I just have to add that I tried everything to get this to work on XP and I could not get around the "no text" issue. Even your ACT fix, Smiling Spectre.
My solution was to install Virtual PC 2007 and then Windows 98 SE in a virtual machine, then go through the full install procedure from the Underdogs (http://www.the-underdogs.info/game.php?id=1550).
Yes, it was a lot of work, but it was WELL worth it. Why? Well, there are a few fantastic reasons why the virtual machine solution is better than simply running the game on XP. One, you can set the Win98 VM (virtual machine) to run 1024x768 resolution, and Virtual PC will run this in a window (assuming you run a greater resolution than this). It doesn't take over your entire screen, so you effectively have MTG running in a window. Two, you can pause and suspend the VM anytime, so you don't have to finish that match before saving and shutting down the game. Pause the VM and turn it off and Virtual PC will save the state of the game right where it was. This is great for my laptop...I can play anywhere and shut down the game at any point, even during battles.
I'm very happy I had to go through the work of setting up the VM. It wasn't that complicated, either.
Michael
