Hi folks,

I was thinking of picking up a Star Wars RPG and was looking at Edge of Empire in my local store, then realised there were 2 Star Wars RPGs on the shelf!

Is this game mechanically the same to Age of Rebellion? Or are they actually different games?

And why put out two different game lines if they're mechanically the same and not just cover the different styles of game with source books?

They are mechanically the same, but offer two different settings.

In Edge of the Empire, you'll be able to play scum and vilany from the outer rim, from a mercenary to a merchant going through bounty hunters.

In Age of Rebellion, you'll play individuals through the conflict of the Civil War, opposing the Rebels to the Empire.

Both games are entirely compatible, any character from EotE can be played to AoR, and any character from AoR can play in EotE. the only difference between both of them, are the items, the Careers and specialisation. But bastionKain did a double review of Age of Rebellion compared to Edge of the Empire HERE!

FFG separated the star wars universe in three main books :

- Edge of the Empire : Where you play outer rim scum in a gritty galaxy.

- Age of Rebellion : Glorious heroes from the Rebellion / Empire conflict

- Force and Destiny : Where you play Jedi / Sith and Force Sensitive in the Galaxy.

Hope that helps

And why put out two different game lines if they're mechanically the same and not just cover the different styles of game with source books?

By having separate games for each style, they can better deliver on each style.

There are Force Sensitives in both Age of Rebellion and Edge of the Empire, but they're very much secondary to the themes in each book. Force and Destiny is where everyone expects the Force to play a larger role in the Start Wars Roleplay experience.

And why put out two different game lines if they're mechanically the same and not just cover the different styles of game with source books?

It was actually a smart way to break down the development of the game into something manageable. Considering that they're dealing with all new mechanics, all new ways of dealing with character generation and development, and all new way of dealing with the Force, the different product lines are actually a good thing for the future quality and longevity of the game.

Anyway, pick a theme...outer rim edge of legality style of play, or fight against the empire style of play, and that will inform your book choice. Personally I prefer Edge, but of course I bought both

And why put out two different game lines if they're mechanically the same and not just cover the different styles of game with source books?

If I had a credit for every time that question got asked...

They actually answer that specific question in the product launch/preview video. The short answer was they felt putting it all in one book would short change the material. I would also think while AoR is a bit thin in regards to breaking new ground in the game, F&D probably would have been too much for simply a supplement so they opted for the trilogy approach.