Usually I don't buy 2nd core sets/same game and I hate it when a game forces you to do it if you want to play "as intended". But after paying less than 30CAD for my first core set (a FGS had a promotion: At the cashier you roll 1D20+1D12 and the result is your % off the retail price, I rolled 21!!!) and seeing I could buy one for 36CAD new at a LGS I couldn't resist. For a few bucks more than 2 expansions you get 3 ships, more templates, 1 more ruler, more tokens and 6 more invaluable die.

But like many already said, 1 core set to start with is enough to have tremendous fun. The simple mechanics and complex strategy make this game almost perfect!

Add a black sheet/fabric on your playing table and you're good to go! You don't have to double the core set and buy every expansions right away, just get 1 core set, setup your first game, start moving your ships and roll some dice and you'll see! Add some Star Wars soundtrack as a bonus for the mood and BAM! you'll wake up the next morning with a geek boner thinking about your last evening lol!

SolennelBern said:

First of all, I have to ask; did the store give a bonus discount if you rolled a critical hit/natural 20?

Anyways, I totally agree on the sense of dread about having to buy a second Core Set to get the more "complete" experience, as there comes with it, a lot of extra material that you simply won't use. For X-Wing, though, it was almost a no-brainer to get a second one, as the value was insane. The only things I don't really need the extra copies of (but COULD use, theoretically), are the ship number tokens, target locks, and unique cards.

I welcome extra asteroid tokens and the second shuttle, because I can easily craft a scenario around them. The extra ships are obviously entirely playable. The 3-of-each dice are a boon. While I can't see myself practically needing more than 4 on any given roll, it's a lot better than only getting 3, which was just stupid.

As well, the duplicate damage deck and movement templates go to your opponent, and you don't need to be reaching around for stuff all the time.

I so want to get a second Core Set for Lord of the Rings, to get more copies of insanely useful cards like Unexpected Courage, but the amount of dead weight that goes along with it just gets in my way every time. Every single Encounter deck card, of which there are many, are total trash, because you don't use them for anything else. The hero cards are likewise useless, because their uniqueness transcends YOUR deck, and applies to all players.

The extra tokens and threat trackers are nice, and obviously the extra cards that come in handy, but I don't think the value is there.

So on one extreme, X-Wing's second Core Set is almost a must-have in terms of value, I find Lord of the Rings on the opposite end of the spectrum. Netrunner is sort of in the middle. Some dead weight, sure, but there are enough useful copies of cards that can be of use, and even having two copies of the player aids for spending your clicks are great, as you can handily keep track of your opponent's options while you plan your turn.

The only thing I found to be useless in buying 2 Cores is 5 Pilot cards and 2 Upgrade cards.

Duplicate numbers are no problem as you can then run white and black versions of them to differentiate between players running the same faction in multiplayer games. And since Target locks have different letters on opposite sides make two copies useable too. I probably won't use the the second damage deck very often, but could easily use it to give both players their own deck.

Now a third Core set would pretty much just be used for the movement templates and models. Thus, I don't plan to purchase another one.

-DavicusPrime

Do you think having two damage decks might skew the game? Like, making it too possible to get the really nasty ones on critical hits?

Just wondering, haven't played yet…

I. J. Thompson said:

Can't use 2 decks in tournament, but for common play, just let your opponent know you have an altered deck, if he allows it, or helps make the altered deck, have fun!

I've played all 3 scenarios with the core set, and with 100 pt setups. I have to say, both are fun. If all I had was the core set, I'd be having a blast with this game. Don't knock just two TIEs and an X-Wing. With the components of the core set, you have many different combinations to play with pilots and points. And getting it through a discounter, $30 or less, it has great value. Considering I spend a good $50 for a 'game', this is a deal.

-shnar

While I agree with what most of you are saying, and I've gladly delved into this game, I can easily see where he's coming from. I was a bit dismayed myself, initially. You have to understand that not all miniature gamers are accustomed to laying out the money you mention. I've played for quite a while, and I've never been able to handle the investment necessary for games like Warhammer, Confrontation, Hordes, etc. Granted, a lot of that is also because I don't have the time or skill for painting either. But still. I played Mage Knight back in the day, if anyone even remembers that. Along with the Star Wars minis game and several others (even the sad little space battles version). The major disappointment when you come from this background is the sheer lack of models you can acquire. Yes it's nice not to have all the crappy common models laying around. But if you had asked me beforehand how much I'd expect to pay for a single model…I don't think I'd have gone higher than 8-9 dollars. At 15 I'd expect 2 models at least. The other part that's difficult to take, at times, is that if I DO want to get 4 Y-wings together…well, everything else in the pack is virtually worthless, at least after the second purchase. It's a great game, the quality is great, and I'm content to deal with the downside. And I do think he's overreacting a bit. But at least allow the man that there IS a downside. Just my point of view.

By the way, is it just me, or does there seem to be an inordinate percentage of users named Dave on these boards? Hello Daves, I'm noob. Glad to collectively meet you.

Love how OP totally abandoned this thread along with the game lol.

Anyway, price is what turns everyone down in games. When I play Magic, Yugioh, Pokemon, Star Wars X-Wing, or whatever the hell else, there are always people saying "Oh this is a huge rip off!, This is so expensive! The game is bad because you have to spend so much!" It really isn't that bad lol. If you have a job, you'll have disposable income. Spend it on something that makes you happy. I guaruntee you OP does not have a job, and most likely has his parents buy him everything, so when he gets a new toy, or game, he doesn't think of the price, he thinks oh look a game I got, but when it's a game like star wars that has several expansions that you need to get, you can't easily convince your parents or whoever to buy it for it. Game is not that expensive when you look at the extreme quality of the game, and when you look at how cheap you can get figures for.

I think the core set is great value as a game in a box. My son and I really enjoy playing it and later today I'll be having a game or several with a real live adult. If you're going for vast swarms of ships then, as with everything else, it's up to the individual to weigh up the money cost vs game value.

My only gripe with the core set is the 3 if each dice. In the pure innocent logic of my 6 year old son, "why aren't there 4 when you need 4?"

KarmikazeKidd said:

I'm sure there's a Borg joke in there someplace…

I will be honest. I was a bit dissapointed when I found out that there were only 3 ships in the starter box; however, being a player of minature games,, this is not really bad. Basically for 39 dollars you get a 2 player scrimmage. I used to play warmachiene and for $50 you only get a one player scrimmage. Not to mention the rules for the core game cost $50 plus your faction book cost ANOTHER $50. So as far as minature games go…. its not really expensive at all. My inatinal investment was the Core game,plus an x wing, 2x y-wings, tie fighter, and tie advanced fighter A total investment of $120 (I could of got it cheaper online but I decided to support my local gamming store)

. This is a playable army for TWO people. Anyone that has played minature games knows that $120 for 2 STARTER armies with the rule book is unheard of in gamming. I think that eventually I will buy another core game for the 2 extra tie fighters, dice and templates. I also think that FF decided to only include 3 ships as a stragetic marketing ploy. The could of doubled the mini's and threw in a tie advanced fighter with darth vader but the box set would of cost arround $100. In today's econony who wants to spend $100 on a game? I will but I dont like investing $100 on something I may or may not like. At this price point you can invest little money and decide if you want to spend more.

After playing this game I am having more fun with it than some of the Minature games I have invested $500+ time to paint and assemble. This is a very well rounded game. If you dont like what you get in the box.. buy another one. or do every other minature gamming person does… assemble your army for 1/2 the cost and pray to God that someone will show up to play with you.

Harleequin said:

(Anyone else have problems with Backspace deleting everything you've said thus far?) Anywho, I appreciate what you're saying, and agree to an extent. But this is a poor assumption you're making. Personally, I've had a job full time since I exited high school and I don't really have money to throw around. I'm going back to school, just had surgery my insurance wouldn't cover, and am entering that awkward stage of life where you have to start considering other people in your budgeting. I've got one starter, a Y-wing and a TIE Advanced and that's all I can afford just now. I'm fine with it, and I'm not complaining, but I can see where it would be frustrating. For the $60 I've spent thus far, in other minis games I've played in the past, I would have significantly more figures to work with. I know these are high quality figures. But this can still be tough to swallow for some people. You're correct about people having issues with prices across the board though. I don't really play CCGs anymore because trying to keep up is just ridiculous. I'd much rather play Dominion than Magic. And as fascinating as Warhammer and its siblings are to me, I can't see myself investing the money and time.

But I've decided this game is worth it, despite the fact that it does not fit my preferred pricing model.

DavicusPrime said:

Even not needing any of the extra components of a third Core Set, just the three ships is cheaper than three expansions… I wanted 9 TIE and 6 X-Wings. The cheapest way was four Core Sets, one TIE expansion and two X-Wing expansions (wanted the new cards anyway).

To be honest, I'm glad OP posted this. It's been nice to see the overwhelming response from people who like the game. I was sort of on the fence, but now it's on my buy list.

KarmikazeKidd said:

Yes. it sucks, I use Chrome - is it just Chrome users?

Chrome user here. The backspace thing drives me crazy. I write my posts in Notepad and paste them here.

MechaBri.Zilla said:

Yeah, kinda funny isn't it? I'm guessing such a constructive, upbeat & useful series of responses was NOT the OP's intended result.

Yeah, I use Chrome too. I was wondering if it was browser specific. I usually just highlight, then backspace. It's annoying but it works.

I, too, have been impressed that this went from a more negative start to largely positive responses.

I know not everyone has $100, but for those who do you can get 2 starters + 1 of each expansion + 1 extra of your favorite expansion (with free S/H at miniature market or cool stuff inc). That will give you 11 ships (4 Rebels + 6 imperials + 1 more of your favorite ship). More importantly, it will give you MANY different pilot cards and upgrades to chose from for each ship. For $100 you have a ton of variety (and you can still get some good variety for less than that.. much less if you have friends who also invest a little in the game).

Imagine how much worse it would be if each ship cost $7-8 but only came with one or two pilot cards (say one unique, one non-unique), and/or only a couple of upgrades per expansion. And/or, if things were random. You'd end up with more ships for your money, but much less playability for your money.

All in all I feel like this is a good amount of value for your money… though only 3 instead of 4 of each color dice in the starter set IS unfortunate (but, they are in this to make money after all).

the dice issue will be resolved once wave 2 comes out and you can buy the extra dice pack

fiddybucks said:

Resolved yes but the box should of come with 4 of each die, it was the only gripe I had with the box set and was pretty cheap of FFG, it's obvious we'd need 4 of each with Torpedoes and Concussion missiles, X-wings at range 1 and TIEs at range 3

I play 40K and Magic, and this game is a good deal for all the reasons that have been stated.

I got 6 of each ship (I have 10 Tiefighters) , and love the game!

I'm surprised that I have not seen on Ebay Rules, and nonship token (Movement, damage deck, Dice) up for sale from people buying more starter sets but selling the pieces you need to play. I have been thinking about that, but who knows if there is a market for people…

Black2 said:

In fairness, I bought a second starter and half the decision was to get more tokens, markers, templates, and dice. It's a PITA to keep passing that stuff across a 3x3 board. Then again, in my case, I often have to have everything needed for two players as I tend to be the one buying stuff in my group. I have plenty of people to play with, just not many that are willing to dedicate the money to things that I am, which is fine… I like having stuff.

So, how much would a premium rulebook be worth if it contained all the backstory and fluff that a typical tabletop rulebook has?

On-Topic: from the perspective of someone that primarily plays tabletop wargames (as opposed to board games), the value of X-Wing is great. Not many tabletop games have 2 opposing forces ready to play straight from the box. I just hope they have plans for some premium tokens, dials, and move templates because I'm not real crazy about cardboard pieces.

DangerousFat said:

Sounds like you should do what we do on our Friday meets. Just put in a £1 every week and when you have something you want to get, the kitty can buy it. We bought 2 starter X-wing sets this way.