When Rebel Storm was released it was a simple slobber-knocker between Rebels & Imperials. A couple of decent CE's each side, but it was a simple game. The same can be said the the Special Abilities. No worrying about order of sequence of Nomb Bombs vs CE vs Jeriko, or the Desert Skiff, etc. The SA's were simple.

Now, and I would probably have to say for the better, the game has lots of varied CE's & SA's making it potentially a very complex game.

Now I want to try introducing a couple of friends but they are being put off by the magnitude of what the game is now. They see my folder of stats cards and the list of SA's and they run a mile.

How can I dumb down the game to help out new players?
New game formats, squad restrictions?

I was thinking of staring out with No CE's and max 50 pt characters?
Maybe just sticking to Rebel Storm?

Ideas

IMo the best way to teach new players is Play Play Play. I know it sounds stupid but Until you actually see the effectiveness of some squads it doens't click in your head at least In my Experiences. Now that being said I would start with few CE's and SA's But I would have them and some Force Powers. While it might seem overwhelming people learn through Failure. Missing using a FP for a Reroll. Forgetting that a CE was in Effect. While Frustrating gets you to remember them in the future that is why (unless your talking Kids) I say play with everything SA's, Ce's, and FP's, but tone it down. Instead of playing Multiple CE's just play one. One character with some FP's and another with Sa's the Rest Grunts.

or why Starter kits exist. a basic example anyone can pick up and play without going "WTF IS ALL THIS????"

Keep it Rebel Storm for a few rounds. That's all it will take to hook'em and then guide them to the more complex interactions.

Use the RotS Starter's or the new Starter's starting squads.

The figures from the RotS starter is a really good start. Let the newer player control Obi-Wan, Jedi Master and a couple of clone troopers and match them up against General Grievous, Supreme Commander and a couple of Super Battle Droids.

It's a bit stacked in Obi-Wan's favour, but it ends up playing out like the movies anyway. There's not a lot of characters to keep track of, but there are some special abilities, some Force Powers and a CE to boot, albeit, it's only Grievous' that comes into play.

Then after that, you can throw in Anakin and another clone or even R2 and various droids for the Seps.

Cheers guys, I'll try again to entice them

I always like to use one very simple Jedi of some sort adn a few generic troopers....Something that is going to expose them to every aspect of BASIC play. Then just play alot.

I usually do what the other guys have suggested. I make two teams that are as matched as I possibly can, use very few specials initially and slowly work more complicated things into play.

I too think this is best, just use RS for a time and add new sets & factions slowly.

I know this is an older post, but how did it work out? Exactly what did you do? I'm trying to introduce some friends to SWM, and was wondering if you could share your story.

Still not been able to entice them
Although finding time is the biggest problem.

what no update after it's been resurrected? give me news!!!