Star Wars: Rebellion: Box Cover Front
Star Wars: Rebellion - Final battle were I managed to destroy the Dead Star after first space combat turn. This move gave me two final reputation points. I had my rebel base in that system so I would probably loose without that card. - Credit: Hipopotam
Star Wars: Rebellion - As a last effort before losing the game I decided to enter Dantooine without any ground forces and destroyed the whole system. Luckily the rebel scum were hiding there. - Credit: Hipopotam
Star Wars: Rebellion - A squadron of fighters destroying Death Star in a swift retaliation after the destruction of inhabited planet. They all came directly from the Rebel Base that was hidden in far far away. - Credit: Hipopotam
Star Wars: Rebellion - The Rebel scum managed to destroy Death Star again gaining 2 final support points needed to win the game. - Credit: Hipopotam
Star Wars: Rebellion - Luke turned to the dark side and attacked the rebel base on Endor, joined by Vader. Leia did what she could, but was no match for the Empire. I love this game! - Credit: Shelmad
Star Wars: Rebellion - Close up of rebels - Credit: Fabian the Delayer
Star Wars: Rebellion - End Game. Rebel win with relocated base at Tatooine. Original base location was Kessel. Using Expanded Unit Boards 1.4 & Magnetic Search Board 1.0 - Credit: lantinian
Star Wars: Rebellion - Two buddies hanging around the Death Star. - Credit: Hipopotam
Star Wars: Rebellion - Thank you Vader but your rebel base is in another castle. - Credit: Hipopotam
Star Wars: Rebellion - Han Solo failing to rescue captured Leia. - Credit: Hipopotam
  1. Star Wars: Rebellion: Box Cover Front
  2. Star Wars: Rebellion - Final battle were I managed to destroy the Dead Star after first space combat turn. This move gave me two final reputation points. I had my rebel base in that system so I would probably loose without that card. - Credit: Hipopotam
  3. Star Wars: Rebellion - As a last effort before losing the game I decided to enter Dantooine without any ground forces and destroyed the whole system. Luckily the rebel scum were hiding there. - Credit: Hipopotam
  4. Star Wars: Rebellion - A squadron of fighters destroying Death Star in a swift retaliation after the destruction of inhabited planet. They all came directly from the Rebel Base that was hidden in far far away. - Credit: Hipopotam
  5. Star Wars: Rebellion - The Rebel scum managed to destroy Death Star again gaining 2 final support points needed to win the game. - Credit: Hipopotam
  6. Star Wars: Rebellion - Luke turned to the dark side and attacked the rebel base on Endor, joined by Vader. Leia did what she could, but was no match for the Empire. I love this game! - Credit: Shelmad
  7. Star Wars: Rebellion - Close up of rebels - Credit: Fabian the Delayer
  8. Star Wars: Rebellion - End Game. Rebel win with relocated base at Tatooine. Original base location was Kessel. Using Expanded Unit Boards 1.4 & Magnetic Search Board 1.0 - Credit: lantinian
  9. Star Wars: Rebellion - Two buddies hanging around the Death Star. - Credit: Hipopotam
  10. Star Wars: Rebellion - Thank you Vader but your rebel base is in another castle. - Credit: Hipopotam
  11. Star Wars: Rebellion - Han Solo failing to rescue captured Leia. - Credit: Hipopotam

Star Wars: Rebellion Review

Star Wars Rebellion blows your mind with its strategic depth and thematic immersion. Despite its long playtime, every session feels like a new epic saga in the galaxy. However, the luck factor in combat can sometimes leave you star-crossed.
  • Gameplay & Mechanics
  • Replay Value
  • Component Quality
  • Balance & Strategy
4.5/5Overall Score

'Star Wars Rebellion' review: A deep, strategic gem. Perfect for fans. Engaging gameplay but combat luck can frustrate.

Specs
  • Number of Players: 2-4
  • Playing Time: 3-4 hours
  • Recommended Player Age: 14+
  • Game Type: Board Game
  • Theme: Star Wars, Galactic Warfare
  • Mechanics: Asymmetrical, Area Control, Dice Rolling
  • Publisher: Fantasy Flight Games
Pros
  • Strategic depth
  • Immersive gameplay
  • High-quality components
  • Replay value
Cons
  • Long setup time
  • Combat can be luck-based
  • Lengthy play sessions
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Overview

Grab your lightsaber and may the Force be with you in this review of ‘Star Wars Rebellion’. It’s not just a game; it’s an adventure that pits the ragtag Rebel Alliance against the mighty Galactic Empire in a galactic struggle that’ll have you and your friends on the edge of your seats. With gameplay that’s as deep and expansive as the Star Wars universe, ‘Star Wars Rebellion’ offers an engaging experience that’s as unpredictable as it is thrilling. From the high-quality game pieces that bring the saga to life on your table to the intricate balance and rich strategies you’ll need to employ, this game is a must-try for fans and newcomers alike. So, let’s find out if the Force is strong with this one or if it falls to the dark side of board gaming.

How It Plays

Star Wars Rebellion is a grand strategy board game that puts you right in the middle of the epic conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. Grab a friend, pick your side, and get ready for a battle that spans the galaxy.

Setting up

Setting up Star Wars Rebellion takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it. First, decide who plays the Empire and who leads the Rebels. The game board features the entire galaxy, with different systems and planets. Place your starting units as indicated by the setup guide – the Rebels keep their base secret, while the Empire starts with a massive fleet. Shuffle the mission and objective cards, and you’re good to go.

Gameplay

The game is played over a series of rounds, each consisting of three phases: assignment, command, and refresh. The Empire seeks to discover the Rebel base and crush it, while the Rebels aim to incite uprisings and complete objectives to win support. Players assign leaders to missions or use them to move fleets and ground troops. Engage in battles, play out missions, and use your wit and strategy to outmaneuver your opponent.

Winning the game

The Empire wins by finding and destroying the Rebel base. The Rebels win by earning enough public support, represented by moving the reputation marker down the track to meet the current round marker. Victory requires clever strategy, a bit of luck, and, most importantly, knowing when to strike.

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Star Wars: Rebellion.

Exploring the Rich Gameplay and Deep Mechanics of Star Wars Rebellion

Let’s talk about Star Wars Rebellion, a game that genuinely makes you feel like you’re directing the entire Galactic Civil War. From deploying fleets to secret missions, it’s a wild ride. The depth comes from the asymmetrical gameplay. The Rebels are all about stealth and striking key targets, while the Empire must scour the galaxy to find the Rebel base. This setup ensures no two games are alike.

Finding Balance in the Force… and Gameplay

What makes Star Wars Rebellion stand out is how balanced it feels despite its complexity. Players need to strategize, think ahead, and adapt. Whether you’re leading a daring raid on an Imperial base or setting a trap for the Rebel scum, every decision feels impactful. It’s this balance and depth that make every session a fresh challenge.

Now, let’s hyperjump to the next part of our adventure: exploring the game’s Replay value and scenarios.

Star Wars: Rebellion - Final battle were I managed to destroy the Dead Star after first space combat turn. This move gave me two final reputation points. I had my rebel base in that system so I would probably loose without that card. - Credit: Hipopotam

Unlock the Galaxy Over and Over: Replay Value in Star Wars Rebellion

When it comes to keeping a game on your table, ‘Star Wars Rebellion’ stands out with its impressive replay value. Every session feels like a new chapter in your own personal Star Wars saga. Thanks to the dynamic setup and varied strategies, no two games are the same. You might find yourself leading a daring Rebel offensive one game, and the next, masterminding the Empire’s counterattacks. The game’s design cleverly integrates the iconic characters and their unique abilities, making each playthrough a fresh experience.

Scenarios That Keep You Coming Back

The missions and objectives in ‘Star Wars Rebellion’ are as diverse as the galaxy far, far away itself. Whether it’s sabotaging an Imperial factory or rescuing a captured leader, the game provides a wide array of scenarios that challenge your strategy and adaptability. This variety not only enhances the replay value but also deepens your connection to the Star Wars universe with every game.

Now that we’ve navigated the galaxy’s vast replayability, let’s hyperjump into the next section: Component quality.

Star Wars: Rebellion - As a last effort before losing the game I decided to enter Dantooine without any ground forces and destroyed the whole system. Luckily the rebel scum were hiding there. - Credit: Hipopotam

The Stellar Component Quality of Star Wars Rebellion

When you open the box of Star Wars Rebellion, it’s like stepping into a galaxy far, far away. The game boasts an impressive array of high-quality components that bring the epic conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire to life. From the detailed miniatures representing iconic ships and figures to the meticulously designed cards and tokens, everything screams top-notch production. The game board itself is a vast map of the Star Wars galaxy, inviting players to strategize and engage in space battles and ground skirmishes across different planets.

What stands out in Star Wars Rebellion is not just the quantity of the components but their quality. The miniatures are so detailed that you can easily identify the Millennium Falcon, Star Destroyers, and even the Death Star, which adds an extra layer of excitement for Star Wars fans. The dedication to creating a visually stunning and durable game set ensures that players will enjoy countless hours of gameplay without wear and tear taking away from the immersive experience.

Now, let’s shift gears from the tangible aspects of the game to delve into the heart and soul of any strategic conquest: Balance and strategy.

Star Wars: Rebellion - A squadron of fighters destroying Death Star in a swift retaliation after the destruction of inhabited planet. They all came directly from the Rebel Base that was hidden in far far away. - Credit: Hipopotam

Mastering the Force of Strategy in Star Wars Rebellion

When we talk about Star Wars Rebellion, we gotta chat about how it balances strategy with a galaxy-wide scale. It’s like, one minute you’re the Empire, spreading fear faster than a rumor about free pizza, and the next, you’re the Rebels, sneaky and hopeful, trying to outsmart Darth Vader himself. This game nails the feeling of an epic space opera by making every choice a weighty one.

It’s All About the Balance

Balance-wise, Star Wars Rebellion lets you feel the pressure of the galactic struggle without tipping over into frustration. Sometimes, games make you wanna flip the table because they’re as balanced as my diet after a holiday. Not this one. Both sides have a fair shot at victory, making each play feel fresh and competitive.

Do I recommend Star Wars Rebellion? Absolutely. It’s like being handed the keys to your very own Star Destroyer or X-Wing, but with the added bonus of not actually having to figure out where to park it. A must-play for strategy lovers and Star Wars fans.

Star Wars: Rebellion - The Rebel scum managed to destroy Death Star again gaining 2 final support points needed to win the game. - Credit: Hipopotam

Conclusion

Wrapping up, Star Wars Rebellion proves itself as a standout in the galaxy of board games. It’s not just a game; it’s an epic clash between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance, brought to life with stunning detail and depth. The asymmetrical gameplay offers a balanced, strategic challenge that keeps you coming back for more, promising a fresh experience with every session. The quality of the components immerses players in the Star Wars universe, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. While the depth of strategy might intimidate new players, the rewarding gameplay makes the learning curve worthwhile. All things considered, Star Wars Rebellion earns a solid spot in any gamer’s collection, especially for those who love to weave their narratives within the Star Wars lore. So, if you’re looking for a game that combines deep strategic gameplay with high replay value and a faithful representation of the Star Wars universe, look no further. Star Wars Rebellion is a thrilling adventure that’s worth every penny. May the Force be with you as you embark on your Rebellion or enforce your rule as the Empire!

4.5/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.