Portal
Wizards of the Coast · Board game · 1997
2 · best 2
30 min
Weight 2.0/5
8.0
rating
Ludopedia
6.1
rating
BGG
8.0
rating
Ludopedia
6.1
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you dig the Magic vibe but want something more straightforward to start with or to play with newcomers, Portal is your go-to!
Highlights
- Accessible Magic intro
- Creature-focused gameplay
- Compatible with main Magic
Keep in mind
- Simplified ruleset
- Less interactive
- May lack depth
FOR GENRE FANS
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Hey folks, check out Portal! Released in 1997, it's like the chiller, younger sibling of Magic: The Gathering, designed for newcomers to the world of card duels. The goal was to capture the essence of Magic but simplify some of the trickier rules to avoid overwhelming new players. You know those super complex abilities or cards you could play at any moment? Many of those were left out here. The main focus shifted to creatures and how to use them to win, making the game more straightforward and less filled with mind-bending interruptions. Even so, Portal cards are fully compatible with regular Magic, so you can mix and match! You can spot Portal cards by their unique expansion symbol and a slightly bolder, larger font in the text box. And get this, there were three editions: the original Portal, Portal Second Age, and Portal Three Kingdoms, which introduced a cool Eastern/Chinese theme. It's a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to dive into the Magic universe without getting lost in a sea of rules.
GALLERY
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Wizards of the Coast
Designer
Richard Garfield
Artist
Adam Rex, Adrian Smith, Ai Desheng, Alan Rabinowitz, Andrew Robinson, Anson Maddocks, Brad Williams, Brian Durfee, Cai Tingting, Charles Gillespie, Chen Weidong, Christopher Rush, Colin MacNeil, Cristina McAllister, D. Alexander Gregory, Dan Frazier, Daniel Gelon, David Cherry, David Ho, David Horne, Dermot Power, Ding Songjian, Donato Giancola, Doug Chaffee, Doug Shuler, Edward Beard, Jr., Eric Peterson, Fang Yue, Fred Fields, Gao Jianzhang, Gao Yan, Gerald Brom, Gerry Grace, Hannibal King, He Jiancheng, Heather Hudson, Henry van der Linde, Hong Yan, Huang Qishi, Jack Wei, Janine Johnston, Jeff Miracola, Jeffrey R. Busch, Ji Yong, Jiaming, Jiang Zhuqing, John Avon, John Coulthart, John Matson, Junichi Inoue, Junko Taguchi, Kaja Foglio, Kang Yu, Keith Parkinson, Kevin Walker, KOJI, Ku Xueming, Kuang Sheng, LHQ, Li Tie, Li Wang, Li Xiaohua, Li Youliang, Li Yousong, Lie Tiu, Lin Yan, Liu Jianjian, Liu Shangying, Lubov, Mark Poole, Mark Tedin, Matt Wilson (I), Matthew Stawicki, Melissa Benson, Miao Aili, Michael Weaver, Mike Dringenberg, Mike Raabe, Mitsuaki Sagiri, Paolo Parente, Pete Venters, Phil Foglio, Qi Baocheng, Qiao Dafu, Qin Jun, Qu Xin, Quan Xuejun, Quinton Hoover, R. K. Post, Randy Gallegos, Rebecca Guay-Mitchell, Rob Alexander, Robert Eggleton, Roger Raupp, Romas, Ron Spencer, Sam Wood, Scott Fischer, Shang Huitong, Solomon Au Yeung, Song Shikai, Steve Luke, Sun Nan, Susan Van Camp, Tang Xiaogu, Ted Naifeh, Terese Nielsen, Tom Wänerstrand, Tony DiTerlizzi, Una Fricker, Wang Chuxiong, Wang Feng, Wang Yuqun, William Simpson, Xu Tan, Xu Xiaoming, Yang Guangmai, Yang Hong, Yang Jun Kwon, Zhang Jiazhen, Zhao Tan, Zina Saunders
Is Portal a standalone game or just an expansion?
Portal is a complete game in itself, designed as an entry point to Magic: The Gathering. Its cards are compatible with the main Magic game.
How many players can play Portal?
Portal is designed for 2 players, just like traditional Magic.
Is the game very complicated?
No, Portal's main idea is to be simpler than the core Magic game. It removed many of the more complex rules and interactions to make learning easier.
Do I need any special components besides the cards?
Generally no. The game is card-focused, and you might need counters for life totals, but nothing too complex.
Is it hard to find Portal cards nowadays?
As it's an older product aimed at beginners, it might be a bit harder to find in physical stores, but you can often find them in secondary markets or from collectors.
Is it worth buying Portal instead of the main Magic game?
If you're completely new to collectible card games or want a quicker, more direct Magic experience, Portal is a great choice. If you already know and enjoy the main Magic game, you might find Portal a bit basic.
