Especially at lower fear check levels. For example, an average fear check will often result in positive results for the PCs. Isn't that a little gamey?

The Order 66 advice in one of the episode to ignore lower difficulty fear check.

I would use lower difficulty fear check, within a context: Like being restraint in an ice cave, or facing alone a dangerous creature, or being surprised by 2 stormtroopers. The key here will be using setbacks to reflect the situation at hand.

I hope this advice works for you.

The GM can simply up the difficulty of fear checks to make it more reasonable.

8 hours ago, RecklessFable said:

Especially at lower fear check levels. For example, an average fear check will often result in positive results for the PCs. Isn't that a little gamey?

Why is often getting a positive result on an average fearcheck a bad thing?

42 minutes ago, Stan Fresh said:

Why is often getting a positive result on an average fearcheck a bad thing?

Takes away their relevance if they aren't a challenge on a regular basis.

I always upgrade fear checks with at least one red for the chance of despair!

That shot of adrenaline and the fear response can be positive in real life too!

5 hours ago, MrTInce said:

Takes away their relevance if they aren't a challenge on a regular basis.

I always upgrade fear checks with at least one red for the chance of despair!

There's value in a mechanic that shows your character is capable of dealing with normal levels of fear relatively routinely.

This all has a very simple solution: If you succeed a fear check, nothing happens.

36 minutes ago, Yaccarus said:

This all has a very simple solution: If you succeed a fear check, nothing happens.

Considering the importance of mastering your fear in the Star Wars mythos, that would be deeply disappointing every time.

Also don't forget about adding in boost or setback dice for assorted conditions.

Obviously there are a bunch of ways boost dice come into play, talents, meds or illicit drugs. Having someone in communication with you to provide guidance and support.

Here are some things i do with the Setback dice.

So for the sake of this example; PC has seen something big and nasty in open, it sees him, fear for his life difficulty hard.

So now, how about pitch black cavern. PC can hear critter, but can't see it currently, but had seen it grab its current meal when they lit a flare; 2 setback. And there is the horrible smell of death and the sound of the previous victim being eaten. Perhaps 2 more setback. But, the PC has made a successful xenology check to know that if he can coat himself in its excrement he can hopefully hide from it. 1 boost

Now, another sample. Being surprised by a couple of Stormtroopers, Easy...but, the PC only recently arrived on planet and has never been to Mos Eisley, doesn't know the streets, doesn't have a map, let alone know which areas of town are safe. The PC also knows that they are wanted by imperial forces for backing up the refresher system on the partially complete death star II just a few days before Vader was set to arrive. Darn Imperial burritos. So 1 setback for each of those. He also knows running back to the ship would put it and his fellow PCs in jeopardy. Panic sets in. He would of tried to scramble up onto the nearby rooftops, but lacks Athletics and probably fall. He also notes hearing nearby doors lock as one of the Stormtroopers shouts, "You, you're wanted for questioning by the ISB! Don't move!" So most likely I'd add another setback for the intimidation "you can't run" factor. There may even be an additional setback die for the scorching oppressive heat.

Now its only two Stormtroopers and on any other day, it wouldn't be even a little scary in his hometown. And not being wanted for a crime the wookie actually did, they wouldn't even look his way. The ship also has a legitimate record permit on the home planet, so no threat of impoundment. Only the Wookie would draw attention, but they have solid forged papers for her on the groups home planet. No roll needed. If it did happen, the above setback reasons reversed in this paragraph would be boost dice.