I have been making and playing some new maps lately. So I have added another 7 skirmish maps for C2 1.3. They will also work on 1.4. Hope you enjoy them!
Well I have been asked to give some descriptions on my maps, but since I do not write all that well I will instead describe my philosophy on map making.
My passion is on-line play, so my maps are designed around balance for each side.
First I make a map that I would like to play. This means an average amount of resources. balance in that neither side is closer to any resource than the other. Since I believe that the maps in C2 are too small, I try to position the opponents at the furthest position of the map, and use all corners.
I try to build a map with 2 sides. Normally a dividing line such as a river, or mountain range, that could be defended from a rush.
I try to leave an open area for fortifications, should you last long enough to build one. (many maps do not have an area large enough to build one and I hated that.)
Beyond that I tried to get creative with the formation of villages. I think I have finally been able to get the farms correct. And I have tried to get creative with gold, coal, and iron villages, by placing them in, or on hills/mountains. Forming mountain trails in the rock. (not easy for me to do).
I also have tried to create at least one Town on each map, that has no value other than decoration. (mainly just because they are fun to build).
Beyond that I have played with the starting amount of peasants. and starting resources. I feel this allows different builds, and strategies. And just in general it keeps the game fresh.
Well there you go on my ideas of what a good map consists of. I would welcome any other ideas.
Thanks, and good gaming!
Daddio