Nerdly » ‘Star Wars X-Wing 2.0: TIE/sk Striker’ Expansion Pack Review

07th Jun2019

‘Star Wars X-Wing 2.0: TIE/sk Striker’ Expansion Pack Review

by Matthew Smail

Screaming through the atmosphere on nimble ailerons, the TIE/sk striker is a unique starfighter designed to excel at both air and space assaults. Its atmospheric capabilities give it unique and flexible movement patterns that can surprise even veteran opponents, as its heavy firepower lets it wear down nearly any foe. With the TIE/sk Striker Expansion Pack, you have a new option for rounding out your Imperial squadrons. In addition to the fully assembled, pre-painted TIE/sk striker miniature, five pilots stand ready to swoop into battle and protect the Empire, while five upgrade cards give you the chance to further customize your squadrons.

Thanks to its adaptive ailerons, the TIE Striker is a fast, formidable addition to any Galactic Empire list that can meet the requirements of several roles. It has a base attack value of three dice and an evade of two, with four hull points to enable it to take a fair bit of damage. Low initiative, generic pilots can be had for less than 40 points with either no upgrades or mild upgrades, whilst the named pilots come with several interesting options.

Such is its speed, the TIE Striker must always perform a one speed manoeuvre before its controller reveals the movement dial. These movements include straight on, or a slight bank to left or right and they represent the inertial speed created by the Striker’s signature ailerons, or in laymen terms, its large wings. This additional movement should generally be used to the players advantage, but can sometimes result in unwanted movement in a congested battle. Stress, for most characters, will disable the use of ailerons, but the Striker is so capable that all straight and banked turns relieve stress.

The pick of the named pilots is probably Duchess, a pilot who comes with five initiative and the ability to opt out of using her ailerons or to take advantage of them even when stressed. This makes her a highly competent dog fighter who is capable of using the Striker’s manoeuvrability to best advantage. Pure Sabacc is another interesting choice, especially for an aggressive player. With a decent four initiative, Sabacc can roll an additional combat dice (for a total of four) if he has zero or one damage card. This makes him a very attractive target for enemy players, which can leave them open to attack on other fronts.

The TIE Striker model is as attractive as all X-Wing miniatures, but this one is extra cool. It’s sleek lines and adjustable wings provide an appealing look, whilst the Striker body is larger than other TIE Fighters and as such, a little more detailed. On that note, there isn’t much by way of fine details to look at, such is the design of the TIE Striker, but it is nonetheless an imposing and exciting site on the tabletop. The additional rules for the Striker’s ailerons are well explained, although there is a common FAQ about whether bumping scenery cancels the rest of the movement (which it doesn’t) and the Conner Nets are also well explained.

Ultimately, the TIE Striker is a powerful addition to a Galactic Empire list, especially given its cost. With the addition of bombs or mines like the exclusive Conner Nets or even a gunner like Fifth Brother (who adds a force ability) it can become a powerful force. Alternatively, using generic pilots enmasse can be powerful, thanks to the three attack dice and four hull. Black Squadron Scouts weighing in at three initiative and 38 points are very tempting.

Within this expansion, you’ll find: