Get In The Star Wars Mood For Rogue One!
December 16, 2016 by crew
Today is a special day for everyone who loves the world of Star Wars as Rogue One is out for folks to go and see. We’re very excited and should get to see it next week.
If you’re looking to embrace Star Wars on the tabletop however come and see what we’ve been doing…
X-Wing – Strike On Endor Battle Report
First off we have our massive Strike On Endor/Endor Aftermath Live Blog Battle Report where we designed our own scenario and then played out an in-atmosphere battle between the Rebels and what was left of the Empire. It was a lot of fun.
You can read more about how Killian tweaked the rules HERE.
Star Wars: Endor Aftermath Rules Download
As well as that we also then made the rules available for you to download. So, if you have some spare terrain and a few ships you can give this a go tonight when you’re back home!
It was a lot of fun coming up with exactly how the land units were going to move around and the scenario you play out is a tightly fought contest!
Star Wars Pocket Models
A while back now Oriskany also came up with some ways in which you could take Star Wars onto the tabletop while using Pocket Models.
You can learn more by following his article series and maybe you could give this a go over the weekend.
Building The Hoth Table
One of our biggest project, and something that managed to make it all the way across the Atlantic, was the Hoth table we built and designed a scenario around. You can see the table in all it’s glory below…
This was a massive success at Salute and AdeptiCon this year with people really enjoying playing the game as well as looking at it.
Watch these VLOGS where we also delved into more detail when it came to building the table HERE and HERE.
Sorastro’s Painting – Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Last but certainly not least we have to give a shout out to Sorastro’s Painting who has been creating some amazing looking tutorials showing off how to paint the models from Imperial Assault. In this one he paints Darth Vader.
You can find more painting tutorials on the link above and by heading over to his Youtube channel.
Other Star Wars Awesomeness
As well as what’s here on Beasts of War you might want to also check out these neat games…
- Star Wars: Rebellion – A fantastic two player board game where you fight out the struggles of the original trilogy.
- Star Wars: Imperial Assault – Play as heroes or villains in this dungeon crawler style game. You can see our review of the game HERE!
- Star Wars: Armada – Fly massive capital ships like the Star Destroyer and blast the rebel scum from the skies. Check out our review HERE!
- Star Wars: Destiny – Pick up the new Collectable Dice Game from Fantasy Flight and watch our play through HERE.
Make sure to check out all things Star Wars here on Beasts Of War and let us know if Rogue One met with your approval – no spoilers!
Get your thoughts in the comments below!
"Make sure to check out all things Star Wars here on Beasts Of War and let us know if Rogue One met with your approval - no spoilers!"
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Rogue one absolutely met my expectations and beside some little flukes it absolutely amazed me. I liked it much more than Force Awakens and I think it was much closer to the style of the original trilogy, but in a new dress. And some moments just make you smile: “Gold leader standing by.”
To avoid spoilers I will stop talking here.
@crew I think you got a little “copy-paste-error” in the article: >> Make sure to check out all things Star Wars here on Beasts Of War and let us know if Force Awakens met with your approval – no spoilers! << you meant Rogue One right?
Also I can not wait to see what FFG and all the other companies make of this wonderful movie. I loved it!
Oops, thanks for catching that @bothi
I’m really glad to hear that because TFA is still a rather bitter memory for me. My friends have already seen Rogue One and assure me that “You will like this one” and I am now cautiously optimistic that they are right! Hopefully I will see it some time next week.
By the way does anyone know of a good place in the UK to buy that Rogue One movie poster? I haven’t seen that version for sale anywhere and my office wall needs it!
@siygess: For cautiously optimistic that poster need does sound rather like a full blown “ALL IN!”
I mean it’d probably look like that to everyone stepping in there, I reckon. Don’t mean to cool down anything here – Not at all! I’m getting a bit hyped myself despite my concerns – just a notion. And I do get that the poster is looking pretty neat by itself.
@darnast True, but that poster wouldn’t reveal anything about me that a person couldn’t already learn from the the Phase 1 Clone Trooper helmet on my desk
@siygess:
He, he… nice.*
Though I meant something different: Maybe you’ll end up really disliking the film but having brandished the poster before you knew…
* Personally I’m more on the Strom side of troopers.
gutted you didn’t like the force awakens mate, I’m head over heels in love with TFA.
Rey is the best.
£20 on amazon for the poster.
I got the original poster as a freebie at the rogue one panel STAR WARS celebrations so i’m sticking with that one for the memories but the one your after is the coolest
@bothi: since you mention the style, how do you feel it is closer? Haven’t seen the film; just a trailer or so. And I get a certain original trilogy sense from these but a lot of the new style stuff as in TFA as well (especially all the fancy rag tag equip and being so badass). Still only taking about the style and way of doing/presenting things, not plot, right?
What bugged me most about TFA besides the too closely copied elements and some irritating and unconvincing arrangements (plot and narrative wise) was this all too rushed, all bang-boom attitude, being excessively loud, cocky or emotionally wild (this annoying aggravated screaming, the willfull emo in puberty rage…). Yes, Luke, Han, Leia and Co. had things like these, too. But sooo differently and that isn’t just a matter of the production years.
So, what about these things?
read the novel if you feel the plot of TFA was rushed, it clears up the state of the galaxy.
also STAR WARS aftermath series and the bloodlines novel. it was a little rushed but they have to cut something and setting the scene, the introduction of the characters , reintroduction of the old characters plus having all the elements we expect from a STAR WARS movie left them cutting some of the political back drop out of the movie because the average movie goer will not sit through a longer version.
too closely copied elements, that in most places when done was done to take people back to the original movies or was a tip of the hat as a homage. Star killer base was the only time they got this wrong in my opinion, one step to far. out side of that though I just don’t buy into the to manly copied elements thinking, but to each his own.
cocky? Han solo was cockier than anyone in TFA.
Kylo Ren’s unfocused rage was handled better than Anakin’s and is only showing were he is currently at. expect a more focused and darker Ben Solo as the trilogy moves forward.
Rogue One is less like the originals when compared to TFA but in other aspects it is more like the original. it would be a long wined post and too spoiler heavy to answer this in detail.
Just my opinion’s I hope you guys enjoy ROGUE ONE and learn to love TFA
Actually I like TFA much better than expected (but less than I hoped for). And I watched it several times. I’d give it about 7.5 out of 10. But would rate many scenes, parts and pieces on their own much higher.
And as expressed earlier much of my disliking is less about the general features per se than about the distinct way they are in the film. E.g. Han Solo needs to be cocky and young Luke needs to be rash. But the certain ways how they are set this specific Star Wars feeling. And don’t misunderstand me, please, I don’t want character clones at all. Just the typical atmosphere. And, yes, they did catch it now and then.
@darnast : yes I’m talking about the style of equipment, presentation and the atmosphere of the movie. Not the story. Don’t get me wrong the story is not bad. I liked it. But it is not that deep and the movie makes clear that it is not about the story. It’s hard to describe without spoilering, but let me make a comparision to war movies. They are not totally about the story either. I mean they are about the war, the history, the hardship of the characters and a lot about cruelty and heroims. And not about “hey look what a cool, complex story we can tell which will totally suprise you at the end”. So the story is ok and I think the comparison to a war movie is quite ok, because we all know roughly what will happen (there is a Deathstar and there are rebels, who will obviously steal those plans) but we don’t know the details of how it happened. Having said that (and hopefully didn’t spoiler Ep. 4 for anyone
) it is an absolute necessity that you watched the original trilogy. On it’s own the story of Rogue One doesn’t make much sense, only as a prequel to Ep. 4-6.
The style of equipment and presentation just felt like the original trilogy. Yes there are some new gadgets, but not over the top ones like in TFE (like that Stormtrooper Melee Mace that was able to parry a lightsabre). Some of the flying scenes really give you the feeling that this is happening in space. There is no up or down or gravity. Yes all the capital ships still align in one plain upright, but some of the dogfights are just awesome and make good use of 3D cinema (and normally I don’t like 3D cinema). That’s what I meant with “a new dress”.
In total everything is very dark and gritty. And rebels are not the idealists in white shining armor to save the galaxy, but have very earthly goals and fears aswell. It just felt right. To me at least.
@bothi: Thank you for your estimation and the effort you put into answering me. Good job, really!
That energy police beatstick is a good example of what I dreaded (although I didn’t find that one sooo bad; and it was a reference to Grievous’ guards. Not that this makes it good in every regard…) Glimpses of several characters of the “hero” team with all their special weaponry / gear were unsetteling to me.
For me an integral part of Star Wars is it’s very own blend of straight forward style, reduction, maybe even bleakness – visually, but this goes beyond mere superficial looks and is interwined with content, story, attitude and so on.
Interesting analogy to war film you make. Funny side thing: It even says so in the Title, after all.
Which people often don’t seem to actually realise.
Then again, it has very special ways for being essentally about war. It rather uses (galactic) war as a stage for good VS evil struggle (politically, ideologically, personally). And even that is more of a canvas for characters finding themselves in the thick of it and focusses less on great war battles but on their adventures and development. Right?
@darnast: thats an interesting point you make. About the galactic war being a canvas for the characters to undergo their adventures. I never have thought about it like that, but I think I concur.
But I also think this is where Rogue One differs (a little), because it’s much more about the war. And less about Good vs. Evil. Because “the Good Guys”^TM are not that good. They are still good in their ultimate goals but not necessarily in their actions. Still the characters are the lense the film is told through, but after seeing it a second time and having written and read in this topic I quite got a Band of Brothers feeling from the film. I even would say that some of the hard choices and maybe even cruelty of war depictured gives the film a gritty kind of war-realism. If you can call a scifi movie “realistic”. Yes at the end they overdo it with some scenes [two scenes which involve Corellian Corvettes, you know what I'm talking about, when you've seen it], but in total it fits together really well.
And yeah, I still love it after the second time.
Just read my paragraph above (or below?) again. Don’t get me wrong. It is not a brutal war movie, in which you see blown of body parts and guys holding their guts crying for their mothers. It’s still Star Wars. Meaning it conceals a lot, but also hints at a lot. And it also has it’s light moments which make you smile [and the Film definately needs those for not getting to dark].
I saw it twice yesterday, don’t worry they weren’t back to back showings I had lunch in between. It’s a great film, I mean really great, in the same way Wrath of Khan is. By this I mean that both films work as films on their own, no prior knowledge of the series is needed apart from being aware of its existence (which most people are). Some great call backs for the fans, but if you don’t get them you lose nothing from the plot. I’ll go and see it again for sure, and pre order the blu Ray.
Funny you should mention Wrath of Khan as I’ve had that movie in mind with regards to Rogue One. What made Wrath of Khan good was that it wasn’t a Star Trek movie. It was made by people who hadn’t watched the TV show and had no reverence for the IP. They just wanted to make a fun movie, which was in complete contrast to the first one. TFA was obviously weighed down by the expectations of it being a Star Wars and played it as safe as it could. I’m curious to see whether Rogue One gets to just be its own thing.
Rogue One is defiantly STAR WARS but not as you know it. it certainly has its own flavour.
we have seen nothing like the build up we saw for TFA. this was done on purpose as they want the anthology films to be there own entity and by doing it within the story we are familiar with in rogue One is the perfect place to start. without doubt a film that can stand on its own two feet.
the anthology films will take us farther from the skywalker story as time goes by and Disney as playing the long game. too far away from the originals is a danger early on so its being done step by step.
I saw it yesterday (Thursday) and really enjoyed it. The spectacle, the one-liners and the emotional attachment work. It was obvious where the final version varied from the trailers and I suspect there is an extended edition lurking in the wings – no difference in the ending but a little more depth onscreen. I won’t spoil it by mentioning any element of the plot. though I see some scope for additional X-Wing and Armada minis.
And some Imperial Assault models
and STAR WARS RPG content
Just in case it’s a vote, I’m seconding the Imperial Assault models
I enjoyed it but I’m not sure if I preferred it over TFA. Maybe I didn’t get the same emotional link to the new characters in one film as the characters that I have grown up with over a series of films.
I wasn’t to keen on the CGI but i suppose that it was necessary for continuity.
I think I need another viewing
I agree, on the emotional link. but Luke Skywalker and the princess are my child hood hero and my first love. not possible to top that.
I thought the CGI was amazing, no names but wow.
I really enjoyed it yesterday, having read Catalyst before hand I had more of an emotional connection to the female lead. A great story and well linked in for Episode IV.
you are awesome for reading Catalyst. reading the novels makes STAR WARS such a deeper experience.
Where did you guys get the turbo laser towers you have in the video for the scenario?
@turbocooler – they are from GF9, look at the bottom of this page:
http://www.flamesofwar.com/Default.aspx?tabid=287&CategoryID=13170&PageIndex=5
Thank you! will be getting a few for my own scenario!
I went to the midnight show on Wednesday night, cos the atmosphere is awesome.
the film is utterly amazing. I will be going again this weekend plus any other chance I get.
Saw it last night!!! It was better than VII, going to see it in IMAX next week!
I’m going to see it on Sunday. Just ordered a Vader mini too. That painting tutorials is brilliant.
Rebel FORCE Radio podcast Rogue One review is up for all you STAR WARS fans that just can’t get enough. Warning, only listen if you’ve already been
if you have never listen to the STAR WARS oxygen show on Rebel force Radio and your a fan of the music then you need this in your life, trust me.
Rogue One better than The Force Awakens by far but remember, it’s a story in the Star Wars universe. My only complaint is they could have left the force out completely and it would have still been good but then we wouldn’t have been treated to Donnie Yen.
Characters did not overwhelm ( or overact ) and again, the subtlety in their delivery made it more convincing ( proving yet again, old English actors can steal the show ( or movie ).
Thanks very much, @brennon and team, for including the old Star Wars Tactical Command Pocket Models rules set. One of the days I’ll have to revisit that project and come out with more units foe Episode VII and Rogue One content.
Anyone wants a copy of these free rules, just drop me a PM with an e-mail address where I can sent the .pdf.
A few more infantry options (like ewoks I know you don’t like em but still…), and ideas about getting Thrawn in now hes canon
and more scum and villany and and…. Star Wars such a rich and deep background and you did an outstanding job on Pocket Model Tactical Command.
cant wait to see it if this as good as the original trilogy.
BTW if any of you like 40K and Star Wars check this out:
https://ttgamingdiary.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/codex-star-wars-downloads/
I just saw it and it’s very very good. TFA was fun but cheesy, this was a genuinely great film. Hard to believe that was Disney. I’ll stop before spoilers.
Just watched Rogue One and.. oh thank goodness. Last December is forgiven. It was exactly the film I was expecting to see, and exactly the film I wanted.
It makes me think of two things; Halo and Iron Man 2. Bear with me.
As much as I have enjoyed playing the Halo games, what I realised when I played Halo 4 is that the worst part of the franchise for me is the Master Chief himself.. and the most enjoyable games for me were the ones where I got to play as someone else, someone who was part of a team of equals rather than the lone soldier whose achievements and reputation were not remarkable through my own action, but simply because the writers decreed it should be so.
As for Iron Man 2, I recall the scene where Black Widow and Happy go into Hammer industries and while Happy beats up and overcomes a trained security guard, Black Widow floors a dozen without breaking a sweat. In doing so, Happy’s actions are relegated to that of comic relief in the presence of someone who is so much better than him. A Marine Grunt compared to the Master Chief.
What does this have to do with Star Wars? I guess I realised that I don’t like Jedi that much. Not when there is just one, at least. In the original trilogy, Luke didn’t have the training or the confidence to do “Jedi stuff” all of the time. Sure when facing off against Vader he was doing what the others could not.. but when flying a fighter, running around and shooting at Storm Troopers, he wasn’t really any better than any of the other named characters. For that reason, Han and Leia never felt superflous.
In the prequels we got to see a TON of Jedi but now this is like watching the Avengers. You can accept that the Clone Troopers, Amidala, Jango etc are all pretty irrelevant (in the films) compared to the awesomeness that is a bunch of Jedi, fighting other equally powerful super villains. The droids vs clones action is on a different level, cops vs goons, and only serve as the background to what the Avengers are doing.
I think this is one of the reasons why I disliked TFA – Finn was largely superflous – the Happy to Rey’s Black Widow, and Poe was only a better pilot that Rey because she never entered that arena – like declaring yourself the fastest person in the room in the hope that Mo Farah doesn’t show up. Based on how quickly she picked up the Jedi thing (not to mention flying the Falcon), I fully expect to see her in a T70 during episode 8 and Poe will also be relegated to an also-ran. Now we are in.. Ant Man territory, where there is one super hero, one super villain and a bunch of friends waiting in the van.
Rogue One goes the other way. It feels EXACTLY like a Star Wars RPG session where the GM says.. you can all create level four characters but NOBODY gets to be a Jedi. Thus the threats are balanced against a group of level four characters.. sometimes equally matched, sometimes outmatched, but no member of that party is made to feel redundant. Jyn and Cassian may well be the ‘main’ characters here but they are in the same league as their companions.. and while that means they are competing for screen time, it means the film never feels like “Rogue One: A Jyn Erso story” in the same way that Force Awakens does for Rey. These are the kinds of stories I love, the kind that I have been reading about (Republic Commando anyone?) and telling in my own RPG sessions.
As a film in it’s own right, Rogue One is great. As a piece of Star Wars continuity, it is great. As a source of inspiration for future Star Wars.. things.. it is flipping fantastic.