"That's No Moon"
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Armada >
      • Fleets
    • X-Wing >
      • Squads
      • Ships >
        • Rebels >
          • ARC-170 >
            • Braylen Stramm
            • Thane Kyrell
            • Shara Bey
            • Norra Wexley
          • Attack Shuttle >
            • Zeb Orrelios
            • Ezra Bridger
            • Sabine Wren
            • Hera Syndulla
          • A-Wing >
            • Prototype Pilot
            • Green Squadron Pilot
            • Gemma Sojan
            • Arvel Crynyd
            • Jake Farrell
            • Tycho Celchu
          • B-Wing >
            • Blue Squadron Pilot
            • Dagger Squadron Pilot
            • Nera Dantels
            • Ibtisam
            • Keyan Farlander
            • Ten Numb
          • E-Wing >
            • Knave Squadron Pilot
            • Blackmoon Squadron Pilot
            • Etahn A'Baht
            • Corran Horn
          • HWK-290 >
            • Rebel Operative
            • Roark Garnet
            • Kyle Katarn
            • Jan Ors
          • K-Wing >
            • Warden Squadron Pilot
            • Guardian Squadron Pilot
            • Esege Tuketu
            • Miranda Doni
          • Scurrg H-6 Bomber >
            • Captain Nym
          • T-70 X-Wing >
            • Blue Squadron Novice
            • Jess Pava
            • Red Squadron Veteran
            • Blue Ace
            • Snap Wexley
            • Red Ace
            • Nien Nunb
            • Ello Atsy
            • Poe Dameron
          • TIE Fighter >
            • Zeb Orrelios
            • Captain Rex
            • Sabine Wren
            • Ashoka Tano
          • U-Wing >
            • Blue Squadron Pathfinder
            • Heff Tobber
            • Bodhi Rook
            • Cassian Andor
          • VCX-100 >
            • Lothal Rebel
            • Chopper
            • Kanan Jarrus
            • Hera Syndulla
          • X-Wing >
            • Rookie Pilot
            • Red Squadron Pilot
            • Tarn Mison
            • Biggs Darklighter
            • Hobbie Klivian
            • Garven Dreis
            • Jek Porkins
            • Luke Skywalker
            • Wes Janson
            • Wedge Antilles
          • Y-Wing >
            • Gold Squadron Pilot
            • Gray Squadron Pilot
            • Dutch Vander
            • Horton Salm
          • YT-1300 >
            • Outer Rim Smuggler
            • Resistance Sympathizer
            • Chewbacca
            • Lando Calrissian
            • Rey
            • Han Solo
          • YT-2400 >
            • Wild Space Fringer
            • Eaden Vrill
            • Leebo
            • Dash Rendar
          • Z-95 Headhunter >
            • Bandit Squadron Pilot
            • Tala Squadron Pilot
            • Lieutenant Blount
            • Airen Cracken
        • Empire >
          • Firespray-31 >
            • Bounty Hunter
            • Krassis Trelix
            • Kath Scarlet
            • Boba Fett
          • Lambda-class Shuttle >
            • Omicron Group Pilot
            • Captain Yorr
            • Colonel Jendon
            • Captain Kagi
          • TIE Advanced >
            • Tempest Squadron Pilot
            • Lieutenant Colzet
            • Storm Squadron Pilot
            • Commander Alozen
            • Zertik Strom
            • Maarek Stele
            • Juno Eclipse
            • Darth Vader
          • TIE Advanced Prototype >
            • Sienar Test Pilot
            • Baron of the Empire
            • Valen Rudor
            • The Inquisitor
          • TIE Aggressor
          • TIE Bomber >
            • Scimitar Squadron Pilot
            • Deathfire
            • Gamma Squadron Pilot
            • Gamma Squadron Veteran
            • Captain Jonus
            • Major Rhymer
            • Tomax Bren
          • TIE Defender >
            • Delta Squadron Pilot
            • Onyx Squadron Pilot
            • Countess Ryad
            • Glaive Squadron Pilot
            • Colonel Vessery
            • Maarek Stele
            • Rexler Brath
          • TIE Fighter >
            • Academy Pilot
            • Obsidian Squadron Pilot
            • Chaser
            • Black Squadron Pilot
            • Wampa
            • Night Beast
            • Winged Gundark
            • Youngster
            • Dark Curse
            • Backstabber
            • Mauler Mithel
            • Scourge
            • Howlrunner
          • TIE Interceptor >
            • Alpha Squadron Pilot
            • Avenger Squadron Pilot
            • Saber Squadron Pilot
            • Fel's Wrath
            • Lieutenant Lorrir
            • Royal Guard Pilot
            • Kir Kanos
            • Tetran Cowall
            • Turr Phennir
            • Carnor Jax
            • Soontir Fel
          • TIE Phantom >
            • Sigma Squadron Pilot
            • Shadow Squadron Pilot
            • Echo
            • Whisper
          • TIE Punisher >
            • Cutlass Squadron Pilot
            • Black Eight Squadron Pilot
            • Deathrain
            • Redline
          • TIE Striker >
            • Imperial Trainee
            • Scarif Defender
            • Black Squadron Scout
            • Countdown
            • Pure Sabacc
            • Duchess
          • TIE/FO Fighter >
            • Epsilon Squadron Pilot
            • Zeta Squadron Pilot
            • Omega Squadron Pilot
            • Epsilon Ace
            • Zeta Ace
            • Epsilon Leader
            • Omega Ace
            • Zeta Leader
            • Omega Leader
          • TIE/SF Fighter >
            • Zeta Specialist
            • Omega Specialist
            • Backdraft
            • Quickdraw
          • Upsilon-class Shuttle >
            • Starkiller Base Pilot
            • Lieutenant Dormitz
            • Major Stridan
            • Kylo Ren
          • VT-49 Decimator >
            • Patrol Leader
            • Captain Oicunn
            • Commander Kenkirk
            • Rear Admiral Chiraneau
        • Scum & Villany >
          • Aggressor >
            • IG-88A
            • IG-88B
            • IG-88C
            • IG-88D
          • Firespray-31 >
            • Mandalorian Mercenary
            • Emon Azzameen
            • Kath Scarlet
            • Boba Fett
          • G1-A Starfighter >
            • Ruthless Freelancer
            • Gand Findsman
            • 4-LOM
            • Zuckuss
          • HWK-290 >
            • Spice Runner
            • Torkil Mux
            • Palob Godalhi
            • Dace Bonearm
          • Jumpmaster 5000 >
            • Contracted Scout
            • Manaroo
            • Tel Trevura
            • Dengar
          • Kihraxz Fighter >
            • Cartel Marauder
            • Black Sun Ace
            • Graz The Hunter
            • Talonbane Cobra
          • Lancer-Class Pursuit Craft >
            • Shadowport Hunter
            • Sabine Wren
            • Asajj Ventress
            • Ketsu Onyo
          • M3-A Interceptor >
            • Cartel Spacer
            • Tansarii Point Veteran
            • Laetin A'shera
            • Serissu
          • Protectorate Starfighter >
            • Zealous Recruit
            • Concord Dawn Veteran
            • Concord Dawn Ace
            • Kad Solus
            • Old Teroch
            • Fenn Rau
          • Quadjumper >
            • Jakku Gunrunner
            • Unkar Plutt
            • Sarco Plank
            • Constable Zuvio
          • Starviper >
            • Black Sun Enforcer
            • Black Sun Vigo
            • Guri
            • Prince Xizor
          • YV-666 >
            • Trandoshan Slaver
            • Latts Razzi
            • Moralo Eval
            • Bossk
          • Y-Wing >
            • Syndicate Thug
            • Hired Gun
            • Drea Renthal
            • Kavil
          • Z-95 Headhunter >
            • Binayre Pilot
            • Black Sun Soldier
            • Kaa'to Leeachos
            • N'Dru Suhlak
      • Elite Pilot Talents >
        • A Score to Settle
        • Adaptability
        • Adrenaline Rush
        • Attanni Mindlink
        • Bodyguard
        • Calculation
        • Cool Hand
        • Crack Shot
        • Daredevil
        • Deadeye
        • Decoy
        • Determination
        • Draw Their Fire
        • Elusiveness
        • Expert Handling
        • Expertise
        • Expose
        • Fearlessness
        • Intensity
        • Intimidation
        • Juke
        • Lightning Reflexes
        • Lone Wolf
        • Marksmanship
        • Opportunist
        • Outmaneuver
        • Predator
        • Push The Limit
        • Rage
        • Ruthlessness
        • Selflessness
        • Snap Shot
        • Squad Leader
        • Stay On Target
        • Swarm Leader
        • Swarm Tactics
        • Trick Shot
        • Veteran Instincts
        • Wingman
        • Wired
      • Titles >
        • A-Wing Test Pilot
        • Adaptive Ailerons
        • Alliance Overhaul
        • Andrasta
        • Black One
        • BTL-A4 Y-Wing
        • Concord Dawn Protector
        • Dauntless
        • Ghost
        • Havoc
        • Heavy Scyk Interceptor
        • Hound's Tooth
        • IG-2000
        • Light Scyk Interceptor
        • Millenium Falcon
        • Mist Hunter
        • Moldy Crow
        • Outrider
        • Phantom
        • Pivot Wing
        • Punishing One
        • Royal Guard TIE
        • Sabine's Masterpiece
        • Shadow Caster
        • Slave I
        • Special Ops Training
        • ST-321
        • Starviper MK. II
        • TIE Shuttle
        • TIE/D
        • TIE/v1
        • TIE/x1
        • TIE/x7
        • Vaksai
        • Virago
      • Modifications >
        • Advanced Cloaking Device
        • Advanced SLAM
        • Anti-Pursuit Lasers
        • Autothrusters
        • B-Wing/E2
        • Captured TIE
        • Counter-measures
        • Engine Upgrade
        • Experimental Interface
        • Guidance Chips
        • Gyroscopic Targeting
        • Hull Upgrade
        • Integrated Astromech
        • Ion Projector
        • Lightweight Frame
        • Long-Range Scanners
        • Maneuvering Fins
        • Munitions Failsafe
        • Shield Upgrade
        • Smuggling Compartment
        • Spacetug Tractor Array
        • Stealth Device
        • Stygium Particle Accelerator
        • Tactical Jammer
        • Targeting Computer
        • Twin Ion Engine Mk.II
        • Vectored Thrusters
      • Illicit >
        • 'Hot Shot' Blaster
        • Black Market Slicer Tools
        • Burnout SLAM
        • Cloaking Device
        • Dead Man's Switch
        • EMP Device
        • Feedback Array
        • Glitterstim
        • Inertial Dampeners
        • Rigged Cargo Chute
        • Scavenger Crane
      • Torpedoes >
        • Advanced Proton Torpedoes
        • Bomb Loadout
        • Extra Munitions
        • Flechette Torpedoes
        • Ion Torpedoes
        • Plasma Torpedoes
        • Proton Torpedoes
        • Seismic Torpedo
      • Missiles >
        • Advanced Homing Missiles
        • Assault Missiles
        • Chardaan Refit
        • Cluster Missiles
        • Concussion Missiles
        • Cruise Missiles
        • Homing Missiles
        • Ion Pulse Missiles
        • Proton Rockets
        • Unguided Rockets
      • Cannons >
        • Arc Caster
        • Autoblaster
        • Flechette Cannon
        • Heavy Laser Cannon
        • Ion Cannon
        • Mangler Cannon
        • Tractor Beam
      • Salvaged Astromechs >
        • “Genius”
        • Overclocked R4
        • R4 Agromech
        • R4-B11
        • R4-E1
        • R5-P8
        • Salvaged Astromech
        • Unhinged Astromech
      • Turrets >
        • Autoblaster Turret
        • Blaster Turret
        • Dorsal Turret
        • Ion Cannon Turret
        • Synced Turret
        • Twin Laser Turret
      • Astromech Droids >
        • R2-D2
        • R2-F2
        • R5-K6
        • R5 Astromech
        • R5-D8
        • R2 Astromech
        • R2-D6
        • R3-A2
        • R4-D6
        • R5-P9
        • R7-T1
        • R7 Astromech
        • BB-8
        • R5-X3
        • Targeting Astromech
        • R3 Astromech
        • M9-G8
      • Bombs >
        • Bomblet Generator
        • Cluster Mines
        • Conner Net
        • Ion Bombs
        • Proton Bombs
        • Proximity Mines
        • Seismic Charges
        • Thermal Detonators
      • System >
        • Accuracy Corrector
        • Advanced Sensors
        • Collision Detector
        • Electronic Baffle
        • Enhanced Scopes
        • Fire-Control System
        • Reinforced Deflectors
        • Sensor Jammer
      • Crew >
        • 4-LOM
        • Agent Kallus
        • Baze Malbus
        • Bistan
        • Boba Fett
        • Bodhi Rook
        • Bombardier
        • BoShek
        • Bossk
        • Breach Specialist
        • C-3PO
        • Cad Bane
        • Captain Rex
        • Cassian Andor
        • Chewbacca
        • Chopper
        • Darth Vader
        • Dash Rendar
        • Dengar
        • Emperor Palpatine
        • Ezra Bridger
        • Finn
        • Fleet Officer
        • Flight Instructor
        • General Hux
        • Gonk
        • Greedo
        • Gunner
        • Han Solo
        • Hera Syndulla
        • Hotshot Co-pilot
        • IG-88D
        • Inspiring Recruit
        • Intelligence Agent
        • Jabba The Hutt
        • Jan Ors
        • Jyn Erso
        • K4 Security Droid
        • Kanan Jarrus
        • Ketsu Onyo
        • Kyle Katarn
        • Kylo Ren
        • Lando Calrissian
        • Latts Razzi
        • Leebo
        • Leia Organa
        • Luke Skywalker
        • Mara Jade
        • Mercenary Copilot
        • Moff Jerjerrod
        • Navigator
        • Nien Nunb
        • Operations Specialist
        • Outlaw Tech
        • R2-D2
        • Rebel Captive
        • Recon Specialist
        • Rey
        • Sabine Wren
        • Saboteur
        • Systems Officer
        • Tactician
        • Tail Gunner
        • Unkar Plutt
        • Weapons Engineer
        • Wookie Commandos
        • Ysanne Isard
        • Zeb Orrelios
        • Zuckuss
      • Tech >
        • Comm Relay
        • Hyperwave Comm Scanner
        • Pattern Analyzer
        • Primed Thrusters
        • Sensor Cluster
        • Targeting Synchronizer
        • Weapons Guidance
      • Wave Releases
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Contact
    • Links

HOTAC Campaign Progress

13/10/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
I've spoken in the past about the importance of family gaming for me and I'm lucky enough to have 3 sons that all love the Star Wars universe. This makes getting them to play X-wing a very simple task.  

Naturally, our games often come before homework, which really isn't a problem for me as a parent since this game still involves mathematics and social development.

We had a chance to sit down and play another 2 missions from the Heroes of the Aturi Cluster campaign and it was so much fun it deserved a blog post.  

This mission really allowed the kids to focus on their own single ship, discuss tactics and movement in greater detail in an open forum, and, of course, bask in the glory of taking down TIE Fighters.

The kids certainly love gaining the experience points and spending it as they look for upgrades that can help not only their own ships but bring better combinations in order to create a more dangerous ship.

One of my sons is leading by a large margin on experience points. When he first started he ran a Y-wing hesitantly, however, it has certainly become the workhorse of the squad. Armed with Twin Laser Turret, it provides a solid firebase and covers the rest of the squad very well.

On the other hand, I started in an X-wing and eventually upgraded to a B-wing, which is my favourite Rebel ship. My dice rolls however certainly haven't been as great as my son's though, which means I'm falling behind in terms of experience points.
Picture
I gave the kids the mission brief and let them strategiseas to how we should go about completing it. Initially, they tend to go into it thinking they can take on the whole Empire with their single ship, and deploy opposite groups to TIE Fighters rather than follow Rule 2 from my Golden Rules of X-wing.  I don't interfere at this stage and spoil their plans, as I want to provide a good learning experience but also an opportunity for team work.

After a few passes, the sudden realisation sinks in that it isn't easy trying to get the drop on TIE Fighter AI groups.  The squad of Rebels eventually rallies and re-groups.  They have a discussion about grouping their fire-power together and also which ships to take out first to remove their range bonuses.  This is pretty advanced coming from 8- and 9-year-old kids.

Once the squad had re-focused their efforts, it was easy to lead the damaged HWK off the table for the victory.

With the experience points gained, we each bumped up some pilot skill to unlock further options for our next mission.  I just took a tractor beam on my B-wing to add some flexibility to the squad and also brought Hera Syndulla along for the ride.  Astromechs were upgraded on X- and Y-wings, torpedoes were loaded, and elite pilot talents were claimed, ready for the third HotAC mission.
Picture
Mission 3 was 'Disable Sensor Net' centred around destroying sensors mounted on asteroids.  If you got too close or fly a little recklessly, the sensors could alert Empire patrol groups to our presence.  

​
After carefully explaining this to the squad, my eldest son just screams in with a straight-4 manoeuvre and fails to destroy the first sensor. He rolls to see if a patrol group come, and naturally 3 x TIE Interceptors turn up on an annihilation course.

Despite the adverse situation, the kids rallied together and pulverised the TIE Fighters and Interceptors. I felt like I'd nobly sacrificed myself for the greater good of completing the mission, taking heavy fire for many rounds before being destroyed. I rolled some dice and it turns out I lost all my experience points that I'd just gained in that mission. Damn!

It is fantastic to have another iteration of X-Wing available for free, rather than focus on the competitive PVP. To have another medium that pools the same fun core mechanics and enhances them for co-op play is simply amazing.

If you haven't introduced Heroes of the Aturi Cluster to your gaming group yet, I cannot emphasise how much of a top quality product the campaign is. The 'AI' is simply amazing and I'm often scratching my head at how I am out flown by a sheet of paper, but it happens.

The experience points-based system allows for some incredibly fun upgrades that keep the game fresh and the depth and variety of missions are well thought out.

Lastly, if you have kids, Heroes of the Aturi Cluster is an ideal way to keep them interested rather than the 100 point dogfight, which is so commonplace now.

​Thanks for reading.
1 Comment

    Author

    Hardcore war gamer at heart and a huge fan of tabletop games. I use any excuse to get my family involved.  Join me as I play and review games while trying not to epically fail.

      Subscribe

    Subscribe for Updates
    Tweets by @xwingfanboy
    Instagram

    Categories

    All
    40k
    Academy Pilot
    Age Of Sigmar
    ARC 170
    ARC-170
    Armada
    Asajj Ventress
    A Wing
    A-wing
    Backstabber
    Battle Reports
    Biggs Darklighter
    Black Squadron Pilot
    Blue Squadron Pilot
    Boba Fett
    Bossk
    B Wing
    B-wing
    Carnor Jax
    Colonel Vessery
    Corran Horn
    Countdown
    Dark Curse
    Deathrain
    Delta Squadron Pilot
    Dengar
    Dengaroo
    Duchess
    Ello Atsy
    Epic
    Epsilon Ace
    Epsilon Leader
    FAQ
    Firespray
    Gaming
    Han Solo
    HOTAC
    Howlrunner
    IG88
    Imperial
    Imperial Assault
    Imperial Trainee
    Inquisitor
    Jabba The Hutt
    Jake Farrell
    Jess Pava
    Jumpmaster
    Jumpmaster 5000
    Kad Solus
    Kath Scarlet
    Kavil
    Lambda Class Shuttle
    Lancer Pursuit Craft
    Lists
    Luke Skywalker
    Maarek Stele
    Major Stridan
    Manaroo
    Mandalorian Mercenary
    Mauler Mithel
    Miranda Doni
    N'Dru Suhlak
    News
    Norra Wexley
    Old Teroch
    Omega Leader
    Omicron Group Pilot
    Painting
    Poe Dameron
    Protectorate Starfighter
    Prototype Pilot
    Pure Sabacc
    Rear Admiral Chiraneau
    Rebels
    Redline
    Regionals
    Rexler Brath
    Rey
    Scourge
    Scum
    Squads
    Star Wars Destiny
    Storage
    SWRPG
    T-70 X-wing
    Tel Trevura
    Ten Numb
    TIE Advanced Prototype
    TIE Defender
    TIE Fighter
    TIE/FO
    TIE Interceptor
    TIE Punisher
    TIE/SF Fighter
    TIE Striker
    Tomb Kings
    Upsilon Class Shuttle
    Upsilon-class Shuttle
    VT-49 Decimator
    Wampa
    Worlds 2016
    Worlds 2017
    X Wing
    X-Wing
    X-Wing Wave XI
    Youngster
    YT-1300
    YV-666
    Ywing
    Z-95 Headhunter

    Archives

    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015

    RSS Feed