Astonishingly, Heroclix is still going strong 19 years later (despite every single change, evolution, or improvement to the game being trumpeted by Gabriels of doom as "the end of Heroclix"). And there are lots of new rule and power changes that, frankly, were overdue and make it much easier to play (and which, of course, are being trumpeted as "the end of Heroclix", but aren't).
Making maps for the game (as alternatives to the officials ones, which are often not to my liking) is one of my hobbies, and I'd like to share one of my latest efforts: Central City Police Headquarters (as seen on the CW show "The Flash").
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| The real one is 2ftx3ft. |
The structure of the actual set on the CW show is hard to capture; properly the Squad Room (in the center) would be UNDER Barry's lab. But 2D Heroclix maps aren't really designed for that, so on this map it's just walled terrain in front of Barry's Lab, which is up on the upper floor, accessed through the same sets of stairs we see on the show.
Ever wonder why CCPD has a two-story lobby that's NOT on the ground floor (as proven by the elevators)? Never quite figured that one out myself. Central City likes it's grand Art Deco flair, I suppose. Set designers love elevators because, unlike doors, they don't require having another set BEHIND them.
Most of the decor is standard but there are two bespoke elements: the CCPD logo used on the show and, at the very bottom, the bas relief wall hanging of JUSTICE that's on the show.
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| You know, this one, that the villains are always standing ironically in front of when they attack the Detective Division. |
For obvious reasons, I start Team Flash figures at the north end of the map at the windows of Barry's Lab (assuming there's no thunderstorm, of course), and the villains in the elevators (although I like to force them to move in front of the JUSTICE mural before they are allowed to attack, because presentation is important).
7 comments:
I haven't played the game, but it's interesting how the show seems to actively avoid showing anything like an overhead shot of the space. There's always more space at STAR Labs (probably because Central City expands over time, producing all those dramatic high ceilings), but it's not hard to guess the layout. CCPD, meanwhile, usually feels like it's stuck in a stage production, where they just wheeled in the backdrop they needed and rolled camera.
The relief is always worth a chuckle, though, with its "it's definitely supposed to be the founding Justice League, even though that only works if you force shoddy connections between JLAers and gods and pretend that Green Arrow is important" nature. It's no wonder that everybody uses it for ironic posing...
I assume by "the real one is 2 ft. x 3 ft." you mean the map, not the actual Police HQ. It's Central City - the WASTEBASKETS are probably 2 ft. x 3 ft.
Also, the bas relief - those seven 'gods', and the Truth, Liberty, and JUSTICE motto - could they represent the Justice LEAGUE??
I see Aquaman (Poseidon?) there on the far right, Green Arrow (Apollo?) right next to him, and The Flash (Hermes) middle left. I guess that's Superman (Zeus) up middle front, and...
Ah, nuts. Nevermind. Just Googled it, and it IS an easter egg of the JLA. The remainders are WW (Hera), GL (Vulcan), and Batman (Pluto)
...and the first poster mentioned it. Derp.
I've finally started playing since they launched the animated Batman and Justice League Unlimited Heroclix. I had dabbled a bit before, but didn't seriously get interested. I have not as yet developed any maps, though. I may need to find the time, since "not to my liking" is pretty much the default for the official maps.
the WASTEBASKETS are probably 2 ft. x 3 ft."
THAT made laugh.
Bryan; you can get nice ones made VERY cheaply at Bestofsigns.com
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