[Official] Middle East REVAMP [Quenched]

[KEYOGI]

did u draw it?
if not, how did u get it like that?

I originally attempted to draw an ancient warrior there, I couldn't get it to fit with the style of the map though.

I got the free to use image bellow of a Parthian warrior off Wikipedia and just manipulated the image until I got a result I was happy with.

[Ruben Cassar]

Yes I knew the Romans had fought against that guy a long time ago.

[hulmey]

map loks fantastic....my only concern is the colour scheme....Its nice to keep it old looking and neutral colours..

But i think players are gonna find it very hard to distinguish between continents.....

Espically new players, who have never played before!!

[KEYOGI]

Thanks hulmey. This has been an issue that has been going backwards and forwards for some time. I have the majority of people saying that it's fine and the odd person coming into the thread saying they need to be changed.

The continent labels on the map where supposed to help with distinguishing between continents, but I completely understand you point. I guess we'll just see how things progress as I continue to add updates. I'm still working on the border issue at the moment, it's one of those fiddly things that I have yet to get right.

[hulmey]

The main problem areas appear to be Iran...

For example the borders of baghdad to khuzestan

and

turkmenistan to cauccsia

[t.e.c]

maybe a thicker line around the continents is needed.

[KEYOGI]

I feel like the army numbers should be moved down a bit, where theres space. they seem to be crowding the region names...

Before:


After:


Before:


After:


April 6
- Slight XML adjustment
- No other changes

Comments
I just thought I'd attempt to address johloh's point.

I'm getting nowhere with the border. When I'm happy with a border I come up with I'll post a graphical update.

In the meantime continue to debate the colours so I can decide what to do.

Comments on the coordinates would also be appreciated.

[CleffedUp]

This is great work. I don't think there's anything wrong with the borders. The mountains separate the continents, and the country borders are easy to follow natural extensions of the mountains.

The only coordinates that don't work are Jordan, which overlap the label and border. You might better align Nejd and EQ under the labels, but that's just nitpicking.

[AK_iceman]

Colors? I only see brown... lots and lots of brown.

I think the reason the current Middle East is so unpopular is because of it's current colors. The map already has great gameplay!

I do like the graphical features you added to make the map look better, but please do something other than different shades of brown for every continent. Maybe some greens, a pale blue... something oriental?

[AK_iceman]

How about adding different textures?

I was trying to recreate the look of a hand drawn map on a piece of old parchment, hence the uniform texture across the whole map. The texture is to represent the paper, not the images on the paper... if that makes sense.

You did very well in recreating an old parchment type look, but for other players sake, it might be a good idea to add some different textures to the map if you aren't keen on changing the colors. I've played this map a few times, and I even think it's difficult to tell which continent is which by using the key.

Just a couple of my humble suggestions.
Now I'm heading back to my forum.

[Wisse]

i don't see any difference...

[Crowley]

Brilliant!

[KEYOGI]

Version 1 (colours unchanged)


Version 2 (gradient added)


April 6
- Minor increase in texture
- Upped continent labels 2 points
- Alternative version with gradient effect

Comments
I thought I'd try a light gradient across each continent before proceeding to change colours.

[Fireside Poet]

I applaud the remake of this - maybe now I'll actually play it.

[sully800]

Colors? I only see brown... lots and lots of brown.

I think the reason the current Middle East is so unpopular is because of it's current colors. The map already has great gameplay!

I do like the graphical features you added to make the map look better, but please do something other than different shades of brown for every continent. Maybe some greens, a pale blue... something oriental?

It seems like someone hasn't followed this thread

I think the Middle East is unpopular due to its graphics, not the lack of color. This map has top notch graphics and even more of a parchment type feel (hence the lack of color). To tell which continent is which you need to look at the watermark labels on each continent, not the color coded key.

[t.e.c]

I think the Middle East is unpopular due to its graphics, not the lack of color. This map has top notch graphics and even more of a parchment type feel (hence the lack of color). To tell which continent is which you need to look at the watermark labels on each continent, not the color coded key.

and i like the gradient map

[jnd94]

I love what you have done with this map. It has great gameplay already, and with the new colors you have put in (even though they are mostly the same) makes it sooo much better

[hulmey]

your a bloddy genuis sully!!!! How on earth are you a multi hunter!!!

How are you meant to know without screwing your eyes up where the continents ends and start in Iran???

[Wisse]

wisse says: i will conquer the brown continent can you help me
otherone says: wich brown continent they are all brown!

[KEYOGI]

How are you meant to know without screwing your eyes up where the continents ends and start in Iran???

Gradient doesn't help at all?

[hulmey]

No not really...How about using the dark brown that you already have on the map but lightening it abit?

[Wisse]

How are you meant to know without screwing your eyes up where the continents ends and start in Iran???

Gradient doesn't help at all?

gradient is perfect

[KEYOGI]

No not really...How about using the dark brown that you already have on the map but lightening it abit?

That's what I did.

I know it has to be a monitor issue, because there is a significant difference between each continent with the gradient for me. I guess the question is, how much do we allow for monitor variation? I know if I make the gradient any darker it's going to look really bad on my monitor, but it may look fine on yours.

[hulmey]

what?? do u mean my monitor is to dark or light?

[mibi]

i'd like to see that funny man turn into a camel, which is much more middle east then some guy in a dress with a strange stick in his hand. what is that thing anyways?