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USA Map Pack [Quenched]

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USA Map Pack [Quenched]

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:59 am

ImageImageImageImage


Hey everyone,

Let me explain a little bit about how this map collection idea came about. I started playing some tournaments a while back and I really enjoy it. The time that the organizers spend is huge and the style, types and organization of each tournament allows for many different play styles for many different players. So thanks to all of the organizers and all they do.

This now brings me to the point of the new maps. I wanted to make a map collection that could be the focus of many different tournaments in the future. So I was thinking "what could I make that would fill this desire?" I looked over the maps we already have on CC and found it, the USA map.

The USA map has 6 bonus regions (West, Rockies, S. West, S. East, Great Lakes, New England) representing 48 of the 50 sates. I had the idea that each bonus region could be developed into its own map thus having a total of 6 maps. So the entire map set would be a total of 7 (these 6 region maps and the original USA map)

======================================================================================

BONUSES
Each Region map would have 3 bonus types: State bonus, State Capital bonus and Interstate City bonus.
    State Bonus ā€“ This bonus, obviously, would be given to a player for holding all of the cities in a particular state. Each state has the capital city and at least 1 more major city connected by a road or interstate. (Roads act as borders for all these maps)

    State Capital Bonus ā€“ This bonus is awarded for holding different numbers of state capitals.

    Interstate City Bonus ā€“ This bonus is awarded to a player who owns all cities along a particular interstate. Some cities may be along multiple interstates, thus two players could not receive both bonuses at the same time.

======================================================================================

GRAPHICS STYLE
The graphics style of the 6 maps will be closely related to that of the original USA map.
    -The background and legend will have a similar look/style. I want to keep the blue background feel of the Original map and add images that help differentiate each region. Again similar to the way that the original map has images that represent the USA.
    -The general color of each Regional map will be related (as closely as possible) to that of the original USA map. For example: The S. West is green in the original so the Region S. West will have a color theme of green as well.
    -To help differentiate the bonus groups (since they will all be the same general color) little icons or images will be "wallpapered" in the background of each state.
    -These icons can be anything but I have originally tried to use an image that has something to do with the state and is easily distinguishable from the others in the map. These icons can be: Natural Resources, Economic based, State animals/plants, climate featuresā€¦.

======================================================================================

MAP LAYOUT
Each of the 6 maps will have its own post below describing in better detail the specifics but here is a quick summary of each map.
Code: Select all
Region        # of States   #of Territories (or cities including Capitals)
West          4             24
S. West       6             32
Rockies       9             40
S. East       7             40
Great Lakes   13            57+ 1 neutral
New England   9             35


As you can see these map are small to mid sized. Based on the size of the map (# of states) the territory count was figured out. I wanted to make sure that 8 player games would work well so I tried to make each territory count divisible by 8. Every map except S. East fits that requirement.

After determining the territory count for each map I went over each state and started looking at the biggest or most recognizable cities. I tried to balance the number of cities based on the size of the state and its location in regards to the rest of the map.

Then once these cities were picked I used the major roads from Google maps to link them up. Then I picked at least 2 interstates or more per map based on the size of the map.

Now just as the original USA map is not completely geographically accurate, like why can't Oregon attack Idaho, the road connections on these maps are not either. The basic roads exist but some connections across state borders are eliminated to help with border control.

======================================================================================

GENERAL MAP DEVELOPMENT
The reason I am writing this all up is so that I could best explain my intent and desire for this map pack.

These maps need to be developed in a group and not individually. Here are some of the reasons below that I have that justify making, developing, forging and quenching all of these 6 maps at the same time.
    -Since the 6 maps (and the original) are designed to have a similar look/theme/graphic style they need to be done simultaneously. That way if colors or other graphical aspects are changed, they can be seen on all maps.
    - The bonus structure and gameplay can also be developed at the same time. Any issue found in one map can be filtered through to the other maps.
    - Since these maps are designed to be played as a group (they don't need to be but that is their purpose) they all need to be quenched at the same time. I don't want 1 map to get through fast and another to slow because of naming or colors. I want al maps to go live at the same time.
    -While a larger thread management task, having all development for the 6 maps in one thread, will keep all issues together and one issue (font, color, legend style, etc) on one map will not get overlooked for the other 5. Basically all issues for all maps will be visible to all people interested.

So here we go. This post will remain here as a general-purpose statement and explanation of this map pack. The next 6 posts below will focus on a specific map and updates to each particular region.


WM
Last edited by AndyDufresne on Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:33 pm, edited 47 times in total.
Reason: [Beta]
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West Region

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:59 am

XML
West XML Version 5
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/6/15/ ... st_v05.xml
XML Large
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1803/w ... v01kf4.png
XML Small
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9333/w ... v01pu7.png

GFX
LARGE VERSION 2 West
Click image to enlarge.
image

SMALL VERSION 11 West
Image

LARGE VERSION 1 West
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/6548/u ... v01wy7.png
SMALL VERSION 11 West
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/4051 ... v11vh9.png

VERSION 10 West
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5268 ... 10aar6.png

VERSION 9 West
http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/7249 ... v09vy3.png

VERSION 8 West
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/241/ ... v08yk3.png

VERSION 7 West
Here are the updated legend orders based on pamoa's advice for reordering.
I also added the road from Binghamton to Albany in the NE map
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/7364 ... v07kw0.png

Version 6 WEST
Updates based on edbeards bonus figures and connection suggestions (page 16-17)
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/883/ ... v06qq4.png

Version 5 West
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4650 ... v05rg3.png
    -Went with the small black Courier Font
    -Fixed spellings ( I hope)
    -Adjusted Washington and Oregon (WEST)


Version 4 West
Added all changes to discussed GL map version 9
Large
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/9800 ... 07lyh0.png
Small
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9448 ... 08sef6.png

Version 3 West
I added San Jose (and put Fresno on the right side of highway 5) and took Eureka out of Nevada
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/6752 ... 21sxk2.png

VERSION 2 WEST
-Added Interstate symbols to the interstates for better recognition.
-Adjusted the bonuses to suggested values
http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/6366 ... 02scg4.png

Version 1
http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/5371 ... v01kp2.png

Statistics:
    Number of territories: 24
    Number of Bonus State Groups: 4
    Number of Bonus State Capital Groups: 2
    Number of Bonus Interstates: 2

Details:
    -The bonus values have not been determined yet they are open for discussion.
    -The colors are roughly based on the Yellow West bonus group from the USA map currently on CC.
    -Here are the icons in the background of each state: Washington (airplane [Boeing]) / Oregon (Trees) / Nevada ($$$ MONEY $$$) / California (Peach)
    -The images in the background are the 1) Redwoods 2) Pacific Ocean /rock cliffs

Last edited by WidowMakers on Mon Dec 29, 2008 11:31 pm, edited 24 times in total.
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Southwest Region

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:00 am

XML
Southwest XML Version 6
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/6/15/ ... st_v06.xml
XML LARGE
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6192 ... v01cg7.png
XML SMALL
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/804/ ... v01cj1.png

GFX
LARGE VERSION 2 Southwest
Click image to enlarge.
image

VERSION 15 Southwest
Image

LARGE VERSION 1 Southwest
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3663 ... v01dd7.png
VERSION 14 Southwest
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/7918/u ... v14od4.png

VERSION 13 Southwest
http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/8369 ... v13eo0.png

VERSION 12 Southwest
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1700 ... v12qt2.png

VERSION 11 Southwest
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/6286 ... v11fw7.png

VERSION 10 Southwest
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5447 ... v10td8.png

VERSION 8 Southwest
http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/5493 ... v08qt1.png

VERSION 7 Southwest
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/1831 ... v07ie3.png

VERSION 6 Soutwest
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6056 ... v06xg6.png

Version 5 SOUTHWEST
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6141 ... v05ca0.png

Version 4 SOUTHWEST
Updates based on edbeards bonus figures and connection suggestions (page 16-17)
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/1135 ... v04uv7.png
Version 3 South West
Changes:
-Cleaned up GFX
-Fixed Typo- Tucson

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/2861 ... v03qn2.png

VERSION 2 SOUTHWEST
-I have added some more roads to several of the states to make the movement better.
-Added Interstate symbols to the interstates for better recognition.
-Adjusted the bonuses to suggested values (future Bonus value discussions READ Post on Page 8)
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3803 ... 02sor1.png

Version 1
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/3310/u ... v01nm3.png

Statistics:
    Number of territories: 32
    Number of Bonus State Groups: 6
    Number of Bonus State Capital Groups: 4
    Number of Bonus Interstates: 2

Details:
    -The bonus values have not been determined yet they are open for discussion.
    -The colors are roughly based on the green SW bonus group from the USA map currently on CC.
    -Here are the icons in the background of each state: Arizona (Cactus) / New Mexico (Scorpion) / Texas (Longhorn) / Oklahoma (Bison) / Arkansas (Snake) / Louisiana (Crawfish)
    -The images int eh background are the 1) Grand Canyon 2) Desert in New Mexico
Last edited by WidowMakers on Mon Dec 29, 2008 11:33 pm, edited 21 times in total.
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Rockies Region

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:00 am

XML
Rockies XML Version 2
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/6/15/ ... es_v03.xml
XML Image Large
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9099 ... v01hj2.png
XML Images Small
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1315 ... v01mr7.png
GFX
LARGE VERSION 3 Rockies
Click image to enlarge.
image

SMALL VERSION 11 Rockies
Image

LARGE VERSION 2 Rockies
http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/9122 ... v02xz4.png
SMALL VERSION 10 Rockies
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5346 ... v11kq0.png

LARGE VERSION 1 Rockies
http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/933/ ... v01yb6.png
VERSION 10 Rockies
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/2884 ... v10lw4.png

VERSION 9 Rockies
http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/9493/u ... v09hb9.png

VERSION 8 Rockies
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1629 ... v08sg6.png

VERSION 7 Rockies
http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/1074 ... v07fh2.png

VERSION 6 Rockies
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/6840 ... v06kl4.png

VERSION 5 Rockies
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3483 ... v05dj4.png

VERSION 4 Rockies
Here are the updated legend orders based on pamoa's advice for reordering.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9872 ... v04mt6.png

Version 3 ROCKIES
Updated GFX
Fixed Interstate bonuses per edbeard
Added a few more roads between cities in states to help the flow
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/2334 ... v03qg6.png

VERSION 2 ROCKIES
-I have added some more roads to several of the states to make the movement better.
-Added Interstate symbols to the interstates for better recognition.
-Adjusted the bonuses to suggested values (future Bonus value discussions READ Post on Page 8)
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4738 ... 02sxb0.png

Version 1
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/9611/u ... v01wh4.png

Statistics:
    Number of territories: 40
    Number of Bonus State Groups: 9
    Number of Bonus State Capital Groups: 6
    Number of Bonus Interstates: 3

Details:
    -The bonus values have not been determined yet they are open for discussion.
    -The colors are roughly based on the Blue Rockies bonus group from the USA map currently on CC.
    -Here are the icons in the background of each state: Idaho (Potato) / Montana (pig) / Utah (pick axe [mining]) / Wyoming (cattle) / Colorado (snow) / Kansas (Wheat) / Nebraska (Sheep) / S Dakota (Soybeans) / N Dakota (turkey)
    -The images in the background are the 1) Rockie Mountians

Last edited by WidowMakers on Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:35 pm, edited 19 times in total.
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Southeast Region

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:01 am

XML
Southeast XML Version 4
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/6/15/ ... st_v04.xml
XML Large
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/5122 ... v01sf8.png
XML Small
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1334 ... v01xf5.png

GFX
LARGE VERSION 2 Southeast
Click image to enlarge.
image

Version 14 Southeast
Image

LARGE VERSION 1 Southeast
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2956 ... v01rm9.png
Version 14 Southeast
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6279 ... v14xn9.png

VERSION 13 Southeast
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/8920 ... v13ma1.png

VERSION 12 Southeast
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/3561 ... v12zg1.png

VERSION 11 Southeast
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/113/us ... v11pc1.png

VERSION 10 Southeast
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/4551 ... v10qy6.png

VERSION 9 Southeast
Here are the updated legend orders based on pamoa's advice for reordering.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2397 ... v09zk7.png

Version 8 SOUTHEAST
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/94/u ... v08mk9.png

Version 7 SOUTHEAST
Updates based on edbeards bonus figures and connection suggestions (page 16-17)
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8660 ... v07dk7.png

Version 6 South West
Changes:
-Cleaned up GFX
-Added Icons
-Adjusted colors

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/7854 ... v06cd3.png

Version 5 SouthEASt
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8929 ... 21swx9.png

Version 4
NEED TO ADD MORE TERTS TO GET TO 42
Fixed:
    Switched army circle/Star for Montgomery and Birmingham in Alabama.
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/9071 ... 18sqx0.png

Version 3
Fixes:
    -Added colors for better differentiation during gameplay discussion. (will change during GFX stage)
    -Implemented edbeard's border suggestions. (Knoxville to Charlotte / Mississippi to Tennessee)
    -Fixed spelling mistakes (thanks again ed)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5518 ... 10std2.png

Version 2
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8294 ... 09smd8.png

Version 1 (80% done)
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4684 ... v01xl8.png

Statistics:
    Number of territories: 40
    Number of Bonus State Groups: 7
    Number of Bonus State Capital Groups: 4
    Number of Bonus Interstates: 2

Details:
    -The bonus values have not been determined yet they are open for discussion.
    -The colors are roughly based on the orange SE bonus group from the USA map currently on CC.
    -Here are the icons in the background of each state: Mississippi (riverboat) / Alabama (alligator) / Tennessee (Coal Mine) / N Carolina (anchor [naval] / S Carolina (sail boats) / Georgia (peach) / Florida (Marlin)
    -The images in the background will be 1) Palm Trees

Last edited by WidowMakers on Mon Dec 29, 2008 11:35 pm, edited 25 times in total.
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Great Lakes Region

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:01 am

XML
Great Lakes XML Version 2
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/6/15/ ... es_v02.xml
XML Large
http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/2182/glxmllv01yg2.png
XML Small
http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/6131 ... v01uu6.png

GFX
LARGE VERSION 2 Great Lakes
Click image to enlarge.
image

VERSION 17 Great Lakes
Image

LARGE VERSION 1 Great Lakes
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/7030 ... v01rq6.png
VERSION 17 Great Lakes
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/964/usaglsv17fm6.png

VERSION 16 Great Lakes
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/7176 ... v16wd4.png

VERSION 15 Great Lakes
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/4171 ... v15ai6.png

VERSION 14 Great Lakes
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/1543 ... v14ut8.png

VERSION 13 Great Lakes
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/4341 ... v13gi3.png

Version 12 GREAT LAKES
Updates based on edbeards bonus figures
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/7281 ... v12mg7.png

Version 11 Great Lakes
Changes:
    -Went with the small black Courier Font
    -Fixed spellings ( I hope)
    -Added Capital Building territory marker for D.C. (Great Lakes)
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/4553 ... v11ai9.png
Version 10
Changes:
    -Made D.C. its own autodeploy bonus
    -Added 1 city to Maryland
    -Removed bonuses for holding 6 and 7 capitals

Small
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/513/ ... 14sje0.png

Version 9
Changes:
    -Lightened the Blue drop shadow color for 888 readability
    -Smaller stroke on the roads
    -Lighted the background picture
    -Added more light blue to the background to help the lighter drop shadows stand out more.
Large
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/4986 ... 07lar6.png
Small
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5381 ... 07sdh8.png

Version 8 Great Lakes
Not posted
Version 7 Great Lakes
Updates:
    -Added road glow
    -Added more lighter blue color to background to mimic current USA map
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9706 ... 05sdk0.png

Version 6 Great Lakes
Updates:
    -Edited Moose Icon for Minnesota
    -Edited Corn icon for Iowa
    -Readded Cow for Missouri
    -Added 888's
    -Adjusted roads and text for new 888's
    -Added prelim background image. Midwest lake and tree scene. I think this will be the hardest to do since the map covers such a wide area of teh USA.
Small Map
http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/3346 ... 05sst1.png
Small Map 888's
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/9320 ... 05sih6.png

Version 5
Updates:
    -Tweaked Icons
    -Finished roads
To-Do:
    -Update Icons for Iowa and Minnesota
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/4157 ... 04sof0.png

Version 4 of Great lakes
Updates:
    1) New colors
    2) New Legend Bonus layout
    3) Made basic road a bit easier to see.
    4) Updated font to increase readability
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/2094 ... 03sac4.png

Version 3 Great Lakes
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/5918 ... 01sbl9.png

Version 2 Great Lakes
I added D.C. Total number of terts is now 57.
I also added some connections: Cambridge to Haggerstown, Roanoke to Somerset and Waterloo to Saint Paul.
The first 2 were to eliminate the bottle neck to the east coast states. The the 3rd was to do the same on the west side.
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/6099 ... 21sds3.png

Version 1 Great lakes
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5872 ... 18sfg1.png

Statistics:
    Number of territories: 57+ 1 neutral
    Number of Bonus State Groups: 13
    Number of Bonus State Capital Groups: 8
    Number of Bonus Interstates: 4

Details:
    -The bonus values have not been determined yet they are open for discussion.
    -The colors will be updated after gmaplay is agreed upon
    -Here are the icons in the background of each state: TBD
Last edited by WidowMakers on Sat Jan 31, 2009 1:08 am, edited 27 times in total.
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New England Region

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:02 am

XML
New England XML Version 4
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/6/15/ ... nd_v04.xml
XML Large
http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/9356/nexmllv01vy6.png
XML Small
http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/4454 ... v01kz7.png

GFX
LARGE VERSION 3 New England
Click image to enlarge.
image


VERSION 11 New England
Image

LARGE VERSION 1 New England
http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/8707/usanelv01ag9.png

SMALL VERSION 10 New England
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/9412/usanesv10lu4.png

VERSION 9 New England
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/6650 ... v09fz8.png

VERSION 8 New England
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6950 ... v08xl6.png

VERSION 7 New England
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9479 ... v07ec6.png

VERSION 6 New England
Here are the updated legend orders based on pamoa's advice for reordering.
I also added the road from Binghamton to Albany in the NE map
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7237 ... v06ox8.png

Version 5 New England
Fixed all of errors and adjustments Ian found. (page 19)
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9351 ... v05ij5.png

Version 4 New England
UPDATED GFX
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/5390 ... v04tm5.png


Version 3 New England
OK I added 3 terts to New England
1 in New Jersey, 1 in New York and 1 in Connecticut. Total is now 35
http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/2769 ... 21svz5.png

Version 2 New England
Fixes:
    -Added colors for better differentiation during gameplay discussion. (will change during GFX stage)
    -Implemented edbeard's border suggestions. (Berlin to Kingfield & Berlin to St. Albins)
Comments:
    edbeard wanted to add a city to New Jersey but if we do that the Number of territories is now off and some games will start with a neutral. I would prefer not to do that.
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/5836 ... 10sug2.png

Version 1
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6257 ... 09sug2.png

Statistics:
    Number of territories: 35
    Number of Bonus State Groups: 9
    Number of Bonus State Capital Groups: 6
    Number of Bonus Interstates: 2

Details:
    -The bonus values have not been determined yet they are open for discussion.
    -The colors will be updated after gmaplay is agreed upon
    -Here are the icons in the background of each state: TBD
Last edited by WidowMakers on Wed Jan 21, 2009 6:08 pm, edited 19 times in total.
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GENERAL UPDATES FOR ALL MAPS

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:03 am

Please stay tuned for a preliminary look at each map. They will be in the corresponding post above.

This post will contain any info/changes that affect all maps.

Most likely graphical direction and choices (color themes, symbols, legend layout/wording, background colors and design, etc)

WM
Last edited by WidowMakers on Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby t-o-m on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:04 am

this sounds really good, i look forward to it :)
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby seamusk on Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:13 am

I think this could be good. So long as each map isn't just the same gamplay stamped on the other states. Each unique should be unique and draw out that areas elements. With similar base gameplay but unique overall. My thougts...
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby t-o-m on Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:14 am

would they each be called:
USA: XXXX

so they would be in the same spot in the gamefinder?
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby RjBeals on Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:41 am

Sounds like a great project Widow. Have you tried contacting Demonart (whomever that is) to see if he is willing to contribute to graphics?
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby AndyDufresne on Sun Jun 22, 2008 1:54 pm

I love to see the Foundry working with the Tournament folks. Though both areas are quite different...we are forever linked. :D Look forward to this getting started, WM.


--Andy
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby whitestazn88 on Sun Jun 22, 2008 3:46 pm

sounds cool, but then would people be less receptive to individual state maps?
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby dittoeevee8888 on Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:01 pm

I was wondering how similar would the Great Lakes reigon map to the Great Lakes map released already and playable? Would it just be similar just without Ontario?
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:06 pm

seamusk wrote:I think this could be good. So long as each map isn't just the same gamplay stamped on the other states. Each unique should be unique and draw out that areas elements. With similar base gameplay but unique overall. My thougts...

OK I think seamusk has brought up the most important point. Do the maps need to have different gameplay aspects? When i originally thought up this idea I figured it would not matter. There are many other "classic" style maps that play similar but look different. While they will play different dues to size, number of continents/capitals, interstate routes and bonuses, these 6 maps will basically have the exact same theme is gameplay and graphical style. But after all they are supposed to look and feel the same since they are graphically based ont eh current USA map and I want them to have the same feel in gameplay.

So I guess I need to get agreement before I spend any more time on these. I think Andy and the C.A.s need to look this over and make the call.

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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:07 pm

t-o-m wrote:would they each be called:
USA: XXXX

so they would be in the same spot in the gamefinder?


That is my intent. Each map will be named USA: XXX, where XXX is one of the 6 regions on th current USA map. (See tile of 2nd-7th post in this thread)

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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:09 pm

RjBeals wrote:Sounds like a great project Widow. Have you tried contacting Demonart (whomever that is) to see if he is willing to contribute to graphics?
I did not feel like dealing with that. I just remade the original in photoshop. I am using the same shapes and colors as much as I can.

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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:11 pm

dittoeevee8888 wrote:I was wondering how similar would the Great Lakes region map to the Great Lakes map released already and playable? Would it just be similar just without Ontario?

I originally thought that might be an issue but this GL map will have 48 territories, it will not use lakes, it has 13 bonuses (each state), the state capital bonuses and probably 3 interstate bonuses as well. So it WILL play 100% different and look 95% different as well

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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby Kaplowitz on Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:13 pm

Maybe slight gameplay changes, but mostly classic?
sounds great, i hope you have the time!
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby muy_thaiguy on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:01 pm

I was hoping someone would do maps like these! Good luck with it.
"Eh, whatever."
-Anonymous


What, you expected something deep or flashy?
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby WidowMakers on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:21 pm

Well I just posted the prelim image for West, SW, Rockies and a 80% done SE.

I know the bonuses need to be adjusted. They are just there for show right now.

But before I work any more or we discuss anything else, it needs to be decided if I am allowed to continue due to teh maps looking similar and having similar gameplay.
I feel the layout of each region and number of different bonus group in each region will be enough to differentiate them in gameplay.
But we need the official decision fro the CA's and Andy.


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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby edbeard on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:40 pm

WidowMakers wrote:But before I work any more or we discuss anything else, it needs to be decided if I am allowed to continue due to teh maps looking similar and having similar gameplay.
I feel the layout of each region and number of different bonus group in each region will be enough to differentiate them in gameplay.
But we need the official decision fro the CA's and Andy.


These are six different maps representing six different areas. That's enough to differentiate them. If you were to make six random maps and have all standard gameplay on them, no one would say its a bad thing. Having them as a set and being somewhat similar only strengthens them. I've always thought highway maps would be good and you've done a great job with it.



Good job on 'em all. They are awesome.

Smart choice switching California to Grapes btw since it's always the number one or two crop for the state.
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby seamusk on Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:49 pm

Well, I'm not crazy about them. My main concern, however, is that these maps would somehow be used to argue that other maps of the states with more interesting gameplay not be made. Otherwise more power to you. I understand their purpose and what not and I wouldn't want to be negative about a map. I honestly doubt they would get that much gameplay. If you were interested in making each unique in some way I'd be more into it. Good luck either way!
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Re: USA 6 Region Map Pack

Postby AndyDufresne on Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:32 pm

This isn't anything "official" just me talking. Lets look at the other precedents set by series maps. We've got DiM's Age of Realms series, Carinswk's Rail series, Cairnswk's Egypt series, Qwert's European Theatre series, and WM's probable Draknor series. Those in the AoR series are relatively unique but focus around Objectives, those in the Rail series are pretty similar with a some minor tweaks, those in the Egypt series also have some minor tweaks and the same goes for those in the European Theatre, and each level of Draknor has been proposed to be pretty different. So it seems like we've got a gamut of standard game play across a series...to series with more game play uniqueness. Since no series is exactly like another, as long as the series itself is interesting...it could live and thrive I suppose.

USA regions aren't so interesting to me, but what I can say is...is the link up with Tournament folks. Perhaps this series could continue and make an even more interesting relationship with them. :D This feels more like rambling than anything. That's why I said it was nothing official. ;)


--Andy
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