Compared to most other ships the designated torpedo bombers and the HWK currently seem to be used relatively little and/or have a very narrow range of viable uses (Y-Wing+ion).
Note that at some point I've seen basically the same ideas thrown around somewhere already, so I'm not claiming originality here, just fleshing out and fishing for comments. Commence rant:
1st: Torpedo-Loader (torpedo slot)
When instructed to discard a torpedo card, deactivate it instead. With 1 action reactivate it.
Cost: ~2pts (?)
Comments: would help the tie bomber, Y-Wing and B-Wing bc you need two torpedo slots. The B-Wing would be helped to a lesser extent due to having a 3 dice primary and access to a marginarily more expensive hlc without needing an action (two actually, counting target locks) to reuse, which isn't too bad, as it's already a powerful fighter. The first two should be helped greatly - getting 4 dice instead of 2 every second round should be worth a slightly weakened (due to no tl or focus) primary on the other round. Bombers might get ptl to fire torpedoes every round and rebels have enough synergies to make the same happen aswell. Of course thematically it fits the Y and bomber like a glove.
2nd: Fixed turret (modification)
Replace your turret slot with a cannon slot.
Cost: ~ 1-2pts (?)
Comments: helps the Y-Wing and the HWK. Thematically appropriate mainly because the Y-Wing in canon would often have the turret fixed forwards in the one-man version. Of course the secondary pilot missing opens up extra space which justifies being able to fit a bigger gun. Gameplay-wise I like the added options (because currently both HWK and Y-Wing pretty much come with a turret by default). I think anything that makes outmaneuvering even more important is interesting and heavy forward-hitters (hlc in turret slot) with relatively crappy dials do that. My only concern at first was making the Y too similar to the B, but I believe the systems vs droids, the upcoming crew slot for the B and the B's barrel roll keep them distinct enough.
So, any thoughts? Would be interested to see if I missed any glaring balance issues, especially as I'm considering introducing them into my games as houserules once I've got the time for it again. And hey, FFG might take notice, right? ![]()
