| | | | | | | | | | |

Star Wars: Rebellion (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Star Wars: Rebellion is a board game that was released in 2016 by Fantasy Flight Games. It is designed by Corey Konieczka and features artwork by Matt Allsopp, David Ardila, Balaskas, and Tiziano Baracchi. The game is set in the Star Wars universe, during the Galactic Civil War between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance.

Game Components of Star Wars: Rebellion

  • Game board
  • Over 150 plastic miniatures
  • Over 100 cards
  • Custom dice
  • Various tokens and markers

How To Setup Star Wars: Rebellion

  • Place the game board in the center of the table.
  • Each player chooses a faction (Rebel Alliance or Galactic Empire) and takes the corresponding leader and units.
  • Shuffle the objective cards and place them face down.
  • Place the Rebel base on the board and begin gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Star Wars: Rebellion, players take on the role of either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire. The Rebel player must try to survive against the Empire’s forces and complete missions to gain support from other planets. The Empire player must find and destroy the Rebel base before time runs out.

The game features area movement, card play conflict resolution, and contracts as key gameplay mechanics. Players will need to strategize and plan their moves carefully to outwit their opponent and achieve their objectives.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Immersive Star Wars theme
  • Strategic gameplay with a high level of depth
  • Replayability due to varying objectives and setups
  • Beautiful miniatures and artwork

Cons:

  • Lengthy playtime may not be suitable for all players
  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Some luck involved with dice rolling

Personal Thoughts on Star Wars: Rebellion

Star Wars: Rebellion is a fantastic game for fans of the Star Wars universe and strategy games. The build quality of the components is top-notch, and the attention to detail in the artwork is impressive. The game falls on the pricier side, but for the amount of content and replay value it offers, it is worth the investment.

However, due to the complex gameplay and lengthy playtime, it may not be suitable for casual gamers or those looking for a quick gaming session. If you enjoy strategic wargames with a sci-fi theme, Star Wars: Rebellion is definitely worth your time. Players who prefer shorter, lighter games may want to skip this one, but for those who enjoy deep strategy and thematic immersion, this game is a must-have. If you want to know more, here is a link to my Star Wars: Rebellion review.

Game Components of Star Wars: Rebellion

  • A game board (split into two halves)
  • Various cards for player objectives, missions, actions, tactics, and searching for the Rebel base
  • Faction mats for each player
  • Plastic miniatures representing Imperial and Rebel fleets
  • Cardboard standees representing faction leaders
  • Cardboard markers for tracking damage, destroyed systems, faction loyalty, character status, and game progression
  • Custom dice for in-game combat
  • Rules Reference and Learn to Play booklet

    How To Setup Star Wars: Rebellion

    Setting up *Star Wars: Rebellion* involves several steps. First, place the two game boards in the middle of the playing area, connecting them to form the galaxy map. Each player selects their faction (Galactic Empire or Rebel Alliance) and sets up their respective faction mat. The Imperial player places their starting units and leaders on designated spaces, while the Rebel player secretly places their base on one of the star systems. Players then draw initial mission cards and objective cards. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the starting conditions are met.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Phases: The game is divided into three phases – Assignment, Command, and Refresh.
  • Assignment: Players assign their leaders to missions.
  • Command: Players take turns revealing missions or moving units.
  • Refresh: Leaders are returned to the leader pool, new mission cards are drawn, and the time marker advances.
  • Game Objective:
  • Galactic Empire: Find and destroy the Rebel base.
  • Rebel Alliance: Survive long enough to gain enough influence points to spark a full-scale rebellion.
  • Combat: Combat occurs when both sides have units in the same system, involving dice rolls and tactic cards.
  • Resource Management: Players manage resources from loyal systems to recruit troops, build starships, and undertake missions.

    Player Experience

    *Star Wars: Rebellion* offers a deeply immersive and thematic experience, especially for fans of the Star Wars franchise. Players engage in secret missions, manage resources, and conduct battles across the galaxy. The asymmetrical design ensures that each faction plays differently, with the Empire relying on brute force and the Rebels on stealth and sabotage. The game’s narrative unfolds dynamically, mirroring key events from the original Star Wars trilogy and offering a unique experience with each playthrough.

    Pros

  • Immersive Theme: The game closely follows the Star Wars narrative, making it a must-play for fans.
  • Asymmetrical Gameplay: Different strategies for each faction add depth and replayability.
  • Detailed Components: Over 150 plastic miniatures and detailed game boards enhance the gaming experience.
  • Dynamic Storytelling: Each game can yield a unique storyline, similar to the movies.

    Cons

  • Long Playtime: Games typically last 3-4 hours, which can be daunting for some players.
  • Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate mechanics.
  • Space Requirements: The game boards and components take up a significant amount of space.

    Personal Thoughts on Star Wars: Rebellion

    *Star Wars: Rebellion* is ideal for fans of the Star Wars franchise and those who enjoy complex, strategic board games. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate asymmetrical gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. The game offers a rich, cinematic experience that replicates the epic conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance, making it a compelling choice for both casual and serious board game enthusiasts.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *