Portal Three Kingdoms

“Portal Three Kingdoms” is a collectible card game (CCG) set released in May 1999 by Wizards of the Coast. It was designed for the Asian market and was not sold in North America. The set was mostly printed in Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, with only a small amount of product printed in English, intended for sale in Australia and New Zealand. This makes the English printings of the cards in “Portal Three Kingdoms” some of the rarest in the entire game.The game is based on the historical period of the Three Kingdoms in China, which spans from 184 AD to 280 AD. The set contains unique cards with unique abilities and functional reprints or near-reprints of other cards. The rarity of the English version of the cards and the game’s connection to Chinese history make “Portal Three Kingdoms” significant and popular among collectors and Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts.

Game Components of Portal Three Kingdoms

Card Count: 180 cards.

Card Types: Includes creatures, spells, and other card types typical of Magic: The Gathering.

Theme: Cards are themed around characters and events from the Three Kingdoms epic.

Rarity: Cards vary in rarity, including common, uncommon, and rare cards.

How To Setup Portal Three Kingdoms

Setting up Portal Three Kingdoms is similar to other Magic: The Gathering games. Players start by shuffling their decks, drawing an initial hand of seven cards, and determining who goes first. The game typically involves two players, although it can be adapted for more. Each player begins with 20 life and the objective is to reduce the opponent’s life total to zero.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Life Total: Each player starts with 20 life.

Deck: Players draw cards from their deck to play creatures, cast spells, and use abilities.

Turn Structure: Turns consist of several phases, including the beginning phase, untap step, upkeep step, draw step, main phase, combat phase, and end phase.

Game Objective: Reduce the opponent’s life total to zero or force them to run out of cards in their deck.

Player Experience

Portal Three Kingdoms offers a unique blend of Magic: The Gathering gameplay with the rich narrative of the Three Kingdoms. Players can enjoy the strategy and depth of Magic while appreciating the historical and cultural themes. The set is particularly appealing to new players due to its starter-level design, making it easier to learn the game.

Pros

Accessibility: Designed as a starter set, making it easier for new players to learn Magic: The Gathering.

Theme: The Three Kingdoms theme adds a fascinating historical and cultural layer to the game.

Rarity: Includes rare and unique cards that can be valuable for collectors.

Cons

Limited Depth: As a starter set, it may lack the complexity and variety of more advanced Magic: The Gathering sets.

Outdated Mechanics: Some mechanics may feel outdated compared to newer sets.

Personal Thoughts on Portal Three Kingdoms

Portal Three Kingdoms is ideal for new players looking to enter the world of Magic: The Gathering, especially those with an interest in Chinese history and culture. It provides a gentle learning curve while still offering the depth and strategy that Magic is known for. For experienced players, it can be a fun and nostalgic set to revisit or to collect rare cards. However, those seeking the latest and most complex mechanics might find it less appealing.

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