Austerlitz Map [Quenched]

[tlane]

I dont know if anyone has said this, but could you make the text on the top at least one size bigger

[pamoa]

Consider adding some colour to the legend (ie red/green/blue) to distinguish the different armies.

I'll try but I'm not a big fan of Christmas tree legend box...

I dont know if anyone has said this, but could you make the text on the top at least one size bigger

if I make it bigger it would too long and would need to add more lines which is impossible
but if you consider this is the small map (there will be a bigger one) and this id only contextual informations that are not vital for gameplay
I think I can leave it as it is
but thanks for asking

[TaCktiX]

It's an intriguing map, certainly, but I think it needs a change in perspective. Right now, a lot of the text required to understand the bonus structure on the maps (the flanks) are written in small type sideways. I literally craned my neck to make sure I could read it properly. I would suggest that you rotate the entire map 90 degrees to the right. Here's what would change:

- Austerlitz is now on the bottom middle.
- The flank markers are now along the top and bottom of the fronts, so you can adjust the font to be slightly larger (a requirement even if you don't rotate the map) and readable straight across
- The title graphic will likely need to go to the top right, with the introductory text along the top middle (more space available there, be mindful of the French Right Flank)
- All sprite graphics and associated text will need to be rotated
- Bonus text to the bottom left
- Add a compass rose noting North if you desire

That looks like all that needs to be addressed on that front, no pun intended. If you've layered it out well it should be easy to do and it'll make the map much easier to read.

Does a very involved suggestion count? I think so, Napoleon's battle just got

[RjBeals]

Click image to enlarge.

First off, I've been meaning to comment in this thread simply because this map is awesome. You really did a great job of creating a truly unique map - with amazing visuals. You've got quite a nice design style.

I'm a simple guy - and complicated gameplay usually does me in. This sort of overwhelms me. Sorry. I wonder if you could space out the players a bit more to make the attack routes a little clearer? You've got a lot of extra playing space on the map.

"Holding the 3 villages" took me a while to figure out. The villages are in silver? So they will start neutral? See all those other villages around the right of the screen? They have brown attack lines leading to and from them, so I thought those were going to be villages in play. Maybe make a pixel village icon to match the army icons so the villages stand out more.

Well - I don't have much time, so thats all i have for now. Beautiful map though - nice work.

[sailorseal]

All I would suggest is clarifying it up a little, increasing the size of the text and maybe adding more territories.
Great Map!

[ustus]

Consider adding some colour to the legend (ie red/green/blue) to distinguish the different armies.

I'll try but I'm not a big fan of Christmas tree legend box...

I dont know if anyone has said this, but could you make the text on the top at least one size bigger

if I make it bigger it would too long and would need to add more lines which is impossible
but if you consider this is the small map (there will be a bigger one) and this id only contextual informations that are not vital for gameplay
I think I can leave it as it is
but thanks for asking

If you're using Photoshop, you could rasterize (CS) or simplify (elements) the text layer so that you can scale it and only increase the size in directions where there's actually room. This may have the same effect as increasing the font size without requiring you to wrap to the next layer. You could also then make sure there is no extra space on the sides, though it will probably not have too much effect there. You do have some extra room to the left of the type to fill, so maybe you can pull off the difference this way.

On the other hand, there isn't much space to move it into, so this might not work. good luck.

I'll not comment further, as I know photoshop a lot better than cartography, and even for what little i do know, I don't play scenario maps. just my preference. Graphically, this looks nice. I like the way it looks like a battle plan.

[MrBenn]

If you're using Photoshop, you could rasterize (CS) or simplify (elements) the text layer so that you can scale it and only increase the size in directions where there's actually room. This may have the same effect as increasing the font size without requiring you to wrap to the next layer.

You should never rasterize your text layers, unless you're adding filters to them - even then I suggest creating a copy of them first.

You should be able to resize (transform) the text to fill the gap... You could also look to abridge the text and cut some of it out?

[pamoa]

... I would suggest that you rotate the entire map 90 degrees to the right... (clockwise)

very interesting solution, I like the way you changed the point of view (literally and metaphorically)
I have one problem with it it is about divisions symbols, now they are facing
but if I turn the map they will be one atop of each other and I will loose the graphic confrontation
I really remain uncertain about your proposition as I also like the way it solve some other problems...

... I wonder if you could space out the players a bit more to make the attack routes a little clearer? You've got a lot of extra playing space on the map.

"Holding the 3 villages" took me a while to figure out. The villages are in silver? So they will start neutral? See all those other villages around the right of the screen? They have brown attack lines leading to and from them, so I thought those were going to be villages in play. Maybe make a pixel village icon to match the army icons so the villages stand out more...

I'll work on the attack route to make clear which are and which not

for the villages, I already tried to put some symbol but didn't any convincing, any suggestions
the other villages can not be in the game as they don't have any army count on it
and they are not starting neutral as they are part of the 32 starting positions
only leaders are starting neutral as you can see on the map

All I would suggest is clarifying it up a little, increasing the size of the text and maybe adding more territories.

clarifying in what way ?!?
for the size of the context explanation text remember this is small map and i do not have more room for it
the number of territory issue as already been adressed

...the text layer so that you can scale it and only increase the size in directions where there's actually room... On the other hand, there isn't much space to move it into, so this might not work...

see above

[ustus]

ok, sorry for my bad advice then. I didn't know you could resize text with a transformation without rasterizing. And i would certainly have suggested copying first, that's kind of a given.

[tlane]

for the villages, I already tried to put some symbol but didn't any convincing, any suggestions

One idea would be to put a big 'V', like the 'N' you have on Napoleon. I don't know how this would look, but it is one idea i have.

tlane

[captainwalrus]

I like the bonus labels, It makes it a lot more clear. I don't have any suggestion really, just showing support for the map.

[pamoa]

v04 new features: villages icons, clearer attack route, flank colour differentiation
This is the small map 600x630 pixels

Click image to enlarge.

[captainwalrus]

I don't know that much about the battle but from what I have read the Pratzen Heights seemed to be an essential part to the final victory, so I think you should add holding Pratzen to the victory condition.





~ Mr. walrus

[rjz115dude]

good idea for a map, but it just seems too plain, one colored and boring...try adding more color and your own texture to make it your own map, Your original idea

[gho]

I disagree about this map being boring, it is one of the best maps in production. What's the story with the light and dark red? you definately need some colour in the ledgend to make the map look less confusing.