Jedi Knights TCG: Big League Fun!
by Gregg "Gold 4" Keefer
The release of the all new Jedi Knights TCG (trading card game)
from Decipher has a lot to offer to collectors, but players should be
in hog heaven over this game. With an easy to learn mechanic and a
wide array of strategic possibilities inherent in the cards and the
way they work together it's a nice midway point between the mind
numbing complexity of the Star Wars CCG and the fast paced smash and
bash action of Young Jedi.
And like those two Star Wars games there will be a tournament
structure to draw players into competition for special cards. So what
about the more casual player collector?
Decipher has heard your wishes for a more relaxed and yet
rewarding activity and is for the first time offering a special
sanctioned league program that will give you a reason to clear your
calendar one night a week (or more) for the next few months! After
talking to Kendrick Summers at Decipher about this program I have to
admit I got pretty excited, so please pardon my exclamation points!
Having run Star Wars and Young Jedi leagues on my own in the past,
this is the kind of program I could only have dreamed of having for
my local players.
Retailers will be able to purchase a Jedi Knights League kit that
includes everything they need to host a successful Jedi Knights
league, including membership cards and exclusive premium cards
available only through the league program.
So how does it work?
Once the retailer has received their kit from Decipher they can
begin signing up league players (that's you!) . On an assigned night,
or any other time a League member is in the store, players will meet
to take on certain "Jedi Trials", a series of goals they need to
achieve to ascend to the next level of Jedi training in the league.
Each Month if you meet your goals you will receive a special premium
card. The program is slated for a four month duration. The key to
success in the league is participation, show up and meet your goals
and your efforts will most definitely be rewarded.
So what can you get?
Well, just for signing up you will receive a special Luke
Skywalker, Jedi Apprentice card. That's right an exclusive big nasty
main character with unique gameplay that you can plug right into your
existing decks!
You will also receive a membership card you will use to track your
progress toward your next level of Jedi Mastery. The Membership card
will be the same size as a regular card so you can just slip it into
your trade binder or card box.
You will be able to collect two more cool main character cards (Obi
Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight and Yoda, Jedi Master. See the pattern here?)
at each new level per month. There is also a Medal of Alderaan event
card (with a lovely +4 Tactical Bonus) you can earn as well. You can
take a look at all these cards at this link
You'll notice the cards are all Non-Theme Alliance cards which
means they can go in any Alliance deck and play for no additional
cost. You might also note that all these cards have the Premium logo
like the rare them hero found in the Starter Decks and that they have
the Right designation from a stereoscopic pair. Rest assured these
cool league cards are just like the other stunning stereoscopic rares
from the premiere set and that Left side cards HAVE been printed. No
word yet on how the left side cards will be distributed at press time
but rest assured they will get out there so you can see these bad
boys pop! That Yoda card looks like it will be especially neat in 3D.
These cards will be non stamped, but if you like shiny things the
league program will have one very special card in it. As a retailer
incentive each league kit will come with a special foil Emperor card
from an upcoming expansion of Jedi Knights. Unlike the various Gold,
Silver and First Day cards this is a true foil card from edge to
shining edge, much like the Star Wars Reflections cards. This card is
a retailer incentive and will only be one per kit and it will be
completely up to the retailer what they do with the card. They might
use it for a special drawing or they can sell it outright if they so
choose.
In addition to the opportunity to earn neat cards, leagues are a
great way to meet players and learn a few tricks that will help you
hone your decks to perfection. It will be a great chance for trading
too! Decipher has always promoted a "clubhouse" atmosphere in stores
for it's games through sanctioned tournaments in retail locations and
the Jedi Knights leagues will offer a fun way to get involved with
the local gaming scene without the stress of competing. Who knows
after a few months, when your skills are complete and you have
attained the rank of Jedi master you might feel like taking a shot at
tournaments! Getting involved with your local play community, and
earning cards for doing it is a win-win situation all the way! Ask
your local retailer if they plan to participate in the Jedi Knights
leagues and if they say no, cry like a six month old baby girl until
they say they will!
That always works for me..........