So I find the ships with different mechanics for firing arcs to be very fun to play. I especially like the Firefly's front/back arcs. Obviously due to the benefit of hitting enemies, but also because it adds variety to the game. Now I've read a number of posts about how all niches have been filled by a specific ship etc and the only conclusion for X-wing is power creep.

I disagree, I think the new defender (with a white K-turn) is a good example of a new design creating its own niche in the meta. (Although power creep could be argued here)

With that in mind I'd love to see some new ships with varied firing arcs. Some of my ideas are below but please share your ideas as well.

- Slightly smaller firing arcs on both the left and right of a ship. None in front. Would be a ship more focused on supporting from the peripheral of combat.

- same idea as above, arcs on left and right side. However, a low attack (2?) and the ship can fire from both sides each turn. Maybe the empire's response to the Rebel turret?

- A turret that gives a 2 attack 360 degrees range 1-3 but also gives a 3 attack from primary firing arc

- a ship with a rear firing arc but that cannot be fired while stressed (thinking of a ww1 gunner for this)

-

Please feel free to comment on the above ideas. Viability, overpowered?, potential problems, costs etc.. And share your ideas!

With the side turret ideas the firing arcs don't have to be full sized arcs. They could be slightly smaller arcs that favor toward the front.

I especially like the Firefly's front/back arcs.

I especially like the Firefly's front/back arcs.

Is that the one with the Malcolm Reynolds pilot card?

Lol, Firespray**

Speaking of interesting firing arcs...

ARC-170

http://bit.ly/1iMsOYp

...plus...

CREW CARD:

ARC-170 Tail Gunner

3 squad points

ARC-170 ONLY

Attack: 1

Range: 1-2

This attack can only be performed in a 180-degree rear firing arc. This attack can be performed instead of or in addition to your regular attack at the end of the Attack phase.

or maybe

5 squad points

Attack: 2

Range: 1-2

Change all crits to hits. This attack can only be performed in a 180-degree rear firing arc. This attack can be performed instead of or in addition to your regular attack at the end of the Attack phase.

X-wing has no shortage of design space. There are particular ships that have little design space for their canonical roles because they lie between two already made ships that are very close, but the game itself is not lacking in space. It doesn't need power creep.

Had me confused there because I have seen someone make a Firefly custom ship with crew cards.

Anyone who argues powercreep is ignoring the points cost for ships and upgrades. As long as FFG gets the points cost right, the most powerful stuff can be added without causing any issues.

Anyone who argues powercreep is ignoring the points cost for ships and upgrades. As long as FFG gets the points cost right, the most powerful stuff can be added without causing any issues.

Every game has powercreep, as it is a function of trying new things and accidental combos. It's just a question of how bad will it be. X-wing limits combos and has enough design space for things to click. In truth I think the people saying certain ships niches have already been taken aren't seeing the finer details of what can be done with X-wings design space. The most common example is the Tie Avenger, which people feel cannot be made between the 21point advanced and the 30 point defender. There's a lot of point cost space there and unique things that can be done yet. And even if the ahip is redundant, as long as it is fairly costed both ships can be used.