Skipped ahead to post but and say this is a frelling awesome game. Last game I played I thought once again (with some considerable frustration) the Rebels were going to slip through my fingers but they hadn’t in fact moved the base. I sent Boba Fett to capture Luke, turned him to the dark side with Vader and The Emperor and then sent Luke to lead the final assault on the Rebel base. At that point I didn’t actually care if I’d win the battle as the whole thing was just crazy cool.
This is a pretty balanced game really but it is certainly more difficult for the Imperials as they have many more things to juggle and balance. The main concerns are the probe deck and getting enough material moving through enough systems.
Many of the games come down to a big battle for the win.
I especially like the alternating nature of doing missions and activating systems in a turn between the sides instead of Rebels do their thing/Imperials do their thing. It makes for many interesting decisions.
And all of my games have been, “Whoa, wait, It’s WHAT time?” Long games but they fly by.
I highly recommend this game for any A&A fan.
Ohhh and these are pricey but look perfect… https://www.topshelfgamer.com/collections/featured-products/products/zen-bins-rebellion-custom-trays