Idea for new mechanic: location advantages

By Ziusdra, in X-Wing

Here's an idea, I haven't heard anything like this come up yet on the forum either.

What if, before the start of each match, players drew randomly from a "Planet deck" to determine which system the combat will take place in? Both players draw a card, and whoever has initiative chooses the location. The location advantage/disadvantage, in theory, shouldn't favor a player too much. It would be something thematic. Here are a few I've come up with:

Korriban

When attacking, players may spend a focus token to convert all [hit] results into [critical] results.

Hoth

Players may use only asteroid obstacles. You may place 2 extra of the smallest asteroids if neither player placed either of the two largest asteroids.

Alderaan

Immediately at the end of the Activation Phase, both players may negotiate a no-fire Combat Phase. If both players agree, then both players skip immediately to the End Phase.

Kessel

After the third round of the game, ships that enter within Range 1 of the edge of the play area receive 1 stress token immediately after executing their maneuver.

Tatooine

At any time, any player may discard an upgrade card to turn a face-up damage card face-down, even before resolving the face-up damage card's effect.

Coruscant

Before placing ships during set up, choose four civilian ships (or tokens, such as the Senator's Shuttle) and take turns placing them in the play area, at least Range 3 from the edge, beginning with the player who does not have initiative. Then, begin placing your own ships, beginning with the lowest pilot score. During the End Phase of each round, these noncombatant ships move at a speed of 2 forward. They operate with the same rule as space debris (stress if you overlap them, +1 to defense if you shoot through them, take damage rolling a crit) until they naturally fly off the play area.

These locations are definitely rough around the edges and need some balance, but you get the idea. What do you think? Too crazy on an already crazy game?

I thought about the Coruscant idea but just with asteroids. The problem is it might not always add that much to the game and it'll take up a decent amount of time.

I like all the others, though. It could make for some fun casual games whether or not the players know where they'll be flying when building squads.

Every game of X-wing already takes place on Alderaan.