So I was at my local game store today picking up some Armada stuff, and I stayed around to shoot the **** with the owner whom I'm fairly good friends with. We started talking about Armada, and he enjoys the game, he said until they made the Gladiator. He went to say he thinks fantasy flight screwed up when they created that ship. Never really gave a reason why he hated this ship so. But he flat out said yep Gladiator is broken.

Me personally I have no idea to even make a judgment to say if the ship is broken or not because I haven't played against one yet....oh I can hear the imperial players groaning now going oh stop it.....yea yea I'm just the messenger here and relaying what I'm hearing already at my game store.

Not so much imperial player but any fellow rebel players out there feel like the Gladiator is a broken ship or do you feel it having more advantage in the game than the other ships in the game so far?

I'm neutral on this. I'm just wanting to hear how everyone else feels about the Gladiator.

It's awesome. Thinking of getting a third one.

It's not broken. Just good and easily modifyable. It's fastish, adaptable, toughish, and murder at close range. But it requires some expensive upgrades to make work well.

24 or so points of them. But without preplanning and strong manuevering it can appear broken. But Black dice, while deadly, are a huge liability.

It's awesome. Thinking of getting a third one.

I will be buying two more. Finally, the Imperials get some maneuverability.

Disclaimer: I own both Rebel and Imperial, but so far I've played mostly Imperial.

I don't think the Gladiator is broken based on the games I have personally played. What I do think is that the Gladiator is a close-range beast and should be dealt with from Medium-Long range at all costs. I have used it very successfully in the last three games I have played, largely because my opponent turned towards my Gladiators and allowed me to get in close. Gladiators paired with Engine Techs is a potent combo, but not overpowered. Gladiator with Engine Techs and Demolisher is dangerous and perhaps one of the most powerful synergistic combos in the game to date, but also a point sink should the enemy catch it at anything other than close range. I think Rebel players who have spent the last few months dancing circles around Victories are now realizing that the Gladiator can catch them out of position in a way they previously didn't have to deal with. We shall see, over the course of the next couple of months, whether or not the Gladiator proves to be over powered or if Rebel players are able to adjust their strategies to compensate.

It's not broken. Just good and easily modifyable. It's fastish, adaptable, toughish, and murder at close range. But it requires some expensive upgrades to make work well.

24 or so points of them. But without preplanning and strong manuevering it can appear broken. But Black dice, while deadly, are a huge liability.

A good way to take those black dice out of the game is to simply fly away from them & open up the range.

That being said I've been using a 3-gladiator list since wave 1 was released. I love the Gladiator.

FreefallGeek is right. I am a rebel player that when my friends want to use their rebels will gladly swap to Imperials.

Now having used, tested, and worked with the Gladiator in about a dozen fames I can say it is potent. Not over powered but a threat. The VSD was only a threat if you made a mistake, now the GSD comes along and changes that. It helps fix a weakness that the Imperials had.

Now having said that, there are counters to the GSD. Catching it in medium range or better is one, another is to swarm over it with cheaper ships, and there is even Bombers who will chew right through the ship given half a chance.

This is a game of skill, not rock paper scissors. As such there really is no "over powered" units. Just strong combinations. It's like Magic the Gathering, there are great cards and great decks but everything can be beaten, you just have to find the way to do so

It's not broken. Just good and easily modifyable. It's fastish, adaptable, toughish, and murder at close range. But it requires some expensive upgrades to make work well.

24 or so points of them. But without preplanning and strong manuevering it can appear broken. But Black dice, while deadly, are a huge liability.

A good way to take those black dice out of the game is to simply fly away from them & open up the range.

That being said I've been using a 3-gladiator list since wave 1 was released. I love the Gladiator.

It needs Engine techs.

It wants To have the move shoot title, but only one can have it.

It works best with Screed.

It needs a missile upgrade to perform at its best.

The GSD will absolutely feel over powered if it comes with a VSD and you focus your attacks on the VSD. The best thing to do is make it your top priority ship to take out. The VSD is just an object on the table to avoid and nothing more. Your victory is in bringing that Domolisher down.

It hits hard but the GSD has a glass jaw that when you focus several ships on it it either runs like hell away from you or goes "boom". The issue I was having was when I focused on the VSD and the GSD was able to come around and flank me and that is a game ended there. So now when I see Domolisher That is my primary target. The Mark II with EC and CR90's with Engine Techs will beat a GSD easily. Think the GSD is Maneuverable with Engine Techs, look at the CR90's. Get in the rear end of the GSD and it will never shake you.

The GSD did change the game same as the Mark II did, but now instead of going after the slow VSD go for the GSD and get your win that way. After killing the GSD just skip away and watch the VSD cry as it gets no real action.

If they bring 3 GSD's still go for the Domolisher First. That is your biggest threat and it needs to die before the second half of the game.

There is something that I do believe is broken as all get out, but I am going to sit back and see what becomes of it. If it hits the Tournament scene I give it a year before FFG nerfs the hell out of it.

It's not broken. Just good and easily modifyable. It's fastish, adaptable, toughish, and murder at close range. But it requires some expensive upgrades to make work well.

24 or so points of them. But without preplanning and strong manuevering it can appear broken. But Black dice, while deadly, are a huge liability.

A good way to take those black dice out of the game is to simply fly away from them & open up the range.

That being said I've been using a 3-gladiator list since wave 1 was released. I love the Gladiator.

I do too. But it's one of those things where you recognize its weaknesses better after playing it and realizing everything it needs to work.

It needs Engine techs.

It wants To have the move shoot title, but only one can have it.

It works best with Screed.

It needs a missile upgrade to perform at its best.

I agree with most of your points. I don't think Engine Techs is a necessity. They're nice but I'm winning games without them. The Demolisher title is probably a must. Screed & Assault Concussion Missiles is a nasty combo with the Gladiators. A vulnerability for 3 Gladiators is Bomber squadrons & ships that can outmaneuver them.

It's not overpowered, I would say the Assault Frigate is better.

The GSD will absolutely feel over powered if it comes with a VSD and you focus your attacks on the VSD. The best thing to do is make it your top priority ship to take out. The VSD is just an object on the table to avoid and nothing more. Your victory is in bringing that Domolisher down.

It hits hard but the GSD has a glass jaw that when you focus several ships on it it either runs like hell away from you or goes "boom". The issue I was having was when I focused on the VSD and the GSD was able to come around and flank me and that is a game ended there. So now when I see Domolisher That is my primary target. The Mark II with EC and CR90's with Engine Techs will beat a GSD easily. Think the GSD is Maneuverable with Engine Techs, look at the CR90's. Get in the rear end of the GSD and it will never shake you.

The GSD did change the game same as the Mark II did, but now instead of going after the slow VSD go for the GSD and get your win that way. After killing the GSD just skip away and watch the VSD cry as it gets no real action.

If they bring 3 GSD's still go for the Domolisher First. That is your biggest threat and it needs to die before the second half of the game.

There is something that I do believe is broken as all get out, but I am going to sit back and see what becomes of it. If it hits the Tournament scene I give it a year before FFG nerfs the hell out of it.

Well there ya go being all mysterious!

The store owner is correct.

The GSD cannot be defeated.

The Rebellion should surrender immediately and put this tragic civil war to an end.

The GSD will absolutely feel over powered if it comes with a VSD and you focus your attacks on the VSD. The best thing to do is make it your top priority ship to take out. The VSD is just an object on the table to avoid and nothing more. Your victory is in bringing that Domolisher down.

It hits hard but the GSD has a glass jaw that when you focus several ships on it it either runs like hell away from you or goes "boom". The issue I was having was when I focused on the VSD and the GSD was able to come around and flank me and that is a game ended there. So now when I see Domolisher That is my primary target. The Mark II with EC and CR90's with Engine Techs will beat a GSD easily. Think the GSD is Maneuverable with Engine Techs, look at the CR90's. Get in the rear end of the GSD and it will never shake you.

The GSD did change the game same as the Mark II did, but now instead of going after the slow VSD go for the GSD and get your win that way. After killing the GSD just skip away and watch the VSD cry as it gets no real action.

If they bring 3 GSD's still go for the Domolisher First. That is your biggest threat and it needs to die before the second half of the game.There is something that I do believe is broken as all get out, but I am going to sit back and see what becomes of it. If it hits the Tournament scene I give it a year before FFG nerfs the hell out of it.

Well there ya go being all mysterious!

The GSD will absolutely feel over powered if it comes with a VSD and you focus your attacks on the VSD. The best thing to do is make it your top priority ship to take out. The VSD is just an object on the table to avoid and nothing more. Your victory is in bringing that Domolisher down.

It hits hard but the GSD has a glass jaw that when you focus several ships on it it either runs like hell away from you or goes "boom". The issue I was having was when I focused on the VSD and the GSD was able to come around and flank me and that is a game ended there. So now when I see Domolisher That is my primary target. The Mark II with EC and CR90's with Engine Techs will beat a GSD easily. Think the GSD is Maneuverable with Engine Techs, look at the CR90's. Get in the rear end of the GSD and it will never shake you.

The GSD did change the game same as the Mark II did, but now instead of going after the slow VSD go for the GSD and get your win that way. After killing the GSD just skip away and watch the VSD cry as it gets no real action.

If they bring 3 GSD's still go for the Domolisher First. That is your biggest threat and it needs to die before the second half of the game.There is something that I do believe is broken as all get out, but I am going to sit back and see what becomes of it. If it hits the Tournament scene I give it a year before FFG nerfs the hell out of it.

Well there ya go being all mysterious!

The GSD will absolutely feel over powered if it comes with a VSD and you focus your attacks on the VSD. The best thing to do is make it your top priority ship to take out. The VSD is just an object on the table to avoid and nothing more. Your victory is in bringing that Domolisher down.

It hits hard but the GSD has a glass jaw that when you focus several ships on it it either runs like hell away from you or goes "boom". The issue I was having was when I focused on the VSD and the GSD was able to come around and flank me and that is a game ended there. So now when I see Domolisher That is my primary target. The Mark II with EC and CR90's with Engine Techs will beat a GSD easily. Think the GSD is Maneuverable with Engine Techs, look at the CR90's. Get in the rear end of the GSD and it will never shake you.

The GSD did change the game same as the Mark II did, but now instead of going after the slow VSD go for the GSD and get your win that way. After killing the GSD just skip away and watch the VSD cry as it gets no real action.

If they bring 3 GSD's still go for the Domolisher First. That is your biggest threat and it needs to die before the second half of the game.There is something that I do believe is broken as all get out, but I am going to sit back and see what becomes of it. If it hits the Tournament scene I give it a year before FFG nerfs the hell out of it.

Well there ya go being all mysterious!

It happens to be that I created the list that he thinks is OK. . . Though it's not the list it's a few of the units

As FFG has shown repeatedly with X-Wing releases, as they know the long game of all the cards of Wave 2, and what they're no doubt already testing for Wave 3 and 4... patience. Nothing is invulnerable for very long, if it is at all. Sometimes it's just an adjustment in tactics. Sometimes it's something in the next wave that will return balance to the Force.

The GSD will absolutely feel over powered if it comes with a VSD and you focus your attacks on the VSD. The best thing to do is make it your top priority ship to take out. The VSD is just an object on the table to avoid and nothing more. Your victory is in bringing that Domolisher down.

It hits hard but the GSD has a glass jaw that when you focus several ships on it it either runs like hell away from you or goes "boom". The issue I was having was when I focused on the VSD and the GSD was able to come around and flank me and that is a game ended there. So now when I see Domolisher That is my primary target. The Mark II with EC and CR90's with Engine Techs will beat a GSD easily. Think the GSD is Maneuverable with Engine Techs, look at the CR90's. Get in the rear end of the GSD and it will never shake you.

The GSD did change the game same as the Mark II did, but now instead of going after the slow VSD go for the GSD and get your win that way. After killing the GSD just skip away and watch the VSD cry as it gets no real action.

If they bring 3 GSD's still go for the Domolisher First. That is your biggest threat and it needs to die before the second half of the game.There is something that I do believe is broken as all get out, but I am going to sit back and see what becomes of it. If it hits the Tournament scene I give it a year before FFG nerfs the hell out of it.

Well there ya go being all mysterious!

It happens to be that I created the list that he thinks is OK. . . Though it's not the list it's a few of the units

I still can not think of a way to counter it. Have you yet? I know we discussed it and I still am convinced the best way to deal with it is to avoid it and its Mother VSD command.

As FFG has shown repeatedly with X-Wing releases, as they know the long game of all the cards of Wave 2, and what they're no doubt already testing for Wave 3 and 4... patience. Nothing is invulnerable for very long, if it is at all. Sometimes it's just an adjustment in tactics. Sometimes it's something in the next wave that will return balance to the Force.

When you leave open for ships to combo off each other you leave room for players to see something that got missed in play testing and this is one of them. You can't kill it, you can only avoid the brunt of it.

Someone's going to figure it out soon enough and there will be discussions on it. It is an easy button and there should be no easy buttons in a game like this.

The GSD will absolutely feel over powered if it comes with a VSD and you focus your attacks on the VSD. The best thing to do is make it your top priority ship to take out. The VSD is just an object on the table to avoid and nothing more. Your victory is in bringing that Domolisher down.

It hits hard but the GSD has a glass jaw that when you focus several ships on it it either runs like hell away from you or goes "boom". The issue I was having was when I focused on the VSD and the GSD was able to come around and flank me and that is a game ended there. So now when I see Domolisher That is my primary target. The Mark II with EC and CR90's with Engine Techs will beat a GSD easily. Think the GSD is Maneuverable with Engine Techs, look at the CR90's. Get in the rear end of the GSD and it will never shake you.

The GSD did change the game same as the Mark II did, but now instead of going after the slow VSD go for the GSD and get your win that way. After killing the GSD just skip away and watch the VSD cry as it gets no real action.

If they bring 3 GSD's still go for the Domolisher First. That is your biggest threat and it needs to die before the second half of the game.There is something that I do believe is broken as all get out, but I am going to sit back and see what becomes of it. If it hits the Tournament scene I give it a year before FFG nerfs the hell out of it.

Well there ya go being all mysterious!

It happens to be that I created the list that he thinks is OK. . . Though it's not the list it's a few of the units

I still can not think of a way to counter it. Have you yet? I know we discussed it and I still am convinced the best way to deal with it is to avoid it and its Mother VSD command.

Yes I have. Killing Howlrunner and Mithel while staying out of Fel's engagement zone

It comes down to numbers and every angle I have looked at it the Rebels lose.

You know, if the goal is to avoid telling people what the list is, arguing about some of the list's components is not the way to go about achieving that goal

We'll talk on how that is Way easier said than done sometime soon. It would take more luck than tactics to bring that thing down. Even without Howlrunner you can kill 4 to 7 squadrons while only losing 1-3 squadrons.

It comes down to numbers and every angle I have looked at it the Rebels lose.

You know, if the goal is to avoid telling people what the list is, arguing about some of the list's components is not the way to go about achieving that goal

Beatty, try Gallant Haven. Keep things close and I think you will be fine

What, Fel, Mithel, Howlrunner, advanced escort with hangars, flight controllers and Chiraneau? Thought of that one, yes.

What, Fel, Mithel, Howlrunner, advanced escort with hangars, flight controllers and Chiraneau? Thought of that one, yes.

And that is how many build points for how much payoff?

The thing is, because Armada is not a 'death match' but an 'objective-and-survive match', it doesn't matter if there are a couple of nigh-unkillable combos. If they're unkillable, try your best to ignore and work around them. The three mentioned above - not much in the way of anti-ship dice, and its full potential needs to stay close to mama.