Alright fine, i'll take the bait.

The defender is an elite level high cost ship for aces that contains a cannon.

The gunboat, as per my previous answer is a mid costed cannon/ordnance platform. It's possible it might even get a sys slot. And probably a sub-par (ywingesque) dial.

They would handle and fly very differently to defenders, while still lacking a turret slot. Likely they'll have linked cannons much like the defender tractor/ion - or for cheapness maybe they won't. They are more different than the defender than the TAP is from the FO and INT.

I thought I read that it was designed as a counter to the Defender due to internal rivalries in the Empire. Should it be cheaper, or a similar price? I don't remember the games well enough. Oh, and also I'm probably thinking of the Missile Boat. I'll get my coat...

At this point what would the gunboat add to the game? What purpose would it serve or is there anything unique about it?

Mid-costed cannon platform/multirole craft.

So it'd presumably be cheaper than the defender? But the defender is getting a fix which addresses its major problems so back to what does it add?

Alright fine, i'll take the bait.

The defender is an elite level high cost ship for aces that contains a cannon.

The gunboat, as per my previous answer is a mid costed cannon/ordnance platform. It's possible it might even get a sys slot. And probably a sub-par (ywingesque) dial.

They would handle and fly very differently to defenders, while still lacking a turret slot. Likely they'll have linked cannons much like the defender tractor/ion - or for cheapness maybe they won't. They are more different than the defender than the TAP is from the FO and INT.

The Gunboat was pretty much on par with the X-Wing as far as maneuverability goes, so it's dial should be comparable to that, and while that does make it rather clunky, its not nearly as bad as that terrorist slug they call a Y-Wing.

Alright fine, i'll take the bait.

The defender is an elite level high cost ship for aces that contains a cannon.

The gunboat, as per my previous answer is a mid costed cannon/ordnance platform. It's possible it might even get a sys slot. And probably a sub-par (ywingesque) dial.

They would handle and fly very differently to defenders, while still lacking a turret slot. Likely they'll have linked cannons much like the defender tractor/ion - or for cheapness maybe they won't. They are more different than the defender than the TAP is from the FO and INT.

I thought I read that it was designed as a counter to the Defender due to internal rivalries in the Empire. Should it be cheaper, or a similar price? I don't remember the games well enough. Oh, and also I'm probably thinking of the Missile Boat. I'll get my coat...

That was the Missile Boat. It was designed to destroy craft before they could get into engagement range. Nothing beats a Defender in a dog fight, so the idea was to destroy them from range with ordinance before the dog fight could start. Hit and run tactics.

Well said, Zabauzaz.

I think everybody who played the old TIE Fighter PC game wants both the Gunboat and the Missile Boat. I also think that odds are very slim that we'll get either. I doubt Disney will allow a non-TIE into the game, even if FFG wanted to make one. If they weren't going to pair the Missile Boat with the K-Wing when they introduced SLAM, why would release it later?

Because the Missile Boat isn't a sluggish super bomber with an oversized model. The Punisher is. It fit the brief, the Missile Boat didn't.

Personally I'd get a Gunboat but I probably wouldn't touch the missile boat.

At this point what would the gunboat add to the game? What purpose would it serve or is there anything unique about it?

Mid-costed cannon platform/multirole craft.

So it'd presumably be cheaper than the defender? But the defender is getting a fix which addresses its major problems so back to what does it add?

Alright fine, i'll take the bait.

The defender is an elite level high cost ship for aces that contains a cannon.

The gunboat, as per my previous answer is a mid costed cannon/ordnance platform. It's possible it might even get a sys slot. And probably a sub-par (ywingesque) dial.

They would handle and fly very differently to defenders, while still lacking a turret slot. Likely they'll have linked cannons much like the defender tractor/ion - or for cheapness maybe they won't. They are more different than the defender than the TAP is from the FO and INT.

it was a genuine question. I am only interested in the TAP for the inquisitor and the Guidance chips and I am largely ambivalent to the gunboat being released. I'd just rather not slog through 70 pages of the other thread.

Stuff the popcorn!

I'm getting some marshmallows

You're going to make popcorn stuffed with marshmallows? Hmm...

I'm up for any new ships FFG wants to put out. I'm less concerned that the new ship plays a radically new role than that it simply doesn't break the fairly good balance achieved so far. Two ships doing the same thing? That's not a problem for me, it just lets me choose my favorite model to play with.

Yes we want the gunboat.

What does it add?

Im not sure until they design it but im sure it will be more interesting than putting a contrasting colour stripe on an existing ship and reselling it to you

Stuff the popcorn!

I'm getting some marshmallows

You're going to make popcorn stuffed with marshmallows? Hmm...

"Stuff" as in "Forget about"

Such fiery debate needs marshmallows

Though

if it was a month ago

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire"

On second thoughts, that song always makes me cross my legs so best stick to marshmallows

At this point what would the gunboat add to the game? What purpose would it serve or is there anything unique about it?

Mid-costed cannon platform/multirole craft.

So it'd presumably be cheaper than the defender? But the defender is getting a fix which addresses its major problems so back to what does it add?

By asking what it brings to the table and how it's different, you are diverging from your original question in the title of the thread.

Do we need a gunboat? Not necessarily. It may be similar to existing craft, although in my opinion it has the potential to stand out in its own way.

But to answer your original question, "do we want a gunboat?" You better believe we do. There are so many people drawn to a non-TIE variant small base fighter and believe that the Starwing looks amazing (myself included). I love the variety of ships presented by X-Wing, all modeled so beautifully and with great detail. I am happy with every new model they introduce, regardless of my feelings on the ship itself, because they are all so darn cool to me. I want to collect them all and even then I don't think I would stop wanting more!

On a different note, I understand those who don't like the gunboat (we can all have our opinions, right?). But what I don't understand is people who bash those who want a gunboat. Why can't we hope for one of our favorite ships to be released in this game we love? Why is that worthy of scoffing?

You guys can like what you like, what I scoff at is how it almost becomes part of your personality on the board. It's almost like how MLP fans would inject it into everything they could reach, not close to that extent but each release people bemoan the lack of gunboat then quiet down til the next time. I've never played TIE Fighter thus no nostalgia for it, the high res render looks cool but I prefer the TIE aesthetic. There's been enough crossover in the recent Imperial releases that I'd prefer something to have a standout position which I just don't see the Gunboat having.

Yeaah this is one of those threads where you are probably better looking at the original thread.

It's also a good ship to put guidance ships on (torps or missiles) Could have very interesting aces too.

There is potential there, people want it, and it would be different from every other imperial fighter. It can't help not be.

At this point what would the gunboat add to the game? What purpose would it serve or is there anything unique about it?

Mid-costed cannon platform/multirole craft.

So it'd presumably be cheaper than the defender? But the defender is getting a fix which addresses its major problems so back to what does it add?

By asking what it brings to the table and how it's different, you are diverging from your original question in the title of the thread.

Do we need a gunboat? Not necessarily. It may be similar to existing craft, although in my opinion it has the potential to stand out in its own way.

But to answer your original question, "do we want a gunboat?" You better believe we do. There are so many people drawn to a non-TIE variant small base fighter and believe that the Starwing looks amazing (myself included). I love the variety of ships presented by X-Wing, all modeled so beautifully and with great detail. I am happy with every new model they introduce, regardless of my feelings on the ship itself, because they are all so darn cool to me. I want to collect them all and even then I don't think I would stop wanting more!

On a different note, I understand those who don't like the gunboat (we can all have our opinions, right?). But what I don't understand is people who bash those who want a gunboat. Why can't we hope for one of our favorite ships to be released in this game we love? Why is that worthy of scoffing?

You guys can like what you like, what I scoff at is how it almost becomes part of your personality on the board. It's almost like how MLP fans would inject it into everything they could reach, not close to that extent but each release people bemoan the lack of gunboat then quiet down til the next time. I've never played TIE Fighter thus no nostalgia for it , the high res render looks cool but I prefer the TIE aesthetic. There's been enough crossover in the recent Imperial releases that I'd prefer something to have a standout position which I just don't see the Gunboat having.

Ah! So you don't understand! That explains much.

Imagine if the Rebels don't have the B-wing. It's easy if you try. A split moment on screen, but the B-wing is a favourite ship from the games also. You seem new to the boards, in previous waves the B-wing is considered to have basically took the T-65 X-wings job, completely.

At this point what would the gunboat add to the game? What purpose would it serve or is there anything unique about it?

Mid-costed cannon platform/multirole craft.

So it'd presumably be cheaper than the defender? But the defender is getting a fix which addresses its major problems so back to what does it add?

By asking what it brings to the table and how it's different, you are diverging from your original question in the title of the thread.

Do we need a gunboat? Not necessarily. It may be similar to existing craft, although in my opinion it has the potential to stand out in its own way.

But to answer your original question, "do we want a gunboat?" You better believe we do. There are so many people drawn to a non-TIE variant small base fighter and believe that the Starwing looks amazing (myself included). I love the variety of ships presented by X-Wing, all modeled so beautifully and with great detail. I am happy with every new model they introduce, regardless of my feelings on the ship itself, because they are all so darn cool to me. I want to collect them all and even then I don't think I would stop wanting more!

On a different note, I understand those who don't like the gunboat (we can all have our opinions, right?). But what I don't understand is people who bash those who want a gunboat. Why can't we hope for one of our favorite ships to be released in this game we love? Why is that worthy of scoffing?

You guys can like what you like, what I scoff at is how it almost becomes part of your personality on the board. It's almost like how MLP fans would inject it into everything they could reach, not close to that extent but each release people bemoan the lack of gunboat then quiet down til the next time. I've never played TIE Fighter thus no nostalgia for it , the high res render looks cool but I prefer the TIE aesthetic. There's been enough crossover in the recent Imperial releases that I'd prefer something to have a standout position which I just don't see the Gunboat having.

Ah! So you don't understand! That explains much.

Basically, unless it was in

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/The_Essential_Guide_to_Vehicles_and_Vessels

Which it wasn't.

Been playing through tie fighter [pc] and it is a solid ship.

But it doesnt really fit in with the imperial feel.

Also.... We have like 60 pages of ppl wanting it.... If it comes out, will these same ppl be appeased? Or, will it spawn another 100 pages of assault gunboat "fix" ideas?

See my above edit, basically it's that. B-wing would be a forgettable ship were it not for the x-wing series (and the toy, which I had in the 80s).

lol

"Stuff" as in "Forget about"

Such fiery debate needs marshmallows

Though

if it was a month ago

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire"

On second thoughts, that song always makes me cross my legs so best stick to marshmallows

I dunno, "marshmallows" sounds like a euphemism just like chestnuts.

Why are chestnuts (real ones) called chestnuts? Is it to do with squirrels?

I do not want or need to own any ship in this game that isn't a TIE.

But that doesn't mean I don't think this ship should be in the game. I may only want TIEs, but more ship types means more ships for me to fly my TIEs AGAINST.

Any ship that was flyable by players in any of the X-Wing/Rogue Squadron/SWG games deserves to be in this game.

Except for the Authority IRD.

What's MLP?

The K-Wing brought many new things to the game, but I still don't know what the TIE Punisher had in its side to be released, or what role it fills that wasn't there before:

- A TIE Bomber clone, only with higher costs, systems and not EPTs. Nothing that a title or a set of pilots couldn't have done to the TIE Bomber itself.

- From one of the most obscure sources, no less: Galactic Battlegrounds, a Age of Empires II: Age of Kings clone. And the unit itself was just the tier 3 upgrade of the TIE Bomber.

- Probably one of the least interesting TIE designs. I admit it looks menacingly cool on the table, but the design itself seems like done in literally less than 5 minutes.

In comparison, the Gunboat has

- A distinct look, reminiscent of the lambda shuttle (What can fit the Empire most than a ship that looks like the Emperor's favorite ride?).

- Hit and run tactics in the lore, that distinguished it from the TIE swarms. It's an Imperial B-Wing, by all means, trading firepower for extra agility.

- By all means, it was and could be a fighter version of the lambda shuttle. Improve its dial and agility, reduce it's hitpoints and primary weapon. Keep the cannon and the systems upgrade. Trade the crew for the missile launchers. There you have it. There is nothing like it in the empire, while still reminding of an little, nimbler lambda.

lol

"Stuff" as in "Forget about"

Such fiery debate needs marshmallows

Though

if it was a month ago

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire"

On second thoughts, that song always makes me cross my legs so best stick to marshmallows

I dunno, "marshmallows" sounds like a euphemism just like chestnuts.

Why are chestnuts (real ones) called chestnuts? Is it to do with squirrels?

Perhaps some people were walking through a park one day and saw some old folks playing chess. Coincidentally, the closest table had a dish of nuts on it.

One walker turns to the other and asks "what are those?"

The other walker replies "chess nuts"

And the name stuck, if slightly misspelled

The K-Wing brought many new things to the game, but I still don't know what the TIE Punisher had in its side to be released, or what role it fills that wasn't there before:

- A TIE Bomber clone, only with higher costs, systems and not EPTs. Nothing that a title or a set of pilots couldn't have done to the TIE Bomber itself.

- From one of the most obscure sources, no less: Galactic Battlegrounds, a Age of Empires II: Age of Kings clone. And the unit itself was just the tier 3 upgrade of the TIE Bomber.

- Probably one of the least interesting TIE designs. I admit it looks menacingly cool on the table, but the design itself seems like done in literally less than 5 minutes.

It's not really that complicated. It's the TIE Bomber Advanced. Just as the TIE Advanced was to the TIE Fighter. And the TIE Avenger will be the TIE Interceptor Advanced.

Anyway my own final line because we've already got a thread in for this: DarthenderX summed it up right, the more ships the merrier even if just for content. I personally think that the Gunboat deserves to be in the game, some don't. I'd like to see the ARC170 and DX-9 also. Some don't.

I'd like to see Dark troopers in Imp assault.

Some don't.

There are lots of reasons that I could say that the Gunboat should be in. It's not a TIE, it has it's own unique beautiful tank like aesthetic, it will fill an unfilled niche.

There are the nostalgia factors fighting with and against them.

They do fill a narrative role that is NOT covered by other Imperial ships.

A lot of people like the Gunboat, for reasons best reviewed in the other thread.

and finally.

It's not another TIE.

If the Punisher was to completely disappear from the current X-wing lineup who would miss it?

It's not really that complicated. It's the TIE Bomber Advanced. Just as the TIE Advanced was to the TIE Fighter. And the TIE Avenger will be the TIE Interceptor Advanced.

Advancement by welding a bunch together?