Star Wars Imperial Assault: Heart of the Empire Expansion
Designer: Corey Konieczka, Jonathan Ying
Artists: Multiple, including Henning Ludvigsen, David Ardila, Anders Finer
Publisher: Fantasy Flight Games
Player Count: 1-5
Recommended Age: 14+
Playing Time: 1-2 hours
Year of Release: 2017
Overview
Star Wars Imperial Assault: Heart of the Empire Expansion transports players to the bustling and perilous metropolis of Coruscant, the heart of the Galactic Empire. This expansion introduces a globe-spanning campaign that covers sixteen immersive missions, bringing a wealth of new content and challenges to the Imperial Assault experience.
New Heroes and Force User:
Heart of the Empire introduces three new heroes for the Rebel Alliance, each with unique abilities and storylines. Joining them is the talented Force user, Ahsoka Tano, whose skills add a dynamic element to the gameplay.
Relentless Imperial Pursuit:
Players must navigate through the multi-layered cityscape of Coruscant, contending with constant threats from Imperial forces. The expansion emphasizes maneuvering through the city’s levels and facing relentless opposition, adding intensity to the missions.
Thrilling Mystery:
A central narrative thread involves uncovering the mystery of an ancient artifact while dealing with the enigmatic Clawdite Shapeshifter, sent by the former Sith, Maul. This storyline adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the campaign.
Expanded Gameplay:
Heart of the Empire enhances both campaign and skirmish modes with thirteen new figures, including iconic characters and units. The expansion also introduces energy shield and rubble tokens, new power tokens, and over 130 new cards, which provide fresh strategic options and gameplay mechanics.
Requirement:
Please note that this expansion requires the Imperial Assault Core Set to play.
Review
Star Wars Imperial Assault: Heart of the Empire Expansion is a substantial addition to the Imperial Assault universe, offering an array of new content that deepens the strategic and narrative elements of the game. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this expansion noteworthy:
Gameplay:
The sixteen-mission campaign is a standout feature, providing a comprehensive and engaging storyline set in the heart of the Empire. The missions are varied and well-designed, challenging players to adapt their strategies to the dynamic and dangerous environment of Coruscant. The presence of Ahsoka Tano as a Force user adds exciting new tactical possibilities.
Components:
As expected from Fantasy Flight Games, the components are of high quality. The thirteen new figures are detailed and enhance the visual appeal of the game. The new map tiles and tokens are beautifully illustrated, creating an immersive gaming experience that captures the atmosphere of Coruscant.
Art and Theme:
The thematic depth of Heart of the Empire is impressive. The artwork and design elements faithfully recreate the bustling, high-stakes environment of Coruscant, drawing players into the Star Wars universe. The inclusion of new characters, such as Ahsoka Tano and the Clawdite Shapeshifter, enriches the narrative and provides new avenues for strategic play.
Replayability:
With its extensive campaign and the introduction of new cards and tokens, Heart of the Empire significantly boosts the replayability of Imperial Assault. Players can explore different strategies and approaches, ensuring that each playthrough offers a unique experience. The expansion’s compatibility with other Imperial Assault content further enhances its replay value.
Accessibility:
While the game is recommended for ages 14 and up, the rules are well-structured, making it accessible to dedicated players willing to learn. The expansion integrates seamlessly with the core set, allowing experienced players to dive into the new content without a steep learning curve.
Conclusion:
Star Wars Imperial Assault: Heart of the Empire Expansion is an essential addition for fans of the series. It offers a rich, immersive experience that combines strategic depth with narrative complexity. Whether you’re navigating the dangerous streets of Coruscant or uncovering the mystery of an ancient artifact, this expansion provides hours of captivating gameplay.
Final Thoughts: Heart of the Empire is a compelling expansion that enriches the base game with new heroes, missions, and strategic elements. Its blend of detailed components, thematic depth, and engaging gameplay makes it a must-have for anyone looking to expand their Imperial Assault collection and delve deeper into the Star Wars universe.
