Okay, just had to share a little bit here. Got into the X-Wing miniatures game by Fantasy Flight Studios. All i have to say, the Star Wars fanboy in me cannot be happier with how smoothly this game plays, and how downright fun and easily picked up it is. Don't get me wrong, it's not amateur hour, as the game does rely on more than luck. Positioning is a crapshoot sometimes, but a fun crapshoot none the less.
If you guys get into a shop where people are playing, check it out. It's not too bad on the wallet, especially if you shop online. Base set retails for about 40 bucks, but can be had for 25. Gives you everything you need to play, 2 TIE Fighters, and an X-Wing. I suggest if you get into the game, to pick up one or two(probably two) more after you find out if you like it. It's the most cost effective way to get TIE Fighters and X Wings if you use them both in some fashion. Both are pretty much mandatory to keep around if you play both sides.
Other than that, it sells expansion packs of 1 ship(pre painted. I am going to be stripping a couple). The XPacs are more than the ship though, as they come with everything needed to load it out on paper. Squadbuilding isnt too bad, you can make a competitive list easily for somewhere around 90 bucks. I suggest after core sets, to get one TIE Fighter, 1 X-Wing(the expansion packs for them add pilots and special stuff you dont get in the starter, like Wedge Antilles, and again, they are ships you likely will use) as well as 2 Y wings and 1 TIE advanced x1. This will let you kit pretty much any tournament build from the World Championships this past december.
As for Flight 2(Second Wave) of ships, there's the Millenium Falcon, Slave 1(MSRP 30, can be had for 20), I suggest one of each later. It has yet to be seen the impact these ships will have, but they are fun, and they come with upgrade cards that can be used by other ships.
Also, A-Wing and TIE Interceptors. Here I suggest 2 and 2 for balance. Though I am currently running a 4 A-Wing slash squad(Get in, FIRE ZE MISSILES, get out) Again, if you dont feel the Rebs or Imps, feel free to skimp on their side. This overall will give you a very solid group, and you can find where your legs are after the first wave forces.
Honestly, this game is great fun. THe rules are a modification(liscenced) of Wings of War if you've ever played it. They're easy to dive into, and quick. For the Star Wars fan, the miniatures actually look good(Despite being resin and relatively expensive). Plus, it's gaining enough momentum that in most places you can find somewhere to get into games, and the packs are selling out faster than they can be supplied in some areas. If you can find a game to jump into with some friendly players, I'd say give it a go. If you're not comfortable in 2 or 3 play sessions, I'd be terribly surprised.
