Magic Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1-10-02


Product: 
_Magic: The Gathering_(R) -- _Torment_(TM) Expansion

Release Date: 
February 4, 2002

Price (MSRP):
Theme decks, $9.99; booster packs, $3.29; fat packs, $24.99; deck boxes
(containing only card sleeves), $9.99

Features:
The Magic: The Gathering - Torment expansion is the latest release for
the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The second installment of the
most recent three-set _Magic_(R) block, the Torment set focuses on black
cards, themes and mechanics. In addition, the set marks the return of the
infamous Sengir Vampire.

Introducing over 140 cards with all-new art, Torment will be available in
four different 60-card theme decks: Insanity, Grave Danger, Sacrilege and
Waking Nightmares. Other Torment products include 15-card booster packs;
deck boxes, which include only card sleeves; and fat packs, which include
six booster packs, a novel, a _Spindown_(TM) life counter, a Player's
Guide and two premium cards. 

Game Mechanics:
The Torment expansion emphasizes the power of black. There are more black
cards than any other color (an unprecedented imbalance), and the taint of
dark power affects cards in other colors as well. The evolution of Magic
game play continues with the introduction of the madness mechanic, which
allows cards to be played at a reduced cost if they are being discarded,
and Nightmare creatures. When a Nightmare creature comes into play, an
opponent removes a particular resource from the game. When the Nightmare
leaves play, that resource is returned to play. The Torment set will also
feature the flashback and threshold mechanics, which were introduced in
the _Odyssey_(TM) set.

Backstory:
The Mirari, a powerful artifact, has fallen back into the hands of the
Cabal. The Cabal Patriarch offers the Mirari as the grand prize of the
pit fights. Fearless warriors from around Otaria vie for the coveted
prize, including the barbarian Kamahl and his friend Chainer, a dementia
summoner. Unfortunately, the Mirari amplifies Chainer's ability to make
his nightmares come true to such a horrific extent that Kamahl must make a
choice: save his friend or save Otaria.

Tournaments:
Prerelease tournaments will be held throughout the world January 26 - 27,
2002. Visit the _Wizards of the Coast_(R) website at wizards.com for
tournament information.

Company Info:
Wizards of the Coast Inc., a subsidiary of Hasbro Inc. (NYSE:HAS), is a
leading developer and publisher of entertainment products, including the
world's best-selling Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

All trademarks are property of Wizards of the Coast Inc., a subsidiary of
Hasbro Inc. Copr. 2002 Wizards.