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XL Map Review
Alright, let me try to explain the appeal of XL maps.
First, they give the player a sense of openness. There are always options on what to do. If you don't think you can beat an enemy, you can go do something else and come back later. You don't feel obliged to fight every fight. And you don't get to the depressing stage where you've done everything but ...
Second, they give you a good long game. True, on some maps your main army can get to be so strong that there are no challenges left. But playing on Expert, as I usually do, I find that neurals remain challenging up till the end. In a long game, you get to see your heroes really develop and collect the treasures you like. It's like in an RPG where you get the satisfaction of fully developing your character to its full potential.
Another thing I like about long-playing maps is being able to continue from one session to another.
Third, XL maps give you a chance to develop your armies before you start encountering other players. They put a premium on exploration and discovery and reward careful placement of armies. Games aren't decided by one piddly little army getting some edge of another piddly little army. Conflicts are on a grand scale.
And finally, XL maps give the mapmaker a broad canvas on which to create a world. There can be varied terrains and adventure sites can be spread out to avoid clutter.
I hope this helps you understand why I prefer XL (and L) maps. But it could be you find things that make smaller ones more enjoyable. The great thing about the game is that there is something for both of us.
(Now will you please go write a review of Lost Crusade?)
Edited on Wed, Nov 23 2005, 23:37 by charleswatkins
First, they give the player a sense of openness. There are always options on what to do. If you don't think you can beat an enemy, you can go do something else and come back later. You don't feel obliged to fight every fight. And you don't get to the depressing stage where you've done everything but ...
Second, they give you a good long game. True, on some maps your main army can get to be so strong that there are no challenges left. But playing on Expert, as I usually do, I find that neurals remain challenging up till the end. In a long game, you get to see your heroes really develop and collect the treasures you like. It's like in an RPG where you get the satisfaction of fully developing your character to its full potential.
Another thing I like about long-playing maps is being able to continue from one session to another.
Third, XL maps give you a chance to develop your armies before you start encountering other players. They put a premium on exploration and discovery and reward careful placement of armies. Games aren't decided by one piddly little army getting some edge of another piddly little army. Conflicts are on a grand scale.
And finally, XL maps give the mapmaker a broad canvas on which to create a world. There can be varied terrains and adventure sites can be spread out to avoid clutter.
I hope this helps you understand why I prefer XL (and L) maps. But it could be you find things that make smaller ones more enjoyable. The great thing about the game is that there is something for both of us.
(Now will you please go write a review of Lost Crusade?)
Edited on Wed, Nov 23 2005, 23:37 by charleswatkins
Before you criticize someone, first walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you'll be a mile away. And you'll have their shoes.
I might also add that I played Eranol soon after it appeared and found it to be enjoyable. Above average for an XL map. There were some interesting locales and it was not hard to get around. I even had a challenging fight with an invading computer player.
My main criticism is that there is way too much stuff in the area around the starting town.
My main criticism is that there is way too much stuff in the area around the starting town.
Before you criticize someone, first walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you'll be a mile away. And you'll have their shoes.
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