Hi All,
So, I've been doing a new type of concept with my latest HotAC campaign (that's Heroes of the Aturi Cluster for those that don't know). I am sticking with an X-wing as I like the ship and want to run with it. I'm getting up there in PS and just bumped up to PS 6 last night. I'm thinking about what direction to take next and I have see 2 paths. Here's where I am now:
Starscream (PS 6)
- Integrated Astromech, Engine Upgrade, and Shield Upgrade (also have Extra Munitions in the hangar not being used)
- Predator and Push the Limit
- BB-8
- Ion Torpedo and Proton Torpedo (choose which per mission)
So far, I have really enjoyed the hyper mobility of BB-8, PTL, and Engine Upgrade. I find I don't really need to ever TL, unless I want to fire a Torpedo. I'm Squad Leader, so if I end up with an extra action, I'll try to give it to a squad mate. I'll often do a green, BR, then Focus, and then Boost or give my action to someone else. If I really want to go crazy, I can BR, Boost, then do my move, and last grab a Focus. All while not being stressed. I've found it a great ability to get out from the front of a swarm of Tie Fighters or to help maneuver around obstacles. I can also change my facing kind of nicely with a back BR, Boost, and then bank one way. Not a great turn, but it allows me to change my facing some. My options are limited to doing Green moves to get this off. It's not been too much of a problem so far, but there have been times.
Next PS level allows me to get an extra EPT. I'm torn to what to get. Here are my two options:
"Blue Ace" ability: When performing a Boost, you may use the 1 hard turn.
This was my first thought and I really like it. It would allow me to really become more mobile! I could do a Barrel Roll backwards away from things, then do a 1 hard turn and basically have me right where I was and facing a 90 degree angle. At that point, I can do a bank and be facing near backwards from where I started. Not only this, but I could also just BR and grab a Focus...then do my green move and BR after. Same idea, but timing can bring me somewhere different.
Sabine Wren's ability: Immediately before you reveal your maneuver, you may perform a free Boost or Barrel Roll action.
I was looking through all the different abilities to find something interesting and I found this. Yes, it's pretty much the same ability as what I get from BB-8. Why would I want it? Well.....what if I REPLACED BB-8 with just an R2 Astromech? Hear me out.....Sabine ability would let me do a free BR for ANY move I do, not just a green one. I mean, I could BR and then do a K-turn! Or....Boost and do a 2 hard turn. Now, why R2 Astromech? To get more Green moves. All 1's and 2's would be green, including a 2 hard turn. This is important for the PTL combo. I could BR backwards and grab a Focus, then I could do a 2 hard green to clear stress, and then Boost backwards (well, the way I was facing away from). I think that this would make me even more mobile than I am now. It would allow for me to do a Boost or a Barrel Roll. There are times that I can't do the Barrel Roll due to stuff around me or where Tie Fighters land. So....this could be a lot better depending on the situation. You know how crowded HotAC tables could get. Of course, the next EPT that I get would almost have to be "Blue Ace"'s ability as it would just be super cool to BR bacwards, do a 1 hard turn, and then do a 2 hard green to do a 180! Oh, and still get my Focus!
Thoughts? Go for the cool 1 hard turn now? Or go for the ability to do 1 hard Boosts when I need to?