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This March, we're getting the latest expansion for FFG's storming success Star Wars Unlimited which, as 'Jump To Lightspeed' suggests, places an emphasis on space battles over the ground arena, where the latter has tended to dominate gameplay up until now. There's a couple of interesting sub themes, and the fleshing of existing mechanics and factions, so let's get ready to Punch It!
LOCK S-FOILS IN ATTACK POSITION
The major new mechanic this set is Piloting. Characters (or Leaders) with this can be attached as an upgrade onto your ships to give them a stat and ability boost. I was initially a little sceptical - there's a fair bit of upgrade removal in the game, and it will be interesting to see how the meta responds to this - but it looks solid and well-balanced, as it's generally cheap to use but not massively powerful. They're going to have targets on their back, for sure. This is coupled with a plenty of token generation, which this set is all 1/1 TIEs and 2/2 X-Wings.
THERE'S TOO MANY OF THEM
Partly, this is because Swarm is a major subtheme this set. Whilst the previous, Twilight of the Republic, could sometimes see hordes of Battle Droids and Clone Troopers in play, it was relatively unusual. However, the Separatists get a major boost with the new droid fighter and Trench as a leader that deploys without using an epic action (so can do so repeatedly). It's really great to see the Separatists getting further development (big fan here) rather than side-lined (*cough* capture decks *cough*).
THAT'S NO MOON
An interesting part of the design space that's really getting explored this set is the opportunity use different bases. Now, you can have a smaller deck for less health, a bigger one for more, go without your mulligan for more starting cards, or a smaller starting hand for a literal Colossus. This is a great way of mixing up deckbuilding archetypes and bodes really well for the evolution of the game as a whole.
IT'S TIME FOR THE RESISTANCE TO RISE
Whatever your thoughts on the sequel trilogy (full disclosure, I am Last Jedi fan), it has some truly memorable moments and characters. Every iteration of Poe/ Black 1 has been an mvp and the new set continues to deliver. Indeed, both the resistance and the first order get fleshed out rather more this set, with an emphasis on card draw shenanigans. When will we get a decent Finn, though?
TO DEFEAT AN ENEMY, YOU MUST KNOW THEM
There's some real attention to existing, underdeveloped archetypes in this set also, particularly from the Rebels era. Thrawn is about exploiting (ha) When Defeated abilities, whilst Spectre get a huge boost with the new version of the Ghost (pity it's a Legendary but still). SWU has always been a game of synergies and 5R is the sweet spot of most decks. New Ghost is the new Sliver Queen! Yes, that is an MTG reference.
IN MY EXPERIENCE, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS LUCK
On the subject of Legendaries, it's worth noting that there's some changes to rarity distribution this set. There are an additional 10 legendary cards, but they are now in place of 1 in 5 rather than 1 in 8 rares. In theory, this should make power cards easier to collect, but we'll see how the after market responds. Speaking of power cards, it's very interesting that there's a lot going on with the uncommons in this set. Starter cards will be appearing in regular foil slots this set, plus we're also getting deluxe Carbonite booster packs - again, mtg analogy, they're a bit like Collector packs, containing guaranteed foil, hyperspace, hyperfoil, showcase or a new special treatment, the carbonite-exclusive prestige variant. The starters themselves are also getting a bit of a shake-up, albeit a minor one: they are now two separate ones (in this case, Han and Boba) rather than a combined vs pack.
So, plenty to look forward to - you're all clear kid, let's blow this thing!
About the author:
Sam blogs @big_geekingout and as part of bigcomicpage.com with an emphasis on dad-gaming and IP content. Recovering competitive card gamer, infrequent skirmish wargamer, and generally average boardgamer. Decent Modeller with a fondness for terrain. Enthusiastic if not especially capable miniature Painter. Media and English Teacher, which is a cover for being a movie nerd. Reasonable cook. Occasional Parent.
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