Star Wars Miniatures The Dark Times Review
Hot off the press (molds?) is The Dark Times Expansion for Star Wars Miniatures which is set to be released on January 26th 2010. The expansion takes place between Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars IV: A New Hope and is set in a dark and troubled time for the galaxy. The Jedi, protectors of the Old Republic, have lost control and evil forces now run rampant. There are a total of 40 new characters to collect and The Dark Times Booster Packs sell for around $15 each and come with 7 fully assembled figures and their stat cards.
The Dark Times Unit's
This Star Wars Miniature Expansion contains characters from many different factions like the Rebels, the 
Mandalorians, the Sith, the Empire, and the ubiquitous Fringe faction. The Old Republic, Sith, Separatist and Mandalorians are least represented with only one character each (Jedi Watchman, Elite Sith Assassin, Jedi Hunter Droid, and Mandalorian Jedi Hunter respectively). The Fringe faction is well fleshed out with 17 figures - the rares and very rares being: Bomo Greenbark, Bossk, Trandoshan Hunter, Boushh, Ubese Hunter, Dengar, Hired Kille, 4-Lom, Droid Mercenary, IG-88, Assassin Droid and Zuckuss, Bounty Hunter. Commas also seem to be flesh out in this set as well. The Empire gets Major Maximilian Veers and Kir Kanos. The Rebels get Chewbacca, Fearless Scout, Das Jennir, Ferus Olin, and Jax Pavan. Finally rounding out the Republic is A'Sharad Hett, K'Kruhk, Jedi Master, and Merumeru.
As always Wizards of the Coast does a fine job of presentation with their products. Paint and build quality are good to great and many of the figures come with "splints" to help protect the finer details like lightsabers and pole weapons. The two human engineers didn't fare so well, like the treadwell droid in the Galaxy At War Expansion, were found sleeping on the job in a somewhat reclined position. The rubber/plastic material of the figures means that the damage is not permanent and with some gratuitous coffee (Engineers don't work without coffee - union rules) woke back up and assumed an upright position.
Luckily, we here at Toy Titan got our paws on three pre-release packs. The mix of units in our Dark Times Booster packs isn't indicative of what you'll get so don't complain!
Zuckuss, Bounty Hunter
This wily Gand known for his force sensing and master findsman training tools around with the protocol droid 4-LOM. This unit is a rare and is only for Mr. Zuckuss himself. (4-LOM is found in Rebel Storm and the Bounty Hunters expansions). This bounty hunter is forced up with both anticipation and force sense. He has rapport with 4-LOM, reducing the cost of the droid when in the same squad. He fires a snare rifle with accurate shot and gets bonuses to fighting other uniques.
Dengar, Hired Killer
I got 2 Dengars as my rares in my other 2 packs - a little disappointing but with the random nature of boosters this sometimes happens. He is a bounty hunter with the final shot special ability, making him the go-to guy for wiping up the remains of wounded units. He can do up to 50! damage to characters who are low on health. He also gets a bonus to attacking unique characters, being the skilled bounty hunter that he is. Use him as an artillery piece in the back ranks for the most effective use of his abilities. Help him get his revenge on Han Solo for what he did to him during the pod races!
Imperial Sovereign Protector
This imperial red guard unit is striking with its red cloak and punishing pole weapon. The protectors are chosen for their brutal fighting and are trained in rudimentary dark side force use. They match up especially well with Emperor Palpatine and, if adjacent, will soak up the damage meant for Darth Sidious himself. He does cost a bit at 25 points, making it tough to have too many in a squad, but with enough care, they can be used to a devastating effect.
Talz Warrior
Finally, we have a Talz Warrior, chosen not so much for his abilities, but for the detail of the unit itself. Though he is still a 1 square unit he towers over the others wielding a large club and a stick. This character is so tough that he brings a stick to a lightsaber fight!
The Dark Times Booster Pack Wrap Up
The Dark Times Expansion and its booster packs are a welcome addition to the Star Wars Miniatures game world. The wide choice of unique characters and factions help ensure that any squad will have its pivotal positions filled with powerful and versatile units. Be sure to pick up a booster pack today!
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