For reference, HAL is an acronym referring to a squad from the Universe days that ran Han RH, Aurra Sing, and Lobot, a once-upon-a-time popular squad in Gambit venues because of its ability to deal with "camping" Vader JH somewhat effectively.

So I was looking through my stuff and wondered can a HAL style squad be good again?

This is what I started with:

Han Solo, Rebel Hero
Aurra Sing
C3P0&R2
Ugnaught Demolitionist x3

To me, that squad doesn't carry enough firepower, so I dropped R2P0 and added Lando, Dashing Scoundrel. Then, I wondered if Aurra was really the right choice, and with my remaining point switched her out for Boba Enforcer.

So this is what I played on Vassal:
Han RH
Boba E
Lando DS
Ugnaught x3

It was a close hard-fought game, much closer than I would have liked, against a team of stealth moving melee attackers backed up by an Ithorian Commander.

Boba was forced to missile at one point while he was adjacent to 2 enemies. He killed 2 of 3 enemies in the process, but I failed his save as well, so he also died.

Han died shortly after, and Lando fell to a lucky crit on an aoo as he was attempting to escape the Ithorian Commander.

So, what changes would you suggest to make this squad competitive? Can it be competitive? Please explain answers. Thanks.

HAL can definitely make a comeback. The chance to do 70 damage to an unactivated Jedi in two activations can't be overlooked. Plus, with Lobot in there the squad's just going to get better the more minis come out.

Perhaps with Juno for some swarm support? Or maybe you could throw in a few MCTSs for Combining fire with. Lobot is probably still the best choice, he's just such a utility piece I can't think of an alternative.

70 damage off of 2 hits assuming you win initiative and are attacking a Jedi will NOT carry a squad.

Can HAL deal with Bane? No, the damage output is just too low. Can it take on 3x JWM's? Probably not, assuming it makes a deflect or two. Swarms? I doubt it. You are outactivated and unable to do mass damage.

I just see it as a squad that won't be great anymore. It was once, but the lack of damage output is just too low.

Almost all 100 point squads are dependant on init, this squad is no different.

Other then the fact that against non-force users HALF of its damage potential comes from a won initiative. Bane doesn't need that, nor do most squads even at 100 points.

I'm not talking about playing HAL as it was in Universe; I'm talking about a modified, updated version.

Think of it as Hal 2.0.

Yes, I know. Adder was speaking of the original HAL though.

I think that Han RH, Aurra and another solid shooter such as Lando DS, Luke HPU (May be a good option, although no door control worries me!) or something like 2 Rauntauns could be good. (The Tauns give you a possible 110 damage of one won initiative)

Truthfully I would go with something similar in playstyle, but without Aurra or Lobot. Something like this:

Han RH
Luke HPU
Lando DS
Rauntaun
Uggo x2

That gives you activations, init control, damage output and survivability in one package at 100.