So, I figured I would do some Discussion Time segments on little used upgrade cards.

Let's start off with Ion Cannon Batteries. This little used card might just be a gem beneath the surface.

Now first off you may be questioning how useful that really is. Well first off it is 5 points so not super expensive. It allows you to remove a command token of your choice which can very helpful if they are using Wulff Yularen or holding a token that you don't want them to have.

Controlling what bonuses your opponents have is very useful.

Now if they don't have a token you can still use this crit and it gets rid of a shield before the brace and Redirect occurs! Yay for the timing of Critical Effects!

Now, most stop there and consider that it is not a good card becuase if you are attacking a side that has no shields you do nothing. Really though, that is fine. You can instead choose the standard crit effect and just deal a face up card or even use another crit effect upgrade!

Go on and discuss!

Indeed. If you think about Ion Cannon Batteries as a version of APT that works at Blue Range, you're not far from the point... That intention, is of course, shooting at someone without command tokens... It drops a shield on that face, regardless of what defence tokens they might be using... Coupled with XI7s, it forces more damage through to the target.

Its always been a gem for me... I just don't get enough Ion cannon slots on Rebel Ships to use it that often.

Indeed. If you think about Ion Cannon Batteries as a version of APT that works at Blue Range, you're not far from the point... That intention, is of course, shooting at someone without command tokens... It drops a shield on that face, regardless of what defence tokens they might be using... Coupled with XI7s, it forces more damage through to the target.

Its always been a gem for me... I just don't get enough Ion cannon slots on Rebel Ships to use it that often.

I think it is good as a way to hurt ships who are relying on their tokens. I don't mind not having the extra damage. The Ion slot while usually taken up with Leading shots is not the only option out there.

I would think it would work best with Vader led fleets. It won't be competing with Leading Shots that way.

I've tried to make it work, but never found success with it.

It will be glorious with the new Interdictors that can combine those, the gr-8, tractor beam, Titus, and Konstantine to really mess with opponent's navigation.

I would think it would work best with Vader led fleets. It won't be competing with Leading Shots that way.

I've tried to make it work, but never found success with it.

The difference is in the first you are trying to find a way to maximize damage and generally forcing it into a mold to be efficient.

The second is more about using it as needed, getting an advantage in the form of controlling people's command tokens and stripping shields.

That is my thoughts on it. It is all perspective.

It will be glorious with the new Interdictors that can combine those, the gr-8, tractor beam, Titus, and Konstantine to really mess with opponent's navigation.

Yes it can. As well as their engineering. You will be able to stop the Interdictior from getting 8 points to repair 4 shields.