by Jeff Bullard
Welcome back to another Majestix map review. This time we are looking at the “Rooftop Gateway” map. The map is currently winnable in the weekly MOCs and Win-A-Map kit for in-person events. “Rooftop Gateway” is an outstanding outdoor map. The asymmetrical Starting Areas give each player an advantage whether they chose the starting area or not. The map has a life-like feel to it to make for a fun game. Most importantly how does this map fit into the Bronze Age format?
The “Rooftop Gateway” map offers two 3×6 starting areas that are on the right side of the map from each player’s respective view. With the starting areas pushed to one side of the map, this allows for you to place your Equipment or Relics against the edge of the map. This makes it harder for your opponent to disrupt your setup. One of the starting areas has a clear view across the map’s lower elevation. From here you have the option to either move forward or you can hang back and use the stairs to the left and head to Elevation 2. The other is tucked away and protected by Elevation 2 and has no stairs. Without a flyer or some Improved Movement: Elevated you are going to have to walk around to engage. The center of the map mirrors each other from the halfway point. However, there is 3 elevation that you can engage your opponent on. Blocking and Hindering are spread out throughout the map to allow for coverage until you must engage your opponent.
Most of the battles will take place either on Elevation 1 or 2. This rooftop offers great tactical options. On the lowest elevation, the middle of the map is open except for a stripe of 4 squares of Blocking terrain a square away from the edge of the map. This can provide coverage on its own or with a few extra squares of Barrier sure would not hurt. As always with an outdoor map, Giant and Colossal figures have a great advantage as they can reach and see over most of the terrain. To best utilize this map, I would suggest making sure your team has flying or some matter of Improved Movement: Elevated.
There are many tools in the Bronze Age format that can give you an advantage when playing on this map. Let us look at a few taxis you have not seen in a while or maybe not at all. First up EW034 Green Oracle, she of course has the Green Lantern Corps TA – Passenger: 8. She also has 12 movement with Phasing/Teleport. Her movement gets a +1 from the Justice League TA – When this character is given a MOVE action, modify speed +1. For 50pts Green Oracle has Perplex and Outwit alternating on her four click dial. Next up we have a throwback to Street of Gotham, FFSOG002 Lady Blackhawk. She is 50pts for six clicks of life. She begins with a 10 speed, her Special movement power reads, “Lady Blackhawk can use the Carry ability. When she uses the Carry ability, she can also use the Flight ability and can carry up to 4 friendly characters that have Birds of Prey or Soldier keyword…” With the Soldier keyword constantly growing she is an option. X-Men is always a popular keyword and for only 25pts you can get M17-015 Lila Cheney with 14 movement Phasing/Teleport and Passenger: 4. The cheapest taxi out there is HQ044 Kite Man for 15pts. He has 10 movement with Flight and Passenger: 2. Lastly one of my personal favorites is TMNT2029 Renet Tilley. Her first click has a 12-Movement with a Special Movement power that reads, “Renet Tilley can use Phasing/Teleport and Sidestep. She can use the Carry ability and when she does, can carry up to 4 characters.” Renet Tilly cost 55pts and she has Probability Control and a special Probability Control power that allows her to use it regardless of range and line of fire alternating on her dial. With so many great options of figures, it is a team builder paradise.
Overall, this will be a great addition to the Bronze Age map list. It adds another layer to choosing a map with unique starting areas. The design and layout of the map lean towards a more strategic game. With anything in Bronze Age I am sure the players will find a way to make it work. Thanks for reading and do not forget to practice rolling your dice!
