Databank Download: Jedi Master Mace Windu Preview

SWP08Mace Windu

Many impressive individuals have served on the Jedi Council, but no one else has the combined poise, power, discipline, and formidable demeanor of Jedi Master Mace Windu, the subject of today’s Star Wars™: Shatterpoint preview.

Serving in the final days of the Republic Era, Mace Windu proved to be one of the greatest generals of the Jedi Order, a battlefield leader who earned the respect and reverence with which he was universally regarded. And though he showed a disdain for politics, Windu’s keen mind and instincts let him unravel sinister plots against his order; he was one of the few who eventually saw through the veils of lies erected by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Windu would be at the forefront of efforts to prevent the looming tragedy, and he came very close to singlehandedly forestalling the doom of the Jedi Order. He can be viewed as a Jedi paragon, an echo of Jedi Knights of a former era, when their purpose was unwavering, and their enemies could be confronted more directly.

Tempered Aggression is the ability and quality that best describes Mace Windu’s fighting style, for he does not hesitate to close the distance and attack, using the Force as his ally to transform potential failure to success. His preference for rapidly confronting the foe is facilitated by Rush to Action, which lets him and his allies Dash forward to seize key objectives or strike on their terms. And aggressive as he might be, Jedi Master Windu is not reckless—his every move is executed with his larger strategy in mind.

So revered is Master Windu that just witnessing him engaging the enemy inspires his allies, letting them know that This Party’s Over. This ability grants Steadfast and Protection as a measure of the confidence his allies have in his ultimate victory. But his most formidable ability is Shatterpoint, whereby Windu gains significant benefits at the outset of his activation based on his Active Stance. This will augment his imminent attacks with a focus action enhanced by Impact 2 or can alternately rejuvenate him with Healing and refreshing some of his Focus Tokens. Which brings us to Windu’s two equally formidable Stances.

When on the attack, Mace Windu prefers Form VII Vaapad, the Stance representing his signature lightsaber form. Form VII in its two variants is considered so aggressive that it carries an inherent peril of temptation to the Dark Side for those of lesser will. Windu has complete mastery of this unusual form, using its strength to overwhelm other duelists. Though powerful, this Stance is straightforward, with high damage potential benefitting from Shatterpoint’s free Impact 2 Focus Action. This Stance’s Combat Tree can opt for raw lethality or trade a small bit of damage to Strain, Expose, or Pin the foe, also potentially inflicting Disarm and an opportunity to Reposition. Windu’s Aggressive Defense Expertise Chart in this Stance is quite strong and offers another chance to Reposition.

Alternately, Windu’s Jedi Master Stance is slightly more measured, representing him wielding the Force directly against his adversary rather than concentrating entirely on his lightsaber. This is still an aggressive Stance, with a Combat Tree that offers high damage and up to three Shove opportunities, or the option to trade one Shove for a chance to Expose the enemy and Jump to higher ground. While in this Stance, Windu’s Aggressive Defense Expertise Chart becomes even stronger, able to downgrade enemy Strikes and Critical rolls into Failures and potentially gaining the option for Windu to Jump to a better position. Both Stances are quite effective, with the latter being especially useful while seizing Objectives and the former preferred when dueling.

There is something particularly thrilling about being able to take charge of Mace Windu on the tabletop and see this legendary and fiercely bold Jedi in action. He works quite well alongside a diverse array of allies, and the feel of his squad varies depending on whether they are chosen to augment his aggressive style or to complement him by providing support such as ranged firepower.

Make sure to check back for our next Star Wars: Shatterpoint Unit preview, where we give you a first look at how your favorite characters from the Star Wars galaxy translate into the gameplay of Star Wars: Shatterpoint. Pre-order your own copy of the This Party’s Over Squad Pack at your local game store or through the webstore today.

Until next time, Atomic Mass Transmissions, signing off!