You get a comprehensive ruleset that allows for different game styles including campaigns and battles. There is the opportunity for customisation and larger multiplayer games.
Eveything is covered in detail, from setting up and choosing forces to individual battles and using the cards.
It includes rule clarifications and what I consider a bonus - Battle tactics for the new player, to help them have a good experience the first time they do battle.
There is only one set of battlegroup cards to represent the ships in your fleet. A bit more variety based on factions would make the play area look more varied however using the same cards enables your opponents to recognise your forces easily without you having to explain what every card is.
The Battle mechanics are easy and intuitive. They rely on tactics and good card use rather than blind luck. The Combat cards add variety and tactics. You will find a lot of the old staples (defensive screens, assaults etc.)available by effective use of these cards.<br><br><b>LIKED</b>: A really intricate, well supported and thought out background. If it is not original it is definately not common. It helps to set the atmosphere and backs up the reasoning behind some of the game mechanics.
There is a wide variety of cards that are very colorful and pleasing to the eye. The overall effect is very professional with the graphics accurately portraying what the card is used for.
The factions are varied and cover a wide variety of classes, from evil villians to misunderstood "bad guys", Faithful protectors to the agressive underdog. The concepts and strategies used are excellent.
There are multiple ways to achieve victory, meaning you have to follow your opponents every move, an attribute of usually much more complex game systems. <br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: There are no instructions on the number of cards you need to print to play a game. You can filter through the rules and work it out but it would be nice to have something included at least in the Quick start rules.
The compression used for the card graphics makes some of the text very hard to read. A bit of guesswork may be required for a few. <br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Excellent<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>
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