Because we obviously can't have enough of that!

Anyhow I was just thinking that it's gonna be hard for FFG to keep up decent Galactic Civil War era releases as they try to get playable Clone Wars factions out into our hands, and at the same time one of our favorite podcasts was speculating about dual faction units, and it occurred to me that could be the solution.

Let's say Clone Wars comes out with a single starter box or (two faction boxes like X-Wing 2.0), You'd have a couple commanders, corps as part of the starters and as expansions boxes (Clones and Roger Roger droids), a support per (Droidekas are the obvious choice for separatists, maybe a Clone At-RT?), and maybe heavies as expansions, or maybe something else (Operatives? Specialists?) to give these factions a different flavor? Regardless, this is gonna feel pretty anemic compared to the Rebel and Imperial choices, and FFG's gonna want to pump out extra Corps and Specialists and Special Forces, ASAP.

So imagine if each month, if FFG puts out a major unit upgrade for the Clone Wars, but also add a single expansion that can be used for both Rebel and Imperial (or even all four factions). Agent Kallus Commander, Mandalorian Warriors Special Forces, Lando Operative, Hondo Operative...

This could be a way to manage their new release load while keeping the folks with current investments still getting a reasonable amount of new content.

I haven't seen all the Clone or Rebels eps so I'm actually not sure if there is enough content for this strategy to last them all year. What other units could be released as multi faction?

I think it’s more likely they’ll just slow down the releases for GCW while they catch up the Clone Wars. Helps incentivize folks to buy into a new faction to maintain their plastic crack habit while keeping us interested - maybe two months of new release and a month for the old factions in between?

I'm betting that there's going to be a big wave of releases for clone wars as the initial rollout (two corps units per side, at least two commanders, a heavy, and a special forces).

-Commanders: Anakin and Obi-wan, you've gotta have the dynamic duo come out together right away. Likewise the CIS gets Dooku and Grievous to attract fans

-Corps: Republic gets Phase I and II clone troopers to maximize the iconic factor and offer playstyle options, CIS gets B1 and B2 droids right off the bat

-Support: Faction box contains droidekas for CIS with republic likely getting an AT-RT

-Heavies: CIS gets an AAT and the Republic gets... something (I vote for Jedi star fighter because they are actually quite small)

-Special Forces: ARC troopers for the republic and MagnaGuards or Commando Droids for the CIS

I almost think the STAP are equally likely for early release CIS Support unit, especially if the Republic get the AT-RT early on (might as well rip that bandaid off right away). Rather than multi-faction units, I would expect the GCW releases to change such that it was one Rebel and one Empire, much like how the Tank and Speeder are being released, or the Specialist boxes.

I could also see a complete stop in GCW releases while the CW stuff catches up, to further incentivise people starting a new faction. Is it the BEST sales plan? Probably not, but I've seen companies do things that make even less sense.

1 minute ago, Caimheul1313 said:

I almost think the STAP are equally likely for early release CIS Support unit, especially if the Republic get the AT-RT early on (might as well rip that bandaid off right away). Rather than multi-faction units, I would expect the GCW releases to change such that it was one Rebel and one Empire, much like how the Tank and Speeder are being released, or the Specialist boxes.

I could also see a complete stop in GCW releases while the CW stuff catches up, to further incentivise people starting a new faction. Is it the BEST sales plan? Probably not, but I've seen companies do things that make even less sense.

I wouldn't mind that actually. It would be nice to be able to catch up on painting. And to not have to buy into a new faction and keep up with an old one at the same time

I would expect a slower release schedule for Civil War after Clone Wars starts. I would also expect many of the same upgrades to be used from Civil War on many Clone Wars packs, just to reduce the "need" to put out stuff for Civil War. I wouldn't be surprised to see something like an Old Obi Wan for OT when the new Clone Wars has new force powers, or an IG-88 pack when the droids bring new cards into the fray.

I would be fine with a slower pase compared to now. There is a bunch of stuff I just got my hands on and there is plenty of unreleased expansions coming.

Just now, crx3800 said:

I would expect a slower release schedule for Civil War after Clone Wars starts. I would also expect many of the same upgrades to be used from Civil War on many Clone Wars packs, just to reduce the "need" to put out stuff for Civil War. I wouldn't be surprised to see something like an Old Obi Wan for OT when the new Clone Wars has new force powers, or an IG-88 pack when the droids bring new cards into the fray.

Good point, and that would be in keeping with FFG's statement that players won't have to buy packs from another faction for upgrades, unlike Armada or X-Wing V1. I know at least a few people at my local club that are waiting for CW factions before starting to play. As such, they won't have any of the currently released upgrades in their collection.

I'd almost expect to seen Kaanan instead of Old Obi-wan for Force Upgrades, and Inquisitor for the Empire, but otherwise I agree.

15 minutes ago, Caimheul1313 said:

I'd almost expect to seen Kaanan instead of Old Obi-wan for Force Upgrades, and Inquisitor for the Empire, but otherwise I agree.

Anything to get the easy upgrades coming out for all factions. I don't really mind one bit which way we get them.

They can also do cheap recycled molds like an AT-RT with a new pilot. Theoretically the Atgar was a Clone Wars item and could have new crew too.

I would love to see a 2 player starter but think they are more likely goign to follow their runewars style and give two army boxes, this will drive more sales than a 2 player (plus cost more for 2 products vs 1).
Clones
Obi-wan
2 Clone trooper units
1 speeder bike unit

CIS
Grevious
2 b1 units
1 droideka unit

With a quick release of heavies like before. I forsee lot more force users though in coming releases.

Honestly, it won’t impact me whatsoever with how they do it. I will buy the units I am interested in, at a pace I am comfortable with.

I will stick to GCW so I can ultimately field games at home without the need for someone else having materials. I’ll still favor the empire in my purchases because that’s my favorite for going to the game store with, but I won’t fully leave the Rebels out now that I’ve picked up a few on the cheap.

Yeah I've been looking real hard at dabbling in Rebels, but if they announce CW at adepticon I will likely wait to pick up CIS as a second army

19 hours ago, Gridloc said:

I would love to see a 2 player starter but think they are more likely goign to follow their runewars style and give two army boxes, this will drive more sales than a 2 player (plus cost more for 2 products vs 1).
Clones
Obi-wan
2 Clone trooper units
1 speeder bike unit

CIS
Grevious
2 b1 units
1 droideka unit

With a quick release of heavies like before. I forsee lot more force users though in coming releases.

I suspect both Droidekas and Grievous will be kept out of the starter box for reasons of miniature complexity (if done right).

FFG wants the starter box contents to be cheap to produce and easy to assemble, hence the pseudo-snap fit minis with comparatively few parts we got in the GCW starter box.

My money is on:

Anakin Skywalker

2 × clone trooper squads (phase 1) with Z-6 and RPS-6 rocket launcher.

1 × AT-RT with new rider and possibly another set of gun options.

Count Dooku

2 × B1 battle droid squads with a higher base model count, E-5C heavy blaster and E-60R homing missile launcher.

1 × STAP unit of two or maybe three.

Releasing simultaneously or right after would be:

General Kenobi

General Grievous

AAT

TX-130

Droidekas

Arc Troopers

Ahsoka Tano (operative)

Assaj Ventress (operative)

5 minutes ago, aniron said:

FFG wants the starter box contents to be cheap to produce and easy to assemble, hence the pseudo-snap fit minis with comparatively few parts we got in the GCW starter box.

As far as I'm aware, EVERY model kit has been snap fit with few parts/no spare parts. Bossk and Sabine are the first time we are being provided with completely extraneous parts for the purposes of customization, and even there I'd be surprised if the arms didn't have the same shaped rods that slot into the torso.

6 minutes ago, Caimheul1313 said:

As far as I'm aware, EVERY model kit has been snap fit with few parts/no spare parts. Bossk and Sabine are the first time we are being provided with completely extraneous parts for the purposes of customization, and even there I'd be surprised if the arms didn't have the same shaped rods that slot into the torso.

Well, there are still more parts in say the rebel commandos compared to the rebel troopers. No spares, but a more complex model.

I guess folks really can't think of more multi faction units... <.<;;

5 minutes ago, aniron said:

Well, there are still more parts in say the rebel commandos compared to the rebel troopers. No spares, but a more complex model.

True, but since each model comes in a single baggie with all of the necessary parts, it is still within many people's definition of "easy to assemble." Unless you convert, there is no need to pin anything, nor do you have to find the parts on a sprue. But I better understand what you were trying to convey.

I would prefer to see a Grievous model with the option for either 2 or 4 arms, which would likely mean a seperate box rather than including it in the CIS starter box. I think Count Dooku would be the most likely starting commander for CIS, and to keep the whiny blonde boy starter theme going (and the "Vader is included in every starter") Anakin for the GAR.

2 minutes ago, CaptainRocket said:

I guess folks really can't think of more multi faction units... <.<;;

Most units were on just one side of the conflict, and the profits would be better for FFG to release multiple versions of the kit, one for each faction, than a single box with both cards in it.

56 minutes ago, aniron said:

I suspect both Droidekas and Grievous will be kept out of the starter box for reasons of miniature complexity (if done right).

FFG wants the starter box contents to be cheap to produce and easy to assemble, hence the pseudo-snap fit minis with comparatively few parts we got in the GCW starter box.

My money is on:

Anakin Skywalker

2 × clone trooper squads (phase 1) with Z-6 and RPS-6 rocket launcher.

1 × AT-RT with new rider and possibly another set of gun options.

Count Dooku

2 × B1 battle droid squads with a higher base model count, E-5C heavy blaster and E-60R homing missile launcher.

1 × STAP unit of two or maybe three.

Releasing simultaneously or right after would be:

General Kenobi

General Grievous

AAT 

TX-130

  Droidekas

Arc Troopers

Ahsoka Tano (operative)

Assaj Ventress (operative)

AAT is just plain way too big to be practical for this game. It's about 1/3 longer than the huge oval base the tank is coming on and almost as wide as it is long. IT sucks because it's a cool and recognizable CIS weapons platform, but that's how it is.

4 minutes ago, arnoldrew said:

AAT is just plain way too big to be practical for this game. It's about 1/3 longer than the huge oval base the tank is coming on and almost as wide as it is long. IT sucks because it's a cool and recognizable CIS weapons platform, but that's how it is.

Might fit on it sideways though, with the superstructure hanging over the base to the rear. Would also not make it overly fast due to the long base.

1 hour ago, aniron said:

I suspect both Droidekas and Grievous will be kept out of the starter box for reasons of miniature complexity (if done right).

FFG wants the starter box contents to be cheap to produce and easy to assemble, hence the pseudo-snap fit minis with comparatively few parts we got in the GCW starter box.

My money is on:

Anakin Skywalker

2 × clone trooper squads (phase 1) with Z-6 and RPS-6 rocket launcher.

1 × AT-RT with new rider and possibly another set of gun options.

Count Dooku

2 × B1 battle droid squads with a higher base model count, E-5C heavy blaster and E-60R homing missile launcher.

1 × STAP  unit of two or maybe three.

Releasing simultaneously or right after would be:

General Kenobi

General Grievous

AAT

TX-130

Droidekas

Arc Troopers

Ahsoka Tano (operative)

Assaj Ventress (operative)

I really hope that its not a STAP and AT-RT for support, then it will be a clone (no pun intended) of the original starter. having all AT-Rts on the light side and speeders on the dark side seems boring. Why leaning toward droidekas and possibly giving clones the speeders this run around this time.

I can't see them doing Anakin in new starter, branching out and giving new characters like obi-wan seems more likely in my mind, and the grievous/kenobi feud is shown throughout the clone wars series. Though your point on ease of assembly does hold merit. That said if its not a 2 player starter but 2 individual army boxes, having those characters seems more likely.

2 hours ago, aniron said:

I suspect both Droidekas and Grievous will be kept out of the starter box for reasons of miniature complexity (if done right).

FFG wants the starter box contents to be cheap to produce and easy to assemble, hence the pseudo-snap fit minis with comparatively few parts we got in the GCW starter box.

My money is on:

Anakin Skywalker

2 × clone trooper squads (phase 1) with Z-6 and RPS-6 rocket launcher.

1 × AT-RT with new rider and possibly another set of gun options.

Count Dooku

2 × B1 battle droid squads with a higher base model count, E-5C heavy blaster and E-60R homing missile launcher.

1 × STAP unit of two or maybe three.

Releasing simultaneously or right after would be:

General Kenobi

General Grievous

AAT

TX-130

Droidekas

Arc Troopers

Ahsoka Tano (operative)

Assaj Ventress (operative)

We will never ever get a stap unit of 3. Especially in a starter box

2 hours ago, CaptainRocket said:

I guess folks really can't think of more multi faction units... <.<;;

R2 and 3PO could very well fit in this slot as a dual Republic and Rebel unit.

Honestly, some of the Bounty Hunters could have fit in this spot as well to give a CIS/Empire dual unit but considering we're already getting Bossk and he's not dual faction makes me think this is *not* something FFG is going to do.

1 hour ago, aniron said:

Might fit on it sideways though, with the superstructure hanging over the base to the rear. Would also not make it overly fast due to the long base.

It would hang over the front so far that using the movement tool would be incredibly difficult. I just don't know how they will include it unless they shrink it way down.

1 minute ago, FSD said:

R2 and 3PO could very well fit in this slot as a dual Republic and Rebel unit.

Honestly, some of the Bounty Hunters could have fit in this spot as well to give a CIS/Empire dual unit but considering we're already getting Bossk and he's not dual faction makes me think this is *not* something FFG is going to do.

to be fair, they haven't officially announced any released anything on the new factions yet so they could still release him as a multi faction unit, just without spoiling anything in the article