Is Star Wars d20 revised worth it?

[Skywalker]

FWIW I really like the Deflect Blaster ability in the Revised Star Wars. It mets a number of criteria:

1. Logical,
2. Simple, and
3. Balanced.

From my experience the original Deflect Blaster feat was unbalanced.

As for Dr Doom's alternative I dislike how it requires an extra roll for each blaster shot deflected which slows down play considerably. To me its logical that lightsaber deflection should become part of Defence rather than creating a whole new system.

Dr Doom's alternative also allows the Jedi to move, attack and deflect all at the same time. I don't like how it doesn't slow down the Jedi which seems to suit the scenes from the movies. The Revised Star Wars version allows the Jedi to take a move equivalent action and deflect all blaster shots at them. This allows them to close the range and attack in melee.

Plus its reactive in that it takes up an action next turn which is powerful as it does not commit the character unnecessarily as other defence options do.

Finally under the new rules increases to defence are more importnat as armour now provides only a DR. Defence is difficult to get outside Dex and Class without expenditure of a feat or your attack action. Jedi's getting this power for free gives them considerable advantage esp. when factoring Extend Defence and Attack options of Deflect Blaster.

Them is just my thoughts...

 

[Jodo Kast]

I hate to admit it, but the revised core book is actually worth the price tag. My reluctance stems from the fact that not too many moons ago I shelled out the jing for the original core rule book. It became outdated faster than my old Pentium I computer did. But when I flipped through the revised rule book, I realized that I had to have it, and once again fattened the pockets of those scoundrels at Wizards of the Coast.

Okay, I don't think this was necessarily a calculated move to charge folks twice for essentially the same game. However, WotC should have offered some sort of discount or rebate for owners of the old book that dug deep into their pockets for the new one. Even a small token would have been sufficient. But enough whining.

The revised book is great. I like the new classes, the revised starship combat rules are light years ahead, and the whole retool gives the game a more streamlined feel. I didn't think the old core book exceeded West End Games' d6 SWRPG, but I believe the new one may be superior. Have not played enough yet to know.

If you want to see how a Star Wars campaign using the new core book plays out, you can follow my game over on the story hour boards. Look for Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim. Plus, another great Star Wars story hour is over there - Wrath of the Rebellion.