Playability of Huges

 

Today’s letter is from Dr. Blaine:

 

I keep hearing it said that you should never use huge characters in the 100 

point format (though I've heard that the X-1 can be an exception). Is this 

more a rule you should follow as often as possible or just a good idea,

and are there any real exceptions to the statement?

-Dr. Blaine

 

Thanks for the letter Blaine.  Using huges in the different formats actually has nothing to do with the quality of the huge.  It has to do more with map choices, especially in DCI tournaments.  By using standard set up rules (four rows on the short side of the map), some maps can beat you before you even roll your first initiative. 

 

The biggest problem with huge characters is their base.  Many 100pt and 150pt legal maps have areas that will trap a huge.  Legal set-up requires you to set up your biggest characters first and proceed downward on base size.  Most maps allow for non-rigids to squeeze out of their rooms, but Bespin, specifically, forces you to trap your first huge in the room next to the shuttle if you get that side.  With Bespin being a favorite of many melee heavy squads, they can win DCI games by simply sitting in gambit.  You will have a 40-50pt piece that will never get a shot off because they are stuck in the room.  This is the sole reason huges should not be played in the 100pt and 150pt formats.  I have seen some very good squads at 150 that use 1-2 huges, but it is just not worth the risk.  If you play on maps that won’t limit the movement of huges give them a shot, but otherwise stay away from them. 

 

In the 200pt format, maps will not affect them from the starting points, but many huges are still affected by movement.  It is so hard for them to move across rough terrain, it is better to use the ones that can sit back and shoot than the melee huges.  They also have a hard time trying to hide because their bases are so big.  There are not many huges that are really competitive.  The X-1 Viper is one of the better ones simply because it can scare shooters into not shooting it, but here is the interesting tid-bit.  Rob, the creator of the game, loves huges and is doing everything he can to make them better and more playable.  As such he is lowering costs and upping abilities, so Force Unleashed should have some very interesting new huges in it.

 

I hope this helps you with huges.  Outside of the 200pt format I would not use them unless you know you won’t play on the non-huge friendly maps.  If you have any further questions let me know, and I will try to clarify further.  If anyone has any questions or topics you would like me to cover, drop me a line at sithdragon13@yahoo.com.  I will get to ALL emails, so if you have sent something be patient. 

 

 

May the Force Be With You.