Y Wing Expansion Review

X Wing has been pretty popular around here as of late...

We've already reviewed X Wing here
And customizing an X Wing Paint scheme here

Today we will review the first of 4 X Wing Expansions for FFG Games X Wing 










The Y Wing is pretty unique among the initial releases for this game. It is essentially a bomber. It's slow and not very maneuverable, however it is tough and can take a beating. The Y Wing's main claim to fame is taking part in the attack on the Death Star at the end of Episode 4: A New Hope.

All the expansions come in a clear clam shell that is a pain to open. I used kitchen shears to open it and it does an effective job. Opening the packaging is not for the faint of heart.

A lot has been made over the cost of the expansion, at 15 dollars at first it seems like a quite a lot for a single little spaceship.

However when you consider the contents of the expansion and the fact that the ship is actually decently painted the cost seems much more reasonable.

So, you ask, what do you get for your 15 bucks? Read on, gentle reader, read on...

The Model:  First and foremost you are getting a 1/270 scale Y Wing fighter painted with generic yellow markings.

 The model looks great. The pre-paint, in my opinion, is not as good as on the X Wing but is still serviceable.

The only complaint about this model is the poorly rendered Ion cannon mount on the canopy.

The model comes packed in a plastic clam shell molded to fit the ship and it's stand. It's a great way to keep your ships safe between battles.

Stat wise the Y Wing is a brick. 3 shields and 5 hull means they can take some serious damage. To balance that out the only have 1 defense die, so they can accrue damage pretty quickly.









Pilots:

In addition to the model itself the expansion comes with 4 different pilot cards. representing pilots skilled from level 8 to level 2. You get two "Ace" or named Pilots pilots and two generic Y Wing Pilots.

Horton Salm (lvl. 8)
Dutch Vander (lvl 6)
Grey Squadron Pilot (lvl 4)
Yellow Squadron Pilot (lvl 2)

Sorry for the blurriness! 

Equipment:

The Expansion comes with 5 equipment cards...

2 x Proton Torpedoes
Ion Cannon Turret
R2 Astromech
R5-D6

Proton Torpedoes are an iffy proposition due to their cost, but if you want them you are in luck as each Y Wing can carry two loads of them. The new Ion Cannon card is excellent, letting you stun an enemy for a turn. The two R2 cards are good but don't compare to R2-D2.

Tokens and other gaming pieces:

You also get all the tokens you need to play with your new Y Wing. A Maneuver dial, pilot and all the other tokens like shields, Ion effect, focus, etc.


Lastly you get a Ion gun reference card. This is helpful to remember the rules for the Ion Cannon.

Conclusions:

After examining all that you get in the expansion I'm of the mind the 15 dollars is well worth it. You not only get the ship itself but all you need to run it as 1 of 4 pilots and to fully equip it with as many options as it can carry.

Game wise the Y Wing gives the Rebels a new option. A way to soak up damage and distract the TIEs away from your X Wings.

I totally recommend this expansion!