First appearing in the 2005 tactical first-person shooter, Republic Commando, Delta Squad is an elite unit of genetically enhanced clone troopers. Stronger, faster, and more independent than their standard clone trooper brethren, RC-1138 "Boss," RC-1140 "Fixer," RC-1262 "Scorch," RC-1207 "Sev" form Delta Squad. Armed with the customizable DC-17m blaster for high-explosives, long-range, or general combat, Delta Squad thrives by being outnumbered and won't stop until they complete their mission... Let's see how they fair in Star Wars: Shatterpoint!
Unboxing
The whole squad comes on a single sprue and includes two sets of four bases, which gives you a couple of extra bases and options to chose from for building. Like all of the latest AMG expansions, there are four sets of cards, each for the four languages (English, French, German, and Spanish). I usually save my extras for the inevitable card update and use them as backers for my print-and-play cards.
Assembly
In general, Shatterpoint expansion assembly is pretty easy and the instructions are straightforward. For me, the QR code on the included sheet wasn't pulling up the right page, so I Googled it and found the right link:
The assembly was really easy and straight forward. There are some small gaps on the sides of the armor, underneath the arm. If you want to fill them, a simple plastic gap filler, like Tamiya or Sprue Goo, is an easy way to fill gaps. There are mold lines throughout the models, which are easy to remove.
DC-15s Pistol (left) and DC-17 Pistol (right)
The figures assemble pretty quickly, and I got them all assembled, the gaps filled, the mold lines removed, and everything ready for priming within 20 minutes.
As I do with my with all of my other Shatterpoint miniatures, I prime and paint the figures separately from the bases. I use double sided tape and affix them to extras bases. This allows me to quickly and freely paint the bases separately, assembling the model to the base once both are done.
Cards & Abilities
RC-1138 "Boss"
Boss does Boss things. In the video game, the player controls Boss, who commands and directs the other three members of the squad to attack enemies, breach doors, hack computers, and even heal. In Shatterpoint, he's no exception; Boss is a Beast. At 9 SP and 2 Force, Boss gets allies moving onto objectives through 'Hang Tight Trooper, Delta Squad is on the Way' and 'Delta, Give Me An Explosive Solution.' The latter of the two can also disrupt the positioning of enemies on objectives and deal some damage, too. He can also push his physical endurance, deal himself some damage, and move farther (or reposition) through 'Let's Get In There And Start Breaking Things' ability. It may be a little counterintuitive to deal damage to yourself, but 'You Need to Learn I'm a Lot Scarier Than You Are' gives Boss more dice to his attack roll; 1 additional for everything 3 damage, and the 3 dice for each Injured token. So, for example, if Boss was Injured and had 9 damage on him, he would get to roll 6 extra dice for the attack. Depending on his stance, either Rapid Fire for range combat or Wet Work for close combat, he can put out a lot of hurt on enemy units.
RC-1140 "Fixer"
As a 4 PC Secondary Unit, Fixer's supportive role is well represented, aiding both Delta Squad and Clone Troopers. 'Grab Yourself Some Bacta, Trooper' is a great way to give a Clone Trooper health and a little bit of movement, while 'Forming Up, Sir' grants a Hunker token for a Clone Trooper that's moved and within Range 3 of Fixer. 'String 'Em Along and We'll Mop 'Em Up' is a great reactive ability to help add up to 3 dice if the target is within Range 5 and LOS of another Delta Squad Unit. 'Watch the Master At Work' is a great way for Fixer to lock down an objective and force your opponent to commit more Units to it. His combat tree deals out a lot of damage, ranged or close, and he's really going to shine by staying close to your allied units and holding an objective. He really adds a lot if your other squad has Clone Troopers.
"Sev" and "Scorch"
Personality-wise, the two most opposite characters in Delta Squad. Scorch's explosive tactics, unfiltered battlefield commentary is matched only by Sev's no-nonsense acumen and deadly long-range efficiency. At 5 PC, Sev and Scorch are not afraid to deal out the damage, as provided on their combat tree on their combat stance. 'Point Me At the Enemy and Stay Out of My Way' gets them positioned onto the field quickly. 'Rule 17: Always Make Sure They're Dead' is a one-two punch of a 5 dice attack that also moves them into position, but as a follow-up to any allied Galactic Republic Unit (so Clones, Jedi, etc.) 'Yes! More Explosives!' is a great way to soften up an enemy and hand out a Strained token. 'I Love My Job' encourages them to get on an objective, with Protection reducing incoming damage and Steadfast ignoring the first Shove effect. So, they're not moving anywhere unless they want to.
Competitive Ranking
If you are in the competitive scene, and you fight for the freedom and security of the Republic, then this expansion pack is for you. As of this article's posting, Boss sits at #2 at the top of the leaderboards, according to matches recorded on Longshanks, the popular tournament site for running all kinds of gaming events. Boss offers a lot of objective control for Republic units, especially Delta Squad and clone troopers, and can quickly become a deadly threat the more dice he ends up rolling. So, paired with Fixer, Sev and Scorch, Delta Squad can hold their own, and really be a boon to other high-ranking Republic units, like Ki-Adi-Mundi, who we covered in our Wisdom of the Council Review, who sits at #4 currently. So, if you are looking to build out a new competitive roster, this is the expansion pack for you!
Star Wars: Shatterpoint Delta Squad, Form Up Squad Pack
Excellent
Delta Squad brings a lot to the table, emphasizing movement, objective control, and coordinated fire. These figures feel like solid, well-rounded representations of their video game versions, at least on paper. As a standalone box, this is a fantastic expansion not only for the Republic, but just in general for any players wanting a self-contained squad that doesn't need supplemental pieces from other expansions. They benefit greatly from having other Clone Troopers, so a second squad with some will be really effective. I am looking forward to pairing them with a Jedi and the Republic Commandos from the Plans and Preparations Squad Pack to have 6 Republic Commandos on the field (because synergy!)
Pros
- Republic Commando Delta Squad on tabletop!
- Wonderful synergy and efficiency
- Squad Pack that's self-contained
- Some really fun abilities that are going to ruin those clankers' day!
Cons
- Per the game mechanics, Sev and Scorch aren't individually functioning pieces so their abilities are combined onto a single card.
This review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.
Delta Squad, Form Up Squad Pack is available now! Republic Commando turns 21 years old today, and so now you can take this elite force to the tabletop and take on the most dangerous of missions.
Follow Gaming Trend for more Star Wars: Shatterpoint articles and don't forget to check out the the second part of this review where we show you how to paint it up these pieces!
