Star Wars Unlimited is firmly my trading card game of choice, finding its way to the table every time my friends and I have a spare evening to hang out. While it’s still young, as far as TCGs go, each new set has done well to complement or enhance the push-and-pull gameplay while maintaining the game’s excellent presentation. The last set, Jump to Lightspeed, went one step further by balancing the overall experience and making an entire half of the game more viable.
The latest Star Wars Unlimited set, Legends of the Force, doesn’t carry with it the same responsibility, but that certainly hasn’t stopped it from adding more depth to an already rock-solid base.
As the name suggests, Legends of the Force is centred around the practitioners of the great energy that surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the universe together. Jedi, Sith, Nightsisters, and many factions in between are found within this set, with characters, ships, and locations from the High Republic right through to the sequels represented. Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul head the two Spotlight Decks for this set, both offering a unique and viable approach to the new Force system.
It’s an energy field created by all living things
A new keyword and mechanic, the Force token acts as a spendable resource that alters some abilities and activates others. Each player is only able to control a single copy of the Force token at a time, demanding that its use be measured. Various card effects will allow a player to “create” a Force token, such as the Jedi Temple or Shadowed Undercity bases that generate a token whenever a unit with the “Force” designation attacks. While it’s a vital resource in a deck structured around it, the Force token can be gained in many ways, so it’s best to use it as frequently as possible.
Impressively, the Force mechanic has many use variations throughout the set, as demonstrated with the two Spotlight Decks. The pre-built Qui-Gon deck rewards patience and defence, with the use of the Force token often allowing the player to bolster units, add Shield, or hand out Experience tokens. In contrast, the pre-built Maul deck leans on overwhelming power, with the Force being used to dominate play by way of peppering your opponent with constant damage. Both avenues are viable, and both are equally enjoyable to play out.
A second new keyword has also snuck in with the new set, aptly so. The Hidden effect allows you to play a card with impunity, as the keyword prevents your opponent from attacking the unit during the same phase, giving you some breathing room to regroup or the advantage to get a swing in before you’re met with retaliation. It’s far less flashy than the Force, but it’s a cheeky ability that I can see becoming more useful as time goes on.
With over 260 new cards making up the set, there’s a high chance that your favourite force-sensitive character makes an appearance. Continuing to pull from all corners of the series, Legends of the Force highlights easily recognisable cards like Jedi Starfighters and Ezra Bridger, while also digging deep for pulls like the Nihil Marauder and Jocasta Nu. Unlimited has been doing this for a while now, but it’s nice to see such a wide range of characters and references.
Final Thoughts
Following Jump to Lightspeed is an unenviable task, but Legends of the Force does an admirable job following in its master’s footsteps. The new Force mechanic is well-implemented and versatile, fulfilling many different roles for many different playstyles. While the Hidden keyword doesn’t have quite the same impact, it still offers mechanical depth that will continue to be felt well past this set. With more great art and a steadfast focus on representing all Star Wars eras, Legends of the Force is another excellent addition to a trading card game that’s gone from strength to strength.
Review copy of Star Wars Unlimited Legends of the Force decks supplied by the publisher
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