As someone who has played the game for some time, I hope I can help you out.
What is it?
It’s a strategy game featuring collectible cards. Each person takes cards and organizes them into decks. In a game one person will pit their deck against another person’s deck, making various moves to try and win.
What is it not?
It is not a role-playing game. The cards are much like chess pieces. The player doesn’t act out anything.
It is not a gambling game. Back when the game first started some people played for “ante”, each player putting up one card that they give to the other if they lose. It’s similar to when kids would play marbles.
Are there storylines and are they suitable for children?
There are storylines in the game. Some cards have what’s known as “flavor text” which doesn’t influence the game but helps tell the story. There are novels that come out around the same time, but only a small percentage of players actually read them.
As far as the suitability of the storylines, you should at least be cautioned. Every year or so they begin a new storyline in a different setting. Sometimes the good guys win. In the storyline before the one going on now, it was about a land filled with gothic horrors like werewolves, vampires, and zombies. In the end several angels ally with the humans to fight back and win. But in the storyline the year before it was set in a technological world that in the end succumbs to a dark, corrupting influence.
In short, sometimes the bad guys win.
Does it teach kids witchcraft in real life?
No, in the same way that Operation doesn’t teach you be a surgeon.
Is there art in the game that children may find disturbing?
Possibly, but it would depend on the child. The cards themselves don’t seem to depict acts of violence, but sometimes can show the aftereffects of violence. Blood, skulls, and the like appear often enough.
Some of the artwork can be creepy in nature.
The game features many types of creatures, many of which you’ll find in things like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. It also features demons.
Here are some of them. Also,
Here are some of the angels I mentioned earlier.
The game does not feature any sex or nudity, but does sometimes feature art of scantily-clad women (on the level you might see on the cover of Maxim or Self magazines).
Are there any other positive aspects to the game?
There are enough complexities to the game to encourage very strategic thinking, even at a young age. It encourages planning, and even is helpful in basic math. Also the game is constant interaction with other people, which is something you won’t get in things like video games.
Are there any other negative aspects to the game?
The game constantly marches on. Your son will likely tire of playing
just the cards his cousin gave and will want more, which means you’ll be spending some money on this if he continues.
In the end, I think you’ll want to look things over based on what you know about your boy. I’ve seen kids as young as 8 play (including my Catholic nephew). But I think you’re correct in making sure to ask around first before letting him play. You don’t want to go counter to your faith or morals. If you have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to ask.
eek:…I’m getting old 
). So I can’t really comment on the state of things now. Depending on one’s sensitivity, there might be certain cards that make you squeamish. ("‘Unholy strength’? I don’t want anything unholy!") But you can always leave out those cards easily enough. It’s not an occult thing. It’s just a strategy card game with a never-ending influx of new cards.