Editorial, by Ed Carter
I am a huge “Star Wars” fan, in fact, my favorite game is Imperial Assault. Besides the theme and component quality, I just love the mechanics and the high replayability. There is a lot of gaming in the core set.
First off, Imperial Assault (IA) provides two modes of play, Skirmish, and campaign. I have played both, but Skirmish mode is where the game really shines for me (more on this later). Second, the IA core set provides EVERYTHING you need to play a full game, unlike the core set for Legion. Yes, if you really enjoy the game, you will want the expansions and the Hero and Villian packs, but they are not necessary to play the first campaign, provided in the Core set or start Skirmish games. So what is in the box? The characters, miniatures, map tiles, cards, and dice that you need to get gaming! Now, there are some cardboard tokens that are used for some of the miniatures released as expansions, but most of the figures have the miniature to play the game fully.
Now let’s talk mechanics. If you are an older gamer like me, you might remember the original Star Wars miniatures game from Wizards of the Coast. The game was very simple, D20 based combat, where the objective was to defeat your opponent’s squad. IA upped the ante, by introducing missions where victory was not always squad elimination. Also instead of D20, IA used the attack and defense dice system from Descent 2.0. This added more randomness and provides the defender a chance to cancel or reduce the damage from an attack. Each character has additional abilities that can be used, called surges, that trigger if the dice roll shows that symbol. Overall, IA improved greatly on the previous game.
So how does the campaign work? To start, the core set contains a number of Rebel character heroes for players to choose from, each with their own abilities, skills, and equipment. One player plays the Imperials, running all the opposing forces. A campaign is played out over several missions with an interconnecting storyline. Each mission leads to another, dependent on who was victorious. At the end of each mission, experience (XP) is awarded, allowing players to improve their skills and gain new equipment. The Imperial player, also improves his/her strategy, becoming a stronger opponent to the rebels path to victory.
Campaign play allows players to create one’s own unique “Star Wars” story; unique to their group, providing a one-of-a-kind gaming experience.
What sets IA apart from other Role Playing Games, such as Dungeons and Dragons? Simplicity. IA is a streamlined game in that characters, equipment, skills, and upgrades are on decks of cards, and combat numbers are provided directly on them, no charts or tables required. The customized dice are used for all skill checks as well as combat.
Now, why does skirmish mode really make the game awesome? Not only is there squad building unique missions and specific surge abilities, each player also builds a customized deck of cards, called the skirmish deck, that provides even more abilities. Each player can build their deck to synergize with their squad. Just brilliant! This makes for a very fun and unique experience with every play. I can’t count the number of IA games I have played, but I have NEVER had a bad game, whether I won or lost. That to me is what makes a great game.
In closing, with two modes of gameplay, customization, and high replayability, I cannot recommend Imperial Assault enough to consider adding to your game collection, whether you are a “Star Wars” fan or not.
Here is a link to the game’s website if you are interested.
Written by Ed Carter
Hi, I’m Lynn, and I Make.
Props, Cosplay, Scale Models, Home Projects, and just about anything else that involves me Making.
A positive podcast about video games. Chris and Ashley go over the video games we love. Updated biweekly.
She creates wire wrapped designs inspired by your favorite fandoms such as Supernatural, Dragon Ball, Castlevania, Jujutsu Kaisen, and so much more! She’s always looking for design challenges and loves creating for that special occasion, be it a birthday, wedding, holiday, or a “just because” gift! #NotYourTypicalFanArt
A riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a warm tortilla, served to you fresh using patented space-age technology. all games played on this channel are using original hardware and software whenever possible.
Chris and Lynn
Evan Conroy
Ron Peterson