Wednesday 17 October 2012

X-Wing Expansion Packs: the Verdict

 
   

Right, rather than review each and every single X-Wing expansion pack as stand alone products I've decided to review them as a collective. I'm more reviewing the idea of these expansion packs as well as what you actually get inside of each expansion pack, so you could view this article as an extension of the Star War X-Wing Miniatures Game review I did yesterday. In fact that's exactly what you should do. Any who, lets get onto what you get in each of the initial four expansion packs:

X-Wing

You get one in the starter box and quite frankly looking at the numbers, you might actually want to consider buying a second starter box set because you'll save yourself money on buying the three ships individually. You do get more some higher numbered ID tokens, Wedge Antilles and Graven Dreis and few upgrade cards you don't get in the base set... but that's it. Realistically if you want extra X-Wings and TIE's then owning two base sets is far better value for money. It'll give you 6 extra game dice, shed loads more tokens, those movement templates and an extra range ruler. All for less money than buying the three ships separately would cost. You can't see it but I'm making the confused face right now... Fantasy Flight Games, why you price list no make sense? There is no denying though, that unless the A-Wings turn out to be cheap TIE like cannon fodder that the X-Wing will remain the workhorse for the Rebel fleet for the foreseeable future. I'll talk to you about Y that is when I talk about the Why-Wing... no... wait... that's not right... or is it? Nope, staggered X-Wings watching each others six is the way to go if you are rebel scum.


TIE Fighter

I currently see absolutely no reason as to why you'd even consider taking anything else if you are an Imperial player, and you are playing pitched battles. Sure you'll want a tooled up Darth Vader in that TIE Advanced of his, but that's it really. Pump out Chaff Fighters to the max. Stuff going for the more killed pilots take the crappy cheap ones to the max and swarm the frack out of your opponent. They won't be able to deal with all of them and they won't be able to avoid all those fire arcs. Sure an awful lot of them will be going to the cloning vat in the sky... but who cares? Plenty more nipple necks where they came from. Sorry that's mixing my sci-fi metaphors again! But it is a point well made. You see whereas with the X-Wing expansion pack I can see why you might want wedge and some of the upgrade cards, I'm just not so sure what is contained within the TIE Upgrade pack is worth it. The three pilots you get, Backstaber, Winged Gundark and Howlrunner are all higher piloting skill, but I'm not sure it's worth the extra points to get them for the imperials. Yeah the extra upgrade card Swarm Tactics, might mean that higher pilot skill looks more tempting... but actual real swarm tactics with lots of cheap chaff works better. I'm going to say early doors I think the extra TIE expansion packs seem utterly worthless right now. If you want more TIEs buy an extra starter set.


TIE Advanced

Currently this has the tag of the only expansion pack that I think is 'worth it'. It also has the only reason to buy the TIE expansion pack in it, the Swarm Tactics upgrade card. So there goes the need for that TIE expansion pack you were considering getting! The TIE Advanced is undoubtedly the star of the initial four ships available. In essence we're talking about a TIE fighter with the shields of the X-Wing. It also has the Target Lock ability, Focus, Evade and Barrel Roll... and for 29 points you can have a piloting skill of 9 Darth Vader. Result! In a 100 point game Darth with a fair few TIE's pretty much is more than a match for whatever the Rebels can throw at you. Maarek Steele at 27 points isn't a bad option either, and you can get a Tempest Squadron piloted TIE Advanced for only 21 points. Bargain! Truth is I can see the point in the TIE Advanced, not only because it gives me the opportunity to actually play as Darth Vader, but because it offers the Rebel faction something different as an option. Plus the four upgrade cards you get with it are all worthwhile, even if some of them you get in other sets, and in the base starter set.


Y-Wing

Or as they're becoming known around these parts... the "Why? Wing". Maybe that's a little bit on the harsh side, but right now I'm bloody unlikely to buy any more of the sodding things!Sure the 5 Hull Value and Shield Value of 3 makes the thing tougher than old boots, but it only has a primary weapon value of 2 and Agility Value of 1. Yes you read that right, an Agility Value of 1. All the Hull Value and Shield Value in the world isn't going to change the fact that it is a slow lumbering beast that is currently nothing more than a sitting duck... with a potentially useful Ion Cannon upgrade, IF you spend the 3 points extra required to get it. Without the Ion Cannon Turret I find the Y-Wing is just too slow without any real hitting power, and despite it's heavy hide it's just too easy to pick apart with a couple of TIE's, flip them in behind it and watch it squirm. Right now there really isn't a compelling reason to take a Y-Wing over an X-Wing. Even with the Ion Cannon Turret upgrade that effectively 'stuns' an opposing ship for a turn... but then you'll need an X-Wing to finish the stunned craft off, because the Y-Wing is too weedy with it's Primary Weapon Value of 2 to hurt any of the Imperial craft really with their Agility Value of 3. I'm just not convinced of its purpose.


Are they value for money?

Right this is a difficult question, and that's kind of why I've tackled it first. I've looked at what you get in the packets, it's not just a pre-painted miniatures, there's also a lot of cards components and other bits and bobs, and I have to say that I think looking at it rationally they're probably quite fairly priced. Nope, scratch that they are fairly priced. They're not cheap that's true, but for what you get it does seem fair. But, I can't help but view the rubber pre-painted miniatures on their flight stands and then glance across to some of my stunning Infinity, Freebooter's Fate or Studio McVey miniatures and think "that much, really?". There is no doubting that when you pick up one of the current four expansion packs you do feel like maybe, just maybe you're paying over the odds for something. At first you might think it's the Star Wars license itself, truth is though that the Wings of War miniatures, cost roughly the same sort of money for a similar level of product. So I'm saying they're a fair price... but value for money? Well that's a personal opinion and mine is that I feel they're just OK, not bank destroyingly bad, but not wallet friendly either. You'll be able to make your own mind up when you see them as a product.

Slave I will be released in December.

Is this how it should be done?

In a word... no. Yesterday I said I felt the whole product line felt like it was an awkward one to pigeon hole, perhaps I shouldn't try, because clearly Fantasy Flight Games haven't tried. But, buying individual expansion ships, to add to a very bare core game, without any extra missions feels like a redundant purchase. That may sound cruel, but as a straight up pitched battle Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game just simply does not work. So adding pretty more more of the same isn't going to fundamaentally change that, or improve the experience. While the sides might look balanced at first glance, ultimately in a pitched battle I think it favours the Empire somewhat. Plus people who have played the game more than once or twice will have hit upon a certain snag... I think we all know that games quickly boil down to an indestructible Luke Skywalker, and an impossible to get into your sights on him Darth Vader. You need objectives to fight over otherwise it becomes dull, and it just doesn't work. The main game has only three missions, and as I discussed yesterday I didn't think they scaled very well when more ships were taken either side. So what would I have given to buy an expansion pack that included multiple ships and new missions to use them in? Well probably a hell of a lot more money than I actually dropped on expansion packs.

Hopefully the A-Wing will be a good counterbalance for the TIEs

Nice though they are, they don't actually feel like they add much to the core game, which itself feels like a bare bones product. The Y-Wings currently feel like they have no role in a Rebel fleet, perhaps that will change with time as more Imperial options are released, but to make best use of a Y-Wing you need to tool it up tot he max, and that costs points. Points you'd probably be better off spending on X-Wings. Meanwhile the Imperial TIE Advanced is a must take, especially with Darth Vader at the helm, but even here, because he's so potent, without missions he sort of feels like he actually takes away from the game because he's so good. Sure Darth Vader should kick ass, and I wouldn't want it any other way, but, in a straight fight the guys too tough as he's so easy to use. Maybe come December the new wave of expansion packs will liven things up a bit and the game will be more balanced and exciting as a straight up fight. Then there is the added fact that with the Millennium Falcon and Slave I expansions we'll be getting two new missions, one for each pack. No doubt they'll simply be missions that involve those ships in some way, but it is a start and it shows that maybe Fantasy Flight Games are aware that their product only works when it has missions.

A new Hope?

The thing is this is still a very young product, what Fantasy Flight Games have got out of the stable doors thus far actually represents a very solid start for them. True it could've been better and more varied in terms of ship types available from day one, and missions out of the book, but as it stands it's a solid launch. There's already the promise of new ship types to come this December, including everybody's favourite the Millennium Falcon. There will be two new missions to play as well. So I don't want people thinking I'm all doom and gloom, because I'm not. There is hope that the game could grow into something fun to play, and something that rises above the merely mildly diverting stage it's at now. It could, and quite frankly should grow to be a very exciting experience if they remember to expand all aspects of the game, no just the ship options. It's all there for the taking, someone just needs to see it through now.

Conclusion

It's Star Wars. So it'll sell. Sure it's a dog fights in space, which if you talk to speccy nerdy science types they'll tell you is nonsense... I too in my more grumpy moments will tell you it's nonsense... then I remember the sound of laser shots and the screeching of TIE Fighters (again scientifically not possible) and all is forgiven. I'm just about young enough (no sniggering at the back) to remember the hype from the films first time around. I had my Darth Vader toys and I might even have had the Millennium Falcon, so I get the whole nostalgia thing, and yeah for many the Star Wars license remains a thing of wondrous joy, despite George Lucas and his attempts to spoil things. But I'm a gamer first and foremost when it comes to toy soldiers, yes my geekish ways might allow me to look past the odd blemish or fault if it is a franchise I love a little bit too much, but fundamentally it's all about the game. Don't get me wrong I actually quite enjoy Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game, and I've had a lot of fun with it. It's just that currently it's not really the game I'd personally choose to play as a main game. Maybe after a game of Heavy Gear Blitz or Infinity has ended early, or as a quick game before more friends turn up for a board gaming session it'll get more tabletop time. However, if Fantasy Flight Games want it to be more than just a flash in the pan, or a once in a while game for most serious gamers, they'll need more missions and options on the table... but perhaps they're not really after us. Perhaps they're after geeks who don't wargame, or boardgame, perhaps they're after the geeks that buy McFarlane collectibles who otherwise wouldn't consider rolling dice in anger. Either way there's no question it'll be a money spinner. It probably already is. Peace out!


Just a gentle none Star Wars reminder, I'm actually running a Dark Age story competition that you can read about here. The prizes are awesome so do check it out. 

22 comments:

  1. I scanned ebay for this stuff yesterday and found a bunch unopened at retail, some unopened way marked up, and a little that looked like they dropped about what you did played it and now want to recoup that money already.

    I am an fan of the old PC X-wing games and in those they remembers that space is 3D. It does not really seem like this game minimicks an environment where you can roll off in any direction.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Like you I've loved the various computer games. They've always had a better ability to immerse you in the Star Wars universe as a TIE or X-Wing pilot etc. I mean the Rogue Squadron games on the Nintendo platforms were brilliant.

      Wargames and boardgames are always going to struggle when you're dealing with three dimensions. Height is an issue in some regards for X-Wing, but if you were to include a sort of altitude measure you'd possibly make the darn thing too complex.

      Delete
  2. And probably you don't suffer the Dollar-Euro change like here in Spain, aren't you? 15$ are 11.5€ not 15€, 15€ are 19.7$

    Then, the Spanish retailer wonders why we buy directly in USA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, that is a bit rough. I wander why that is the situation. Perhaps importers are based here in the UK? Who knows, either way I can understand Spanish gamers choosing to shop outside of Spain to get your X-Wing fix.

      Delete
  3. I have to say I'm quite saddened by this review. For the most part, I disagree with the points you've made, from cost (depending where you get your games, you're either paying $15 or $10, so shop smartly) to quality (are these not some of the best sculpted and pre-painted SW ships we've seen, especially at this price?) to the gameplay (it's friggin' fun!) to the format (the core is not meant to be a stand alone game, and there aren't too many games out there that play great right out of the starter; the expansions add tonnes, and buying 2 of each product, while not cheap, will get you each named character on the board, or tonnes of awesomeness).

    Anyway, I'll be working on my own review for my blog soon, and it will definitely differ from yours. Not a bad thing, but it's nice to see such different opinions on the same game.

    Oh...and now to go finish that DA story...that's a great game too!

    -Justin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well I don't live in the States, so getting them for $10 or $15's isn't on the cards for me. Is the game fun? Yes, I've said as much. But unlike mny I'm not going to be blinded to its inherent flaws simply because it carries the Star Wars license. Personally I think it has been getting a bit of a free ride from many because it is Star Wars. Hell I think I've been not as harsh as I could've been because it's Star Wars.

      As for the quality of the ships and pre-paints... sorry they're average at best. Not bad for pre-paints, but seriously the miniatures themselves aren't splendidly detailed. However, for the price I wasn't expecting them to be. As to the current Expansions...

      Right now I'd advise peeps to buy two of the starter sets, and maybe a third X-Wing along with the TIE Advanced just to get the utterly awesome Darth Vader. I mention it's still a young game right now, and I've said I'll revisit the game when Decembers releases come out, but right now it's not all that great. The balance issues between the Rebels and the Empire need sorting and soon. Because in straight up fights the Empire's numerical advantage is just too good.

      Delete
    2. I'd agree with that. A friend brought it after one demo game. He's a gamer but not 'hardcore' like us :=) (heard he doesn't even sleep with a rulebook).

      He thinks it's a reasonable buy and the price - well he said it was cheap. Not sure I agree but then he IS a massive Start Wars nut so...but I think people are being a bit fairer in their observations due to the property.

      I don't get the fuss but imagery IS important - I still remember when Decipher lost the CCG license for Star Wars and made their own sci fi game with arguable better imagery, same mechanics that people loved and improved but no one brought it.

      Delete
    3. Minitrol, you know a gamer who doesn't sleep with rulebooks? o_0 What's wrong with the man? I take it he still sleeps with his lucky dice under his pillow... right?

      I think a lot of the initial review stuff I read a day or two after the game came out were all almost trying to convince themselves it was awesome, because it was Star Wars. I also feel people are cutting it more slack because it's Star Wars as well. There's nothing wrong with that, as you point out imagery is important, and Star Wars is so well loved that it must get the old endorphins going in many a geek. Still I seem to have pissed off Star Wars fanbois by not declaring it the greatest thing EVER!!!! Apparently saying it's a fun but flawed game is tantamount to taking a dump on Yoda.

      Delete
    4. I know next thing you'll be saying Games Workshop is a metaphor for the imperium or something ; P

      I think its was a fair review. PEOPLE not all games can be tens we have to obey the bell curve!

      Delete
    5. The thing I find the funniest though is the people emailing me to say I can't have played the game properly... did I know X, Y and Z about the game? Yes, yes I did, and yes I still think it's average. Not rubbish mind you, just average, and for £26 I don't mind a just average hour long divergence with X-Wings and TIE fighters.

      Delete
    6. Exactly there's nothing wrong with an average game (though it still baffles me that Talisman has so many ardent fans).

      Delete
    7. Perhaps they find your lack of faith disturbing, Frontline?

      (Sorry, couldn't resist..)

      Delete
  4. Some points on price...

    Meeplemart (http://www.meeplemart.com) has them for $12. In Toronto, and they ship for what I understand is a good price.

    Miniature Market (http://www.miniaturemarket.com) has them for $10. If you ever make trips to Buffalo you can use US Address' service to get packages sent there, and picked up for only $5 US. When you can get free shipping on orders $99 and up, it's a sweet deal.

    I'm sure there are other places to get them cheaper than retail, as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. While that's great for all you Americans out there... I'm British. Therefore I will not be making any trips to Buffalo anytime soon... or probably ever.

      Delete
  5. Y-wing. I don't know the game at al, but, if I recall my Star Wars 'fluff' correctly, wasn't the Y-wing supposed to be a bomber? Something like the SBD Dauntless or TBF Avenger of WWII? Or maybe the British Swordfish? So instead of it being a dogfighter, it should be more of an objective. e.g. escort the Y-wing to the other side of the board where it makes it's bombing run.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep the Y-wing is I believe a bomber, and like you I thought it'd have been fun to see a Y-Wing mission box that involve escort missions etc.

      It's certainly how I've looked to use it thus far. It might come into it's own with the ion cannon against the likes of Slave I. Stunning it to make it a sitting duck for A-Wings and X-Wings. Who knows. But in the current context of the game it just confuses me. Stick with having 3 X-Wings instead.

      Delete
  6. Either way, I'm looking forward to getting a copy because I found an old Starship Battles Imperial Shuttle whilst digging through some boxes, so I'll be able to play objective games from the get go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you and I really hope you enjoy it. As I've said it's not a terrible game. You just have to accept it's limits and accept what it is, and for some the fact that it is Star Wars will be more than enough! :)

      Delete
  7. I think your review of the game is pretty fair. I don't agree with some of your findings, but I understand why you have them. Thing is, as far as this game goes, I haven't had this much fun playing on a table top, been as desperate to play, in a very, very long time.

    So my review of X-wing is, read yours. Accept yours intellectually, then say "fuck it" and have fun.

    By the way, long time lurker, thanks for all the work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've told people the game is still fun despite its current flaws, which in and of itself is a pretty sound endorsement. I've recently played a few games where the flaws aren't quite as bad, but arguably the games haven't been as much fun.

      I point out the flaws because I think they're there and they exist. So as somebody reviewing a game I have to give peeps the information. I'm not here to make the decision for you. Anyone who reads a review must, and I emphasise the MUST, make there own minds up. For £26 you'll get your money' worth out of the starter set, so try it out for yourselves. Then decide whether you want to go further into it as a game. That's my advice.

      Delete
  8. The Tie Advanced offers the Rebel faction something different? I presume you mean a different way to die :p

    Looking at your description of the Y-Wing, I suspect the problem might be remedied by doing something to lower the actual weapon value, but adding a skill that turns all hits into critical damage. I guess without the old Star Wars rock/paper/super-rock-smashing-scissors of laser/ion/torpedo the game gets weird though. I may still get this and fiddle with the numbers.

    Or convince someone else to get it, and let me have a go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep that's right, more options to die!!! :P

      It's not a bad game, and the Y-Wing might make more sense against Slave I or something, r maybe even in bigger pointed games. But right now in 100 point pitched battles its been a bit of a dead weight even including when it's equipped with the ion cannon. But I'll repeat it again, for the £26 asking price I think it is worth it.

      Delete