X Wing has been sidelined for me for the last few months as I find my feet in a new job.
The imminent release of some new packs, the late release of some much anticipated ones and the future direction of 2e have combined to re-invigorate my interest.
Seeing the Resistance getting more ships (The twin T70 and RZ-2 pack) and the availability of the First Order Xi shuttle pushed me to finally add a CR-90 Corvette to my fleet, thanks to that great scene in the last movie where they all take off for the last big battle (groan…, I just knew they would do that).
The CR-90 was the one that got away in 1e, but I know it is possible to retro-fit it with second hand 1e templates and cards if I want, or just use it in 2e, where the Huge ship and Epic game is better placed (I kind of like the idea of the Raider being the undisputed brute of 1e).
My plans to only do 2e with later movie factions (and selected Scum) and the early movies and extended universe with 1e are still solid, but a newly announced Imperial heavy Tie fighter may tempt as I (like many) split my fleet between full ship/fleet coverage in 1e and comprehensive ship type representation in 2e.
Out of the darkness, doom approaches.
First Order is nicely represented now. The fleet I have can produce any variation of light squadron, with or without Heavy support and the Raider adds the Menacing element the “Bad Guys” need and en-masse (Epic), it is a daunting 22 ships strong. The Xi shuttle will give me a scenario driver, support ship, some tricky upgrades and adds Illicit into the First order fleet, (as the Fireball did for the Resistance) closing that loop.
The options available in 2e for the later era fleets is comprehensive enough to go on with. The jamming-in of Tech into 1e did not sit that well with me, but in 2e it gives the later factions much needed variety and depth. The numbers I have also fit well with Epic and Huge game play.
The Resistance still has some options to come even after their new 3 pack is launched, as the later versions of the Y and B wings were both represented in their fleets. In Epic, the fleet clocks in at 25. I will wait patiently for future releases, but as it sits now, their fleet has all of the needed elements (versatile front line and light fighters, support, random and heavy options).
The Scum faction, limited a bit by the upgrade pack, can field solid and balanced factional squads. The lack of Star Vipers is still annoying, especially as most of them fly in the same faction, but I will wait until someone gets some second hand dials in. All else fit quite well with my collection.
Not possible in 2e yet, but soon maybe.