Balanced Asymmetric Maps

[kookoobah]

Somehow, I feel that this is more suited to be posted here rather than in the Maps and Scenarios section of the forum, seeing as how all of the threads there have maps on them.

I'm not particularly keen on symmetric maps, I feel that they take away the personality and the uniqueness of the battle, for the sake of playability. Are there any balanced asymmetric maps out there? If anybody knows of any, I would greatly appreciate it, since I don't have the time to play out all the battlefields. In the BoV thread, I saw Turret Rocks as almost fitting my needs, but otherwise, nada.

[LilMoochie]

Due to the chiral nature of the large 21 hex tiles it can be very hard to make a truly symmetric map. Add the "offsetting" hex structure of the castle door and it gets even harder. Every time I try to bend my brain around symmetry problems I get frustrated.

I think the best function for asymmetric maps is with scenarios. It's hard to have a balanced even match on an unbalanced map. Even though it's no good for tournaments and requires more playtesting, I think objective-based games are the best use for Heroscape terrain. I think they look better, too!

[Kobu]

Originally Posted by LilMoochie

Due to the chiral nature of the large 21 hex tiles it can be very hard to make a truly symmetric map. Add the "offsetting" hex structure of the castle door and it gets even harder. Every time I try to bend my brain around symmetry problems I get frustrated.

I know what you are trying to convey, but it's simplicity itself to make rotationally symmetrical maps. I believe you are thinking only in terms of reflective symmetry, which is very limiting.

Asymmetrical yet balanced maps are far harder to produce.

BTW, the large pieces have 24 hexes.

[Revdyer]

I think Myrkr Spring by Kahrma is a great map like that.

[ABOMINATION]

Originally Posted by Kobu

I know what you are trying to convey, but it's simplicity itself to make rotationally symmetrical maps. I believe you are thinking only in terms of reflective symmetry, which is very limiting.

Asymmetrical yet balanced maps are far harder to produce.

BTW, the large pieces have 24 hexes.

You think its mindless drivel now? You should have seen it five minutes ago.

[SuperflyTNT]

Take a look at my "Valley Of Death" and check it out. ALMOST symmetrical, yet very entertaining.

See the link to my maps in my sig line below.

[Onacara]

I don't have build instructions for this one but it is a very fun map to play on and you can actually play with the start zones on either side of the map.





and its playable during the winter too

[Dualahorn]

What about during the summer?

[Onacara]

Originally Posted by Dualahorn

What about during the summer?

Um...that would be the version of the map NOT covered in snow.

(What is this world coming to?)

[greenless]

i have yet to build a map by anyone elses guidelines(pc with the net is in the dining room and we play in the attic). i just build what comes to me. they are never symetrical but generally close to fair. we typically play multiple games from each map so we all get the ups and downs.

I totally agree with you symetrical is boring and takes away one of the best parts of a great game. just build a map who cares if its playtested or 100% fair.

if you build it they will play

[Kobu]

Originally Posted by greenless

i have yet to build a map by anyone elses guidelines(pc with the net is in the dining room and we play in the attic). i just build what comes to me. they are never symetrical but generally close to fair. we typically play multiple games from each map so we all get the ups and downs.

I totally agree with you symetrical is boring and takes away one of the best parts of a great game. just build a map who cares if its playtested or 100% fair.

if you build it they will play

It can matter quite a lot in tournament play. Your first roll for position can be the most important in the game and a lot of people don't think that it's right for a roll outside the actual game to have that kind of bearing.

[LilMoochie]

Originally Posted by ABOMINATION

You think its mindless drivel now? You should have seen it five minutes ago.

Touche FWIW, I was tired and only partially coherent.

I think my biggest obstacle is having a small space to work with and a small number of tiles. Making a symmetric map with only 1 RTTFF set is problematic, to say the least. With only a couple Master Sets to work with I'm always wishing there was a "right-handed" 24 hex tile.

As for the Castle door, I'm always wishing there was a way to have it in a flat section of wall instead of always on a corner.