I see that the cost of the Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook is $60 (which seems like an awful lot, given that I can buy the incredibly complex Arkham Horror for that amount). However, the unique dice don't come with the core rulebook but are necessary to play and those are an additional $15 (assuming you're all going to share one set, which I'm guessing most won't).
Am I right that the base cost to play Edge of the Empire is actually $75?
Edited by ThunderforgeNo - You can convert normal D6s, D8s and D12s to this system also: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9yeq6g2vh2tvlsq/EoE%20Dice%20Chart.jpg
Alternatively you can utilize a smartphone or tablet if you wish for $5 in place of the dice with the dice rolling app.
Also certain online retailers (Coolstuffinc and Miniature Market) are currently running promotions with the game and dice well below the MSRP. So allowing you to get a set of dice and book for less than the MSRP on the book.
Edited by NashableIs the dice chart difficult to use? Just by looking at it, it seems like it would really slow things down when you've got a whole pool of dice. Besides, the book uses the symbols, so you'd have to back-convert as well, no? No smartphone unfortunately, so that's out (even if it wasn't, then the price would really be $65 to play).
It's a pity that the recommendation is to get it online; I really want to support my Friendly Local Gaming Store.
Is the dice chart difficult to use? Just by looking at it, it seems like it would really slow things down when you've got a whole pool of dice. Besides, the book uses the symbols, so you'd have to back-convert as well, no? No smartphone unfortunately, so that's out (even if it wasn't, then the price would really be $65 to play).
It's a pity that the recommendation is to get it online; I really want to support my Friendly Local Gaming Store.
Grab the sticker sheet, print it on label paper, and convert some dice.
It cost me $50 to play... $40 for the book, and $10 for the dice. Lots of good deals if you take the time to look (i.e., miniaturemarket.com and coolstuffinc.com). Most places ship free for $100, and they sell lots of games at discount prices... so if you can arrange that it would be an especially good deal.
Picked up my copy of the book tonight. It is beautiful - Artwork, Layout, Content.... On of the coolest Star Wars items I have at the moment and well worth the price.
And 75$ is not really that much to begin with, to be honest. DnD books can run 40 bucks a pop, and you need AT LEAST two of them, though probably more when push comes to shove. For a system that literally gives you endless possibilities, I think 75 bucks is completely reasonable.
Especially if you get your 5 or 6 friends that are typically going to play it to help chip in! Joint purchases make it even cheaper.
Gotta ask, but have you bought an RPG before? There is a bit of a difference between an RPG and a boardgame. I enjoy boardgames too, but I could buy Risk or Monopoly for less than either Star Wars or Arkham Horror. The fact that both run about the same doesn't denote their value one way or another as their value is going to be relative. I would get much more value out of an RPG that I spend $60 on than I would out of a boardgame. If it is the cost, as others have already noted, there are less expensive options. What is the issue?
In modern terms, $75 isn't bad. You could look at alternatives:
So $75 really isn't that much in comparison to closely equivalent systems. Before you decide to go by Savage Worlds as the cheapest, remember you won't have any source material for Star Wars... so add costs/time for that. If you purchased all the generic splat books (ex. Droids, Starships, Species, etc.), well, you are right back at $75 plus.
Just my 2 credits...
It's been discussed before (elsewhere at least), people will pay $$$ when going to the theatre/cinema, for videogames, themeparks, whatnot... often quite a lot for much less entertainment and for a shorter amount of time than a session playing a roleplaying game. I guess its priorities and some constructed notion of how much $XX is in one context compared to another.
It's not cheap as a one time expense no, but considering how many hours of fun you (most likely) will have, compared to videogames, movies or even board games, I think its pretty ok, perhaps even cheap... in the long run.
But in respons to your question, yes its $75 to get the game with proper dice.
Edited by JegergryteGotta ask, but have you bought an RPG before? There is a bit of a difference between an RPG and a boardgame. I enjoy boardgames too, but I could buy Risk or Monopoly for less than either Star Wars or Arkham Horror. The fact that both run about the same doesn't denote their value one way or another as their value is going to be relative. I would get much more value out of an RPG that I spend $60 on than I would out of a boardgame. If it is the cost, as others have already noted, there are less expensive options. What is the issue?
Heh... and you're not even bringing in board games like Small World ($60 MSRP) and Agricola ($70 MSRP). Once you get outside the game isle at Target or Walmart, then you're in the domain of an expensive hobby.
And yeah, granted, I'm looking at the RPG books on my shelf, and my beloved D6 Star Wars Roleplaying Game 2nd Edition Revised and Expanded was only $30 cover price... but some things have changed since 1996.
I did a price per page evaluation and after accounting for inflation it's still more expensive, but not that much more expensive.
And 75$ is not really that much to begin with, to be honest. DnD books can run 40 bucks a pop, and you need AT LEAST two of them, though probably more when push comes to shove. For a system that literally gives you endless possibilities, I think 75 bucks is completely reasonable.
Especially if you get your 5 or 6 friends that are typically going to play it to help chip in! Joint purchases make it even cheaper.
Truth!
Much was made about FFG selling the Warhammer 3E boxed set at 100$, but that one box is the only thing the entire campaign needs. It had materials for all the players, the GM, and lots of tokens and cards and the custom dice. With D&D, you often have hundreds of dollars worth of books and materials around the table, but since you buy that stuff piecemeal nobody nobotices the total price.
I realize there's a bit of sticker shock with some of FFG's products, but look at the big picture and you'll find is not that expensive at all compared to other popular RPG products,
With D&D, you often have hundreds of dollars worth of books and materials around the table, but since you buy that stuff piecemeal nobody nobotices the total price.
To be fair, one only needs the Player's Handbook, DMs Guide and Monster Manual for D&D. I spent much of my youth using just those books to run my campaigns. But that still amounts to more than $60.
To me it boils down to thinking of it as an investment rather than an expense... if that makes sense. I think its the most sensible approach. 
To be fair, one only needs the Player's Handbook, DMs Guide and Monster Manual for D&D. I spent much of my youth using just those books to run my campaigns. But that still amounts to more than $60.With D&D, you often have hundreds of dollars worth of books and materials around the table, but since you buy that stuff piecemeal nobody nobotices the total price.
$90 if we're talking actual cover price.
$75 got me a Core Book, GM kit, and 3 extra sets of dice. Compared to the money I dropped into WHFR and Shadowrun over the last year that's an outstanding bargin for a game I plan on running for several years. I know there will be additional supplement costs, but really if you take a moment to dig around you can get in the door relatively inexpensively.
Also, it should be noted that you should not pay full price for this game unless you don't know how the internet works. I gotrule book for $38 + shipping at Miniature Market.
Some may certainly choose to pay full price, particularly as some will steadfastly support their FLGS rather than pay a cheaper price online. I often do so... but with so much money on the table I probably won't in this instance.
Also, it should be noted that you should not pay full price for this game unless you don't know how the internet works. I gotrule book for $38 + shipping at Miniature Market.
Which is why many people don't have a FLGS. Don't forget to support your Friendly Local Gaming Store, nothing like being able to add a last minute set of dice or map.
I'll be getting mine through my FLGS. The least I can do as I play there and he saves stuff like the free adventure for me.
I always try to think in terms of "hours of entertainment per dollar." Using that, any RPG I'm going to actively play is a good investment, especially compared to a movie or novel (and I have no problem paying for those!).
Not to sound like a socialist or anything, but another factor to consider is overall cost to the group. Consider the dice: When I play a d20 game (which is mostly what I do -- my group currently cycles between my Star Wars Saga campaign and two 4E games), everyone has their own set of dice. In fact, I think everyone has a giant sack of dice. Admittedly, those dice have been accumulated over the years, but the total investment for the table has to be somewhere between 50 and 100 bucks.
Now, on the other hand, it's my understanding that most EotE groups playing so far have been sharing dice. So while one or two people are probably shouldering the cost, the per-table cast is likely pretty low.
Same thing with the books, I suspect. If I decide to convert my game to the new system, I know that not everyone is going to buy the book. Since they really only need it for character creation, at least half of the other players will likely borrow mine. 4E, on the other hand, I think everyone has the PHB and 3 of 5 players have the DMG... not to mention the various and sundry support books that you need to keep your character up to speed.
When we converted to Saga (this campaign actually started in the WEG d6 system -- it's been a looooong haul), I bought the core book and I think one other player did two. Now a second player has the core book... but only because I gave him my spare. Beyond the core book, I think one player has the KotOR book. Otherwise, the financial burden has been all mine.
So, for the guy buying everything, it's can be pretty pricey. But for the hours of enjoyment the table is going to get? A pretty good bargain, I think.
Yeah, the cost is average to high-average, but the value is tremendous, in my opinion.
I don't think the price really needs to be defended or picked apart. The answer to the OP's price check is simply: Yes.
I'm actually going to get two or three sets of dice and the core book, which prices me out of an opening day/month purchase, but I'll get there in a handfull of weeks for sure.
Time for me to start popping some coffee money in the piggy bank, and working grumpy / tired for a few months :-)
Edited by CallidonSome may certainly choose to pay full price, particularly as some will steadfastly support their FLGS rather than pay a cheaper price online. I often do so... but with so much money on the table I probably won't in this instance.
Of course, if your entire group is buying a Core Rule Book (not necessary but certainly much handier) and multiple sets of dice, your FLGS might cut you a bulk discount deal. Ours did...
Also, it should be noted that you should not pay full price for this game unless you don't know how the internet works. I gotrule book for $38 + shipping at Miniature Market.
Which is why many people don't have a FLGS. Don't forget to support your Friendly Local Gaming Store, nothing like being able to add a last minute set of dice or map.
There hasn't been a game store within about two hours of me since about 1998. We had a comic and gaming store that closed and it has been impossible to get non-subscription comics and niche games ever since. If I had a game store here, I'd pay more to get certain things for sure. I was just replying to the complaint of the OP who seemed to just want to whine at the price at face value.
