by North_Wolf
I managed to get a couple of co-workers to try this game, one is a board gamer (as well as a Dominion fan) the other is a nice sort of chap that already declared that he was sure that this (and the entire hobby) was not for him.We only used 1 X-Wing vs. 2 Ties for a quick demonstration (we had a game of Blood Bowl Team Manager planned at work), and they loved it.
My none gaming friend (who got to be the X-Wing and got blown up) enjoyed it so much in fact that he was excited about the upcoming card game (he had politely said he would try it before).
The kids tried it voluntarily (its two girls) and that surprised me (they loved it too), the wife wont even look at it (and I cant ask since that was a condition for going on an expansion spending spree with the game).
When pitching the game I stick to the following points.
1. Its not complicated at all, you just roll some dice to try to blast the other guy out of space after outguessing where he will go.
2. You get lots of choices, they are simple but it makes it feel like you really are controlling a star fighter. Its really deep but not confusing.
3. Its not long and hey.. if you get bored someone else can take over your ship, just give it a try! (cue lazer sound effects while holding an X-Wing).
I also make sure that the first game is a teaser, only using a very small setup.
With a more hardcore crowd then you may have to dwell more on the beauty of the tactical choices and the deeper aspects of the system (squad building etc.).