What I Like:
Contest Theme.Something about the name and idea appeal to me; I'm not sure why exactly. Maybe I can see some kind of "Running Man" or (cough) "Jumanji" aspect possible. I think a dark-humor sort of Gameshow or board-game idea might set it apart from the CC board-game maps like Conquer 4 and Crossword.
Updated Draft.Your updated map looks like the start of something good. The spaces might be a little too squished in the middle, but it has a very swept-line "TV gameshow" look that I think takes it in the right direction.
Thematic Gameplay Possibility.You've set players up in lanes, which sort of creates the idea of a race (like Circus Maximus). You've got a basic tagline for the goal- taking groups of ten. And you've got a bonus spot at the end, which is sort of like a bonus round at the end of a contest. All are elements that can be expanded upon.
And of course, the idea is relatively simple, which is always a good basis for a game.
Critique:
My Prejudice.Hmmm... I should start out by saying I'm not a fan of Feudal War, Pelopenesian War, Treasures of Galapagos, etc.- maps that begin with tons of neutrals in stacks of 2 or more.
The problem with these types of maps is that they are essentially builder maps with only a few strategic options- you essentially either try and scramble for more goodies from neutrals, or build up a monster stack and wait to pounce on someone trying the former strategy like some kind of trapdoor spider. Interaction with the other players is fleeting and usually devolves into a game of push-shove in which dice play a big part.
Or, to put it succinctly, it's one big luck-fest.
This can happen on other maps of course, but it becomes very distinct on the neutral maps for three reasons:
1) Large neutrals stacks (4 or more) must be conquered in order to move about the map. Actually even 2-stacks can add in a wild element, but 4 or higher statistically speaking is the breaking point. Players can have wild success or complete defeat, and have no other option but to beat their heads against those walls until they break.
2) When players do meet each other, their lanes of attack are very restricted. This accentuates the push-shove tactics that usually involve no deeper strategy than to wipe out the vein of 1's that your opponent(s) has strung out in order to meet you.
3) Neutral values are known to map veterans and not to novices. Rarely do novices even know enough to view the Foundry topic that outlines if a neutral spot will have 1 or 10 or 70 (stupid AOR maps-
) on it. So, map novices are mostly wandering around hoping that they don't smack up against a big stack.
Your Map- And My Prejudice.Your current idea, unfortunately, actually makes all of these things even more pronounced. By completely restricting movement to only the left or right, and leaving players no option but to pit themselves against huge neutral stacks, the map in my eyes is little more than a game of craps.
I see the cute thematic element of having neutral stacks count up to 10, but a 10-stack of neutrals that you have to go through... ugh, no thanks.
Suggestions:
Expand Strategic Options and Goals.I know I said I liked the simple gameplay way at start, but straightforward rules are different from limited strategy. I think that this map needs to give the players more breathing room- either more terts to start, or more directions to move, or maybe special spaces like suggested earlier (bombards, warp spots, killer neutrals, leapfrogging, etc.).
Here's a layout I'd be happier with for instance:
+ -- 4 -- 3 -- 2 -- 1 -- A -- A -- 1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- +
+ -- 4 -- 3 -- 2 -- 1 -- B -- B -- 1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- +
... and so on
If each space allowed something different- like lane-jumping or bombardment- then players would have more choices to make. Also, players would have a faster start and a more realistic chance of interacting strategically.
Enhance the Theme.Whatever direction you choose to go with the map, a stronger thematic element will help guide your gameplay and its look.
That's all I can think of now, but I hope you continue to refine the map. Like I said, I can't put my finger on it but I think there's some real possibility here.
Marshal Ney
