Just bought this game today and played it a few times. So far, I can see it developing into a favorite. It's short, fun, with cool bits, and a unique theme.

The game's premise is that two wizards meet in the middle of a bridge. Naturally, being arrogant wizards, neither will turn back to allow the other to pass. So instead they engage in a duel to the death by pushing a wall of fire between them until someone falls off to their doom. Oh, did I mention the bridge is crumbling, too? Oh, evil wizards, when will you ever learn?

I won't get too much into mechanics of this game. It's pretty basic. Each wizard has to manage their personal reserve of Mana (kind of like wizardly willpower) and their hand of spell cards. The cards have a variety of effects, from keeping the wall from moving, to replenishing Mana, to stopping all magic spells for a round. The cards can be a lifesaver, but each wizard only has a deck of fifteen and once a spell is cast, it's gone for the rest of the game. So you can't just throw them down like crazy. You have to strategize and, even more importantly, out think your opponent.

As the game progresses the bridge continues to crumble at both ends, making it harder and harder to keep from tumbling to your doom. It also ensures that, even between two fairly skilled wizards, this game isn't going to last long. The box says 30 minute playing time, and out of six games, that's been right on the money so far.

Let me give an extra nod to the fine quality of the components. The cards, board, and wizard pieces are all very colorful and eyecatching. The spell cards have all relevant text printed on them, and the manual has each card printed in it as well. This is a quality game.

At its heart, this is all about effective resource management and predicting your opponent's moves. It's nice to have a game that doesn't take long to play that is still engaging to add to my collection. It's only possible downside is that it's a 2 player game only, but that's hardly a flaw since the dynamic is very much player vs. player, battle of wits and wills. Every time I played this game, I liked it more and more and discovered new strategies and tactics. It's the kind of game where, whether you win or lose, you're likely to say "Just one more" after you're finished.

FINAL VERDICT: MUST BUY