Star Wars: I’m Pretty Excited For Legion

Are you excited for the new Star Wars tabletop wargame?

Ever since its announcement back in August fans around the world have been eagerly waiting for more news, and the release, of Star Wars: Legion, the new tabletop wargame from Fantasy Flight Games. Like many people I cannot wait to get my hands on the game be able to fully immerse myself in it. Lets take a look at why I am excited for Legion.

FFG Knows Star Wars

Fantasy Flight Games has a good history of doing Star Wars right. Every since they acquired the licence they have worked hard to put out a wide offering of Star Wars themed games. On the whole they have been a huge success. Games like X-Wing, Armada, Imperial Assault and Destiny have won wide acclaim for solid rules and fun gameplay. More than just fun games however, they always seem to capture the essence of Star Wars. The people at FFG, or at least some, are deeply knowledgeable about Star Wars lore. They use this knowledge to bring aspects of the setting to life in detailed and often subtle ways. These are people who know the setting and want to see it recreated on the table top.

Runewars is a Indicator of What to Expect

While Runewars is a relatively new game, it does give us a taste of what to look forward too. In this case I don’t mean the rules of the game, though they do share similarities to other FFG games, but more the models and support.  The Runewars models are FFGs first foray into unassambled unpainted wargaming. And they are good. Now, the aesthetics are a personal choice of course, but from a quality stand point they are spot on. The models feel solid and serviceable, are finely cast and paint up well.

If the quality of Legion’s models matches Runewars they will be quite amazing. On top of that the support for Runewars has been top notch, with a constant stream of releases growing the game from its initial starter set to three fully formed factions and a forth on the way. If FFG supports Legion in a similar manner, which they should, it will be well off indeed.

It’s An FFG Game

Look, there is no two ways about it, Legion is going to be an FFG game. This game uses special dice, and special movement devices. It uses unit cards and upgrade cards to modify the units. In addition the rules share similarities to other FFG miniatures games rules. Now this is either a good or bad thing depending on your view point. If you like other FFG games, you will most likely enjoy Legion. The hallmarks of FFG will reassure you, and let you know you are getting the quality you like.

If on the other hand you don’t like FFG games, well then it may causes you pause. Hopefully the draw of Star Wars ground combat will draw you in. In addition this game is going to be the least FFG-like game they’ve ever made. A ground bases skirmish wargame is like nothing they’ve done before and should force them to think outside the box.

The Game I’ve Always Wanted

When it comes to Legion there are few games I’ve ever been this excited about. Now lets be honest, Legion is the game I’ve secretly wanted my whole adult life, and most of my childhood. A full fledged Star Wars tabletop game? Sign me up. As an avid Star Wars fan I’ve gobbled up various versions of Star Wars games. From brief brushes with the West End games, to exploring the various Wizards of the Coast versions, to simply making up rules with Legos. All of these previous games, with the exception of the West End version which I was too young for during its short life, failed to scratch what I really wanted. As a pretty hardcore miniatures gamer I wanted the full experience, something like Warhammer 40K, with building and painting and massive armies and deep rules. ‘

And now Legion is poised to offer that. 

Unlike most of the offerings we’ve gotten before Legion is a full fledged miniatures game. You’ll build and paint and customize your army. You’ll fight massive battles across varied terrain. You, or at least I, will get the game I always dreamed of.

So what about you guys? Let us know how excited you are for Legion, down in the comments! 

Author: Abe Apfel

Abe is that rare thing, an Austin local born and raised here. Though he keeps on moving around, DC, Japan, ETC., he always seems to find his way back eventually. Abe has decades of experience with a wide range of tabletop and RPG games, from historicals, to Star Wars to D&D and 40K. He has been contributing to BOLS since almost the start, back when he worked at and then owned a local gaming store. He used to be big into the competitive Warhammer tournament scene but age has mellowed him and he now appreciates a good casual match. He currently covers 40K tactics and lore, as well as all things Star Wars, with occasional dabbling in other topics. Abe remains in mourning over the loss of WFB to this day.