Unboxing: X-Wing: Imperial Veterans
Come take a look at the full contents of the Imperial Veterans Expansion Pack for Star Wars: X-Wing!
Hello BoLS Readers and X-Wing Aces! I got my hands on the Imperial Veterans box and sat down with fellow Star Wars Fanatic Stable Abe to talk about the contents:
This box is a big game changer for both the TIE Defender and the TIE Bomber – I really think both of those ships just got a new lease-on-life with this expansion. I’ve already talked quite a bit about Countess Ryad and some of the nasty tricks she can pull especially with the new title cards. I fully expect to see her a ton of play time while Imperial players give the TIE Defenders a go. But aside from her, in the box is another 2 generic PS 6 pilots for the TIE Defender (both of which who have EPT slots), and return of fan favorite Maarek Stele.
Yes, this is the same Maarek Stele that is also available in the TIE Advanced as well:
On a side note – I’m actually really glad to see FFG experiment with the concept of moving pilots that have already been released over to different ships. I’m sure there is an in-canon reason for the move, but I’m glad to see this ace in a new ship. Personally, I’d love to see this idea get played around with more with other ships and perhaps even some ship-cross overs. Soontir Fel, for example, flew on the Rebels side for a brief time. There have also been a handful of Imperial ships commandeered by the Rebels in various books, TV shows and one film in particular…
Anyways, this expansion pack does quite a bit to boost the TIE Defender & the TIE Bomber. The bomber in particular gets a huge boost in the form of Long Range Scanners. With all that ordinance it’s going to be nice to basically start the game with Target Locks and get to use that firepower. You do have to sacrifice using Guidance Chips so that’s a choice you’re going to have decide on your own.
In a strange way I think TIE Punishers also got a bit of a buff with this expansion. They are one of the few ships that can pair Long-Range Scanners with a Fire Control system and they have enough ordnance for it to actually matter.
But don’t forget that TIE Shuttle Title card. It basically turns the Bomber into a mini Lambda Shuttle – or into a HWK-290. There are a few crew members that you could take that would really help kick out the buffs/debuffs. The Systems Officer is a good example of a ship that can help overcome some of the limitations of Long-Range Scanners. You would basically run 2 “attack bombers” and the TIE Bomber/Shuttle to help assign Target Locks. There are also a few other Imperial ships that could take advantage of getting bonus Target Locks, too.
I would also like to call out the re-paints on the two ships – I thought they did a great job with them. They are simple but distinguished from the “base” ships and I thought they were well done. Overall, I really like Imperial Veterans as an expansion. I think it boosts up two ships that need a hand and I’m sure we’ll start to see them make an impact on both the competitive and casual scene.
Imperial Veterans Expansion Pack $29.95
Maximize the impact of your TIE bombers and TIE defenders with the Imperial Veterans Expansion Pack for X-Wing™! Two new TIE miniatures come with alternate paint schemes – one gray TIE bomber with the Gamma Squadron’s signature white stripe and one TIE defender with the bold red paint scheme shared by Countess Ryad and the Glaive Squadron. Additionally, eight veteran pilots and thirteen upgrades dramatically expand your ships’ capabilities and versatility while a new mission, Disable the Relays, highlights many of their new tricks and tactics!
I’d love to see Pilot Sabine Wren in a TIE Fighter…
