Today we’re diving into “Star Wars: Unlimited.” This is a collectible card game from Fantasy Flight Games, set in the iconic Star Wars universe. If you’re a fan of epic space battles, strategic deckbuilding, & the timeless struggle between the Galactic Empire & the Rebel Alliance, this might just be the game for you. So, let’s break it down—what it is, what’s good, what’s bad, & if you should pick it up. Let’s get into it.
What It Is
“Star Wars: Unlimited” is a fast-paced, two-player collectible card game where players construct decks to represent the forces of either the Galactic Empire or the Rebel Alliance. The goal? Destroy your opponent’s Base card before they destroy yours. The game features innovative mechanics that split the battlefield into Ground & Space zones, requiring players to strategically manage their forces across these different fronts. Thematically rich & deeply connected to the Star Wars universe, this game is designed to immerse you in the galaxy far, far away.
Gameplay Overview
To set up a game of Star Wars: Unlimited, each player places their base in the center of the table, then puts their leader cards beneath their base with the horizontal (non-unit) side faceup. Players randomly determine who starts with the initiative and gives that player the initiative counter. Each player then shuffles their deck and draws six cards, with the option for one mulligan, where they can reshuffle their entire hand and draw a new one. Each player then chooses two cards from their hand to place facedown as “resources,” which are used to pay for cards played during the game but can no longer be used for their abilities.
Once both players are ready, the game begins with the action phase. In this phase, players take turns performing a single action at a time, starting with the player holding the initiative counter. The available actions are playing a card, attacking with a unit, using an action ability, taking the initiative, and passing. The phase continues until both players pass consecutively.
To play a card, a player exhausts a number of resources equal to the card’s cost and places the card into play. Units enter play exhausted and are placed in either the ground or space arena, determined by the first unit played. When a unit is played, its “When Played” abilities are immediately resolved. Upgrades attach to units, enhancing their power and HP, and events resolve their effects instantly and are then discarded.
Attacking with a unit involves exhausting a ready unit and choosing a target, either an enemy unit in the same arena or the opponent’s base. Damage dealt is equal to the attacking unit’s power. If a unit is attacked, both the attacker and defender simultaneously deal damage to each other. Units with the Ambush ability can attack immediately upon entering play. Units exhaust when they attack, regardless of other abilities.
Using an action ability involves resolving the ability on a card, paying any necessary costs. Leader cards have both normal action abilities and an “Epic Action,” which can be performed once per game to deploy the leader as a unit if enough resources are available. If the leader unit is defeated, it flips back to its horizontal side and cannot be redeployed.
The last actions, taking the initiative and passing, involve “doing nothing.” Passing allows the opponent to take their turn, while taking the initiative claims the initiative counter and ensures the player will act first in the next round. Once a player takes the initiative, they pass for all subsequent actions in that phase. Only one player can take the initiative each round.
After both players have passed, the game moves to the regroup phase, consisting of drawing cards, resourcing a card, and readying cards. Players draw two cards from their deck, may optionally resource one card from their hand, and ready all exhausted cards. The player with the initiative counter then starts the next action phase. This cycle repeats until one player destroys their opponent’s base.
Star Wars: Unlimited involves strategic card play, resource management, and tactical combat, with each round comprising setup, action, and regroup phases. Players must balance their actions, utilize their leader’s abilities, and effectively manage their units and resources to achieve victory by destroying the opponent’s base. The variety of strategies and card combinations makes each game unique and engaging.
The Components
Fantasy Flight Games has outdone themselves with the quality of the components in “Star Wars: Unlimited.” The cards are durable & feature stunning, comic book-inspired artwork that captures the essence of the Star Wars universe. From iconic characters & vehicles to beautifully rendered locations, the visuals are a treat for any Star Wars fan. The optional accessories, such as acrylic tokens & neoprene play mats, add both aesthetic & practical value, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
The Good
“Star Wars: Unlimited” excels in its accessibility. Despite its depth, the game is easy to learn, making it suitable for both seasoned gamers & newcomers to the collectible card game genre. The intuitive mechanics, coupled with the thematic ties to the Star Wars universe, ensure that fans can dive into the action without a steep learning curve.
The deckbuilding aspect is another major plus. The game’s flexibility allows for endless customization, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies & combinations. The Aspect system, which introduces unique playstyles based on different factions within the Star Wars universe, adds another layer of replayability, ensuring that each game feels fresh & exciting.
The Initiative system also deserves a shoutout for adding a unique strategic element to the gameplay. The decision to seize or relinquish the Initiative can turn the tide of battle, adding a dynamic ebb & flow that keeps players on their toes.
The Bad
While “Star Wars: Unlimited” has a lot going for it, there are a few drawbacks. One potential issue is the game’s reliance on expansions. While the base game offers a solid experience, the true depth & variety come with additional card sets & expansions. This can make the game feel somewhat incomplete out of the box, pushing players toward further investment to fully enjoy the experience.
Another concern is Fantasy Flight Games’ history with managing game expansions. While the planned four-month release cycle is promising, there’s always a risk of oversaturation, which could overwhelm players & dilute the game’s quality over time.
Lastly, the game’s comic book-inspired artwork, while vibrant & unique, may not appeal to everyone. Some fans might prefer a more traditional or cinematic art style, which could be a minor drawback for those particular about aesthetics.
The Verdict
So, should you buy “Star Wars: Unlimited”? If you’re a Star Wars fan, this game is a must-have. It beautifully captures the essence of the Star Wars universe, offering a deep, strategic experience that will appeal to both casual fans & hardcore gamers alike. The deckbuilding flexibility, coupled with the thematic immersion, makes it a standout in the collectible card game market.
For board game enthusiasts, “Star Wars: Unlimited” offers a refreshing take on the genre, with its innovative mechanics & fast-paced gameplay. While the game may require further investment in expansions to fully unlock its potential, the core experience is strong enough to justify diving in.
However, if you’re wary of collectible card games due to the potential for ongoing costs or if the art style doesn’t resonate with you, you might want to consider these factors before committing.
Final Thoughts
As someone who has spent a lot of time playing various card games, I found Star Wars: Unlimited to be a standout. Even though I have an easier time grasping new games due to my experience, it was apparent that the game’s design was intuitive & accessible, even for newcomers. During a prerelease event, the other players—many of whom were new to this type of game—remarked on how easy it was to learn & how quickly they could dive into the action. I even taught it to a friend who isn’t a fan of Star Wars, & they picked it up just as quickly.
The game’s system is elegantly crafted, providing a snappy & engaging flow. The Aspect system, which allows for flexible deck-building, combined with the numerous potential card synergies, makes the game feel deeply rewarding. This flexibility adds a significant layer of strategic depth, making each game feel unique & satisfying.
For fans of the Star Wars franchise, Star Wars: Unlimited hits all the right notes. The gameplay evokes the same sense of epic battles & iconic hero moments that you get from playing Star Wars: Battlefront, with soldiers & ships clashing amidst the chaos. As a Star Wars fan, I found this vibe absolutely sublime, & it quickly became my favorite tabletop game in years.
Fantasy Flight has already announced two upcoming seasonal expansions for the game, with a sensible four-month release cycle. This approach suggests they are aiming to position Star Wars: Unlimited alongside giants like Magic: The Gathering, without overwhelming players with excessive product drops. This strategy is a relief for those of us who are wary of the financial commitment required by some other card games.
What astonished me the most was how quickly Star Wars: Unlimited hooked me. From the very first game, it was clear that this was something special, & each subsequent game only deepened my appreciation. If Fantasy Flight can maintain the quality & not flood the market with too many releases, the future looks bright for this game. However, given their history, there’s always a concern about whether they can keep this balance.
True to its name, Star Wars: Unlimited offers a lot of flexibility for players who prefer to bend the rules. Whether it’s incorporating off-aspect cards, experimenting with different leaders & bases, or customizing deck sizes, the game supports a wide range of play styles. This openness is a double-edged sword, as it allows for creativity but also requires careful management to avoid pitfalls.
The partnership with Gamegenic means there are plenty of custom-built accessories available right from the start, adding to the game’s appeal. The stellar original artwork, drawing from all corners of the Star Wars canon, enhances the experience. Comparing it to Disney Lorcana, Star Wars: Unlimited feels more engaging & complete at launch, offering a rich & satisfying gameplay experience right out of the box. With planned releases stretching into 2027, I’m excited to see how this game evolves & deepens over time.
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