Inventive Dingo forums

Here's a map thread for maps I do.

=Frontline (1v1)=
My first completed map. No gimmicks, I generated a random map using the game and then approximated elements I liked from it. So the idea is that it's a 'Random' map without the randomness. Several gameplay tests and appropriate overhauls later, and here it is. Screenshot shows the distances between planets.

From the Map.ini:
name=Frontline
author=Minus
description=An arena-style map. A direct route to enemy is provided, while more stealth-like avenues can also threaten your homeworld. Recommended Settings: Production Normal, Natives Moderate, Ship Speed Normal

Looks good! :)

=Mobius (1v1)=
Second map. This one took about a quarter of the time, from the practice and things I learned about Commotion from Frontline. Another symmetrical map, same technique. So, it's another approximation and overhaul of a randomly-generated map for even-ground battles. I didn't like the pattern aesthetically (figure 8's just seemed so cliche) but I really liked how my game against the CPU fleshed out, so I kept it. Screenshots show distances and initial production values. [What I mean by this is that in the second screenshot, none of the planets are upgraded.]

From the Map.ini:
name=Mobius
author=Minus
description=A dense, circuituous map. Multiple opening-turn options can decide the whole course of the game. Plan your strategy from the beginning! Recommended Settings: Production Normal, Natives Moderate, Ship Speed Normal

That also looks like a very interesting map. For the record, I don't think the aesthetics are bad at all. :)

=Chauve-Souris (1v1)=
Third 1v1 map. I'm a little burned out on 1v1's for a while, I want to do some 3p FFA maps and some 2v2/4p maps soon. But this is kinda cool too! I'm starting to rely less on the map generation algorithm and more on feel. Chauve-Souris means "bat" in French. I thought it looks like a bat. :3

From the Map.ini:
name=Chauve-Souris
author=Minus
description=A rorschach-mirrored map, a little limited by natural 'corridors' - but be careful, the enemy is closer than they appear to be! Recommended Settings: Production Normal, Natives Moderate, Ship Speed Normal

That rocks. :)

Wow, it's been a year! I still play this game... It remains one of my top 5 favorite indy games of all time, some days it's easily my most favorite. I wonder sometimes if Chris is still making games. I say that to no one in particular because the forum is clearly dead and there's no telling how long it will be until he sees this message.

=Ansible (1v1)=
You can tell from the distances screenshot that it's quite a chaotic map, exactly the kind of mayhem this game's title promises.

From the Map.ini:
name=Ansible
author=Minus
description=A tight cluster of strategic planets with many battlegrounds. Nearly overwhelming micromanagement. Can you keep solid command of your entire fleet? Remember: The enemy's gate is down.

I seem to be having trouble attaching the screenshots, so here's some imgur links. I don't know how long they stay on imgur before they are purged.

Screenshot showing homeworlds. (http://imgur.com/xCNKQ.png)
Screenshot showing distances and base production values. (http://i.imgur.com/Yjrkt.png)

Not so long. ;D  Hey Minus! That's awesome that you still play. I don't think there are a lot of people playing it these days, though I still get a handful of sales every month, so it's not totally dead. Not a lot of forum activity, obviously.

I still check the forums every day. My intention is to keep supporting the game for as long as that's still possible. I have another patch half-completed that I've been slowly working on (fixes the audio crackles some people were having, adds the UI feature request to have Ctrl+drag and Ctrl+rightclick set rally points, some other bits and pieces).


8)

I was just demoing the game for a friend, and decided to check in on the forums.  I haven't been playing much, but send me a message on steam if your ever up for a match.  The new map looks cool minus!   I've been busy working on a fighting game and online file storage system, so I haven't been playing much on steam recently.