Page 1 of 2
Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 7:16 pm
by Squidward
First attempt at making a map, it's just a basic layout so far. Let me know what you think, I still need to work out which territories can attack which, and also how much each section is worth.
(Version 1:)
- Click image to enlarge.

(Version 2:)
- Click image to enlarge.

39 Territories
4 Continents
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 7:20 pm
by army of nobunaga
I like it bubba... they are gonna say you need more territories.. and you probably do.. But I love a well made, well themed small simple map.
Madigascar = perfect.
You will have to change something else.. As a player, I love strategic choke points but hate them littered across a map like in atlantis. So for me man, you will probably have to add 2-5 more territories and reduce choke points. But man, CC needs new blood and new ideas.. I love this. I hope you see it through.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 7:32 pm
by natty dread
It's too big and too small at the same time.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 7:55 pm
by army of nobunaga
natty_dread wrote:It's too big and too small at the same time.
LOL Natty... im sorry man.. There is a genius in it being too large and too small. I swear to you we need something like this.
Like an age of merchants on a diet.
there is a place for it man.... there is. Think outside the box. The box s where the cartographers have made mental rules and blocks. I like this blown up ass map.
Id like a few more territories and less choke points... But if something like this ever got passed you guys would be amazed at how it was instantly one of the favorite maps in cc.
I really hope this dude keeps at it.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:00 pm
by Beckytheblondie
army of nobunaga wrote:natty_dread wrote:It's too big and too small at the same time.
LOL Natty... im sorry man.. There is a genius in it being too large and too small. I swear to you we need something like this.
I really hope this dude keeps at it.
Yes. +1
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:02 pm
by army of nobunaga
2 players' players have spoken... please let it be.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:04 pm
by natty dread
Thing is, the image is too large. Maximum size for maps is 840x800. However much I would "think outside the box" it wouldn't change the fact that Lackattack has set maximum size limits for maps.
As for it being too small, I'm afraid that with this territory count it will just be a doodle earth with a pirate theme. It's hard to build interesting gameplay with so few territories.
However, I do admit there's potential in the map, but it needs lots of work and development, and these obstacles need to be overcome first.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:09 pm
by army of nobunaga
agreed, it needs work.. I like the blown up size and the fewer territory thing... and the theme rocks.
But man... We have supported ppl at this stage (including me) that basically had crap for a start. This guy has something I actually can think and dream about.
Im trying to teach the mapmakers ( not you in particular natty) that novel + simple + nice theme = great ...
I like your europe+ rail map... for example.. I actually drool on that one.
This one has great potential... Conquer 4... simple.. novel... theme.. = great.
plyers players like this...
that cricket map.. omfg...
just saying man.. Im just one to put my opinion out and hope it doesnt hurt ppl. Hope this guy marches forth with this map.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:19 pm
by TaCktiX
It's a good start. As natty mentioned, maximum map size is 840x800 (suggested 800x800) for large, 630x600 (suggested 600x600) for small. Gotta fix that, it's set in stone rules.
Otherwise, I see a TON of potential in this map. You've got an obvious Theme to this map, something that most first-timers have difficulty with (I did on my first, that's for darn sure). I know that it's going to sound cliche and a whole lot of other things, but the market for a small map doesn't exist right now, so to speak. However, don't take that to mean "gogo 60 territories." I think this would be a perfectly fine map with, say, 27-35 territories (a 10-25% increase roughly). And it'd allow you to add some more pirate ships to the pirate map. I do agree that keeping it simple is a good way to go. We've gotten a little complexity-obsessed over time, and simple but beautiful maps still have a niche.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:19 pm
by natty dread
My best advice would be to think hard about what type of gameplay would best express the theme of the map, how the "story" of this map can be integrated to the gameplay.
For example, you have cannons on the map. You could give those territories the ability to bombard nearby shores.
As it's a pirate themed map, I'd like to see more ships.
That treasure chest... you could set a high amount of neutrals on it and set it as an objective (hold treasure for one round to win).
These are just examples, but you can maybe use them to get some ideas for the gameplay.
Oh and remember the size limit. Downsizing shouldn't be a problem though, it's a lot easier than upsizing... Personally, I don't agree with the size limit that has been set for maps, as I'd love to see huge and epic maps, but as long as that limit is in place, there's no point in crying about it, it's better to just work with the tools you have available.

Ps. my examples are by no means meant to say that you shouldn't make this a simple standard-gameplay map if you so wish. Merely I wished to express that the gameplay should compliment the theme of the map, somehow.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:20 pm
by army of nobunaga
natty_dread wrote:My best advice would be to think hard about what type of gameplay would best express the theme of the map, how the "story" of this map can be integrated to the gameplay.
For example, you have cannons on the map. You could give those territories the ability to bombard nearby shores.
As it's a pirate themed map, I'd like to see more ships.
That treasure chest... you could set a high amount of neutrals on it and set it as an objective (hold treasure for one round to win).
These are just examples, but you can maybe use them to get some ideas for the gameplay.
Oh and remember the size limit. Downsizing shouldn't be a problem though, it's a lot easier than upsizing... Personally, I don't agree with the size limit that has been set for maps, as I'd love to see huge and epic maps, but as long as that limit is in place, there's no point in crying about it, it's better to just work with the tools you have available.

Natty is dead on man... except id like to see small and simple and lovable.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 9:04 pm
by Industrial Helix
I'm cool with a smaller map but i do think there ought to be at least 25 territories.
Also, as said, map size is waaayyy too big.
We nee da good pirate map, I'm looking forward to the continued development of this map.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 9:37 pm
by Squidward
Thanks for feedback, guys. You're right, it's definitely way too big right now and needs more territories. That shouldn't be too hard to fix.
Just to clarify, though... the size for large maps says "Width up to 840, Height 800" does that mean the height must be 800? Or can it be less?
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Fri Apr 23, 2010 11:25 pm
by TaCktiX
It can be less. My quenched map, The Citadel, only has 700x538 for its large if I remember correctly.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 12:01 am
by army of nobunaga
Squidward wrote:Thanks for feedback, guys. You're right, it's definitely way too big right now and needs more territories. That shouldn't be too hard to fix.
Just to clarify, though... the size for large maps says "Width up to 840, Height 800" does that mean the height must be 800? Or can it be less?
hey squidward.. you are a ? mark rank... but im telling you now that CC is a community and you are welcome.
Plese get to know ppl and develop this map... I dont even think you know how good it could be.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 4:04 am
by Squidward
Thanks, army. I'll definitely try to get this map developed.
I have a new version. Should I post it in this thread, or am I supposed to start a new one?
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 5:44 am
by natty dread
Post it in this thread, in both ends of the thread... meaning that you post the image here and also update the first post with the new image.
I started working on a "pirate" map once... Well, it was more like a treasure island type thing. I've never posted it in the Foundry as I abandoned the project for other things (plus the gameplay ended up too similar with the conquer national bank) but I could post it here if you want, you might be able to use it for some ideas...
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 10:57 am
by Squidward
Here's version 2. It's basically the same layout, just with a smaller size (840 x 700), and twice the territories.
- Click image to enlarge.

39 Territories
4 Continents
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:02 am
by natty dread
Looks much better. You should start thinking names for the territories.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 12:34 pm
by Squidward
And yeah, Natty, definitely post your map, I want to see it.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:07 pm
by natty dread
At your request:
- Click image to enlarge.

Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 2:38 pm
by Teflon Kris
oh no, you got talked in to doubling the territory count, how boring.
There is nothing legally or officially wrong with small maps. Dont let the conservatives convince you otherwise.
If you want to do a small map, it is easy to find support from the huge numbers of players that like them. In the foundry you'll find lots of connoseurs of vintage large maps, dont let them put you off lol.
I had some ideas to make your original version more interesting gameplay-wise if you'd like me to post them?
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 3:33 pm
by Squidward
I would like to keep it small and simple, but it seemed like the general opinion was it needed more territories, and I agree. I might get rid of some of them, maybe bring it down to 30 or so.
But as far as gameplay ideas, I definitely want to hear them. Again, though, I do want to keep it simple and straightforward, I usually don't like when maps have confusing extra rules and stuff added to them.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sat Apr 24, 2010 7:56 pm
by mattattam
I think you definitely should keep it small and simple. Taking down the territory count in port town should do that. It's so big of a bonus right now that it would be almost impossible to realistically get.
I like the idea of having all ships being capable of bombarding or attacking each other. That makes it so a smaller map like this is more accessible from different places and makes it bigger in a way while keeping it small and simple.
Re: Pirate Map Idea

Posted:
Sun Apr 25, 2010 6:46 am
by Industrial Helix
Yeah, i'd say drop that terr. number down to about 25. We've got enough 40 territory range maps.
Also, I'm in favor of losing the stick and ball arrangement.