So the idea came from old Wing Commander. Essentially for newer very casual players I want to build them 60 point list, each a pair of the same ship with different pilots, and have them work their way through various thematic missions. It would be a coop setting with a narrative, a bit less high stakes than HoATC, more of a lesser cinematic play if you will. I'm anticipating 2-4 players. Any thoughts?

I have pre-made 60 point lists for the students at the school club I run. I try to keep things reasonably simple and balanced and avoid too many complicated interactions. The kids choose 60 point lists, collect the ships, a mat and a game kit, and off they go!

RoV

33 minutes ago, Rat of Vengence said:

I have pre-made 60 point lists for the students at the school club I run. I try to keep things reasonably simple and balanced and avoid too many complicated interactions. The kids choose 60 point lists, collect the ships, a mat and a game kit, and off they go!

RoV

That was pretty much my plan

The premade 60 point lists would work well if you were having them play a regular game. But if you want to do coop play you will need a "GM" (I don't think you want to give a newbie HOTAC AI rules). So why not give them like 30-35 point tell them to build 1 ship (they get a little sense of list building without being overwhelmed and only have to plan and fly a single ship) then have a GM who can run simple swarm mechanics right at them and keep them on point with the rules.

I really like the lists being made of two similar ships - very thematic and entrenches the player in that particular ship, built different ways.
I'm already brainstorming ideas...

Allowing players to switch lists each session is cool and lets them explore different ships, have a traveler document follow the lists so players can record epic stunts or key mission results. Use all factions. Have a "Gladiator Night" where all players are included, Hunger Games style.

You could go a step further and make back-stories/motivations for the different lists - two hot-shot A-Wing scouts who one-up each other, two veteran Navy Bombers who try to make it home in their crit-inclined vessels, etc.
Create a loose but over-arching narrative that all of these pairs fit into and wham. You've got yourself a little cosmos.

3 hours ago, PastrySandwich said:

The premade 60 point lists would work well if you were having them play a regular game. But if you want to do coop play you will need a "GM" (I don't think you want to give a newbie HOTAC AI rules). So why not give them like 30-35 point tell them to build 1 ship (they get a little sense of list building without being overwhelmed and only have to plan and fly a single ship) then have a GM who can run simple swarm mechanics right at them and keep them on point with the rules.

To clarify I was going to GM it and fly sub optimally. Simple swarm mechanics, flavorful target priority and fighters. It's more of a "they don't have to build their squad" sort of thing. Also let's me keep certain game breakers out of play.

2 hours ago, Rinzler in a Tie said:

I really like the lists being made of two similar ships - very thematic and entrenches the player in that particular ship, built different ways.
I'm already brainstorming ideas...

Allowing players to switch lists each session is cool and lets them explore different ships, have a traveler document follow the lists so players can record epic stunts or key mission results. Use all factions. Have a "Gladiator Night" where all players are included, Hunger Games style.

You could go a step further and make back-stories/motivations for the different lists - two hot-shot A-Wing scouts who one-up each other, two veteran Navy Bombers who try to make it home in their crit-inclined vessels, etc.
Create a loose but over-arching narrative that all of these pairs fit into and wham. You've got yourself a little cosmos.

This is what I was envisioning.

10 hours ago, BlueMusketeer28 said:

So the idea came from old Wing Commander. Essentially for newer very casual players I want to build them 60 point list, each a pair of the same ship with different pilots, and have them work their way through various thematic missions. It would be a coop setting with a narrative, a bit less high stakes than HoATC, more of a lesser cinematic play if you will. I'm anticipating 2-4 players. Any thoughts?

To be honest, if you're dealing with very new players, have a look at the core set(s) missions - you can do a very fun evening with these.

But yes, a narrative event is always good fun, and pre-made simple-but-effective lists work wonders for getting people into the game

4 hours ago, BlueMusketeer28 said:

To clarify I was going to GM it and fly sub optimally. Simple swarm mechanics, flavorful target priority and fighters. It's more of a "they don't have to build their squad" sort of thing. Also let's me keep certain game breakers out of play.

Building a squad is a huge part of the game. Letting someone do it a single ship at a time is very manageable. And if they stumble onto a strong combo who cares, its coop.

2 hours ago, PastrySandwich said:

Building a squad is a huge part of the game. Letting someone do it a single ship at a time is very manageable. And if they stumble onto a strong combo who cares, its coop.

Fair point. I wanted to preserve challenge and avoid over complexity, but you might be right.

14 minutes ago, BlueMusketeer28 said:

Fair point. I wanted to preserve challenge and avoid over complexity, but you might be right.

For a new player, it isn't like they are reading the meta lists or anything so any power list would likely be of their own device. And for me, I see list building as paramount to the game (it was one of the draws of the game coming a card game background, not a miniatures one) and the enjoyment of the game (although I only play casually). And while there is fun in finding a combo that works well is I find it fun to play something you think sounds great on paper and is a dumpster fire. Plus this way they learn the whole game at once, all in manageable bites.

2 hours ago, PastrySandwich said:

Building a squad is a huge part of the game. Letting someone do it a single ship at a time is very manageable. And if they stumble onto a strong combo who cares, its coop.

That is true but while squad building is a big part of the game flying is bigger. For a demo/new players thing you should give them a list -> show them the game and if they like it talk about list building. Building lists if you do not know the rules is pointless and distracts from the game and the best way to learn the rules is to play.

Anyway this is fun and I am in

Fancy A-Wings (lot of stuff going on here)

PILOTS

Jake Farrell (35)
A-Wing (24), A-Wing Test Pilot (0), Homing Missiles (5), Push the Limit (3), Autothrusters (2), Veteran Instincts (1)

Arvel Crynyd (25)
A-Wing (23), A-Wing Test Pilot (0), Chardaan Refit (-2), Autothrusters (2), Wingman (2)

Heavy Hitters 1

PILOTS

Nera Dantels (37)
B-Wing (26), Fire-Control System (2), Proton Torpedoes (4), Extra Munitions (2), Predator (3), Guidance Chips (0)

Blue Squadron Pilot (23)
B-Wing (22), Tractor beam (1)