At the PAX East, Blizzard Entertainment announced the latest Warcraft game that's bound to make gamers perk up and start brandishing their strategies for this most recent free-to-play collectible card game.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft is the newest cross-platform free-to-pay game that's tailored for Windows, Mac, and iPad. Those who were at the PAX East were able to try the hands-on demo, but those who want to play the game themselves can also wait for the beta testing, which is coming sooner than later.

"We've always loved collectible card games at Blizzard Entertainment, so it's been exciting to bring everything we love about the genre to life in Hearthstone," said CEO and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment Mike Morhaime.

"We're putting a lot of focus into creating a fun new game that's easy to pick up and play, but also has a lot of depth. We can't wait to share it with everyone."

Gaming modes: No need for prior experience

What makes Hearthstone a potentially engrossing game for anyone is that it stands on its own right-so players don't have to be experts or even knowledgeable of the Warcraft creations to be able to play.

So those who to do battle using magic or arms and weapons, and maybe go on stealth mode or bring on a full-frontal attack my do so whenever they want. All you need is the deck of cards and get on with the action.

Match up against the PC

Players can also opt for three ways to get their strategic juices flowing: a battle against friends through Battle net, going for practice rounds against a computer, or challenging friends using Play Mode and The Forge.

Play Mode puts you on a traditional mano y mano battle, with the goal of increasing the medal ranking and earning card packs.

The Forge will test your card building skills as you start out with a new set of cards, and use it to duel other Forge gamers. There's a higher prize for this round, as you can win new cards and tailor your existing deck to include the ones that you're still missing.

Start your game by choosing five digital cards from the complete 300 set, choose just one from among nine WarCraft heroes in your deck, and go online for a battle with friends.

According to The Verge, one card from each pack will cost around $1 each, but details will come out as Blizzard Entertainment finally rolls out its beta test this summer, which you can also check out yourself at Battle.net.

Those who want to learn more about the game can log on to www.PlayHearthstone.com.