Battlefields of Valhalla Discussion Thread

[Grungebob]

Originally Posted by Eclipse

So... does anyone have any new maps or thoughts on Artic Divide?

I would call Arctic divide an expert level map, that would be good at tourneys that are competitive. It puts your skills to the test.

[Riggler]

Originally Posted by UranusPChicago

I have some thoughts on Arctic Divide, but I am not allowed to share them...

UPC, I don't think our intention was to ever say a map designer couldn't chime in. You just can't vote on whether it goes to the Halls. I'm sure you could give it an unbiased view since if we approve a bad map it kinda kicks the whole process in the shin.

Anyhow, I played 1 and a half games on Arctic Divide. My favorite part of the map is the positioning of the start zones to the way the glaciers are arranged. This does greatly cut down on range dominance that cripple the design of other maps.

The first game was played with hvy snow and normal ice. This seems to me the best configuration. If you'll rememember I agreed to be part of the panel NOT because I was looking for "tournament" maps, but for really good maps. This map IS a really good map. But...

In a tournament, using heavy snow (or worse adding slippery ice) you might never see a fight finished on it before the round is out. But *I* don't cast my vote based on tournaments, I cast it based on being an interesting, balanced, great design.

Now for a little critisism about the map. There is some wasted space, but not too much. This could be corrected with glyphs placed in the corners of the map where starting locations are not. VERY easy fix, but any self-respecting tournment host can figure that out.

If I came onto Heroscapers.com and was looking to download a cool map to play with friends (which is why I'm doing this project in the first place) This is a map I'd want to be pointed to.

I vote yes. When I play it from now on, I'll be adding two additional glyphs in the far corners away from starting locations.

My vote: Yes, its in.

[UranusPChicago]

Actually my thinking when I created the "unused" corners is that they could be used for ranged defense if the enemy was trying a flank attack down the side.

One of the things that I consciously make an effort to do when creating a map is to make sure that there is not wasted space or hexes for the sake of hexes. I agree that the corners will not always be used, but there was a method behind the madness.


On to other matters...
I see that I have successfully forgotten to create a display thread for the maps inducted into the Halls. Perhaps I should follow through and actually do what I said I was going to do...

Map Makers and Map Fans! We need some submissions to look at. Please feel free to nominate some maps that you believe to be the best of the best. We need your support.

[Riggler]

Originally Posted by UranusPChicago

Actually my thinking when I created the "unused" corners is that they could be used for ranged defense if the enemy was trying a flank attack down the side.

One of the things that I consciously make an effort to do when creating a map is to make sure that there is not wasted space or hexes for the sake of hexes. I agree that the corners will not always be used, but there was a method behind the madness.

Perhaps this is an example of how people from different regions play the game differently. People I've played with would likely see using those corners as "wasted move" to keep them from getting to the enemy.

Originally Posted by UranusPChicago

On to other matters...
I see that I have successfully forgotten to create a display thread for the maps inducted into the Halls. Perhaps I should follow through and actually do what I said I was going to do...

Map Makers and Map Fans! We need some submissions to look at. Please feel free to nominate some maps that you believe to be the best of the best. We need your support.

BTW, we only need one more vote for Arctic Divide to be inducted. Hopefully we can get the word out if AD gets inducted that we have two maps approved. And that can stir some interest.

UPC and other admis, would it be possible to have a Halls download category in the maps section?

[ricksta2232]

Well guys, I wanted to chime in and say how awesome I think it is that a battlefields hall of fame has been created, for those of us without painting skills. It just tickles my fancy, and hopefully one of my small but tournament worthy maps will eventually make it. If there's ever another judge needed, I would be honored to do so.

I saw Jonathan in person today to let him know about Mole Hill, and that it was the first map inducted into the halls. He was CLUELESS! NO ONE told him!

It was a pleasant surprise for him, and I was glad to see a fellow Houstonian get the honor.

Keep up the good work!

[Rÿchean]

Originally Posted by ricksta2232

Well, can we nominate our own?

From page 1 of this thread:

SECTION 1: Submission guidelines and tips
1. Maps shall contain 24 start zones.
2. Maps should be balanced for 1-on-1 competition between two (2) 500 point armies.
3. Maps shall be limited to 1 MS and up to 3 terrain expansions, no two of which can be the same, with the exception that 2 Road to the Forgotten Forests are allowed. Keep in mind the fewer expansions a map includes the more likely it is to be used. If the map makes use of a few wave expansion tiles, that will be acceptable. Submitted maps must state what expansions are needed.
4. Anyone can nominate a map for consideration, but it will not go through the judging process without a majority vote of the Council.
5. Submitted maps must include build instructions.
6. Glyphs are not required, but any number may be used to enhance a map.
7. Maps should not heavily favor any one special ability to the point that it makes the map non-competitive if an army does not contain that ability (i.e. flying, lava resistance, etc.).
8. Do NOT slap a map together and nominate it for consideration. Playtest your submitted map AT LEAST once, or judges will be likely to hunt you down and flog you with wet noodles.

[ricksta2232]

I understand that, and I read the rules, but it doesn't specifically say whether a map nominated can be one's own...

[Rÿchean]

4. Anyone can nominate a map for consideration, but it will not go through the judging process without a majority vote of the Council.

8. Do NOT slap a map together and nominate it for consideration. Playtest your submitted map AT LEAST once, or judges will be likely to hunt you down and flog you with wet noodles.

It says anyone can nominate a map. If you have one of your own creations that you feel is worthy, nominate it but please reference item 8 as well.

So nominate or if you feel funny nominating your own, have Jonathon do it. I would love to have another map to judge!

[ricksta2232]

Okay, Okay!

(no worries, all of my maps are playtested... recently we've messed with one of my meta maps on a game day, but it uses the water from two master sets... oh well...)

Please don't flog me with wet noodles!

[Rÿchean]

Ricksta, sorry if i came off snooty...not me intent

Nominations are welcomed and encouraged.

[Revdyer]

Watch out, ricksta! Rÿchean really is snooty! Snooty, snooty, snooty! <laughing and ducking and hiding all at once>

[Sea_Wolf64]

I'm new to the game and this forum. I have to say thank you to this project. As a future map designer/tournament host its very helpful to review this thread and the maps you review. Hopefully I will have some maps in the future for your consideration.