Forum Discussion

RebRazer's avatar
8 years ago

Grand Moff Tarkin - Empire + Sith Synergy

One of the cool things about Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars was that he had a Sith Lord as his right hand man. In some sense Vader even seemed like his 'pet'.Although undoubtedly Vaders presence was due partially to Emperor Palpatine wanting to keep tabs on matters. So although Tarkin himself was all Empire, he was able to work with the Sith.

Remember that Death Star boardroom scene where Admiral Motti questions Vader 'sad devotion to his ancient religion'? We first get to see the darkside of the Force in action as Vader chokes Motti into submission. Then Tarkin brings his mixed team back together with scolding "Enough of this. This bickering is pointless". Tarkin was the man bringing both the Imperial and Sith minsets together on their shared objectives.

Lately EA has been very generous to the rebels in its reworks of rebel characters, and the releases of R2, Command Luke Skywalker, and TB related toons. Unfortunately, arena has a distinct rebel bias, with even older rebel 'meta' toons enjoying longevity such as Wiggs, Chaze, etc. Meanwhile darkside squads are almost non-existent.

One thing that I think would have been a great way to enhance both Tarkin and darkside arena squads would have been to have some of Tarkin's abilities apply to both Empire and Sith allies. I'm not suggesting that Tarkin have the Sith class. But I'm suggesting that during the rework his abilites should have been enabled for both Empire and Sith allies.

Example: Right now Tarkin's leadership zeta is really lacking. It could be a great way to deal with Chaze in arena, applying defense down & expose when their health falls below 100%. But the Empire really lacks the toons that make this an effect strategy. However, the Sith have some characters that would really work well with this leadership ability. Imagine Sith Assassin or Sith Trooper benefiting from Tarkin's leadership? Since they can get around protection and knock down health. Not to mention Tarkin speed bonus, and we all know how important speed is for Sith. Zarkin leadership might even rival Zaul leadership.

I really feel like Tarkin's rework fell just short of greatness, although it was still an improvement. Making Tarkin's abilities function with both Empire and Sith characters would have been a great representation of the character in the movie, but it also would habe been a great way to increase his potential in arena, and a real boost to Empire and Sith synergy.
  • "Shonkathonk;c-1282479" wrote:
    Personally think it's a bit strong to say he should have synergy with another tag just because of a few lines. Plus doesn't his contempt for the sith which you've just quoted go against that?


    Motti had contempt for the Sith, not Tarkin. Pretty clear in my comment.

  • "Allenb60;c-1282568" wrote:
    The only Sith he worked with that I know of was Vader and technically Palpatine, but they are already covered with the empire tag


    True, and they would already be included in Tarkin's abilities. My point was that Tarkin clearly was fine working with the Sith, unlike some other Empire characters, so why not allow represent that in the game, while more importantly adding to game balance.

  • Meh. Personal Tarkin is fine. Also he is a really good Fleet Leader Try running a team of:

    Tarkin (L)
    DK
    DT
    Thrawn
    Nihilius
  • "Hskull55;c-1282518" wrote:
    Tarkin is already a good toon... I don't think he needs any changes


    Says the guy with an Obi Wan Kenobi avatar... I bet you like CLS and R2 and all the rebel changes and can't name anything about them that is drastically and laughably OP.