, choosing versions, and checking out. Its main strength is bulk pricing. ProxyMTG lists a single card at $3, then $2 per card for 2–9 cards. Pricing drops as the order grows: $1.50 at 10–29 cards, $1.25 at 30–49, $1 at 50–74, $0.80 at 75–99, $0.55 at 100–199, $0.45 at 200–499, $0.35 at 500–999, and $0.30 at 1,000+ cards. That makes it especially good for full Commander decks, cube updates, and larger playtest batches. Ordering And Import Decks The cleanest ProxyMTG workflow is to upload a decklist or build a list inside the order tool. The site says users can browse the card library, choose versions, adjust quantities, and watch pricing update as the order grows. A typical order looks like this: ProxyMTG states that it prints on premium S33 German black-core cardstock with a UV coating, which is a good sign if you want cards that feel more like finished game pieces than paper inserts. Double-Sided MTG Proxies And Foil Options For double-sided cards, check the current order builder and ask support if the option is not obvious. ProxyMTG’s public customization guidelines mention custom backs and printed “holo stamp” style graphics when offered, but also clarifies that those are printed graphics, not physical foil stamps or authentication features. That distinction matters. If you need true foil upgrades or double-sided MTG proxies, confirm the option before placing a large order. Do not assume every proxy printer handles MDFCs, transform cards, custom backs, and foil effects the same way. Best for: full Commander decks, cube updates, large-volume deck building, and players who want strong pricing without building an MPC order themselves. Contact: ProxyMTG lists support@proxymtg.com as

How To Finish More Games When Your Backlog Is Out Of Control

TLDR A big game backlog feels like a good problem until it starts feeling like a second job. You buy a game on sale. Then a subscription adds ten more. Then your friends start a co-op game. Then a new RPG drops. Suddenly your library is full of half-started games, and opening the console feels less relaxing than it should. Learning how to finish more games is not about becoming more disciplined in a miserable way. It is about making games feel playable again. Stop Calling It A Backlog If That Makes It Feel Like Work The word “backlog” is useful, but it can also make games sound like chores. Games are entertainment. They can be art, social spaces, challenge machines and comfort food, but they are still something you choose to do. You do not owe every game a full clear. If your backlog makes you feel guilty, change the label. Call it your library. Call it the shelf. Call it “stuff I might play later.” The point is not to trick yourself. It is to stop treating every unplayed game like unfinished homework. That small shift helps. Pick Three Active Games The best backlog rule is simple: keep only three active games. A good three-game rotation might look like this: For example: Or: This works because different moods need different games. Some nights you want progress. Some nights you want something easy. Some nights you want to talk to friends and barely pay attention to objectives. The mistake is having 12 active games. That is not variety. That is noise. Decide What “Finished” Means Before You Start Not every game needs the same finish line. For some games, finishing means credits. For others, it means one campaign clear, one ranked season, one ending, one build, one world, one route or one good weekend. Before starting a game, pick the level of commitment: This prevents the common trap where every game silently becomes a 100% project. Most games do not need that. Most players do not even want that. They just feel like they are supposed to. Use A Fair Quit Rule Quitting a game is allowed. That should not be controversial, but people get strange about it. They spent money, heard it gets good later or feel like they are “bad at games” if they stop. Use a fair quit rule instead. Try one of these: A fair trial is enough. You do not need to finish a game to respect it. Be Honest About Long Games Long games are not bad. Some of the best games ever made are huge. But long games crowd the calendar. If you are playing a 100-hour RPG, you probably should not start three other 60-hour games at the same time. That is how backlogs turn into fog. When you start a long game, pair it with something short. A puzzle game, arcade game, roguelite run or linear action game can keep your rotation fresh without derailing the main project. Also be careful with massive open-world games from subscriptions. They feel free, but time is still the cost. Sales Are Not Savings If You Never Play The Game A $70 game for $8 looks like a deal. Sometimes it is. But if you never install it, you did not buy entertainment. You bought a digital receipt. The same goes for bundles and subscription catalogs. Cheap access is only useful when it leads to actual play. A good sale rule: do not buy a discounted game unless you can name when you plan to play it. Not a perfect rule. But it stops a lot of random library clutter. Separate Comfort Games From Backlog Games Some games are not meant to be finished. Sports games, multiplayer shooters, roguelikes, MMOs, survival games, cozy sims and live-service games often function as routines. You play them because they feel good, not because you are moving toward credits. That is fine. Just do not let them hide the fact that you also want to finish other games. Give comfort games a place. Maybe Friday night is for multiplayer. Maybe Sunday morning is for a cozy game. Then keep your main single-player game protected during other sessions. This is not rigid scheduling. It is just giving different types of games different jobs. Play Short Games Between Big Ones Short games are the secret weapon. A six-hour game can reset your attention. It gives you a clean start, clear progress and a finish line you can actually reach. Short games also remind you that not every good game needs to take over your life. Some of the most memorable games are small, focused and confident enough to end. If your backlog feels stuck, play something short next. Not because short is better. Because momentum matters. Make A “Not Now” List You do not have to delete games from your life forever. Make a “not now” list for games you still respect but do not want to play yet. This is useful for big RPGs, dense strategy games and games tied to a specific mood. A “not now” list removes pressure without pretending you will never return. It also clears your active list, which is what matters most. The Simple Backlog System Here is the clean version: That is enough. You do not need a productivity app for your hobbies unless you enjoy that sort of thing. Why This Matters The U.S. gaming audience is huge. The Entertainment Software Association reported in 2026 that 212.3 million Americans play video games every week. With more players, more subscriptions, more storefronts and more constant releases, it is easy for games to pile up faster than people can play them. The answer is not to rush through everything. The answer is to choose better, quit cleaner and stop letting your library boss you around. FAQs How many games should I play at once? Two or three active games is a good limit for most players. More than that can make progress feel