The first ever QJ/Beakman EPP Sealed Deck event went fairly well. We trekked down to Sci-Fi City and purchased the Vader EPP, but since they didn't have Luke, I settled for an Obi. When we got home, we kept the Obi packs, but substituted in an EPP Luke that we already owned. As per the rules described in RFD, we randomly designated sides (I was LS and Beaks was DS) and then divided up the cards.
As we began building our decks, I noticed a few things. First of all, the rares I got stunk: Krayt Dragon Howl (which would have been cool had I been using the Obi), Gold 1, Solo Han (the least stinky) and Cantina Brawl. Second, getting sites for force generation can be a real problem. Third, the usual problem of getting characters with ability is much more pronounced. Without It's a Hit/Tarkin's Orders, Surprise Assault/Counter Assault and Nabrum Leids/Elis Helrot are deadly.
Here's the deck that I constructed for myself:
Characters (8):
Beru Lars
General Dodonna
Shistavanen Wolfman
Rebel Guard
Rebel Trooper
R4-E1
R2-X2
Luke with Luke's Lightsaber
Locations (7):
Kessel
Yavin IV
Tatooine
Dune Sea
Yavin: Jungle
Death Star Trash Compactor
Yavin: Docking Bay
Weapons/Devices (4):
Blaster
Caller
Tatooine Utility Belt
Electrobinoculars
Starships (3)
Corellian Corvette
X-Wing
Y-Wing
Interrupts (7):
A Few Maneuvers
Don't Underestimate Our Chances
It Could be Worse
Nabrun Leids
Old Ben
Out of Nowhere
The Bith Shuffle
Effects (1):
Restricted Deployment
Game One
I knew from my opening hand that I would win if his opening hand was worse than mine. I drew Beru, the Trash Compactor, Nabrum Leids, Kessel, an X-Wing, the Yavin Jungle, a poopy droid and the Bith Shuffle
He started with the Judland Wastes, and I started with the Dune Sea. What really stinks about that is that he could draw destiny with Vader alone at the sea while my "powerhouse" of Luke would still require backup at the Wastes. He activated and drew. I activated, deployed Beru to the Trash Compactor and drew. His second turn was especially exciting…he deployed a power droid to the wastes and drew. On my turn, I drained for one, deployed the X-wing and a Y-wing to Kessel, and started looking for Luke while trying not to draw to many cards (no luck). On his next turn, he deployed the DS version of the Yavin Jungle and Mos Eisley, which led me to believe that he was souping up generation to get Vader down on the next turn. He also deployed a TIE Fighter , a TIE Advanced X1, and a TIE Scout to Kessel . On my turn, I drained for one, converted the Yavin Jungle, and initiated a battle at Kessel. He tried to Tallon Roll my Y-Wing but we tied, so there was no result. He wound up losing one force from the battle. On his next turn, he deployed Vader to the wastes and drew. On my turn, I drained, deployed a corvette to Kessel and battled. He lost five force. On his next turn, he tried to drain for two at the wastes, but I used It Could Be Worse. He deployed another droid with Vader and ended his turn. I drained then deployed the Rebel guard, Rebel Trooper, and two power one droids to the wastes, then battled at Kessel. He forfeited everything at the site. On his turn he battled my guys at the wastes, there was much forfeiting, and then our ten minutes was up. He had 10 force left and I had 14. I should have won by more, but I over drew and might have over deployed I never even saw Luke.
Game two
Same starting locations and my opening hand stunk - no sites and just Beru for characters. I was doomed. On turn two, he played Scanning Crew and removed the Luke I'd just drawn. He got Vader down to the wastes on turn three and a lone Imperial at his Yavin Jungle by turn 4. I never saw a ship and only managed to get Tatooine out. There was a very minor battle involving a Rebel Trooper with a blaster and the guard at the wastes. Vader had his way with them. The drain of three crippled me in no time. Game over.
I thought that this was a fun way to play, though I certainly wouldn't do it often. It made me realize how much the OTSD changed the way that Sealed Deck is played. Just thought you guys might like to know.
QueenJawa