I would like to see a Mechanics & Modifications pack like R22's topic introduced. There were some good suggestions as well as valid concerns raised. FFG would probably not release a pack just as a band-aid or a catch-all for ship upgrades. My thoughts were different enough to post separately.
I imagine an interesting set built around a unique set of FFG acrylics including any or all of the following: maneuver templates, range ruler, and asteroids. Basics of the game. The card board templates are appropriate for a game like the core set offers, but I think FFG can recognize that they don't cut it with the scale and heavy use this game as grown into. Why not capitalize on the need for durable templates instead of leaving it to the 3rd party companies. I love the way FFG uses tokens and templates as prizes. By all means keep at that. Make the Mechs & Mods templates generic but appropriately themed. They could have gears, droid, and tech motif that are cross-factional (thus marketable to everyone).
Unlike the extra dice set, I think of this pack would be more like a ship pack but with the templates being the large featured items. Though tech specialists, ship builders, hanger staff aren't always pilots, they are vital to the flare and success of the starfighter and freighters of the game. To represent their contributions, this pack could appropriate techy cards like stealth device, engine upgrade, sensor jammer and reprints following that theme. It would be a great place to offer new upgrades as well. Perhaps mechanic/droid crew, new astromechs, systems upgrades, illicits, and of course modifications.
Here are some of my concepts for the types of new cards:
1) How about a upgrade that allows you to activate last (opposite of enhanced scopes)?
2) What about an 'Expanded Magazine' mod as several members have discussed to help ordinance?
3) Maybe a 2 point 'Smugglers Hold' modification that allows a ship with crew slot to have an additional crew slot.
4) Perhaps an EPT that can represents getting more out of your machine regenerate shield or make 5 maneuver. Or a stress shedding ability.
5) Try a title card called 'Aftermarket Tech' that is not ship-specific that allows additional modification but you must roll at some point in game to see if you take damage or lose access to upgrades. I'm thinking of Han Solo saying "I've made a lot of special modifications myself".
6) Empire only non-specific title card representing the standardization and efficiency of the TIE series. Call it 'Ubiquitous Design'. Perhaps it reads "You may discard this card to reroll any one die". This could be rolling to avoid damage from an asteroid or damage card as well as when attacking or defending.
7) Rebel / Scum ships could have 'Rugged Design' allowing you to ignore the first 'direct hit' card dealt against it.
These are just a sample of the things trying to get out of my head. But I'll say that the appeal of Star Wars for me lies with the smuggler mechanics who strive to wring every bit of juice out of their aging starship. I think it would be fun to see more personalized ships kitted out with several upgrades. Especially with Scum coming out, it would be nice if upgrade heavy generics could see more play and viability.
What do you all think?
Edited by Rhoaran