X-WING VT-49 DECIMATOR EXPANSION PACK / PUBLISHER: FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
The villains in Star Wars tend to have a very specific look. For example, the TIE series of ships all look a little like very angry versions of the letter H. Though they are many variations on the theme, the basic silhouette is instantly recognisable. Similarly, Star Destroyers have their own unique V-shape thing going on. The problem is, what happens when you want an Imperial ship that isn’t a TIE but has to be smaller that a Star Destroyer?
The VT-49 Decimator is essentially the evil version of the Millennium Falcon, and looks like the mutant offspring of a TIE Interceptor and something much bigger. It’s an evil looking thing, and as such is likely to appeal to anyone who likes playing the Galactic Empire in Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures. Fantasy Flight Games have learned a lot about making cool ships over the years, and this second edition version of this model seems lighter in tone and crisper in detail.
It’s also huge compared to any TIE, and on the table it does look like the TIEs have gotten their bigger, meaner brother to beat up some rebels for them. It’s a great model and looks fantastic in a squad. In the game, it flies like a brick and requires some degree of skill. You will end up moving the thing out of the playing area – almost everyone does that at least once with a ship like this. You’ll also end up ramming small ships, but it’s quite good for that.
Rules-wise, we get a large selection of cards. These aren’t anything new to experienced players but they are essential to play the game and it’s a well thought out set. Pilot cards include the tank-like Rear Admiral Chiraneau which essentially lets you smack into other ships without a care in the world, and Captain Oicunn who has the power to make the ship effective at very short range. Combined with the Dauntless title card, this means you have a fairly agile (yet big) ship.
Available crew includes the delightful murder droid Triple Zero. As befits an evil version of C3P0, he stresses out his opponents. He combines nicely with Darth Vader, who can use the force to make his enemies much less effective. Together, they can render a ship useless at range. Another useful card (and its tokens) are the proximity mines. For a tough ship, the ability to litter the field with explosive death is great. Your average X-Wing or enemy TIE will have to move carefully or end up dead.
The VT-49 Decimator is a great addition to your X-Wing collection. We just hope it’ll appear in the movies someday.
