GAME REVIEW: STAR WARS: X-WING LAMBDA SHUTTLE / DESIGNER: JAMES KNIFFEN, COREY KONIECZKA, JASON LITTLE / ARTIST: CRISTI BALANESCU, JASON BEAUDOIN, MATT BRADBURY / PUBLISHER: FANTASY FLIGHT / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
The reprinting of some of Fantasy Flight’s core Star Wars X-Wing models gives us a rare opportunity to look at something that is both exciting and new but also been around long enough that we can really get down to brass tacks. So let’s take a look at that fan favourite, the Lambda Shuttle .
In a game that allows you to pilot a host of TIE fighters, Interceptors and Slave I, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that this humble shuttle is also available. However, if it’s good enough for Darth Vader, it should be good enough for you.
The model itself is quite pretty; it’s wings are articulated so you can move it from ‘resting’ to ‘flight’ mode quite easily. The default paint job is the instantly recognisable stark white that we see in the movie, and overall it’s a highly detailed model that looks as good in a cabinet as it does on the gaming table. It’s also well designed; it’s not going to wobble and fall of its stand any time soon.
Gameplay wise, the piece defaults as a classic sacrificial goat. You can equip it with enough rules twiddles that anyone trying to blow it up is going to have to work a little bit harder than is wise, and this gives the player ample opportunity to send in some TIE Interceptors and blow up their opponents. Though slow moving, it’s a threat that has to be dealt with and will slow down your foe. For added value, this expansion comes with a Darth Vader card which weakens your ship at the cost of doing critical damage to the enemy. This will doom your shuttle, but you’ll probably be able to take out some bigger enemies this way. If you want to be truly villainous, there’s also a rebel captive (which slows down the enemy) and sensors and weapons that give you a slight edge. Again, all these rules options mean that your opponent will have to work much harder.
The option also exists to make the Shuttle a passable fighter, though we don’t really advise it. Kitting it out with guns and crew makes for an expensive piece, rules wise, and it will get blown up at some point, we can guarantee it.
This expansion contains one shuttle, extra rules and a host of cards and counters. The additional pieces are well illustrated and sturdy, which is what we expect from Fantasy Flight Games. Overall, the Lambda Shuttle is a flavour filled addition to your Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game collection, and looks pretty as well.
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