Expert Review: Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Turtle Team-Up

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is an iconic trading card game (TCG) where players open card packs, build card decks, and complete different actions during play (depending on which cards are deployed). Now, TCG players can incorporate four familiar faces into their MTG nights with Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Turtles Turtle Team-Up. 

The set, which can act as your kids’ starter MTG kit or supplement their existing MTG collection, comes with cards and tokens showcasing detailed artwork inspired by the comics. It includes four Turtle decks with 60 cards each, booster packs, and tokens to keep track of your progress, such as punchout counters, pizza-themed life track pointers, shell-shaped life trackers, and a Boss life tracker. 

For this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (TMNT) collection, between two and four players act as Heroes during a co-op game and battle in unison against an antagonist using Boss and Event cards. Families must decide who joins the Heroes team and which player(s) manage the Boss team’s cards.

Each turn unfolds in five phases: the beginning phase, the first main phase, the combat phase, the second main phase, and the ending phase. At each phase, players can cast spells, activate abilities, and more — these elements are depicted on the cards. To win, Heroes must attack and defeat three Boss stages. 

Players will work together toward a common goal in this co-operative game, strengthening kids’ socialization skills and ability to compromise — the team play adds a fresh perspective to trading card games. There are several ways to play; Families can adjust the rules to make the game more difficult, increase the number of players, and more. Every game is a new experience, as players employ different cards and strategize in new ways, so families can expect exciting rounds each time.  

The set also comes with a booklet that teaches players key MTG information in an easily digestible format. It describes how to set up their tabletop playing space, how to read an MTG card, the rules for Heroes and Bosses, and more.

Families can expand their TMNT-themed play with additional Booster Packs (sold separately). MTG might seem like an intricate game to begin with, but Wizards of the Coast provides clear instructions, videos, and more to help families begin their TCG adventures.

Long-time and new MTG players; TMNT fans; strengthening critical thinking skills; strategy play; family game night