Breakdown by Faction / Top Pieces by FactionRebelsThe Rebel Faction as mentioned above is all in all a pretty powerful faction. Individually however, the miniatures are no match versus the empire. Put them together in squads though, and the Empire is going to have a tough time competing. With so many different abilities to draw from such as Door Control (Override from R2-D2 and Princess Leia's Commander Effect), Accurate Shot (Han Solo), Momentum/Cleave (Chewbacca), Lightsaber Sweep for Swarm Control (Luke, Jedi Knight and Obi-Wan), Draw Fire (C-3P0) and finally Force Spirit 8 (Obi-Wan), the Alliance
IS too well equipped to deal with the Empire. The Non-Unique portion of the section however isn't that great as the Rebel Troopers and their variants (Hoth Troopers, Elite Hoth Troopers etc...) as well as their Commander Effects really aren't that great. Fitting for their Faction and mirroring both their strengths and weaknesses from the original trilogy movies.
Key Pieces R2 D2 (Rare) ,
Obi-Wan Kenobi (Very Rare) ,
Han Solo (Rare) EmpireThe Empire is indeed a powerful faction. With powerful Commanders such as Grand Moff Tarkin, General Veers, the Non-Unique Imperial Officer, Stormtrooper Officer and Emperor Palpatine, the Empire reflects the mighty juggernaut it portrays in the movie. The Chain of Command doesn't exempt those leaders from Failure though. Darth Vader, Dark Jedi's persona is identical to his "A New Hope" showing. Fail miserably, and you will pay. The Stormtrooper even today almost 8 sets later is the ultimate shock trooper and staple in most Imperial squads and with the Probe Droid the Empire gets an early boost on Initiative control. We also see the first Expanded Universe piece in Mara Jade who has some good Synergy with Emperor Palpatine. The Empire IS powerful indeed, but with careful planning taking down a well built Rebel squad will indeed prove difficult.
Key PiecesStormtrooper (Common),
Emperor Palpatine (Very Rare) ,
Probe Droid (Very Rare) FringeThe Fringe faction brings some much needed neutral "oomph" to both Factions. The Ewok is a well used 3-point filler and later on will benefit from many different Commander Effects and become more powerful (Ithorian Commander, Princess Leia Hoth Commander). Lando Calrissian and his Bespin Guards also are reflected in the set fittingly neutral to the cause. Jabba and his brothel of Bounty Hunters give the fringe a healthy amount of deadly characters to pit either for good or evil. Bossk and Dengar are effective mid-costed miniatures, with the droids pair of IG-88 and 4-LOM packing deadly punches. Greedo perhaps shine as one of the best 12 point Unique pieces in the game and the 12 Point Quarren Assassin is still being used today in both normal squads as well as Dynamic Duo matches with Darth Revan. The Twi'lek Bodyguard will prove to be a healthy and popular reinforcement piece for only 10 points especially with Lobot and definitely when facing Boba Fett, Bounty Hunter. Boba Fett shines in this set just like his on-screen stigma (without the pathetic death scene). Boba will be a powerhouse for sets to come until Bounty Hunters. The Wampa perhaps is the all-time biggest disappointment for such an expectingly powerful piece to reflect it's movie persona. The Fringe faction stands well on its own in this set with many different Bounty Hunters but also complements both Factions and making them both stronger.
Key PiecesEwok (Common) ,
Boba Fett (Very Rare),
Twi'lek Bodyguard (Uncommon)