Now someone needs to use this to make a passable Magic AI. Shandalar is ancient at this point, but it's still the best attempt I've seen, and the only Magic computer game I still play.
I was about to post the same comment. Forge is actually pretty good. And I agree that it's better than Shandalar. I played Shandalar again maybe 5 years ago and the AI gets predictable so fast.
I was not aware of Forge. Thanks! I guess I stopped paying attention about 10 years ago, shortly after WotC killed Apprentice. I figured, based on their behavior, that they would never let any unlicensed innovative MTG software come out. I'm glad they proved me wrong.
Cockatrice is the successor to Apprentice, and is still around even after a recent C&D from WotC. The reason the C&Ds come along is because they all tend to use terms and concepts that WotC owns, like tapping cards.
There is a Wizards product called Duels of the Planeswalkers that includes an updated Magic AI. $10 on the consoles or Steam. It is targeted as an entry-level way to learn Magic.
It focuses on premade decks with limited means of customization, rather than open freeform deckbuilding. (Of course they want you to start buying Magic proper to do that.) But it is the only official way to play modern Magic against an adequate AI.
