Star Wars: Battle of Hoth Components Overview and Impressions
Star Wars games can be hit or miss when it comes to quality. With any popular IP such as Star Wars – and this includes things like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc. – there is always a chance that companies will look at the license as an easy way to make some money, with less of an emphasis being placed on component quality and more of an emphasis placed on selling it for the best price, making the most profit. Thankfully, that doesn’t seem to be the case here, and while this might just be a reworking on Memoire 44, the component quality is next level.
Usually I save the best for last in these articles, but the miniatures in Battle of Hoth are fantastic. Days of Wonder has done a fantastic job, and despite this becoming a mass market game – and I do think this will be a mass market game – the quality and detail on the miniatures is amazing. While the AT-AT figures are the most beautiful when out on the table, all of the other units look great as well. I actually prefer all of the Empire units to the rebel units, and feel like the detail on the AT-AT and the probe droids are fantastic.
Miniatures aside, I like all the other details in this game as well. The board is phenomenal, and while it might just be a big white canvas, there are little details here and there that make it pop. When those details aren’t enough, you can trust that the included terrain pieces will fill out the board and make you feel like you are actually fighting on Hoth! There is fantastic detail in these tiles as well, specifically in the bunker tiles and the rockwork. This fantastic artwork extends to the cards as well.
The card quality isn’t the greatest in my opinion, but it isn’t bad either. Still, despite there not being a ton of shuffling, with so few cards in the game I do think this will be one that I sleeve. If you were to play this game a dozen times max, perhaps that isn’t necessary. But with 17 unique scenarios to play, and two full campaigns to work through, I’m guessing your copy of Battle of Hoth will hit the table more than a dozen times, so perhaps sleeving up those cards is a good idea.
I have yet to see how sleeve cards would fit into the included card holders – I feel like it will be OK, although the thicker the sleeve, the harder it will be to put in and take out of the holders. That said, I haven’t tried this yet so cannot comment on it. The holders themselves are a nice addition ot the game, although one that I felt was unnecessary unless you are playing with 4 players. I’d sooner just hold the cards in my hand when playing 1-v-1.
Finally, you all know that I love when games have inserts, and this game has a great little insert that holds all the pieces. There are separate, removable containers for the units which I think was a nice touch, and space for everything. The dice even have their own spot in the box, which is always a nice touch. Oh ya, this game has dice! And they feel great to use as well, although I’m not a huge fan of the glossy nature (personal preference here).
Overall, this is a solid production and one that we’ve come to expect from Days of Wonder games. If you are looking to pick this up, the miniatures alone are worth the price of entry!
Article By Adam
