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Darth Mauler |
The Elite Senate Guard is a mid-level grunt piece
that provides versatile support for a squad. It has
solid stats with 50 hp, 17 defense, and 8 attack.
Its 30 damage is great. The Elite Senate Guard also
has three special abilities. Bodyguard is always
useful. While it increases the troubles from
area-effect damage (Force Push 3/5, some lightnings,
Missiles, Flamethrower, etc.), it can help deal with
disintegrations and enemies with accurate shot. The
other two abilities are well synchronized. While
Heavy Weapon is never good, Double Attack reduces
its importance. Also, with 30 damage, it is
acceptable. So far, nothing stands out as being
terrible about the mini, so how does it compare to
others?
When looking at the Elite Senate Guard, it
appears to be a beefed up version of the old Senate
Guard. With 30 more hp, 2 more attack, 1 more
defense, and the Double Attack ability, it is well
worth five more points. However, the Senate Guard
could hardly be considered playable, so let's look
at some more recent and competitive characters to
compare to.
The Senate Commando was released in the same set
as the Elite Senate Guard, and is very similar in
abilities. The Senate Commando has 1 more attack and
defense, and loses the disabling Heavy Weapon..
However, the lack of Bodyguard on the Senate
Commando is the ESG's unique spot here. Both can
benefit from Captain Argyus, which means either one
can pump out four shots for 120 damage in one move.
If you need a bodyguard for Argyus or just in
general for the Republic, the ESG appears to be a
solid choice.
There is, however, an older bodyguard that still
holds its own. The Human Bodyguard is a whopping 7
points cheaper, and is only 10 hp short of the ESG.
It even loses Heavy Weapon! However, it also loses 3
defense, 5 attack, 20 damage, Double Attack, and the
ability to benefit from Captain Argyus's effect.
To summarize, the Elite Senate Guard is a versatile
character for when you have points for one more
minor attacker, but also need to protect an
important commander. Outside of that niche, there
are better minis to use.
100 points: 2.5/5 I suppose if you need to
protect your beatstick, the ESG is not a bad choice.
However, you will probably run out of room first, or
save the points and go with the Human Bodyguard.
150 points: 3.5/5 This format is better, with
more commanders to protect, but Mas Amedda has made
the need for front-line commanders nonexistent, so
it is still not that useful. The restriction with
points makes the multi-roles very useful.
200 points: 3/5 With more to protect, there is
more work for the ESG. However, it is more likely
here you can afford running both a Bodyguard and a
shooter, so his use here is diminished somewhat.
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