Miniature Trading

General description:
Imagine a couple enemy units, sitting there guarding a spawn point or other significant location. All of a sudden, a black-clad trooper leaps towards them, bearing two pistols. Shots ring out as the trooper runs past, leaving nothing but some dead enemies and shell casings. The ODST bearing Magnum Pistols is a deadly, fast foe. He only has one ability, however it enables him to move more than 4 spaces without having to subtract 3 from his attack. This creates the perfect hit-and-run unit, while easily affordable at just 50 points.

Uses:
The ODST is a great unit to reach an enemy and deliver damage. His average speed of 6 might not give him much to work with, but know that he can move his full distance and open fire without penalty. This advantage of the pistols makes him a great offensive piece for ambushes and flanking. Because the ODST lacks much health, he would be a poor choice for using in a frontal attack.

Strategies and game play:
I've found that the best way to use this unit is cutting off an escaping enemy. Not only can his passage be blocked this way, but full damage can be dealt as long as the target can be attacked from 6 spaces or less. The ODST can't take much damage, so send him after weakened opponents or ones with less health to begin with. There is little chance of survival for the ODST if he takes on an enemy with full health or high health. Another strategy is to use the ODST's grenade to break up a group of enemies and pick them off, having already been weakened. Again, leave the tougher enemies to your stronger units.

Combos with other miniatures:
A good combo for the ODST is other units who use the Magnum Pistols. Fast-moving groups that aren't penalized by the move-and-shoot-over-4-squares action would make a powerful group capable of finishing off any enemy stragglers. Personally, I use units like the Black-Ops Grunt and various Shot-gunners to blast back an enemy, separating him. Otherwise,

Ways to counteract it:
Take it down nice and fast. Send a strong unit or a unit with high defense after it. Alone, the ODST can't do much damage or take much. Two units with any weapon could take it out easily enough. Remember that this is a weak, 50 point unit. Nothing to sweat over, and with no defensive capabilities, killing him will be no different than killing any other generic unit.

Strengths/Pros:
- Able to move more than 4 squares+attack without penalty
- Has Grenade
- Low cost of 50

Weaknesses/Cons:
- Not much health
- Average-Low damage
- Movement is only average

Artwork and aesthetics:
The ODST looks pretty darn cool. Obviously the ODST are not the awesome guys they are portrayed as in this game. The kneeling position and the black armor gives it the appearance of a SWAT officer about to take aim with his sidearm. Great-looking piece, if a little bland. Also, the pistol doesn't look like the one in the game. Looks more like a normal pistol a cop might carry.

Overall rating:
This piece isn't too great. For 50 points, what do you expect? I will say that it's ability comes in handy, even if it won't last long in a firefight. As a useful 50-point unit, I give it 7/10.