Star Wars Roleplaying Game - Which version?
 

	This is where it started back in 1987 with West End Games.  This user WEG's D6 system.  You have six attributes, with each attribute having linked skills.  You roll a number of D6 dice equal to your skill to beat a difficulty number.  It's quick, it's simple.  PCs and NPC stats can be generated in seconds, perfect for a beginner or veteran GM. The book also has plenty of information and wonderful artwork and move stills. The only weakness is the Force system which can be both under and over powered.  Personally I would play this version for quick and simple rogues with maybe a minor Force Adept.  This is in fact the version I am currently playing.
	The Second Edition of WEG's D6 system picks up the ball where 1st edition left off and runs with it.  Yes, I know I said I am currently running 1st edition, but this is the more rounded game and my personal favourite rpg ever. The skill system is expanded upon allowing for specialised skills, so you can increase your Blaster Pistols skill more quickly, but then you'll be hindered if you try using a Blaster Rifle. The Force system is relatively unchanged but it does include different rules for scaling characters and vehicles. This is also the most supported version of any edition, with most 1st editions reprinted for 2nd edition rules, although it is backwards compatible to begin with. This is always my #1 suggestion for playing Star Wars RPG.
	This is the 2nd Edition Revised and expanded edition.  I never really bothered with this one.  Most changes are very minor, although this version is a glossy full colour book, it is very nice to flick through. If you can't find the 2nd edition then get this, they are pretty much the same. One last note on the WEG's D6 rpg's, they are pre-1999 and do not include any prequel material.  So it you want to run The Clone Wars you're either making up your own stats or looking for fan material.   (dropped a Squirrel because it wasn't really necessary)
	The game that nobody asked for and nobody wanted.  When Wizards of the Coast took over the Star Wars licence they asked the fans what they wanted and the answer was a resolute, not D20.  So, Wizards' gave us D20! Sure, I'd played D&D 3rd edition, and this is very similar.  Now you had Classes and Levels, and Feats with all the usual min-maxing that goes with D20. I am not opposed to D20, I like it, but with the right game.  Sadly this was not it.  I never did get my head around the Force system. Vehicle combat was also very poor, with the onus being on the vehicle.  That did sadly mean an unskilled Ewok could pilot the Millennium Falcon as good as Han Solo!! It's not all bad.  The books have great art, and there were a couple of very good sourcebook, the Dark Side Sourcebook in particular is often much sought after.
	Somehow, just with very minor tweaks that I cannot even remember, Wizards of the Coast managed to drag it's D20 system out the gutter and improve it.  The D20 Revised and Expanded Edition was slightly more playable. Well supported and generally backwards compatible with the older D20 material gave you an average but playable D20 system. Sadly the vehicle rules were not improved.
	The Saga Edition is still D20, but is much more streamlined.  This is in effect D&D4 Beta.  Yes, I know many hate how D&D4 attempted to emulate video games, but somehow it worked with Saga Edition. The Force Powers are improved on, but can be quite powerful, especially if using the Force Unleashed Sourcebook. The Sourcebooks for Saga are also some of the best books for any game, covering the original and prequel trilogies, Knights of the Old Republic and even Legacy ear with Cade Skywalker and Darth Talon. While not my go to game, if you want to play a Force heavy campaign then this is the version for you, 100%.
	Fantasy Flight Games picked up the Star Wars licence after Wizard's claimed there was nothing more that could be done with it!  Now there is the most short-sighted marketing decision ever made. FFG release effectively the same game but in three different version, each focusing on a different aspect of Star Wars.  The first being Edge of the Empire focusing on all those rogues and scoundrels we all love. FFG's star Wars uses their Genesys System, which means you also need their specialist dice available separately or in the Start Box Sets.  These dice have special symbols that can give advantage or disadvantage during an action.  So a character fail with advantage; Luke shoots at Darth Vader, missing (but with Advantage), Han shouts, "Blast the door, kid!" so Luke misses Vader but shoots the controls locking the Blast Door. What about Disadvantage?  The Bespin dining room doors open and Han Solo is confronted by Darth Vader.  Han shoots and hits (with Disadvantage), Vader uses the Force to deflect the shots and telekinetically pull Solo's blaster from his hand. It's great fun and encourages role-playing. My drawbacks for this system though are the added cost of buying more dice and it's more tricky to make up NPC stats on the fly.  There are sopme NPC card decks available, which are very good, but yet another added cost.
	This is basically the same as Edge of the Empire but now we're into the classic territory of being members of the Rebel Alliance. Rules are pretty much unchanged. One thing I didn't mention with Edge of the Empire is that old tricky subject of using the Force.  Mechanics for using the Force in this system are still a bit clunky, adding dice and relying on Advantages and generally not giving a great bonus at all. I do have an biased affinity for Age of Rebellion though as Club Squirrel were asked to play test several of the sourcebooks and the first Adventure, Onslaught at Arda I.
	Honestly, I've not really read this one too much. From the title it is obviously a more focused look at Force Users.  The rules do improve the way some Force Powers work, but overall I still think Force use is a tad clunky in the Genesys system. So if you do want a current game that focuses on Force users, then this is by far the one to use, but generally if you want Force Users to be the focus with lots of lightsaber combat and Force Lightening, play Saga Edition.

So, there you go.  A variety of very similar but also very much the same.  There is no right or wrong, my scores are merely personal opinion.  The version you choose should suit your play style as GM and that of your players.  And most of, whichever version you play, have fun.  And may the Force be with you...

Club Squirrel have been play-testers several products from Fantasy Flight Games for several years for Star Wars games and RPG books including Imperial Assault, Age of Rebellion - Assault on Arda I, Age of Rebellion - Desperate Allies and Age of Rebellion - Forged in Battle.