imo rebels are winning this war. B-Wings and new x-wing pilots on the way. rebel aces gives rebels many more options and strengthens them further. just look at the new astromechs!

i dont think imperial aces will address this imbalance.

c'mon FF where is the love for the empire!

I think Imperial aces does a fantasitc job. See Interceptors can get the RGI title while A-Wings get test pilot. RGI gives the Interceptor the ability to have two upgrades both can be used at the same time. Test pilot grants two ep abilities but that doesnt mean they can both be used at the same time.

I find using targeting computer and stealth device a better combo than having two ept with only one that can be used at a time. The Interceptor combo is even more lethal with ptl and focus extra more so if used on the Baron.

Even though you cant use it in ternies the Prototype TIE Interceptor you can use in mission 7 is nothing to dismiss. You can end up with 7 attack dice with its primary attack. Or you can have a Prototype TIE Phantom that can do 3 vollies in one turn.

If 250 points of Rebel ships with a CR-90 isn't balanced against 250 points of Imperial ships without a large ship, then Epic rules are in major trouble, considering it will winter before we'd see a Imperial cap ship... I think the Epic format is going to have trouble making it, if it's unbalanced for the next 6+ months.

And here is, in a nutshell, one of the concerns Imperial players have in regards to the recent Rebel-centric news updates. Yes, we don't know how Epic will turn out, but the concern is there nonetheless.

I think Imperial aces does a fantasitc job. See Interceptors can get the RGI title while A-Wings get test pilot. RGI gives the Interceptor the ability to have two upgrades both can be used at the same time. Test pilot grants two ep abilities but that doesnt mean they can both be used at the same time.

I find using targeting computer and stealth device a better combo than having two ept with only one that can be used at a time. The Interceptor combo is even more lethal with ptl and focus extra more so if used on the Baron.

There are quite a few EPT cards that aren't actions and can be used in combination with one another. More than there are modifications, really. Test pilot is good. Really good.

If 250 points of Rebel ships with a CR-90 isn't balanced against 250 points of Imperial ships without a large ship, then Epic rules are in major trouble, considering it will winter before we'd see a Imperial cap ship... I think the Epic format is going to have trouble making it, if it's unbalanced for the next 6+ months.

And here is, in a nutshell, one of the concerns Imperial players have in regards to the recent Rebel-centric news updates. Yes, we don't know how Epic will turn out, but the concern is there nonetheless.

I think Imperial aces does a fantasitc job. See Interceptors can get the RGI title while A-Wings get test pilot. RGI gives the Interceptor the ability to have two upgrades both can be used at the same time. Test pilot grants two ep abilities but that doesnt mean they can both be used at the same time.

I find using targeting computer and stealth device a better combo than having two ept with only one that can be used at a time. The Interceptor combo is even more lethal with ptl and focus extra more so if used on the Baron.

There are quite a few EPT cards that aren't actions and can be used in combination with one another. More than there are modifications, really. Test pilot is good. Really good.

Yes but the majority that are real good are action activated. Like with the Baron the ability to target lock and then get two focus or one focus and evade is pretty powerful although you need ptl too.

Yes but the majority that are real good are action activated. Like with the Baron the ability to target lock and then get two focus or one focus and evade is pretty powerful although you need ptl too.

Speaking of PTL, you could of course just take PTL and another EPT and combine that with your action bar actions. And even with the one action a turn limitation, you've still got more options than the interceptor has with modifications. Which are a grand total of four for the interceptor.

Tycho don't care, he'll do what he want.

Gamers are fickle. Its not enough the last "fire" got put out, its that there's always another "fire", hence, always something to rant and worry over.

Yes but the majority that are real good are action activated. Like with the Baron the ability to target lock and then get two focus or one focus and evade is pretty powerful although you need ptl too.

Speaking of PTL, you could of course just take PTL and another EPT and combine that with your action bar actions. And even with the one action a turn limitation, you've still got more options than the interceptor has with modifications. Which are a grand total of four for the interceptor.

More options maybe but with the Interceptor you will always be able to use the mods all at once unlike the testpilot. More mods will be around in the future like cannon slot mods and so on.

More options maybe but with the Interceptor you will always be able to use the mods all at once unlike the testpilot. More mods will be around in the future like cannon slot mods and so on.

Yes, because being able to have a 45 point ship with three hull will be awesome!

Ptl+boost+daredevil/expert handling (and throw in the upgrade to knock off 2 points...)

More options maybe but with the Interceptor you will always be able to use the mods all at once unlike the testpilot. More mods will be around in the future like cannon slot mods and so on.

Actually, no. Because targeting computer gives us the target lock as a standard action. Which means it's going to get caught in between the barrel rolling and boosting.

So... that leaves interceptors with three modifications then? Compared to the eleven you can combine and use both in one turn with test pilot?

Test pilot still sounds awesome.

Speaking of PTL, you could of course just take PTL and another EPT and combine that with your action bar actions. And even with the one action a turn limitation, you've still got more options than the interceptor has with modifications. Which are a grand total of four for the interceptor.

I was thinking you could go with PTL and Wingman on 2 Greens, 2 actions each and no stress if they fly together.

Oooh, nifty. And with chardaan refit you essentially get the wingman for free. I'm going to hate seeing A-wings pull multiple actions against my Interceptors and not get saddled with any stress.

I do feel like Imperial Aces was dissapointing. It didn't do much to mitigate the weaknesses the Interceptor has. The new pilots are just as vulerable to Firesprays(Er, meant YT's But both are dangerous...), just as easy to kill, and Hull upgrade is not a significant improvement over Shield upgrade or Stealth Device. I almost never feel the need to use the Royal Guard titles because all I want on a Squint is a Stealth Device and Push the Limit. Hull upgrade can make getting one shot less likely, but I'm not sure 3 points is worth it for sub A-wing durability.

Targeting Computer is cool, bjt hitting things has never been the Interceptors weak spot.

The Royal guard title is not really that good, sure it allows you to add 2 mods but lets face it the mods are some of the most overpriced upgrades available except maybe Targeting Computer. IMO the RG title is just bad overall because it only allows you to spend more point on a shiop where as the A-wing title saves you points.

The Royal guard title is not really that good, sure it allows you to add 2 mods but lets face it the mods are some of the most overpriced upgrades available except maybe Targeting Computer. IMO the RG title is just bad overall because it only allows you to spend more point on a shiop where as the A-wing title saves you points.

The A-Wing title is identical in that respect. It grants you an EPT slot to spend points on.

More options maybe but with the Interceptor you will always be able to use the mods all at once unlike the testpilot. More mods will be around in the future like cannon slot mods and so on.

Yes, because being able to have a 45 point ship with three hull will be awesome!

Same can be said about the awing with test pilot.

The Royal guard title is not really that good, sure it allows you to add 2 mods but lets face it the mods are some of the most overpriced upgrades available except maybe Targeting Computer. IMO the RG title is just bad overall because it only allows you to spend more point on a shiop where as the A-wing title saves you points.

The A-Wing title is identical in that respect. It grants you an EPT slot to spend points on.

Not really,

To begin with, the number of existing EPTs is vastly superior to the number of existing modifications. That alone opens a lot of versatility and sinergies for the A-Wing. And several new EPTs are being created on every expansion. Conversely, new mods are scarce, and rare.

If that not were enough, interceptors benefit from only a few existing modifications. Engine Upgrade, Anti-pursuit Lasers, The cloaking modifications, failsafe munitions... All of them are useless to interceptors, which only truly benefit from shield, hull, stealth, and computer. A grand total of four usable modifications to choose from.... Against dozens of EPTs and combinations available to A-Wings.

And to add injury, many of those EPTs are cheaper than the average modifications you can mount on a interceptor.

More options maybe but with the Interceptor you will always be able to use the mods all at once unlike the testpilot. More mods will be around in the future like cannon slot mods and so on.

Yes, because being able to have a 45 point ship with three hull will be awesome!

Same can be said about the awing with test pilot.

Not really, because the A-wing starts at 17 points with dual EPT compared to 22 points with dual modifications. The A-wing is shielded, which makes it dramatically more survivable at the same agility. Modifications are generally more expensive than EPTs, and you're talking about a modification which would allow a cannon upgrade, which if it even happens are pretty much the most expensive upgrades in the game.

The bare minimum use of Royal Guard TIE would be at 27 points - Royal Guard Pilot with Hull/Stealth and Targeting Computer. More reasonably, it will be 28-29, which means you're paying Wedge or Fel prices for a PS6 without his uber ability, and without the awesomeness that is PtL. A NOT bare minimum use of the Test Pilot clocks at 23 or giving PtL + a 3-point EPT of your choice.

So no, really not the same with the A-wing even before you consider that EPTs tend to be more dynamic.

More options maybe but with the Interceptor you will always be able to use the mods all at once unlike the testpilot. More mods will be around in the future like cannon slot mods and so on.

Actually, no. Because targeting computer gives us the target lock as a standard action. Which means it's going to get caught in between the barrel rolling and boosting.

So... that leaves interceptors with three modifications then? Compared to the eleven you can combine and use both in one turn with test pilot?

Test pilot still sounds awesome.

I was thinking you could go with PTL and Wingman on 2 Greens, 2 actions each and no stress if they fly together.

Oooh, nifty. And with chardaan refit you essentially get the wingman for free. I'm going to hate seeing A-wings pull multiple actions against my Interceptors and not get saddled with any stress.

Your are assuming I will never be in a postion to use target lock. Its much easier for an Interceptor to get into a good firing postion than say an A-Wing. Targeting computer was just one example I could use stealth and shields, or hull upgrade and shields, or hull and stealth or any orther combo that has TC.

As for your example above with the three green A-Wings, you dont come close to getting a free wingman. And as far as the scenario goes with those Green you do know you can do the Same thing with acouple Sabres and they will be a skill level higher.

I do feel like Imperial Aces was dissapointing. It didn't do much to mitigate the weaknesses the Interceptor has. The new pilots are just as vulerable to Firesprays(Er, meant YT's But both are dangerous...), just as easy to kill, and Hull upgrade is not a significant improvement over Shield upgrade or Stealth Device. I almost never feel the need to use the Royal Guard titles because all I want on a Squint is a Stealth Device and Push the Limit. Hull upgrade can make getting one shot less likely, but I'm not sure 3 points is worth it for sub A-wing durability.

Targeting Computer is cool, bjt hitting things has never been the Interceptors weak spot.

I think that people's disappointment in Imperial Aces is relative and "grass is greener on the other side" perspective. It provides a ton of useful interesting options and choices, and I personally love it. While a lot of people are frustrated by the refit, I think the A-Wing was in much bigger need of it than the interceptor, and a 2 point discount on the interceptor would be too much -- when it's on it's game it's already an incredibly frustrating ship to face -- and besides, I'm not sure where you put it.

Jax is possibly the biggest game changer on the Imperial side since Howlrunner, and an advantage his ability has is that it is equally useful regardless of how many pilots he flies with.

Cowall is a pretty cheap PS 7 pilot, even if his ability isn't all that great.

I'm "meh" on Kanos and Lorrir, but some people seem to think they have their uses.

Targeting computer provides a nice option both in combination with another mod (because it's cheap) or without. I often find myself in good position to fire and take just a focus, and missing out on an option for a target lock. The targeting computer (or two) can fill in a couple of leftover points that you haven't spent, otherwise, which is what I tend to use mods for.

Hull upgrade and shield upgrade are both tough in terms of points but, as pointed out, either are often the difference between a one-shot kill on your int. They aren't something you'll like on all your ints, but a select one or two will be useful and the hull provides a cheaper option. (BTW, while people say this is too expensive, do we really think 2 points is reasonable the other way? I don't).

However, imo, the expansion is worth it just for the RG pilot, a 22 point PS 6 pilot in the most maneuverable ship the imperials have.

I can certainly see the point that Aces didn't get pilots with that take advantage or change the way we'll interact with some of the new rules (stress in particular), but I think Aces were a bit early in the pipeline for that.

As for the rebels being ahead, I think it's because of the announcements and not as much what's on the table (though they do have a wider range of useful ships). The next imperial only announcement will be an interesting one, and all it would take, I think for people to feel like things are evening out, is one.

More options maybe but with the Interceptor you will always be able to use the mods all at once unlike the testpilot. More mods will be around in the future like cannon slot mods and so on.

Yes, because being able to have a 45 point ship with three hull will be awesome!

Same can be said about the awing with test pilot.

Not really, because the A-wing starts at 17 points with dual EPT compared to 22 points with dual modifications. The A-wing is shielded, which makes it dramatically more survivable at the same agility. Modifications are generally more expensive than EPTs, and you're talking about a modification which would allow a cannon upgrade, which if it even happens are pretty much the most expensive upgrades in the game.

The bare minimum use of Royal Guard TIE would be at 27 points - Royal Guard Pilot with Hull/Stealth and Targeting Computer. More reasonably, it will be 28-29, which means you're paying Wedge or Fel prices for a PS6 without his uber ability, and without the awesomeness that is PtL. A NOT bare minimum use of the Test Pilot clocks at 23 or giving PtL + a 3-point EPT of your choice.

So no, really not the same with the A-wing even before you consider that EPTs tend to be more dynamic.

The A-Wing may have more shields but it is not as manuverable and without a EPT that grants 1d damage it will do less than an Interceptor. Now as I pointed out alot of those real good ept cards cant be used together in one turn.

For example if you are using a A-Wing that is meant to have boosted damage output you will be limited for when it takes effect. If you got PTL and expose you will only be able to use one or the other. If you got PTL and oppertunist the later will only work if you are not stressed and the enemy has no focus and or evade tokens. You could use oppertunist and expose but you can shoot yourself in the foot pretty fast esp since you are less mobile and have less evade dice.

I do feel like Imperial Aces was dissapointing. It didn't do much to mitigate the weaknesses the Interceptor has. The new pilots are just as vulerable to Firesprays(Er, meant YT's But both are dangerous...), just as easy to kill, and Hull upgrade is not a significant improvement over Shield upgrade or Stealth Device. I almost never feel the need to use the Royal Guard titles because all I want on a Squint is a Stealth Device and Push the Limit. Hull upgrade can make getting one shot less likely, but I'm not sure 3 points is worth it for sub A-wing durability.

Targeting Computer is cool, bjt hitting things has never been the Interceptors weak spot.

I think that people's disappointment in Imperial Aces is relative and "grass is greener on the other side" perspective. It provides a ton of useful interesting options and choices, and I personally love it. While a lot of people are frustrated by the refit, I think the A-Wing was in much bigger need of it than the interceptor, and a 2 point discount on the interceptor would be too much -- when it's on it's game it's already an incredibly frustrating ship to face -- and besides, I'm not sure where you put it.

Jax is possibly the biggest game changer on the Imperial side since Howlrunner, and an advantage his ability has is that his ability is equally useful regardless of how many pilots he flies against.

Cowall is a pretty cheap PS 7 pilot, even if his ability isn't all that great.

I'm "meh" on Kanos and Lorrir, but some people seem to think they have their uses.

Targeting computer provides a nice option both in combination with another mod (because it's cheap) or without. I often find myself in good position to fire and take just a focus, and missing out on an option for a target lock. The targeting computer (or two) can fill in a couple of leftover points that you haven't spent, otherwise, which is what I tend to use mods for.

Hull upgrade and shield upgrade are both tough in terms of points but, as pointed out, either are often the difference between a one-shot kill on your int. They aren't something you'll like on all your ints, but a select one or two will be useful and the hull provides a cheaper option. (BTW, while people say this is too expensive, do we really think 2 points is reasonable the other way? I don't).

However, imo, the expansion is worth it just for the RG pilot, a 22 point PS 6 pilot in the most maneuverable ship the imperials have.

I can certainly see the point that Aces didn't get pilots with that take advantage or change the way we'll interact with some of the new rules (stress in particular), but I think Aces were a bit early in the pipeline for that.

As for the rebels being ahead, I think it's because of the announcements and not as much what's on the table (though they do have a wider range of useful ships). The next imperial only announcement will be an interesting one, and all it would take, I think for people to feel like things are evening out, is one.

Thank you for your insight. I do think both sides got good stuff but I think people are suffering from "new army/units syndrom."

I do feel like Imperial Aces was dissapointing. It didn't do much to mitigate the weaknesses the Interceptor has. The new pilots are just as vulerable to Firesprays(Er, meant YT's But both are dangerous...), just as easy to kill, and Hull upgrade is not a significant improvement over Shield upgrade or Stealth Device. I almost never feel the need to use the Royal Guard titles because all I want on a Squint is a Stealth Device and Push the Limit. Hull upgrade can make getting one shot less likely, but I'm not sure 3 points is worth it for sub A-wing durability.

Targeting Computer is cool, bjt hitting things has never been the Interceptors weak spot.

I think that people's disappointment in Imperial Aces is relative and "grass is greener on the other side" perspective. It provides a ton of useful interesting options and choices, and I personally love it. While a lot of people are frustrated by the refit, I think the A-Wing was in much bigger need of it than the interceptor, and a 2 point discount on the interceptor would be too much -- when it's on it's game it's already an incredibly frustrating ship to face -- and besides, I'm not sure where you put it.

Jax is possibly the biggest game changer on the Imperial side since Howlrunner, and an advantage his ability has is that it is equally useful regardless of how many pilots he flies with.

Cowall is a pretty cheap PS 7 pilot, even if his ability isn't all that great.

I'm "meh" on Kanos and Lorrir, but some people seem to think they have their uses.

Targeting computer provides a nice option both in combination with another mod (because it's cheap) or without. I often find myself in good position to fire and take just a focus, and missing out on an option for a target lock. The targeting computer (or two) can fill in a couple of leftover points that you haven't spent, otherwise, which is what I tend to use mods for.

Hull upgrade and shield upgrade are both tough in terms of points but, as pointed out, either are often the difference between a one-shot kill on your int. They aren't something you'll like on all your ints, but a select one or two will be useful and the hull provides a cheaper option. (BTW, while people say this is too expensive, do we really think 2 points is reasonable the other way? I don't).

However, imo, the expansion is worth it just for the RG pilot, a 22 point PS 6 pilot in the most maneuverable ship the imperials have.

I can certainly see the point that Aces didn't get pilots with that take advantage or change the way we'll interact with some of the new rules (stress in particular), but I think Aces were a bit early in the pipeline for that.

As for the rebels being ahead, I think it's because of the announcements and not as much what's on the table (though they do have a wider range of useful ships). The next imperial only announcement will be an interesting one, and all it would take, I think for people to feel like things are evening out, is one.

What is getting frustrating for the imperials is real lack of diversity. You have swarms and firesprays with a sprinkle of everything else. Imperials have also lacked "combo", "control", and synergy lists. When your biggest combo is "do the opposite of what makes your ships awesome (mobility) and fly together", you're starting to feel a bit stagnant on multiple fronts.

I'm an interceptor addict and a shuttle fanboy but neither has created compelling lists (the ever evolving scarlet cowgirl aside) that are also competitive with the best out there. Shuttles lose to Bwings, Bwings lose to interceptors, interceptors lose to YT's. Which 2 rebel ships are on the rise right now- Bwings and YT's.

I've done my homework and the rebels are ahead in overall wins and squad variety and get to play with stuff from the newest wave while imperials might as well be playing wave 1+ firesprays (competitively. I decimate casual lists with most of my "casual" imperial lists). Throw in underwhelming imperial aces released the day after amazing "Rebel Aces" was spoiled and its pretty easy to see why those offs who fly for the good guys are a bit torn up right now.

I see some hope with the "better interceptor" phantom, huge potential out of wingman+ shuttles and we'll see if bombers can finally pack enough punch to be scary. But most of those toys are still pretty far away. Still can't even play our newest toys in tournaments despite having been able to practice with them for 6 months!

TBH I dont know how rebels can stand flying such bad ships. The Xwing's dial is garbage and has like no actions. The Y-wing needs so much extra investment to make it 'not bad' which is not the same as making it 'good'. The A-wing as it currently stands is a bad joke at the rebellion's expense. The only decent ships they have are the B-wing and Chewbacca-Falcon. They need far more help than the empire.

I'm sorry that's been your experience, but I think there are plenty of people that have had more success than you've seen with them. Never seen them take down a YT? Oddly enough, in my first game against an interceptor list after Aces was released, my opponent took three Royal Guard modded to the hilt (hull, shield), even without PTL. I had Chewie, Wedge and a rookie. While I won the game, it was a close run thing and the new upgrades were the option over PTL, though that wouldn't have been my choice, and made them more survivable. Chewie went down first, within the first couple rounds (and that's exactly how interceptor players should tackle a YT, early).

I don't think Aces was intended to shore up all their weaknesses, but it did give options to do so. Based on the type of ship they are (high risk/high reward) if people felt "safe" flying them, it would probably mean they would be disgusting.

I suppose. Note that I don't think there is an imbalance between the factions. I somewhat prefer the Empire because Tie's are an amazing deal, either as filler or a squad, and because Firesprays are fun without feeling cheesy(see the YT-1300)

My current list attempt is a Jendon Buzz-saw, a Recon Bounty hunter and Two Academy Ties.(Or alternatively a regular Buzz-Saw, a Recon Bounty Hunter, Backstabber and Dark Curse. Not sure which I like better yet...