The HWK-290 comes from the Dark Forces/Jedi Knight series of PC games from the '90s. The HWK-290 represents an interesting departure from all the other ships so far released for X Wing and gives us a possible indication of where the game could go.
While yes, we have had Pilot cards and Upgrades that come from the Expanded Universe (Books, Games, etc) this is the first actual ship from the EU. We have pretty much exhausted the cannon ships from the original trilogy the only way forward is to expand the inclusion of ships like the HWK-290.
Behind the Scenes
In Star Wars lore the HWK-290 is a small light freighter that can be pressed into service in a multitude of roles. First and primarily appearing in Dark Forces/ Jedi Knight games is does make appearances elsewhere. there are rumors that the Moldy Crow, Kyle Katarns's HK-290, has a cameo in the prequel trilogy but I've yet to ID it.
The Model
The model itself is pretty slick. It's also the most anthropomorphic of Star Wars designs with its obviously hawk beak inspired fuselage. I can't help but compare this design to the arguable superior Hawk Ship from the second Season of the old Buck Rogers TV Show.
There is nothing wrong, per-say, with the design however when it's hanging out on the table with such iconic ships as the X Wing, Millennium Falcon and TIE Fighter the design suffers. The Star Wars ships from the original trilogy are some of the most iconic and beloved Ships in all of science Fiction and as a result the HWK-290 has it's work cut out for it.
the model is single peice with no moving parts. Detail is great, especially around the turret and engines.
The paint job is good. The weathering is not overdone and the details are well done without overspray.
While I'm not a fan of the brown color it is true to the source material and does look good on this particular ship. I'm wondering what this design would look like in more traditional Star Wars Grey?
Ship and Game Stats:
Firepower: 1
Defense: 2
Hull: 4
Shields: 1
The Ship has Focus and Target Lock
Upgrade slots are 1 Turret slot and 1 Crew slot.
This Ship represents something new to the Star Wars: X Wing game. The concept of support ships. The Stats, in and of themselves, are nothing to write home about however.
Defensively this ships rates about the same as an X Wing. with 5 total Hull/Shields and 2 Agility. The stock Firepower of 1 is really no deterrent to TIE Fighters. Much like the Y Wing the HWK-290 can augment it's low Firepower with a Turret Mounted weapon. The already tried and true Ion Cannon Turret or the new Blaster Turret.
The best use of this ship will rely on the synergy of it's pilot and upgrades in relation to the rest of the Squadron.
The Pilots
Rebel Operative : Pilot Skill 2 : Points 16
This is your cheapest version of the HWK-290 with no named pilot or special ability.
Roark Garnet : Pilot Skill 4 : Points 19
At the start of the Combat Phase choose 1 other friendly ship at Range 1-3. Until the end of the the phase threat that ship's Plot skill as 12
The First of the named Pilots. Roark can buff up the pilot skill of a friendly ship in range.
Kyle Katarn : Pilot Skill 6: Points 21
At the start of the combat phase you may assign 1 of your focus tokens to another friendly ship at range 1-3
Kyle, hero and future Jedi can give others focus tokens.
Jan Ors : Pilot Skill 8 : Points 25
When another friendly ship at Range 1-3 is attacking, if you have no stress tokens, you may receive 1 stress token to allow that ship to roll 1 additional attack die.
Another nice support option but it relies on Jan not being stressed. So no fancy maneuvers however 25 points for the additional attack die a turn is pretty pricey.
Equipment and Upgrades
Moldy Crow (Unique Ship) : Points 3
A good power that, when combined with Kyle makes for a Focus building machine. a Great way to support Advanced Proton torpedo carrying Rebel fighters.
Blaster Turret : Turret upgrade : Cost 4
Spending a focus to shoot a 3 dice attack. For 4 points you can give the HWK-290 firepower equal to an X Wing with the option of shooting 360 for the cost of a Focus token. Pretty sweet. Might also be a good option for Y -Wings.
Ion Cannon Turret : Turret Upgrade : 5 Points
Most players are already acquainted with the Ion Cannon Turret from the Y- Wing. Still a great option but pricey at 5 points.
Intelligence Agent : Crew : cost 1
Dirt cheap and great for 1 point. When you are flying low pilot level X wing hordes it is golden to know where Darth Vader will end up before you move. This card might find a home on the Falcon as well.
Recon Specialist : Crew : Cost 3
Another Focus based power. Jan might get jealous as the Recon Specialist might be Kyle's favorite passenger.
Saboteur : Crew : Cost 2
A Critical generating crew power isn't bad but it requires you to be at Range 1, not a good spot for the Hwk-290 to find itself. again might be better on the Falcon or Slave 1.
Conclusions
Overall I like the addition of the HWK-290. The model is spiffy and it does bring some interesting options into Rebel build lists.
I do have some issues with the stats but it's more nerd age then anything. Why a Freighter (Yes I know it's a light freighter but still...) is more maneuverable then a Y or B wing starfighter I don't know.
Unlike every other ship in Wave 3 I will probably only ever buy 1 of these ships. I can't imagine running more than one.
Novelty lists could exist (5 Rebel Opratives with 5 Blaster Turrets for 95 points comes to mind) but I like playing with the iconic cannon designs.
3 out of 5 Exhaust Ports
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