PUBLISHER: FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
Though it may be called the Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game, the letter X isn’t the only ship that the rebels use in the movies. This latest Expansion Pack introduces the beloved B-Wing to the second edition game.
In the lore, the B-Wing is a blockade buster or a multi-function starfighter. Which means it packs an incredible punch. It’s equipped with laser cannons, blasters, ion cannons, and bombs, but it flies like a brick. This is reflected very well in the game; its weapon options are amazing but its movement dial is, quite honestly, horrible. A canny player will use this ship as a weapons support platform to take out bigger ships, such as the Decimator.
B-Wings aren’t a new addition to the game, they’ve been part of X-Wing pretty much since it came out. The new second edition models have so far been an improvement on the previous iteration, and this is very true with the B-Wing. Not only is the paint job crisper and better defined, the model is now articulated. The wings fold, the cockpit can be rotated, and the whole thing can swing on its peg quite well. This is a nice feature and doesn’t interfere with model placement while playing. The moving bits are firm enough to be secure, but aren’t difficult to manipulate.
Rules-wise, the expansion focuses on the core game and lore. Anyone expecting to see a take on Quarrie’s B-Wing prototype from Star Wars Rebels will be disappointed, but give it time as it’s not unusual for things like that to come out as repaints. Instead, we get pilots such as Ten-Numb, a Sulastan who essentially turns your B-Wing into a defensive fighter (great if you plan for it to hang at the back and snipe things). For those a bit more daring, the pilot Braylen Stramm gives you a combat advantage provided you perform difficult moves, encouraging a more ‘bomber’ style of play.
We also get weapons cards, lots of weapons cards. Cannons, jamming beams, advanced proton torpedoes and the modifications to use them, you can effectively make this a big gun. It’s also robust enough to last a short while, but it’s toast without support. Overall, a good take on one of the unsung heroes of the Rebellion.
