Thanks for the feedback.
> is there a point to working on this?
Yes, I think there is. If nothing else, to avoid doing the previous work for nothing. But as Redbaron pointed out, there is also other reasons. Both gameplay and visual style is quite different from the nordic countries map. There are many other regions which have multiple (but different) maps, around 10 USA maps for example.
> the colors are never going to pass the color blind test.
Actually, I've already confirmed that the colors work. It doesn't look good for the color blind but it's easy to see difference between the areas. With some further tweaking like nattys suggestion it should be fine.
> A minimap might be helpful here instead of the listing legend.
Yeah... i've been thinking about a mini map for a while now but I'm afraid it might also make it less clear in some ways. Plus, i kind of like the list... I think I will do two versions next, one with minimap and one with the list.
> The forests need to be.... forests, not black holes.
It's really difficult to make a good looking forest when you're using a photographic style. If i would make cartoon looking trees like most maps it would make an ugly contrast to the moutain range and the lakes. It's not supposed to be black holes though, they are supposed to be more green and look like a forest actually look from a satellite.
> The reindeer seem really out of place and pasted on.
That's because it IS pasted on
It may need some polish but I think a raindeer is a good choice as an icon for Laponia. The same argument can be made about the ships which also need some further blending into the background.
> Which bonus is Aland in?
The entire finland bonus, as indicated by the legend, but not in east nor west finland. It is also included in the Baltic islands bonus as indicated by the ship. There is no bonus for just holding Aland.
> The north arrow seems totally unnecessary.
It's enough to just have the text "North" ? Or shall I remove that too? I think I started out without any indicator at all and someone complained about it...
> I think the ocean can use a little bit of texture, it's just flat.
That's of course no problem. Personally I don't think it's needed though, I think the flat water makes a nice contrast to the very textured land. I will probably add a discreet texture in the end.
I'll be back home next week, next version should be out shortly after that.