The Stargate Trading Card Game for the PC I mentioned late last month has now entered the public beta phase, and SOE Denver wants you to put it through its paces. You can head over to the web site right now and sign up for a beta account, download the client, and get started defending the Earth from alien threats that wouldn't have been an issue had we just left the damn Stargate alone in the first place.

With the full game set to go live on April 18th, you have about a month left to get a leg up on the pile. I personally find online card games an extremely relaxing way to spend an evening, and playing a Stargate card game online is the perfect way to let the world know you're a big old dork, like me! Michael Fahey

SOE DENVER ANNOUNCES PUBLIC BETA FOR STARGATE(TM) ONLINE TRADING CARD GAME

Sci-Fi Fans and TCG Players Get Early Chance to Step through the Gate on March 21

WHAT: Public beta is now open for the STARGATE(TM) Online Trading Card (TCG) Game. Based on MGM's popular sci-fi television series, the game will be released in conjunction with a physical version of the card game from Comic Images on April 18. Available via digital download, digital starter decks of the STARGATE Online TCG will be $10.99 and digital booster packs will be $3.49. Once the game launches in April, players collecting full sets of digital cards can redeem them for physical cards via the game's "Through the Gate" redemption program.

The STARGATE Online TCG immerses players in the vibrant STARGATE universe as they assemble their favorite characters into teams and send them on missions throughout the galaxy. Breakthrough gameplay allows characters to "learn" from their successes and enhance their abilities as the game progresses. With three unique ways to win, and nearly 300 cards in the initial set, players have an endless supply of strategies available as they take on alternating roles of both heroes and villains of the STARGATE television series.

Each 60-card starter deck includes four team character cards based on the main heroes of the show, such as scientists Samantha Carter and Daniel Jackson, Air Force officer Jack O'Neill, and the alien warrior Teal'c. Each 11-card booster pack contains additional characters, in-game obstacles, new adversaries, and gear for your squad.

WHO: Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), a global leader in the online entertainment industry.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 21, 2007

WHERE: Sign up for the beta at STARGATEOnlineTCG.station.sony.com/