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In the last post, I discussed a few ways that Assault Marines might stack up against a SM player's regular troop options. In this post, we will explore the FAQ: "Assault Squad or Vanguard Veterans?"
First, let's check the stat line. At first glance, the Vanguard Squad looks exactly the same as the standard Assault Squad's stat line. However, you will notice that a Vanguard Veteran gains an additional attack, as well as a point in Leadership. This isn't in the stat line, but I thought it might be relevant: Vanguard also benefit from the "Heroic Intervention" special rule. Furthermore, Vanguard have a wider choice of weapons and wargear. Both are considered Fast Attack options, and thus neither edges an advantage from organizational choice.
Now the points. Some may argue this is the disqualifying point for including the Vanguard, and I'm inclined to agree. A Vanguard Squad costs 25 points more than a regular Assault Squad right off the bat. Now consider that a Vanguard squad does not even have Jump Packs included in those points; you have to pay for them separately. A whopping 10 points extra per veteran is what those will cost you. It would be cheaper to put them in a Razorback or a Rhino, but then you lose the Deep Strike ability and the independent mobility the jump packs bring. Although the Veterans get better weapon options, those cost extra too.
So, it boils down to this: Is it really worth the points for the extra attack and the weapon options? I think no. Tell me what you think!
I like vanguard out of a rhino attached to a character as a nice unit due to the upgrade flexability and solid number of attacks. I think if they had not upgraded storm shield terminators so much vanguard might see more use as they are a solid cc unit. I think the key is not to over upgrade the unit.
ReplyDeleteThe jump pack equipped unit is only really useful as a suicide squad I think. Never tried them though I just picked up the minis before the price jump.
I wouldn't use them, having to pay for the jumpacks just makes them to pricey and they are only slightly souped up marines with wargear. Heroic intervention is good but i have seen it be very hit and miss - enemy units wiped out by them when they deepstruck correctly but when they missed they got mullered.
ReplyDeleteAt least with Sternguard you can keep them in cover and use the special ammo - assult terms in landraider or command squads seem better
I was torn between a 5-man Vanguard squad in a Rhino, or with Jump Packs, in the end I opted to pay the extra points just for Heroic Intervention (coupled with a jump pack equipped Chaplain).
ReplyDeleteFor the models I bit-ordered the jump packs and put them on plastic, robed DA veteran models.