TDG: Star Wars: Rebellion

It seems like there are more Star Wars games out there than stormtroopers on the Death Star, but will this new board game offering from Fantasy Flight Games be a Yavin-like victory, or have the game designers turned to the Dark Side? Cody investigates.

[@davekoehnlein4575]

Hahaha! You really had me Cody...I was like "oh no! He actually hates it!"

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+David Koehnlein That's what I do.

[@daekwankim]

+The Discriminating Gamer damnit you had me too

[@PodMan26]

+daekwankim Also put me in the camp of people who were had.

[@gorsh7870]

+David Koehnlein Me too.

[@nicholasb4597]

Oh, he got me really good! I just got the game and I was getting really sad.

[@aquarius5719]

Use the expansion. * Balances the game. Under base game rules a snowspeeder will have a very hard time against an AT-AT. With expansion harpoons can be used. * It includes shield generator. Now you can play Star Wars Risk inside this game. * More player control during combat. Base game automates battles using dice. In the expansion players can make tactical decisions. * Death Star can fire at capital ships like in Return of the jedi

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I have since acquired it and will not play the game without the expansion. See my review. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJq1hoivgK-kpbM

[@dustbustus27]

Cody, I really enjoyed the review. You explain things exceptionally clearly and picking up the necessary game details and specific was easy to do here. Awesome!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Dusty Erker Thank you, sir. Glad you like the reviews!

[@josepablolunasanchez1283]

Can you review the game "What about baseball"? There is a house rule that says that you play rock paper scissors and win (draw or fail is losing) is a better way to see if batter defeats the pitcher. If batter loses, rolls the green dice to obtain anything except for contact. A win means you go on with the course for contact

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Interesting. Who publishes it?

[@josepablolunasanchez1283]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer It is the best tabletop baseball game I have found.

[@00savar00]

Brief public service announcement: If you don't like the combat in this game try swapping out combat cards for re-rolls, and the crossed sabers for blocks, it drastically reduces the length of fights and adds more excitement. Also I fell for it too.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks.

[@aquarius5719]

Can you make a video about "Space Aces TNG The New Guidelines"

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I have no idea what that is.

[@aquarius5719]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer It is a simple light scifi solo RPG. Amazingly it uses 1D6 for everything. It allows a wide array of scifi situations and missions. It is an indie game in PDF format. "Space Aces TOS (the original sheets)" are free. At drivethrurpg. Take a look and see how clever the design is.

[@j.d6421]

Fantastic review love your channel

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you very much.

[@j.d6421]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer no problem you seem like a cool guy

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@j.d6421 The operative word is "seem".

[@nickvandam1214]

Cody, what are your thoughts on the expansion?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJq1hoivgK-kpbM

[@nickvandam1214]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer thanks!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@nickvandam1214 Your welcome!

[@maxstreel]

Deciding between getting this and Imperial Assault. What do you recommend?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Carl Cordova I guess it depends on your preferences, but for my money, Star Wars Rebellion is the superior game by a wide margin. I'd then get Star Wars Armada or X-wing before Imperial Assault.

[@tianjian97]

How was the game play balance between Alliance and Empire? There was some concern online that the game might be easier for Alliance to win?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Time is on the Rebels' side, of course. But the objective cards are not terribly easy to fulfill- and some cards give the empire abilities that can really turn the tide against the Alliance.

[@TheyTalkOnline]

There is time advantage for the Rebellion. That being said their missions etc aren't that easy to fulfill. The Empire player needs to really follow whats going on and be good in tactics and deduction of possible systems. Logic will take Empire long way.

[@TheAthenaum]

HAHA wow man... You seriously just solidified yourself as one of my new favorite reviewers with that. You had me engaged for quite a while there man.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Andres Andino Jr. Thank you. I like to think that I am sincere in my deceit.

[@andygagn]

You left me wonder at 9:20. I was like "What the hell is he talking about?! This game is incredible." (played 3 times so far) and was angry at you for a whole 10 seconds until.... All I wanted to say is: Good job. You got me. You have a new subscriber (and I don't hold a grudge against you, no worries).

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks you, sir! Together, we are unstoppable!!!

[@MrDavinciman]

You may have convinced me to get this. Great review. I was wondering if it plays well with 4. There seems to be a lot of concern over on board game geek and tom vessel seemed to say for definite this was a 2 player game? Thanks

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. I think it's better as a two player game, for sure. I enjoyed the four player game as well, however.

[@Hedgehobbit]

+MrDavinciman The question I have is whether it would be better to play two games of 2 players instead of one game with 4 players. (assuming you had two copies of the game)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Hedgehobbit Ah yes, the old "2-2or 4-1" debate. I would recommend playing this game as often as you can with various combos of players. First game, however, I'd do a 1v1.

[@TheyTalkOnline]

Pretty awesome review there. I really enjoyed the game and your take on it. Just actually played Str Wars Rebellion again with my bud who hasn't played any games beyond Monopoly. That was great fun. We recorded some toughts about it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic! Thanks!

[@JB-ym4up]

Almost time for a review on the rebellion expansion.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Hopefully!

[@JB-ym4up]

The Discriminating Gamer it was announced today as available for pre-order, ffg has its production status listed as 'on the boat'.

[@oldschooloverlord]

What's the opening music?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+oldschooloverlord Do yo mean over the logo or during the game montage?

[@antonioespinoza136]

+The Discriminating Gamer No during gameplay with friends. :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Antonio Espinoza Volatile Reaction by Kevin MacLeod- Royalty free music.

[@adriang6259]

Great video. But now I have to research forbidden stars.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Both great games!

[@joshroberts8278]

Are you going to do a play through video?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Josh Roberts No. They game is too long and I don't have nearly enough patience to edit something like that, to say nothing about memory.

[@joshroberts8278]

+The Discriminating Gamer gotcha. Are the instructions hard to figure out?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Josh Roberts Not really. It's pretty intuitive.

[@joshroberts8278]

+The Discriminating Gamer ok thanks. I guess if I can get imperial assault down I will be able to learn this game. Thanks for your great reviews

[@peteshirey9816]

Wow, you almost had me , I was waiting for it then you kept going on and for a second I thought, he really doesn't like it ..... :-)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Pete Shirey Occasionally, I enjoy engaging in a game of misdirection and subterfuge.

[@Ottuln]

Great review. Are you possibly going to the "Campaign Against Cancer" X-wing tournament in your area?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Wreqt This is the first I've heard of it. Unfortunately, I don't think I have the time.

[@silverfang6668]

I'm eagerly awaiting the Jar Jar Binks expansion. :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

May you wait a long, long time, my friend...

[@cadjebushey5875]

Alot of times, i like to use the death star to destroy Naboo. i just did everyone a favor by killing all the Gungans.

[@fixmycomputerman]

Excellent review. I was on the edge of my chair and almost fell over. Glad this seems like a winner. Question: do you happen to know the dimensions of the board, roughly?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Rolando Orozco Thanks. Off the top of my head, I don't know the dimensions- but its roughly comparable to the Fury of Dracula board.

[@markwijnen5262]

It's like Jack Black is auditioning for Indiana Jones. Definitely gonna buy this game btw!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha! You will love it!

[@markwijnen5262]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamerBought it. Played it. Love it!!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@markwijnen5262 Fantastic!

[@TonganJedi]

The best part of this game to me is the asymmetrical gameplay. Captures the dichotomy of two very different factions better than any SW game ever made.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed. That's one of the reasons why I love it!

[@KabukiKid]

I wonder if we fast-forward a few years if we will see an improved second edition with better combat rules?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+KabukiKid It's possible. Or maybe even an expansion that does something different.

[@benjaminnadeau7305]

Well... Rise of the empire did just that

[@LeoMilani7]

Man, you really got me in that middle part. Almost removed it from my wishlist.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha! That's what I was going for!

[@Scott-Tucker]

Thanks for the review. Something I enjoy about your reviews is that you obviously consume the same media that the rest of we cardboard obsessed do, and I appreciate you making reference to Quinn's complaints as that had been the primary reason I had yet to pull the trigger on this beauty.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think Quinns made too much out of the weaknesses of this game. In my opinion they pale beside its strengths. I think you should get it- you won't be disappointed.

[@dustinboatman6134]

Cody, I will be looking to buy an epic space game for my birthday. I am interested in Forbidden Stars and Star Wars Rebellion. I see you like both, but if I am only getting one, which would you recommend? Which is the overall better game?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Dustin Boatman There are things I like a lot from both of them. As far as better game mechanically- it's sixes. I had more fun with Star Wars: Rebellion, because I really like the theme. My guess is, if you're a real Star Wars fan you'll want to get Rebellion. If, on the other hand, you like but don't love Star Wars, you Forbidden Stars could be better for you. Forbidden Stars has a better combat system, no doubt, and some really innovative mechanics. Rebellion, on the other hand, has some really cool mechanics of its own, and I really love the great narrative that plays out within the Star Wars universe- it's like an alternate history of the original trilogy. Don't know if I'm much help here, but there's my two cents.

[@Darrinpepe]

Great review. I really want to purchase this game! The price is a bit high, but it's a strong thematic board game of Star Wars and that has pulled me in like a Death Star tractor beam...so, I can get around that. But what concerns me is the length of time to play the game. I have seen play time at around 3 hours. I tend to play games with 2 players. It's difficult to get 4 players together. So my question is: on a 2 player game what would be the play time length? Could this game be played within 60 min or at most 90 min for 2 players? Are there variant rules from FF that allow for a quicker game?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Once you pick it up you might get it down to around two hours- but that's a big might, and assumes no AP problems. Regardless, it's a great game.

[@knoxminis1211]

+darrin pepe This is the reason that I'll probably not pick this up either. I like playing X-wing since I can get a game in pretty quickly. I just can see taking 2-3 hours for a board game.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Jason Egan You need to try Twilight Imperium 3rd Edition- best game ever, and it's only a 6-8 hour game.

[@FreeFragUK]

Wouldn't mind giving this a go although I can't say I'd pick it up without playing it first. I'd love to see a strategy game based around BSG

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game is one of the best games ever made, IMHO. It is certainly the most thematic, followed closely by Star Wars: Rebellion.

[@Demiarioch]

You had me going too. Well played, or I'm a sucker, or both. I will buy this game.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

It’s a great game. Happy to help.

[@skinnybiz]

Well played Cody, I almost threw up because I pre-ordered. Great video, great content at The Discriminating Gamer.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Chris Goodchild Thank you, sir. The Discriminating Gamer, where our motto is: "If you haven't thrown up a little, we haven't done our job!"

[@jebcole2478]

thank you for another great and honest review,cheers

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir.

[@shamcovys]

good review, but the audio when your talking is super low

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks for the tip.

[@cadjebushey5875]

There needs to be an expansion or another game on the clone wars!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Christian Petersen is on record as saying that FFG will not produce Star Wars games set in the prequel era. Too bad.

[@arakuss1]

"This is not the game your looking for. Just kidding!" Trying to play Jedi mind tricks on us?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+arakuss1 (sheepishly) Yes.

[@CBfrmcardiff]

Yes, I was excited because of the PC game as well!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+CBfrmcardiff Is this what it sounds like... when doves cry?

[@CBfrmcardiff]

+The Discriminating Gamer My brother used to say that Star Wars Rebellion was very like the board game "Freedom of the Galaxy", a game apparently fun but long winded, which was, to bring things full circle, pretty much inspired by the first Star Wars film.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+CBfrmcardiff Ha. I think of heard of that one, but it would be interesting to play it now to see if it holds up.

[@CBfrmcardiff]

+The Discriminating Gamer A quick Google search reveals a game with a full scale or mini-system scenarios - the full game is timed at 20 hours. It's said to have some clever dynamics, though, and to be an interesting narrative-producing game

[@weprintplastic]

Actually it is a good thing they didn't make this one Twilight Imperium 4... that would be bad. I love Twilight Imperium to death... but it just isn't a game for the masses. It's a real commitment, and finding a regular 3-5 players to grind that one out isn't an easy task. This is Twilight Imperium made for two players, and that's just absolutely perfect... and it will be played much more frequently, as it should!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Good point!

[@KnightOwl23]

Ok so where is the Lion ? I see ships and land forces but no Lion? To be honest Cody Now I think on it I don't ever recall there being a Rebel Lion in any of the films ? Guess I'm getting too old and my memory is failing. Well back to sleep I go.... Sir your darkside power has opened my wallet once again! Can anyone spell pre-oder, err I mean rep-order, err I mean per-rodeo for me :) Great review thanks Matey, even with your cheeky "Does he hate it" feint :) If your ever in the UK feel free to visit. I keep forgetting where I live ;) :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Alan Forsyth (TMUK) The next time I make it across the pond, I'll look you up, maybe stay with you for a few days, eat your food, borrow your car... You know, guest stuff.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Emma Forsyth (ELF) I guess you'll have to carry me. ;)

[@robertsell6151]

I thought I was over wanting this, but you are winning me over. My concern is that it may become stagnant.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Robert Sell That's why I'm hoping they will come out with expansions. As I said, even new card packs and missions could really mix this game up.

[@roevtomte]

+The Discriminating Gamer how many times did it take before you felt the game got a bit repetetive?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Kongreat I've only played it twice now, but I did not feel that it got repetitive. Given its length, I don't know how often I'll get it to the table, so I don't know that it will be an issue for me. Again, I'm hoping expansions will keep it interesting.

[@gurtana]

Yeah, I definitely hope SW Rebellion stops all the requests for TI3 to be rebranded with a Star Wars theme. Great review - you had me going there too (thought you hated it!). Also, I have seen the SU&SD review and tbh, Quinns criticism seems like it could be levelled at any game around an IP or license - often the story/narrative at the table is what you make it and its up to the players to inject that enthusiasm into their play.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+gurtana Agreed. I really felt like this had a narrative story.

[@Three-Headed-Monkey]

+gurtana I think Quinns criticism regarding the narrative was just to temper expectations, considering how heavy handed the marketing has been in regards to promoting this game as a game with a strong narrative. He pretty much just said that Rebellion is a fun, interesting, deep and thematic war game, and that is what you should be buying it for.

[@gurtana]

3ThreeHeadedMonkey That is true. I would struggle to think of any licensed/IP thematic boardgame (or card game for that matter) that manages to tell an amazing story arc (beginning, middle, end). Most often they devolve into snap shots or flashes of the films/TV shows they are based on, giving jumbles or disjointed pieces that the players have to piece together. Thinking of Firefly, the board game (which has a similar huge map, but is not this kind of "2 player versus" game), the mixture of plot cards and "jobs" to do give "The Feels" of the show. And that's the important thing - it has to feel like being in the realm of that IP (in this case Star Wars Episodes 4-6), but not necessary allow players to construct whole stories that are completely unique and non-repeatable. Role playing games however...

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

You might be right about Quinns.

[@Three-Headed-Monkey]

+gurtana Very well put.

[@ScottLewislovesyou]

why cant FFG use the same symbols on there dice over the different star wars games .....

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Scott Lewis Because that would be too easy. They want you to work for it, man!

[@Arkham_UK]

lol awesomely done loved this

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+ArkhamUK Thanks.

[@JezielProdigalSon]

Please fix the volume levels in your video. The music is so much louder than your voice, that i have to keep coming back to my pc to turn the sound up and down.

[@colinschueren5553]

Damn you had me there :D

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+kapa ayylmao Each review is an elaborate game of misdirection.

[@jeffreycihlar3072]

Who else wants a clone wars version

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I’d really like to see more content for this game.

[@ashhhberry]

9:18

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed.

[@ARescueToaster]

The greatest Star Wars character is Salacious B. Crumb. Lando takes second place.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

ARescueToaster Bah!

[@folkenhellfang9468]

What is it with you people and hating on RotJ? Millennial punks. Game looks cool though! Thanks for the look.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Folken Hellfang Millennial! I'll have you know, good sir, that I'm a proud, cynical member of Generation X! Actually, Jedi is my favorite SW film. Danke!

[@folkenhellfang9468]

Alright then, carry on Sir.

[@TribulationsSolo]

The game could be awesome in its kind but, for me, it seems way too pricey for such a specific game.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Xahendir Stras Fair enough. It is expensive, and that is going to be a major factor for most gamers. But, rating it on its merits, not on its price point, it is an exceptionally fun game for Star Wars fans, and if possible, you they should pick it up.

[@TribulationsSolo]

+The Discriminating Gamer - as I understand it, it's for 2 and you can play it with 4 ... you can ... of course ... eventually ..., - it's quite long, - it's "plastic heavy", - it feels like a story-driven game ... with only one ending goal and some secondary goals, at least for the Imperials, ... I own Britannia, it's a long game, it is essentially planned for 4 players and it's always the same scenario. I think I can play it 3-4 times a year .... BUT I have bought it because it was only $15 and it was the correct price tag for me for such a low annual play count. So Star wars: Rebellion will go on my "to buy once in couple with a rich boardgamer lady". :-P

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Xahendir Stras I hope that day comes soon.

[@weprintplastic]

Haha... brilliant... I had heard good things about it from Dice Tower... saw on Board Game Geeks it was a 9+ out of 10... then I'm here thinking, maybe the other guys sold out, and this game is bad... then you throw the big fake out on me... really looking forward to playing it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

As well you should- it really is a great game!

[@RGVZGM]

This review is deeply flawed in one very significant way. PAPA JOHN'S PIZZA IS HORRIBLE!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Frank Flores That was a test, Frank. You passed.

[@KabukiKid]

+Frank Flores That a-hole, Papa John, is horrible, as well. ;-)