In the Star Wars Miniature game, there are many different things you need to consider. One of the most important however, is being able to control the doors. A shut/open door can foil your plans, or your opponents. Currently there are 3 forms of door control. These are Override, Door Gimmick, and Satchel Charge. Let's take a look at them!

Door Gimmick: This is a very constricting ability, and should never be your only form of door control. It is however, very good. Basically any character with this ability can designate one door open that they can see at the end of their turn. This can be great to get a shot off at your opponent or opening a door at range for other characters to get through.

Override: The best form of door control, Override is basically an advanced Door Gimmick. Not only does override allow you to choose to open or close a door that the character can see at the end of your turn, but it also "overrides" Door Gimmick! (As in if someone Door Gimmicks a door open, the Override ability may shut it. However, you cannot Door Gimmick a door that is Override shut.) This is a great ability to have as you can shut any door you can see, thus locking characters in or out of a room.

Satchel Charge: This is the only ability in the game that completely takes out any doors, literally. Any door that has a Satchel placed on it is considered to not be there anymore; only an open space! This ability is great to use against override as it destroys the door.

Now lets look at the best characters for each ability.

Door Gimmick:

Republic Commando Fixer: This character is a great addition to any Bacara build as he can benefit from Super Stealth. This allows you to get shots off easily by abusing his Door Gimmick.

Iktotchi Tech Specialist: The only Fringe Door Gimmick character, this little piece is truly only worth it if you use her as a healer for your Droids and Mounted Weapon pieces. I would not use her unless you can fully take advantage of her abilities.


Override:

Lobot: This is a great piece. Not only is he an Override character, but he can also bring in 20 points of Fringe characters to adapt to your opponents squad. This is a huge asset to any squad as you can bring in anything you need. Whether that would be another Shooter or activations, he is simply an awesome piece.

R2-D2: This is the original Rebel Storm R2 piece. This guy is worth his 8 points for his Override alone. Make sure either him or Lobot (Or both!) are in your Rebel builds!

R2-D2, Astromech Droid: This is simply the best override character in the game. Not only for his Flight, Electric Shock, and Override, but for his Tow Cable ability as well. This little guy can "Fly" himself and one small to medium ally 12 squares with the ability Flight. This ability makes for a huge beat to base an enemy easily or for good shooter to get off a shot with little problem. All in all, this is the best support piece in the game due to the fact he can tow someone 12 squares and lock close/open a door at the end of his turn.


Satchel Charge:

Jedi Sentinel: This Old Republic piece is the best door control for its faction. (Other than Lobot, who is Fringe) While this piece is decent, never have it as your only door control. Always have either Lobot or a few Ugnaught's with her.

Republic Commando Scorch: This is yet another Super Stealth door controller, although I believe that Fixer is always a better option here. While Satchel Charge is the strongest form of Door Control, (Remember, it blow the door away, leaving only an empty space) it is not worth it when you can have an Ugnaught for 13 points less instead.

Ugnaught Demolitionist: The cheapest door controller (And miniature!) out there, this little guys is simply a must in ANY build that does not have any other form of door control. Also, when using these guy it is best to use them 3+ at a time as they die easily.


As you can see, controlling the doors in any Star Wars Miniature game may be as important as anything else. Always use a character in Override and if not, at least use a Satchel Charge character! I hope this helps you become both a better player and a better squad builder!

~The Jumping Flea