Minus' Map Thread

[Minus]

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

[Chris]

Looks good!

[Minus]

=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

[Chris]

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

[Minus]

=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

[Chris]

That rocks.

[Minus]

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.
Screenshot showing distances and base production values.

[Chris]

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.

Not so long.   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).

Remember: The enemy's gate is down.

[Kumlekar]

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.