Battlefields of Valhalla Discussion Thread

[RoninValentina]

I recall somewhere along the way Husk of the Holdfast was rejected and resubmitted for BoV approval due to map corrections. Is this correct? The reason I ask is the map download I have a link to still has two extra starting zones and ladder over water placement. Can someone point me to an updated link? Thanks.

[Dignan]

Originally Posted by RoninValentina

I recall somewhere along the way Husk of the Holdfast was rejected and resubmitted for BoV approval due to map corrections. Is this correct? The reason I ask is the map download I have a link to still has two extra starting zones and ladder over water placement. Can someone point me to an updated link? Thanks.

It appears that the link in my review of the map is correct.

[RoninValentina]

Thanks, Dignan.

[Kahrma]

Maps currently being reviewed:

"Sidewinder" by GameBear
I suppose the natural place to begin, is with the starting zones. “Sidewinder” has you making important decisions even before you place your first turn marker. Glaciers divide each start zone, providing cover for key figures while adding some complexity in the deployment department. You’d best have a plan before you begin placing figures, because a little forethought here can pay dividends later in the game.

Water tiles are thoughtfully placed, blocking off one entire side of each start zone. Botch your initial order marker placements and your army could come up all wet. This arrangement benefits flyers, double-spaced units, and as previously mentioned – Knights. Best of all, the water tiles prevent ‘reavers from reaching the right-side glyph until turn 3 – impressive.

Speaking of glyphs, they are particularly well placed on “Sidewinder”. Each is on low ground and draws play to an otherwise undesirable portion of the map. Thanks to the water tiles mentioned above, a ‘reaver player will not automatically win both glyphs with a lucky initiative roll – hallelujah!

I’ve always loved the look of Tundra maps, but until now I’ve never seen one that played well using the optional movement rules. On most, using heavy snow or slippery ice rules creates an instant death-trap for melee players – despite all of the LOS blockers. This is the first map I’ve seen where the heavy snow rules feel right – hampering access to the highest points of the battlefield without slowing figures attempting to engage. I've never seen better use of Thaelenk Tundra than on Sidewinder. Bravo GameBear!

My vote is yes for inclusion in the BoV.

YES = 2(Jexik, Kahrma); NO = 0;Pending = 4(Dignan, Longheroscaper, Bunjee, Velenne)

[Velenne]

I'm here to revote yes to Lowland Paths. I didn't have a problem with it to begin with and I have less of no problem with it now.

<goes back to MMO's until his Scaping buddy gets back from a honeymoon>

[SuperflyTNT]

Well, that's twice now that Lowland Paths has made it through the first phase...Thanks to those who liked it enough to allow it's review and I hope that once you've played it a few times you'll either let it pass to the BOV so I can see it at some tournaments or give me some good criticisms so I can make it better!

[Atombob]

Oh my Gosh, I only read through about 50% of this thread and it is amazing. I would like to thank all the BOV Judges for doing this.

I was an avid Heroclix player and partial Heroscape player, but now I am becoming more of a Heroscape player and just a part time Heroclix player. This thread just shows me how Great of a Community this is, and how much devotion everyone has to this game.

I love building maps but had hit a slump in coming up with some cool ideas. This thread has reinvigorated my brain with some cool ideas to use on my maps. I am going to try out all of the BOV maps and some that did not make it. I had been building maps that covered my whole table but this has shown me the beauty of smaller maps (now I can fit two on my table for double the fun).

Thanks to Rÿchean for the well organized second Post. It is very well put together in finding new maps to try out.

Thanks to all the BOV Judges (past and present) for presenting your thoughts on the maps in such a professional way. You are quickly turning me into a Heroscape addict

[Rÿchean]

Originally Posted by SuperflyTNT

you'll either let it pass to the BOV so I can see it at some tournaments

Just wanted to point that the majority of BoV maps got there in reverse fashion. Most of the maps enjoyed significant tournament play before they were ever nominated for BoV. Getting you map into a tournament is significantly easier than getting it into the BoV.

[SuperflyTNT]

Heck, the fact that it got approved for REVIEW gives it some credibility. One of the conundrums I have here is that the tournaments that are held locally (Dayton OH) use Marduk's maps almost exclusively, and the one down in Louisville only uses BOV maps. Luckily I have a cadre of friends that play our own maps, but it's nice to get the views of more than 5-6 people sometimes.

I have to agree with you, though - there's not very many maps at all in the Halls Of Valhalla, but there's a lot of tourney maps that have been played.

[Elstree]

Originally Posted by Atombob

I am going to try out all of the BOV maps and some that did not make it.

Yes, many of the maps that made it to review but didn't make the final cut are still very good maps. I highly encourage anyone looking for a solid map for casual play to take a look at that list. Keyholes and Ruins of Nalanda were two of my favorites in playtesting even though I voted no on them.

To add to what Rÿchean said, regular (i.e. non-tournament) Heroscape game days are another good time to try out maps you think may be tournament-worthy. If you find a couple that play well, consider them for your next local tournament. If they still play well, then consider nominating them for BOV review. Local HS gaming groups can be a kind of laboratory in this process.

[Jexik]

Originally Posted by Rÿchean

Just wanted to point that the majority of BoV maps got there in reverse fashion. Most of the maps enjoyed significant tournament play before they were ever nominated for BoV. Getting you map into a tournament is significantly easier than getting it into the BoV.

See: Winter Holdout. People played it at GenCon and Tree Town Open IV, but it got nixed by the first two judges to review it. It's a good map, but lacked that level of polish expected by the panel.

I'll agree that it's good publicity though; people often select maps that are simply nominated here.

[stubobj]

Does someone keep a list of all nominated maps somewhere? I really don't like the idea of going through this entire thread to find the maps that didn't make it. Although I am curious enough to do it if no one has yet.