From FFG:
With its pivotal role at the Battle of Yavin, the Incom Corporation T-65 X-wing fighter claimed its place in history. Boasting high-powered laser cannons, proton torpedo launchers, and a reinforced titanium-alloy hull, this solid and dependable craft has earned its reputation as a staple in the Rebel Alliance’s arsenal against the Galactic Empire.
The Sienar Fleet Systems TIE fighter, a lightweight and nimble starfighter designed with efficiency and affordability in mind, is the X-wing’s opposite in nearly every conceivable way. But what the TIE fighter lacks in defensive capabilities, it more than makes up for in numbers. While one TIE fighter seldom presents a real threat to a skilled Rebel pilot, two or more working in concert can quickly overwhelm ships several times their size.
Intuitive rules have you fighting in minutes
“We’ll have to destroy them ship to ship. Get the crews to their fighters.”
–Darth Vader
X-Wing includes everything you need to begin your battles, such as thirteen Ship cards (featuring nine Imperial and four Rebel pilots), five Upgrade cards, and three fully assembled and painted ships. With the quick-start rules, you can simply select one of the exciting missions, position your ships on the playing space as instructed, and choose your opening move.
To move your ships, simply use the maneuver template guide that corresponds to the maneuver you’ve chosen for a given turn. First, place the starting end of the movement guide flush with the base of your craft. Then, pick up your miniature and place it at the end of the template. After all the ships have moved, you’re free to determine attacks against any enemies in range. This straightforward mechanic delivers a wealth of tactical depth; make sharp turns, execute amazing Tallon Rolls, and outmaneuver your opponent!
Choose your crew and arm your starfighters
“That little droid and I have been through a lot together.”
–Luke Skywalker
Build your own squadron using X-Wing’s advanced rules to select your favorite starfighters, pilots, and upgrades. Before the game begins, you’ll have a set amount of Fleet Points to invest, which you may spend to customize your squad. Whether you enter the fight with a Rookie Pilot, an experienced Red Squadron Pilot, or even the resourceful Luke Skywalker, you’ll have a range of options before you even fire up your engines. Moreover, arm your ships with astromech droids, extra weapons, or special skills, which have a significant impact on your fighter’s battle performance.
For example, while the powerful X-wing can establish a target lock on Imperial starfighters, increasing its offensive potential on a future attack, only the nimble TIE fighter can execute an evasive barrel roll to avoid incoming fire. For additional firepower, add lethal proton torpedoes to your X-wing, or increase the performance of your TIE fighters with additional skills like Marksmanship. These unique actions, along with a range of special upgrades, help create a unique play experience every time.
Recreate the most memorable battles in the galaxy
“Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances.”
–Grand Moff Tarkin
X-Wing can be played in a variety of ways. Select one of the thrilling missions in the rulebook for a narrative game, or dogfight with your opponent until only one ship remains. You can even create your own exciting scenarios or recreate a mission based on one of the epic battles from the films. No matter how you play X-Wing, only the most clever pilots employing a range of tactics will emerge victorious.
What’s more, no mission will ever play the same way twice, thanks to a range of customization options, varied maneuvers, and possible combat outcomes. Damage, for example, is determined through dice and applied in the form of a shuffled Damage deck. Most damage results require you to draw a Damage card and place it facedown by the ship’s card as a reminder the ship has been hit; however, each time your fighter sustains a critical hit, you’ll draw a Damage card and place it faceup by the ship’s card. Critical hits assign a special handicap. Was your targeting computer damaged, affecting your ability to acquire a lock on the enemy? Perhaps an ill-timed weapon malfunction will limit your offensive capabilities. Or worse yet, your pilot could be injured, compromising his ability to focus on the life-and-death struggle in which he is engaged…
With its dynamic rules system, beautifully detailed components, and range of gameplay options, X-Wing immerses players in the tense cinematic excitement of Star Wars’ interplanetary combat. Take to the stars, and decide the fate of the galaxy!
