![]() ![]() Nintendo’s valiant attempts to give Zelda any sort of continuity in its 2011 book on the RPG’s many fictional events, Hyrule Historia, also blunted the magic of the series. The preservative aspect of canonization is also somewhat deadening. It gives itself up to becoming a pure tactics game “That would be too much like films.” But why shouldn’t they? “The rebels wouldn’t put their base on Yavin IV,” an Imperial player might think. The metagame is filled with brilliant little psychological asides. ![]() In a sense, Star Wars: Rebellion is emblematic of Disney’s act of slashing the Star Wars canon when it bought the IP from Lucas. On the tabletop, players are given space to mash iconic moments of the films together as a palate of actions and game moves. Star Wars: Rebellion upends the canon in favor of the more playful, creative approach of Midrash. ![]() The question of whether or not, in A New Hope, Han Solo shot Greedo first in the cantina scene, is both about the character of Han Solo but even more about the narrative integrity of the films: Does the Star Wars journey change the “cold-blooded killer” to a scruffy good-hearted leader? It’s a movie, just a movie.” But Star Wars canonists are rife with anti-revisionist paranoia. In 2012, George Lucas spoke on the infamous “Han shot first” controversy: “Well, it’s not a religious event. Star Wars canonists defend their beloved franchise with the same zeal as Biblical and Tanakh apologists. The word is derived from darash ( דָּרַשׁ ), which means “to seek” or “to inquire.” Via Midrash, Abraham contemplates deeper truths as the son of an idol maker, and an infant Moses’ hand is guided by God to sooth an Egyptian Pharaoh’s suspicions. Midrash creates a space where the devout can dive into the text free from the constraints of canon. By fictionalizing parts of the Torah, one can exaggerate flaws or virtues of a revered figure or draw out buried truths they see in the text. Inhabiting the characters and situations of canon is at the heart of Midrash, which is the Rabbinic tradition’s own sort of sacred fanfiction. Playing the Empire, I found myself growing increasingly smug as my probes helped me zero in on the Rebel base as the Rebellion, I rode the high of every foothold and victory, no matter how small. The asymmetry in Star Wars: Rebellion encourages a heavy role-playing bent, as well. Moments from the film-a single X-Wing fighter blowing up the Death Star, for example-feel organic and surprising in execution. The Empire begins (and typically maintains) a vice grip on the galaxy, while the Rebels snipe at their weak points. Much has been made in Fantasy Flight’s promotional materials about the asymmetrical competition. Star Wars: Rebellion upends the canon in favor of the more playful, creative approachĪt the heart of Rebellion is the underdog vs. Both sides draw on a deep pool of characters, abilities, and tactics, as well as a bowlful of plastic ship miniatures. If the Rebels run down the game’s timer (made easier by accomplishing specific missions or triggering events), they win. If the Imperials find the rebel base and destroy it, they win. One or two Imperial players hunt down one or two Rebel players, who have hidden their base on some planet. ![]() The box comes with two map boards which, when placed next to each other, form the Star Wars galaxy. Star Wars is in the box, but it’s served via blender. Push Grand Moff Tarkin out to Nal Hutta to stop a Rebel Sabotage mission. Rather than send Princess Leia to steal the Death Star plans, send Han Solo or Lando Calrissian. Classic elements from the original Star Wars trilogy are here-Hidden Rebel Base! A Death Star! Han Solo frozen in carbonite! A reconstructed Death Star!-but inventively recombined. Fantasy Flight’s space opera tactics game Star Wars: Rebellion is a seemingly brilliant mashup of Star Wars canon. ![]()
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