Evaluating a video game expansion is far different than evaluating a video game. Generally speaking, expansions are weaker than the original whole product in terms of content, but offer people already playing new content to enjoy the game. Sometimes however the expansion can revolutionize and change the game. Wizard of the Coast's (WotC) expansion to the popular XBox Live Arcade (XBLA) game Duels of the Planeswalkers isn't revolutionary, but it is a worthwhile buy.

First lets just cover the basics. For 400 Microsoft Points you get the following:

• Tezzeret's "Relics of Doom" Planeswalker deck.
• Jace Beleren's "Mind of Void" Planeswalker deck with a mill theme
• Sarkhan Vol's "Cries of Rage" Planeswalker deck with a Warrior tribal theme.
• Three new unlockable cards for each of the eight original decks
• Five additional single player campaign levels. Including a duel against an unplayable Nicol Bolas deck.
• Additional Two-Headed Giant co-op levels
• Three new puzzling challenge levels
• Three new achievements.

For us Magic players, this expansion means that for roughly $5.00 you get product comparable to three pre-constructed decks and five booster packs or roughly 249 new cards (175 non-lands). Paper values on that much product are around $36. So, in terms of product value the expansion is definitely a good deal. However, digital is a different beast than paper and I had my own secret desires for what I wanted to see in the Duel the Dragon expansion. Those desires were as follows:

• An alternate win deck - Fulfilled by Jace's "Mind of Void"
• A control style deck - Fulfilled by Jace's "Mind of Void"
• A burn deck
• A combo deck
• Ability to play Tezzeret's Boss deck - Fulfilled by Tezzeret's "Relics of Doom"
• A deck featuring land destruction themes.
• Improvements to Chandra's mono-Red and Jace's mono-Blue decks.
• A rogue deck to Nissa's Elves - Fulfilled by Sarkhan Vol's "Cries of Rage"
• The ability to remove any card from a deck.
• Full-on deck customization.

I was impressed that WotC managed to fulfill several of my deck desires, but ultimately I (like many other fans) am waiting for the revolutionary moment when they give us either increased or full deck customization. No deck in the game is perfect and even the stronger ones such as Nissa's "Ears of the Elves" and Liliana's "Eyes of Shadow" have cards I'd love to remove in place of certain unlocked cards. A lot of the weaker decks such as Chandra's "Hands of Flame" and Sarkhan Vol's "Scales of Fury" could be dramatically improved as well with just the ability to remove duds such as Goblin Sky Raider and Plague Beetle.

Beyond the new decks there are a handful of expanded features. The three new achievements are all fairly easy to get and welcome (if one likes such things), both the single player and two-headed giant campaigns are expanded. I'm not ashamed to say that I trounced Nicol Bolas even if he dropped multiple earthquakes on me. However, Jace's new deck definitely took me a couple tries to beat. He milled me once and stalled me twice. The four Persuasions in his deck are particularly strong. Finally, the challenges are mixed. One is overwhelmingly easy (you can almost accidentally win it) while one is extremely challenging even for veteran players. I know it took me four tries and a lot of thinking to discover the solution of the third and final challenge.

Is the expansion worth the $5.00 price tag? Most definitely. The value far exceeds the price tag.
Is the expansion enjoyable and fun? Definitely. The new decks are all solid and unique.
Is the expansion revolutionary? No.

The best part about the new expansion is that we already know it won't be the last! WotC is giving DotP tons of love next year:

• Spring 2010: Second Expansion for XBLA
• Summer 2010: Third Expansion for XBLA
• Summer 2010: Duels of the Planeswalkers ports to the PC
• Fall 2010: Duels of the Planeswalkers ports to the PlayStation 3

You heard that right folks, next year there will be at least two expansions and two ports to other major platforms. They will continue international support, launching into multiple languages and countries through the year. So far all they've said is that the two expansions will be similar to this one and that the two ports should be very similar to the XBLA version. They did tease that the PC port will have something "extra special," but other details are sparse at this time. This announcement is great news, since it offers plenty of chances for all my DotP desires and fantasies to be realized.

So in case someone from Wizards of the Coast is lurking, this is what I want to see in these next two expansions:

• A heavy burn deck
• A combo deck
• A land-destruction deck
• Continued tribal support - Elspeth (Soldier), Garruk (Beast), Sorin (Vampire)
• Ability to play Nicol Bolas' boss deck.
• Improvements to Chandra's mono-Red and Jace's mono-Blue decks.
• The ability to remove any card from a deck.
• Full-on deck customization.
• Hedron Crabs. In decks, on my Avatar, on my wallpaper, hanging from my rear view mirror. Cute pink Hedron Crabs cuddling their adorably tiny little hedrons. Ahhh.........................