I'm thinking of running a "Grinder" type of game with X-Wing. For anyone not familiar, a Grinder is where you have a set number of units that go up in strength. When one is destroyed, you move up to your bigger unit. When all your units are destroyed, you're out. Last man standing wins. I've played it numerous times using Battletech and Battletech Alpha Strike, and I can't see why it would work here in X-Wing.
It would also be a great way to introduce new or semi-new players to the game. The first level of ships would have no pilot abilities or fancy cards, just simple move-action-attack dynamics to teach them the value of maneuver. After that, each successive wave adds more and more complexity. I'd create custom sheets for each ship that explain the ships capabilities, what the different actions are, and the turn sequence. Players would have a stapled packet of 4 and just flip to the next one when their ship got destroyed. Simple and doesn't overload new players.
My thoughts are to have the "classes" of ships be: 15pts, 25pts, 35pts, and 45pts, with a one point cushion either way that must be evened out. In this context, what do you think of these lists.
Rebel #1 - Dogfighters
- Prototype Pilot [A-Wing] w/ Chardaan Refit (15pts)
- Gold Squadron Pilot [Y-Wing] w/ BTL-A4, R2 Astromech, & Ion Cannon Turret (24pts)
- Wedge [X-Wing] w/ R2-D2 & Predator (36pts)
- Poe PS9 [T-70] w/ BB-8, PtL, Autothrusters, and Ion Torps (45pts)
Rebel #2 - Heavies
- Tala Squadron Pilot [Z-95] w/ Vectored Thrusters (15pts)
- Blue Squadron Pilot [b-Wing] w/ Ion Cannon (25pts)
- Miranda Doni [K-Wing] w/ Autoblaster Turret, Ion Pulse Missiles, and Long Range Scanner (34pts)
- Lothal Rebel [VCX-100] w/ FCS, Plasma Torpedoes, Extra Munitions, Hera, Chopper, and Hull Upgrade (46pts)
Imperial #1 - Veterans
- Black Squadron Pilot [Tie Fighter](14pts)
- Tomax Bren [Tie Bomber] w/ Crackshot (25pts) OR Gamma Squad Veteran w/ Plasma Torpedoes, Advanced Homing Missiles, and Guidance Chips (25pts)
- Countess Ryad [Tie Defender] w/ x7, Twin Ion Engine Mk 2, and Push the Limit (36pts)
- Col Vessery [Tie Defender] w/ Tie/D, Ion Cannon, Push the Limit, and Engine Upgrade (45pts)
Imperial #2 - Aces
- Epsilon Squadron Pilot [Tie/FO] (15pts)
- The Inquisitor [TAP] w/ TIE/v1 (26pts)
- Soontir Fel [Tie Interceptor] w/ Push the Limit, Autothrusters, Stealth Device, and Royal Guard Tie
- Whisper [Tie Phantom] w/ Push the Limit, Recon Specialist, Fire Control System, and Advanced Cloaking Device
Feedback on the lists or the format is very much welcome!