New Map-- Virginia

[Diamonds14]

Hey I made this map and want to know what you guys think about it. Some questions..

1. Gameplay- How do you think it will stand up in an actual game.
2. Map Idea- Do you guys like it? Is it even worth bringing up here in the forum.
3. Graphics- how can they be better?
4. Suggestions??

Old Version-


New Version-


There are a lot of suggestions that i havent put in yet.. such as some graphics as mountains, farms, additional rivers and such.. but i wanted to let you see one way i might take this map. Also, i resized it haha. Here are just a few questions i have:

1.What do you like about the new image?
2. What do you dislike about the new map?
3.what is better on the old than on the new?


Thanks you all for your feedback so far.

Diamonds.

[TaCktiX]

Read the description of Foundry Discussion: Non-maps. Please post in Map Ideas next time, this will be moved as soon as a C.A. sees it. I will post my feedback when it's in the right place.

[InkL0sed]

Read the description of Foundry Discussion: Non-maps. Please post in Map Ideas next time, this will be moved as soon as a C.A. sees it. I will post my feedback when it's in the right place.

Uh... Tack, this is in Ideas.

[seamusk]

Are those basically the counties? I think a map of Virginia could be interesting.

Personally the map as it stands right now needs some work. I do believe that there is always demand for new maps of this style. What I think could really help is any of the following:

1) improve the graphics. You have a good base here for a Virginia map. It is blurry in spots, and some of the outline is rough. I think you know the mountains and bridges and such can be improved. So, along the ways the graphics will need to be worked up (but that need not be the first step). All that really matters for now is a good working base though. And I think you have it.

2) incorporate Virginia's geography a bit more. You have it in there a bit. the mountains with gaps to attack through. This shows a lot of promise. My encouragement would be to include a little bit more but not a lot. But this depends on what you want. Do you want a basic classic style map or something with a few more twists and turns?

those are just a couple of starter thoughts. I guess I'd asked, what are YOUR goals for this? Basically as is with improved graphics? Are you shooting for a USSR style classic map? or something more along the lines of montreal meets classic?

[Mr. Squirrel]

Gameplay- I don't see why it wouldn't be fine. It isn't like you are adding some new gimmick to this map. You are simply creating a standard style map (the kind I personally like).

Idea- It's a great idea. Being an American myself (Go USA! ), I would like to see more U.S. Maps out there.

Graphics- Umm...there is a lot of things that could be better. This is your first draft, so its not meant to be perfect. For starters, you should create the mountains and sharpen everything up. Right now all of the words and labels are blurry.

Overall, I think you have some real potential here. Keep working on it. It is a great first draft. Also, the image you have right now goes far beyond the size limits for any map. I'm not sure what the limit is, but any experienced mapmaker could easily tell you. You will have to shrink it greatly.

[Diamonds14]

Well, incorporating more of Virginia's terrain i can do, but what do you mean by twists and turns.. im open to new ideas and suggestions. The graphics i knew i could work on more but i did just want to throw up a base map so i can make sure people would like the idea before i start spending weeks or whatever on the finer and more complex details.. my ideas for this map is very small.. i just thought i would enjoy such a map as this one, and so i created it. Any suggestions im am totally open to. I also am planning on shrinking the map and that should help with the pixel image and sharpen it up a lot, but ill spend more time in that area also.

I also i know i need territory names, thats relatively easy.

Thank you for the feedback so far! I hope it keeps coming in.

Diamonds.

[seamusk]

to clarify what I mean by twists and turns. When I think of Virginia, I think of several things. I think of some of the well known cities. I think of some of the historic towns and such. I think of the Appalachians and skyline drive. The Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The National Parks. Now it sounds like you like the simple classic style maps. And that's cool. And I shall caveat by saying that while I like those maps, I like them with unique features whether they be one way attacks, special bonuses, etc... So if this isn't what you want feel free to ignore.

You could, for example, put some of the historic towns on the map. And a person who controls all of the territories with them gets an extra bonus. you could feature the major cities in the same way (even include DC as a territory if you want). You could do the capital city thing that is in USSR where the capital gets a +1 auto bonus but starts with neutrals. I wouldn't do all of these, but including 1 to 3 elements like this could add some character. But also for someone like me that grew up visiting friends of family near Williamsburg it adds a sort of extra flavor to it.

In either case I support the idea. Heck I support any idea that is unique, original, has good game play, etc.. And this I think has the ingredients for all of that.

[TaCktiX]

Read the description of Foundry Discussion: Non-maps. Please post in Map Ideas next time, this will be moved as soon as a C.A. sees it. I will post my feedback when it's in the right place.

Uh... Tack, this is in Ideas.

It was not when I was forum surfing earlier. It got moved silently by a mod as I had already addressed the "where this should go" issue.

As for the map itself, it's A: way too big, B: needs to not be done in Paint, and C: is rather blurry even when at its full size. See the Map Making Handbook in the main Foundry for details on size of map, etc.

The concept is a good one, but I don't think you're making enough use of Virginia's natural terrain. It's got some gorgeous mountains (Appalachians), a famous valley (Shenendoah), and quite a difference in terrain as you move across the state. The current map barely uses these plus sides to the state, with exception of some rivers.

[Diamonds14]

B: needs to not be done in Paint,

It actually wasn't done in paint, but graphics sucking.. well-noted.

Thank you.

Diamonds.

[whitestazn88]

the graphics could use a major overhaul

incorporate state bird/flag in the background? the capital in gameplay as used for a bonus?

northern virginia should be a lot more important in the map, like it is in real life (yeah, i'm from there)

and... thats all i got now

[Diamonds14]

northern virginia should be a lot more important in the map, like it is in real life (yeah, i'm from there)

haha im from northren va too.. i agree with you.. but most people dont see the importance of northren va.. we make up the state really haha.. but good suggestions..

Diamonds.

[ParadiceCity9]

the graphics could use a major overhaul

incorporate state bird/flag in the background? the capital in gameplay as used for a bonus?

northern virginia should be a lot more important in the map, like it is in real life (yeah, i'm from there)

and... thats all i got now

NoVa represent!!

[bryguy]

hey diamond, finally found this


1) people have noted that some parts look blurry. I think i realized why. Either you probably:

took the blur tool over it
used the resize tool, which usually makes it blurry

2) To me, this looks kinda like an oldish map, kinda like Age of Merchants, which I like. If you keep this look, then you probably wont need water, unless you include the surrounding areas, in which i can help u with the water still

3) If you keep the oldish look, then try some effects on it. Theres some cool GIMP artistic effects that would be really nice on this. One being the page curl effect. The only thing is that the page curl is always really large, so you would to use the resize tool on it and such.

4) The size is way to big. The size has to be a max of 830x 800 (i think) for the large, and 630x600 for the small

5) the names behinds the areas makes it cluttered. Maybe just put colored boxes next to the names for different areas?

If you want any help making this for what you should do, then pm me and upload the file as a .xcf onto http://www.sendspace.com/ and pm me what you want help with (along with the download link) and ill help u work on it

[InkL0sed]

Read the description of Foundry Discussion: Non-maps. Please post in Map Ideas next time, this will be moved as soon as a C.A. sees it. I will post my feedback when it's in the right place.

Uh... Tack, this is in Ideas.

It was not when I was forum surfing earlier. It got moved silently by a mod as I had already addressed the "where this should go" issue.

I hate to both step on your toes and thread-jack, but I have to point out that I responded to your post almost immediately, and I was also writing a response that I deleted before you posted, and I never remember seeing this in Discussion.

In terms of feedback: your biggest issue is the size of your map. Pun intended. Also, either you're not very skilled in the program you're using, or you're using Paint. Don't use Paint please.

[bryguy]

Read the description of Foundry Discussion: Non-maps. Please post in Map Ideas next time, this will be moved as soon as a C.A. sees it. I will post my feedback when it's in the right place.

Uh... Tack, this is in Ideas.

It was not when I was forum surfing earlier. It got moved silently by a mod as I had already addressed the "where this should go" issue.

I hate to both step on your toes and thread-jack, but I have to point out that I responded to your post almost immediately, and I was also writing a response that I deleted before you posted, and I never remember seeing this in Discussion.

In terms of feedback: your biggest issue is the size of your map. Pun intended. Also, either you're not very skilled in the program you're using, or you're using Paint. Don't use Paint please.

he is using GIMP, i know, he contacted me for help on the water

which i still have to get to.....

[oaktown]

I should prepare a statement that I can use every time somebody comes up with a map of a US state so I don't have to keep writing this over and over again, but here it goes...

Every couple of months somebody starts a map of a US state. Each time it is well-intentioned, and each time there are a few folks who gravitate to it because they have some kind of connection with the state - they live there, have close friends or family there, etc. And each time the mapmaker gets frustrated and gives up after about a month because the appeal is limited to only those folks who actually live there or have close friends/family there. California, New York, Arizona, Alaska, and Arkansas have all crashed and burned... and I've probably missed a few.

That doesn't mean this can't be a great map, and i don't mean to be a hater, I just want you to know what you're getting into.

[wicked]

B'burg should be able to bombard Hooville. And a penalty for holding both! Also lose men per round for holding Lynchburg, as a penance to pay to LU.

[Diamonds14]

I should prepare a statement that I can use every time somebody comes up with a map of a US state so I don't have to keep writing this over and over again, but here it goes...

Every couple of months somebody starts a map of a US state. Each time it is well-intentioned, and each time there are a few folks who gravitate to it because they have some kind of connection with the state - they live there, have close friends or family there, etc. And each time the mapmaker gets frustrated and gives up after about a month because the appeal is limited to only those folks who actually live there or have close friends/family there. California, New York, Arizona, Alaska, and Arkansas have all crashed and burned... and I've probably missed a few.

That doesn't mean this can't be a great map, and i don't mean to be a hater, I just want you to know what you're getting into.

Well this is the first one of Virginia and Virginians aren't quitters.. this map is either going to die by the mods rejection in the final forge or it will have its first game played on it in a couple of months.. im not going to quit.

And about the whole university idea.. im considering it.. and that's all i can say on the topic right now.. it will add a big twist to the map. thanks for suggesting it.. and whats wrong with LU? haha.

Thank you all for the feedback.. ill work on the map much more and repost it up here.. probably in a couple weeks to a month time, but thanks again.

Diamonds.

[whitestazn88]

B'burg should be able to bombard Hooville. And a penalty for holding both! Also lose men per round for holding Lynchburg, as a penance to pay to LU.

wow, wicked knows her shit about VA...

gotta make the harrisonburg territ purple and gold btw. GO DUKES! (James Madison University for those of you who don't know)

I personally don't quite like the old time look of the map. virginia is a fertile place full of tobacco and mountains and urban sprawl and all of that shit. make the map reflect these things

[Diamonds14]

I personally don't quite like the old time look of the map. virginia is a fertile place full of tobacco and mountains and urban sprawl and all of that shit. make the map reflect these things

Thats what southren VA is like.. nothing like Northren VA. Northren VA is about history and cities.

But the map should reflect how the state really is and what it represents in the different regions of the state perhaps.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Diamonds.

[RjBeals]

B'burg should be able to bombard Hooville. And a penalty for holding both! Also lose men per round for holding Lynchburg, as a penance to pay to LU.

Is this in reference to the Virgina Tech Shooting? If so, I would not put that in there at all. And I seriously doubt this map will ever leave the ideas forum. Sorry.

[Diamonds14]

Is this in reference to the Virgina Tech Shooting? If so, I would not put that in there at all. And I seriously doubt this map will ever leave the ideas forum. Sorry.

Why do you say that? You dont know me.. You dont know the changes that im making.. i admit the draft that you saw sucks.. but i mainly put it up to see if people would like the idea. I with others, including experienced map makers, are going to work on this map to get it ready to be sent be posted as a final draft.. if you dont think this map is going to be completed then why even post? Just keep your opinion to yourself if youre going to say crap like that.

I appreciate real feedback.

Diamonds.

[bryguy]

Is this in reference to the Virgina Tech Shooting? If so, I would not put that in there at all. And I seriously doubt this map will ever leave the ideas forum. Sorry.

Why do you say that? You dont know me.. You dont know the changes that im making.. i admit the draft that you saw sucks.. but i mainly put it up to see if people would like the idea. I with others, including experienced map makers, are going to work on this map to get it ready to be sent be posted as a final draft.. if you dont think this map is going to be completed then why even post? Just keep your opinion to yourself if youre going to say crap like that.

I appreciate real feedback.

Diamonds.

he was just saying that he didnt think that this would leave the ideas. Course, some people said the same about empire builder and archipelgo

[Mr. Squirrel]

Is this in reference to the Virgina Tech Shooting? If so, I would not put that in there at all. And I seriously doubt this map will ever leave the ideas forum. Sorry.

Why do you say that? You dont know me.. You dont know the changes that im making.. i admit the draft that you saw sucks.. but i mainly put it up to see if people would like the idea. I with others, including experienced map makers, are going to work on this map to get it ready to be sent be posted as a final draft.. if you dont think this map is going to be completed then why even post? Just keep your opinion to yourself if youre going to say crap like that.

I appreciate real feedback.

Diamonds.

I for one think that the map you posted was very good, considering it is your first draft. Most of the posts in the new ideas forum don't even have a initial draft anymore.

Also, I am against adding all of these gameplay gimmicks based on universities that everyone is coming up with. I think this would be a great map with standard gameplay. No gimmicks. No strange bonuses. Just territories and different bonus areas. I think that kind of style would fit this map.

I personally don't quite like the old time look of the map. virginia is a fertile place full of tobacco and mountains and urban sprawl and all of that shit. make the map reflect these things

Thats what southren VA is like.. nothing like Northren VA. Northren VA is about history and cities.

But the map should reflect how the state really is and what it represents in the different regions of the state perhaps.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Diamonds.

I like the historic style that you based the map on so far. When I think of Virginia, I think of the revolutionary war, our founding fathers, and great US history. I think you should stick with that colonial style.

[seamusk]

I agree that I like the map style looking like a colonial age map. As for "gimmicks". Well I think that term is used to make it seem trivial. But a lot of special bonuses and what not really add to a map, help set it apart so that it is at least somewhat unique. It need not be a lot of gimics or anything. But you can bring out the flavor of the region more by applying a bonus related to historic sites or something. Ultimately that decision is up to you I'd think. While interesting, I think that the map will get more play if it has one or two "gimmicks" in it to attract players.