It all began in the playground where eager children would buy their latest add-on packs of cards to take on their friends in a duel of wits, magic, spells and monsters. With such a subject matter it was only a matter of time before the cards would translate into a computer game and this latest incarnation holds a number of surprises for purist fans of the original game.

For a start, it's not turn-based like the pack, but strategy-based. Once you've chosen your duellist and your fighting arena (there are 16 in total) you take your place on one side of a dividing line and then combat is under way.

The mana you need to generate and regenerate your spells is collected from the ground in the form of crystals - the faster you gather them the faster they reappear. Your spells are divided into three categories: creature spells that summon beasts with both power (offensive) and strength (defensive) values; sorcery spells that spring from a 'bank' of 70 basic incantations; and enchantments which are like permanent sorcery spells that produce global effects.

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The trick is knowing which of the three options to choose at any one time as each spell has its counter-spell. Also, you can also use direct combat or a shield to protect yourself from your opponent or his creatures. Time taken to prepare and cast a spell is dependent on how much mana you've gathered and how mana-hungry each spell is.

You also have the option of crossing the central line to steal your enemy's mana and even deal the odd melée attack, but at the price that you'll take damage every two seconds and will be unable to cast any spells or raise your shield.

Fortunately the controls have been made as simple as possible, since speed and dexterity are as vital as making the right choice of spell. If you can grab hordes of crystals rapidly and keep up a barrage of attacks, allied to occasional cross-border raids, then you're well on your way to victory.

If you want to bone up on your skills than the single-player Quest mode is ideal, with its built-in tutorial and 60 different levels which gradually unlock new spells, creatures and abilities. There's also an Arcade mode that allows you to progress up an 'opponent ladder'.

But all of this is preparation for the real deal; the duel online that not only lets you take on serious rivals but also includes the chance to download exclusive spells and accessories. Visually it all looks very impressive too, with rich tones, powerful explosive and lighting effects and atmospheric backgrounds.

Although for some the combat can become addictive, for non-fans of the card game the gameplay can become plain exhausting and is best taken in small chunks. It's also frustrating that camera angles can't be altered and that the 'football pitch' format feels cramped and claustrophobic after a while. But overall this is a fast and furious game.

It may cause some true aficionados of the card game to shake their heads, but the opening out of the combat to a real-time, fast-paced strategy game will be a welcome development to many.