3rd Quarter 2017

https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2017/5/5/heart-of-the-empire/

Was really hoping the next announcement would be for the app, but I must admit I like their choice of location over doing an Endor box.

Did anyone notice that it is not a small box expansion? It looks like a big box one (3 heroes, huge miniature, long campaign....)

Tabletop Admiral updated

awesome news

Yes! Now I can bring Ben, Greedo, and the Inquisitor to the campaigns!

1 hour ago, blackholexan said:

Did anyone notice that it is not a small box expansion? It looks like a big box one (3 heroes, huge miniature, long campaign....)

Yeah the article says 16 missions.

Not sure how I feel about the new power tokens. Seem a bit uneccessary.

Updated Vader card

Whoops forgot to add the damage and strain symbols, I'll try to fix it at some point.

1 hour ago, RogueLieutenant said:

Yeah the article says 16 missions.

Not sure how I feel about the new power tokens. Seem a bit uneccessary.

I like them - I think they are a nice general implementation of several unique effects that have shown up already (I'm thinking device tokens from Saska, recon tokens from Loku, some command cards). They're also another beneficial condition (sort of) that doesn't need to follow all the beneficial condition rules or get their own card. It seems like they'll be nice to have as a design tool going forward - the fact that you can put any defense or attack symbol on them without changing the rules they follow makes them really flexible.

FFG is a day late to the May 4th party but I will take it. Surprised that this isn't an Endor expansion as that made the most sense given their previous release schedule. That being said, Couruscant is my favorite setting in Star Wars so I am looking forward to this big time.

Also interesting to note that they broke their small box - big box expansion cycle (The MSRP is $60, which is the same as Jabba's Realm). Not that I am complaining. 16 more story missions is always welcomed. Now we just need that App....

45 minutes ago, Stompburger said:

I like them - I think they are a nice general implementation of several unique effects that have shown up already (I'm thinking device tokens from Saska, recon tokens from Loku, some command cards). They're also another beneficial condition (sort of) that doesn't need to follow all the beneficial condition rules or get their own card. It seems like they'll be nice to have as a design tool going forward - the fact that you can put any defense or attack symbol on them without changing the rules they follow makes them really flexible.

I like them too. It provides a way to postpone positive (or negative) effects without a condition card. In other words, you do something to give your ally a token, which they use on their next activation if they are still deployed. I think this will add some nice dynamics to both sides of the game.

I like it as long as it stays pretty limited in scope, no older units have access to them without command cards, and it seems like the new units so far are limited in their use. As long as it doesn't become the new damage currency and is more of like others have said, to be used in place of a new condition, I am fine with that.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Imperial Class decks spoiled. We had some discussions about this in another thread and two that come to mind were something like "Martial Law" that will give a police-like feel to the empire with lots of stun and crowd control options and a second that will be something related to force users and using the dark-side of the force to give the imperial troops various buffs.

Also, side note: I'm lovin' Jyn Odan on the cover!

I love the "city fight" nature of this expansion.

1 minute ago, VadersMarchKazoo said:

I'm looking forward to seeing the Imperial Class decks spoiled. We had some discussions about this in another thread and two that come to mind were something like "Martial Law" that will give a police-like feel to the empire with lots of stun and crowd control options and a second that will be something related to force users and using the dark-side of the force to give the imperial troops various buffs.

Also, side note: I'm lovin' Jyn Odan on the cover!

From the article:

Quote

The support figures known as "companions" return to Imperial Assault to bolster both a hero class and an Imperial class.

so it looks like we've got at least a sneak peak at one of the imperial classes! I'm not sure how I feel about that, really - companions are a neat idea in theory, but so far I've found them to be a little bit too fiddly and an unnecessary bit of overhead. But your mileage may vary, and maybe that's just me being extra bitter from having had to endure one too many annoying junk droid assaults .

And from the villain pack article:

Quote

Together, these Ally and Villain Packs introduce three highly detailed figures for Maul, Emperor Palpatine, and Ahsoka Tano that you can use to replace their tokens in your Heart of the Empire campaign. Plus, they introduce brand-new missions for your campaign games and skirmishes, plus all the Deployment cards, Command cards, and Agenda cards you need to explore new Force-centered tactics in every mode of play.

So it looks like even if we don't get a force-themed imperial class deck the new agenda sets at least should have us somewhat covered.

18 minutes ago, ManateeX said:

so it looks like we've got at least a sneak peak at one of the imperial classes! I'm not sure how I feel about that, really - companions are a neat idea in theory, but so far I've found them to be a little bit too fiddly and an unnecessary bit of overhead. But your mileage may vary, and maybe that's just me being extra bitter from having had to endure one too many annoying junk droid assaults .

Interesting, I didn't take "class" so literally (meaning IP class deck) but you may be on to something there. I suppose this could be fun if there were enough companions to make it worth it and the point of the IP class deck would be to empower them. But I'm with you, so far I've been a little underwhelmed by the companions. Then again, I was underwhelmed with 'hidden' until I played Imperial Black Ops.

14 minutes ago, VadersMarchKazoo said:

Interesting, I didn't take "class" so literally (meaning IP class deck) but you may be on to something there. I suppose this could be fun if there were enough companions to make it worth it and the point of the IP class deck would be to empower them. But I'm with you, so far I've been a little underwhelmed by the companions. Then again, I was underwhelmed with 'hidden' until I played Imperial Black Ops.

Looks like there will be a bunch of new companions though!

2 hours ago, Otakuon said:

FFG is a day late to the May 4th party but I will take it.

May 5th is the day of the Sith.

I must say that on the surface, just by setting, this looks more interesting to me than Jabba's Realm, which I skipped.

Could this be Imperial Assault's Nerekhall?

And yes, I too am anxiously awaiting the app... or a new campaign for Descent.

2 minutes ago, jvdvalk said:

I must say that on the surface, just by setting, this looks more interesting to me than Jabba's Realm, which I skipped.

Could this be Imperial Assault's Nerekhall?

And yes, I too am anxiously awaiting the app... or a new campaign for Descent.

I definitely recommend getting Jabba's Realm, if you like playing campaign. It's the best campaign so far, in my opinion (I think a lot of people here would agree).

43 minutes ago, jvdvalk said:

Could this be Imperial Assault's Nerekhall?

I had this exact thought as well. Descent really stepped up it's game with SoN and I would love something like it for IA.

57 minutes ago, Dark Reaper said:

I had this exact thought as well. Descent really stepped up it's game with SoN and I would love something like it for IA.

I've only played a couple of campaigns of Descent, what's great about SoN that you're hoping to see in IA? Trying to avoid spoilers for those who might want to play SoN, naturally... Thanks!

I like what I'm seeing. I'm sure about melee stormtroopers, but i do like the Dark Trooper-esque robots. Here is still praying for Zuckuss and 4-LOM in the blisters.

In the article the mentioned Ahoska Tano and Maul. Can this mean the get there own minis? : D

10 minutes ago, Chrisael said:

In the article the mentioned Ahoska Tano and Maul. Can this mean the get there own minis? : D

Yes, both will have their own packs, as well as Emperor Palpatine.

3 minutes ago, Hawkman2000 said:

Yes, both will have their own packs, as well as Emperor Palpatine.

Are there any pictures of this minis out now?