The Galactic Civil War continues on a whole new playing field with the introduction of the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game and its first release, Champions of the Force! This first ever online Star Wars ® based trading card game is available to current and former Star Wars Galaxies subscribers.

While the story of Champions of the Force is yet to be revealed, here is a taste of what to expect from the Star Wars Galaxies TCG. Even if you have never tried a trading card game before, now is your chance to expand your gaming horizons.

Star Wars Galaxies TCG: Champions of the Force

The Star Wars Galaxies TCG gives players the chance to flex their skills in story-based solo-play or against other players in epic one-on-one matches, cooperative Heroic Encounters, and official tournaments. Trade with your friends, battle your enemies, and build your collection all online.

In the first set, Champions of the Force, there are literally hundreds of cards each with never-before-seen Star Wars art and unique gameplay that you can use to build custom decks to fit a theme or your own play style.

The cards feature many new Star Wars characters and some old favorites as well. Here's a first glimpse at the Tusken Captain card:

The game cards in Star Wars Galaxies contain a lot of information that may be daunting at first but it is really very easy. Values on the card include Cost, Defense, Damage Bonus and Health. The in-game Tutorials will walk you through all of these icons and what they mean.

Cards are illustrated and named for familiar things that can be found in the Star Wars Galaxies universe. The illustration on the card serves as a visual indicator as to what the function of that specific card will be. The Tusken Captain is a unit used for attacking and defending. Players will find that each card includes game text explaining that specific card's effect on the game. Tuskens are very aggressive creatures, so this card will provide a bonus when attacking. Below the game text is lore in italics. Lore doesn't affect the gameplay but it does add a touch of flavor to each card.

Star Wars Galaxies Loot

Another fun and exciting aspect of the SWG TCG are the Loot cards. These are special cards found randomly in booster packs that you can redeem for in-game items in Star Wars Galaxies. Champions of the Force contains over 20 different Loot cards with more available through special promotions that SOE will be announcing soon. Different types of Loot cards are house items, speeders, house greeters and more!

Let's take a look at the Sith Speeder Loot card:

Redeem this Loot card for a Sith Speeder on your datapad to use as personal transport. The Sith Speeder is powered by a strong repulsorlift engine for rapid acceleration and sharp cornering.

Your Gateway to the Galaxy

Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game Champions of the Force is set for release soon, but you can try it out in mid-August at two great venues; SOE's Fan Faire in Las Vegas August 14-17 and at Gen Con Indy in Indianapolis August 14-17. For more information right now, visit the official website at www.starwarsgalaxies.com/tradingcardgame .