From the very start of opening the core box, it was apparent that Atomic Mass Games wanted to sell this game as much for display pieces as for a game to be played and enjoyed. Even so, I was still very surprised that within the first few weeks, they decided to release a diorama set. In this set there are only two figures that can be utilised in the game: Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Kenobi has already been released in a The Clone Wars version, but this is Vader’s first version. I have to say, I have been excited for this pack. I love the display pieces that have been in Marvel: Crisis Protocol and have had the chance to paint the Weapon X Pack. They are always impressive: the size, the detail, and the new versions of characters.
As soon as you see the box, you can tell there is a lot in here, the box is considerably bigger than the normal expansion boxes. I find it interesting the scene that they have chosen from the Disney+ TV series Obi-WanKenobi. This isn’t the end scene with the flying rocks (which would have been visually stunning) but the first battle where Vader and Kenobi reunite in the first opening episodes. It allows two very popular characters to be introduced into the game early on, and with the release of the Inquisitors, Vader is a very tempting sight. It also allows for a more Original Trilogy looking Kenobi while saving the proper Alec Guinness version for later in the line. Does it work though? Yes, there is a speeder, and some terrain on the diorama but it is a very quiet scene to translate into a model. I can see why some fans would want more, perhaps more models, more things to add to the moment. Yet I can’t help but be enthralled by it. The model captures the moment from the series so well: the stance of the models, the mechanical terrain, and that gorgeous rock formation in the corner.
Another thing to make note is the fact that only the figures can actually be used in the game. The rest of the pieces are attached to the base, making them useless to the game. With the Weapon X Pack, the bunker could be used as a piece of terrain within the game of Marvel: Crisis Protocol; with this set, that’s not the case. That means you are paying a premium if you just want the figures to play and aren’t interested in the display aspect of the piece. My argument to that would be, again, that from the very first release, this has been a game about display pieces as well as gaming. The fact the scene feels like it has been sliced out of the show and placed in front of you makes me enjoy the piece more, rather than having more terrain to use. I think time will tell with this aspect. If the rest of these types of expansions are all the same size, that can be lined up with one another, I think a lot of fans will see the merits of this first one. For me, as a painter and a gamer, this expansion meets both my wants.
So, what is the build like for such a big piece? First, you can’t get away from that absolutely striking base; it’s huge. The detail on it alone makes my jaw drop. It really gives you an idea of the scale that you are building up to. But this isn’t where the instructions start, which begins with the characters. First off is Obi-Wan, who is a very easy build. He has pegs in his feet to fit him onto the base. At first, I was thinking I wasn’t going to glue him down to allow me easier access to the back of his legs, but there is plenty of clearance for a paint brush. The only part I was slightly disappointed by was his face. On the model I have, the mold line cuts right across the left part of his face and all the beautiful detail that lets us know this is Ewan McGregor. I’ve had to be really careful with files and a modeling knife to remove the worst of the damage and I think it looks OK. It’s the first time I’ve had a line like this on an Atomic Mass Games model before and for such a display piece, it’s very difficult to hide it.
Next, it’s Darth Vader and there is a pure joy to building this iconic figure. From attaching the detailed lightsaber to putting the top part of his helmet on his head – I mean, you can’t help but make a sound as you’re doing this, imagining it’s the scene from The Empire Strikes Back or Revenge of the Sith. The figure once fully assembled is simply gorgeous, the two figures both are. The detail and the nostalgia they bring forth is fantastic and just from a painting point of view I’m eager to start on them.
We then get to the terrain itself: smelter, truck and then finally the stage. All of this is very stress free. When you first come to assemble the truck, you may wonder which way round piece D01 fits, yet dry fit it first and Atomic Mass has made it obvious which is the correct way. This truck is one of the most enjoyable builds I have ever done. Everything is clearly laid out and following the instructions is relatively easy. This gave me the feeling I have when I assemble LEGO, simple, easy and yet the end product is magnificent. The detail is outstanding and as you build it, you can really admire the care to detail that has gone into this piece of terrain. I would say, when you get to step 6, don’t glue the piece in but what until you’ve completed step 11 and then add the piece. You’ll find it just slots on perfectly and won’t be at an odd angle from trying to keep it upright as the glue sets. Also just be mindful for step 10, piece D26 should be pointing at the hole inside of the unit, not out.
When complete, this set looks tremendous. It might be simple in terms of terrain, but when you hold this in person, when you can see the detail on the truck, on the texture of the terrain, it is jaw dropping. It is one of those pieces that you have to see in person; it is truly epic. I can’t see many people having buyer’s remorse once assembled. The fact it is a joy to build, to see the intricacies that have gone into this piece, that the designers really went to town on each nut and bolt, makes it even easier to appreciate it.
And the terrain? Well, I wouldn’t say that the truck isn’t usable. If you really wanted to, you can easily not glue this down and use it in games. The designers have left grooves in the base so it can easily slot back into place after a game, another detail I like. Now for actually using it, I’m sure if I will. The parts that are been force pulled I could see getting knocked in a game plus, this is a display piece for me, and I’d rather keep it there. But for those who do want some terrain, the most detailed part of this set-up can be used easily.
The characters themselves are very interesting. I should note that the character cards for both are foil, very impressive and make me want the promotional ones they’ve done that little bit more. Vader is a primary unit whereas Kenobi is a secondary unit, so isn’t quite as strong as his former apprentice. Vader is exactly what you would expect: damage, damage, damage. He is ruthless and most of his abilities trigger extra damage that get added to the pool after the dice have been resolved. Players facing Vader are going to be afraid, as Vader will be able to slice through characters with ease. It is exactly how this character should be. He should be a fearsome sight where players have to think very carefully how best to approach the Dark Lord of the Sith. As with all primary units, he has two sides to his stance card, allowing him to do damage in both ranged and melee.
In comparison, Obi-Wan only has one side to his stance card and can only attack in melee. This is a much beaten down Kenobi, like he is in the series. His tactics are wonderfully opposed to Vader, focused on healing those around him. Mind Trick is an incredible ability that stops an attack for two force. I love the comparison between these two characters. Vader you have to watch out for because of the damage he can cause your team whereas Kenobi you have to watch out for as he could cause you to have a completely wasted turn. Both make characters ineffective but in very different ways. It captures both of these characters so well, which is something Atomic Mass Games seem to be doing incredibly well so far with all the characters that have been released.
“Hokey religions and ancient weapons…” are they worse than a good blaster at your side in battle? As my son (Charlie) and I set to our lists, me graciously allowing him to take Vader while I took Kenobi, we encountered a slight problem: we both wanted to use the 501st. So, another core box later, we were ready! Charlie was playing Vader, Rex, 501st and the Inquisitors; I was playing Kenobi with Luminara, commandos, Anakin, Rex and the 501st. All I can say is Vader is terrifying! In the early rounds, Charlie was able to move him within Kenobi and just looking at his damage output and abilities I almost panicked. However, I hadn’t spent my force at this point, allowing me to use mind trick. The horror on my son’s face as I stopped the attack dead in its tracks was hilarious (for me, not my son!). Kenobi’s tactic run was immensely helpful, allowing him (or an allied character) to be a lot more mobile on the battlefield. Obi-Wan was able to secure objectives extremely quickly for me, allowing me to win the game. It seems very keeping in character that Kenobi is all about securing the objectives and stopping attacks, whereas Vader is sheer, brute force.
It was extremely interesting watching Vader face off against Anakin. Both are very good characters, although if it hadn’t been for a bad dice roll for my son, I think Anakin would have been sliced into two in a single attack. Vader’s identity ability to damage himself to roll more dice is extremely powerful, even against his former self. I should also mention he has the Galactic Republic tag, which is very useful in creating synergy with a lot of the units that are out at the moment, particularly Rex and the 501st. Would he have had this tag if this set had been released later when more units were available? I’m not sure, but I imagine many strike forces will be including Vader in them because of the tag.
Overall, this set has divided fans over its cost and usefulness of only having two playable characters. It is a lot of money for an already expensive game. The two characters are incredibly powerful, particularly Kenobi as a secondary character, and I can see both of them being used in strike forces. Having the truck fully removable from the diorama adds a bit more terrain to the battlefield if you want, particularly if you want it to look like Vader has just entered the arena. For me, the deciding factor on this set is the display aspect. I have never had such fun building a miniature set as with this. The detail in the speeder, the way it comes together, the movement on it with wires and pieces of machinery being pulled adds so much to this incredible set. If you just want the characters, then it is a difficult decision whether you want to spend the extra money to get them, knowing how well they perform. However, if you like the display aspect, the painting, the building, then this is an incredible set that really needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate. It has awed me at every point, and I can’t wait to see what the next diorama that Atomic Mass Games releases will be, I know it’s one I will be getting!
