Since it's been almost 3 weeks since getting an article again, and we're still adrift at sea (both literally and figuratively, apparently):

HotE might be one of the weirdest boxed expansions for IA, with a campaign and units that are generally not inspired by the original trilogy films. That said, while the premise may be alienating (no pun intended) for some, there are many great things that this expansion is bringing to the table: new units, new tiles, skirmish fixes, command cards, an apparent focus on force users, etc.

Of everything we're getting, what aspect excites you the most?

Personally (and this may be cheating) but I'm really excited for all of the Clone Wars/Rebels stuff we're getting. The next campaign we're running (Jabba's Realm) is going to also introduce two new players to the mix, and they're both huge fans of the new canon, particularly Rebels. I think they'll be happy to see characters like Ahsoka available in the game, and will be delighted to square off against Maul and AT-DPs. Plus, I really enjoy the idea of mixing in the new canon stuff in with the old canon- more customization of open groups as the Empire is always a ton of fun.

So, what is the draw of HotE for you?

In terms of game play, definitely the new figure packs. Ahsoka, Maul, and the Emperor all look like they'll be fun (and unique) on the table.

In terms of unspoiled/yet-to-be-spoiled things, I'm always intrigued by new campaign weapons, items, and mods. I'd be intrigued by another melee mod (ranged weapons already have mods that let them "swap in a red die" or "add Pierce 1," so something like that for melee weapons would be awesome). And at some point, I imagine the heroes will get a mod that will give them the equivalent of Deadly (spend 1 surge to remove 1 Dodge). I'm not a huge fan of any of the new heroes based on the cards that have been spoiled, so it will be interesting to see what the rest of their class decks hold.

Ahsoka honestly. Rebel figures in general. And the card fixes.

I think Clawdites will be awesome for campaign Imperial Players, and for skirmish. Aesthetically, I am most excited for the Sentry Droids (Dark Troopers) and I hope the elite version is worth it's weight in dead Rebel scum.

I like sticking to time periods (even though it was "abolished" with the Obi-Wan/Greedo/Inquisitor wave), so this will be a great box to use the previously mentioned ally/villain as well as Hera and Chopper during the campaign.

I'm actually really excited about the new heroes. I usually play IP but I love seeing the new team options. So far Jarrod and Drokkatta could go either way, but Ko-Tun looks like she'll be one of the best support characters in the game. The IP classes look pretty awesome too.

I think what I'm most excited about though is the break from the Original Trilogy story line. The completely predictable pattern was getting a little tired and now we get 'other stuff.'

10 minutes ago, IanSolo_FFG said:

I like sticking to time periods (even though it was "abolished" with the Obi-Wan/Greedo/Inquisitor wave), so this will be a great box to use the previously mentioned ally/villain as well as Hera and Chopper during the campaign.

Good point!

I'm actually really excited to play the campaign as well, to bring in Greedo, Hera, Ahsoka, and such. In fact, I'm gonna wait on Nemesis until then, so I can guarantee some pre-OT characters, like the GI.

1 hour ago, subtrendy2 said:

Good point!

I'm actually really excited to play the campaign as well, to bring in Greedo, Hera, Ahsoka, and such. In fact, I'm gonna wait on Nemesis until then, so I can guarantee some pre-OT characters, like the GI.

While Greedo and Grand Inquisitor's Angenda Deck's probably aren't the strongest if you are strictly playing to win (although personally I like both of them) - I love that both of their sets have cards that enable you to bring them into a mission even if you haven't earned them as an official Villain. So if you are intent on getting more villains to torment your Rebels with, you can do it.

Sometimes I just like to offer some variety from the normal figures they see (Royal Guards, Transdoshans, Nexu,etc). There is usually that "woah, lets think about how we want to handle him" thought from the Rebels when a villain like Grand Inquisitor gets deployed.

1 hour ago, totalnoob said:

While Greedo and Grand Inquisitor's Angenda Deck's probably aren't the strongest if you are strictly playing to win (although personally I like both of them) - I love that both of their sets have cards that enable you to bring them into a mission even if you haven't earned them as an official Villain. So if you are intent on getting more villains to torment your Rebels with, you can do it.

I love that about them, and I definitely plan on utilizing that. A lot of times, a villain's agenda deck is all about the mission, anyway- the rest is just filler for a three card total (Vader being an obvious exception). I hope future villain agenda sets realize that we're including them for the villain.

I'm most excited by the Han/Chewie/Vader fixes, then the Clawdites, then the Emperor, then Ahsoka/Maul, then the new campaign characters, then the AT-DP, then the rest!

Unfortunately I'm not going to be buying anything more until I can get more consistent game-play in my area.

The return of the dark lord of the sith. Then, chewie and han. Then, the three packs.

It looks like we're going to be in the most balanced state that Skirmish has seen up to this point. The updated uniques and new figures look like they'll be able to provide some diversity to list building options. Rebels don't have to be built around Luke/Rangers. Droids/Riots/Palp/Vader/AT-Lite should give the Empire some viable strategies. Clawdites are going to give alternate support/spy options to Mercs.

Even if some of it does prove to be more effective than others, the separation looks like it will be small enough that we will still see (and have to prepare for) a wide variety of lists at premier events.

1. Power of the Dark Side

1) This was already voiced but personally I'm really excited to see them move away from the movies a bit. Sure all of the stories have been independent of the movies and they've been great, but I'm really excited to go to some new places with a more RPG sort of feel. "you have taken your first steps into a larger world".

2) I'm also really looking forward to getting a story that Greedo fits into (chronologically)

Note: If Freemaker Adventures are cannon then Hera and Chopper fit into the entire OT.

For Skirmish, Imperials maybe being playable again.

For Campaign, a storyline that's totally independent from the movies.

I'll just add by saying that I'm super excited about the 'mechanics' possibilities of the AT-DP (and yes, I intended double meaning there...). What I mean is the idea of "diminishing returns." For example, I love Imperial Assault, but the combat is honestly somewhat unrealistic. When you are injured in real life it hampers your ability to attack your opponent and be cognizant of all that is going on in your midst, as you are hindered/distracted by your injuries. i love how the AT-DP simulates this by saying "once you reach below this amount of health, then you lose some of your power." I LOVE that idea! We have seen a taste of this in cards like "disorient" which affect characters with beneficial conditions in a negative way, but that one is a one time use and it's not super duper powerful in most cases. But the AT-DP is a permanent thing. It makes recovering more viable (c'mon the Rise of the MHD!!) and it opens up so many interesting design opportunities for the future. I would love to see more figures whose usefulness "changes" based on much health (etc) that they have. Just my 2 cents!

12 minutes ago, TheWelcomeMat88 said:

I'll just add by saying that I'm super excited about the 'mechanics' possibilities of the AT-DP (and yes, I intended double meaning there...). What I mean is the idea of "diminishing returns." For example, I love Imperial Assault, but the combat is honestly somewhat unrealistic. When you are injured in real life it hampers your ability to attack your opponent and be cognizant of all that is going on in your midst, as you are hindered/distracted by your injuries. i love how the AT-DP simulates this by saying "once you reach below this amount of health, then you lose some of your power." I LOVE that idea! We have seen a taste of this in cards like "disorient" which affect characters with beneficial conditions in a negative way, but that one is a one time use and it's not super duper powerful in most cases. But the AT-DP is a permanent thing. It makes recovering more viable (c'mon the Rise of the MHD!!) and it opens up so many interesting design opportunities for the future. I would love to see more figures whose usefulness "changes" based on much health (etc) that they have. Just my 2 cents!

That's a really good point! We obviously see this with wounded heroes, but I think it'd be really awesome to have on other deployment cards, too.

I do think it'd be a little easier to implement on figures with higher health. Not bad on an AT-DP, but accounting for every 3 health rStormtrooper would be a nightmare.

32 minutes ago, subtrendy2 said:

That's a really good point! We obviously see this with wounded heroes, but I think it'd be really awesome to have on other deployment cards, too.

It's not really enough. With all the class cards and items, towards the end of the campaign a wounded hero is practically as powerful as when healthy, unless there are significant amounts of attribute tests to perform. And then, some weapons get more powerful when the hero is wounded...

Having class cards with wounded sides would make the game quite fiddly though. (Also due to needing to reference the cards more often.)

Clawdites and Jerrod for me

i like seeing new innovative mechanics for deployments, and I like the idea of a hero with a companion

The campaign seems to be the most interesting so far. New fresh idea, lets hope it is implemented well.

Also, we get more stromtroopers to paint, cause painting them is like cow bell, can't get enough.

Still waiting for the elite deployments.

1 hour ago, Mep said:

Also, we get more stromtroopers to paint, cause painting them is like cow bell, can't get enough.

Lolz! You be funny, dude

18 hours ago, subtrendy2 said:

Good point!

I'm actually really excited to play the campaign as well, to bring in Greedo, Hera, Ahsoka, and such. In fact, I'm gonna wait on Nemesis until then, so I can guarantee some pre-OT characters, like the GI.

The Grand Inquisitor's mission is so much fun to play. When he appears, he's very much a game changer. Or as my brother-in-law put it: "a Cuisinart"

I'm looking forward to the emperor and riot troopers. But I really want to know what type of new campaign items they will be giving the rebel scum. You can also bet that i'm going to give a sweet innocent news reporter bot feel to 88-z. "excuse me, do you have time for a few questions? how do you feel about our wonderful emperor? I can see by your actions, it must not be in high regard!"

On 9/16/2017 at 2:11 AM, subtrendy2 said:

Of everything we're getting, what aspect excites you the most?

On 9/16/2017 at 2:11 AM, subtrendy2 said:

HotE might be one of the weirdest boxed expansions for IA, with a campaign and units that are generally not inspired by the original trilogy films.

There's your answer.