What Makes A Good (Competitive) C3G Map? (Alkali Lake)

[IAmBatman]

I think with Sunnywood and Underwood in particular, there's a lot of potential for turn one and two star zone bombing.

[GameBear]

Originally Posted by Ericth74

There are some great classic maps to play on. But I feel like most are small for C3G. With the big move so many heroes have its so easy to be in a startzone quickly.

Originally Posted by IAmBatman

I think with Sunnywood and Underwood in particular, there's a lot of potential for turn one and two star zone bombing.

The example map (Conflict Chernobyl) threw me off quite a bit. It does bulge in the middle more than I initially realized, but it's still pretty small compared to other C3G maps I've seen, and only has 3 levels. The total footprint is 214 hexes, which is not any larger than typical Classic maps. Sunnywood is on the smaller side, at 175 hexes, but still has the same start zone separation as Conflict Chernobyl.

So.. larger footprint (not smaller) is preferable? And no glyphs? Are glyphs not used at all, or does C3G have its own set? Start zone separation is pretty well understood on the Classic side. Is there consensus on the ideal separation for C3G?

I'll get out of the way, but I'm very interested to see where this converation goes.

[IAmBatman]

Fwiw, I'm definitely not a map expert. It does seem Conflict Chernobyl is pretty close between start zones too. I think it's a *little* more blocked off in terms of ability to block LOS from attackers, but no great shakes in terms of differences.

I'd guess you probably have more map authority than just about anyone in these parts, so definitely don't feel like you have to hide in the background! We'd definitely benefit from hearing your thoughts.

[Ericth74]

Originally Posted by GameBear

The example map (Conflict Chernobyl) threw me off quite a bit. It does bulge in the middle more than I initially realized, but it's still pretty small compared to other C3G maps I've seen, and only has 3 levels. The total footprint is 214 hexes, which is not any larger than typical Classic maps. Sunnywood is on the smaller side, at 175 hexes, but still has the same start zone separation as Conflict Chernobyl.

So.. larger footprint (not smaller) is preferable? And no glyphs? Are glyphs not used at all, or does C3G have its own set? Start zone separation is pretty well understood on the Classic side. Is there consensus on the ideal separation for C3G?

I'll get out of the way, but I'm very interested to see where this converation goes.

I would agree with what Bats said. Please add to the conversion where you feel fit.

As for map size. Being small isn't always an issue. I do a lot of testing on Conflict Chernobyl, but mostly because the matches are short and sweet, and play is predictable on it. But I also find it boring, as the games seems to play out the same way. Control the center height or snipe from the side height.

[Ericth74]

Yeah I would say we don't have any real map experts here. If you look at our limited number of released maps vs our vast number of released(and on deck) figure designs.

Originally Posted by IAmBatman

Fwiw, I'm definitely not a map expert. It does seem Conflict Chernobyl is pretty close between start zones too. I think it's a *little* more blocked off in terms of ability to block LOS from attackers, but no great shakes in terms of differences.

I'd guess you probably have more map authority than just about anyone in these parts, so definitely don't feel like you have to hide in the background! We'd definitely benefit from hearing your thoughts.

[IAmBatman]

I think part of what may slow startzone bombing on Conflict Chernobyl is that the center section with jungle plants feels like the safest place on the map to be, so a lot of players may hesitate to push past that or feel like it's a risky endeavor.

[MrNobody]

Originally Posted by Ericth74

I like Conflict Chernobyl but I feel like I play the same game over and over again. I think great maps offer different ways to play on it and different experiences. I don't feel like I get that with that map.

This might be a big taste thing for me. When I’m doing a more serious game (playtest/competitive) I kinda prefer the map gameplay feel kinda “same-y.” That way I know what to expect feom the map itself and the differences in gameplay come from the units interacting. The map is the canvas and the armies are the paint, if that makes sense. I think that’s (one of the reasons) why I haven’t leapt headfirst into the DO trend. (The other being Google Docs testing.)

I have a blast with more unpredictable maps in looser gameplay though.

The talk about SZ bombing is very interesting. I think Bats has a point that on CC, the middle feels like the safest place to be, so SZ bombing comes at the cost of giving that space up.

[IAmBatman]

What's interesting for me is I feel completely differently about playtesting versus competitive gameplay.

In playtesting, I want that consistent feel of the map with fewer variables that might affect the costing of a unit.

In competitive gameplay, I like having more tactical outlets that can give me a chance to even the playing field if the army match ups aren't in my favor. I feel like rather than adding to "randomness" these additions reward the more tactical player.

[Tornado]

Never really thought about it but I agree with that.
Probably why most of my testing has been on like three maps.
Cannot even remember my original before Island Plane Crash.
City Park is my current go to. Really need to try Elm Street.
Never played Chernobyl except maybe at the Con.

[GameBear]

I'm back once again, with a somewhat off-topic post. Apologies. It kind of relates, at least. Right?

What kinds of maps do you like? Come vote in the ScapeCon II Map Contest! I know this is C3G, but that doesn't mean you can't pick your favorites. There are three brackets, and you can vote for as many (or as few) maps as you want. Thanks for taking a look.

Bracket 1
Bracket 2
Bracket 3

[Ericth74]

I voted

[IAmBatman]

I'll take a look! Hoping to run a map contest here in C3G soon, but I need to finish up Mongul first.