Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Just a new member. Shrapnel as a username sounded good http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

Great mod, thanks Geo.

Bigger planets benefit more from bonus facilities and population bonuses.

Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

I can only speak for myself, when I played my KOTH game my start was horrible. I lost more than half of my ships that were sent through the SM BH, and those that did make it needed to be repaired. Often I would loose ALL of my colony ships, and that was a major factor in my ability to research as the worlds that I did colonize were dedicated to mineral production. And they were NOT good mineral planets.

Needless to say my opponent had a fantastic gold mine home system and surrounding. I think he was being kind to let me play for as long as I did.

A balanced mapping system for KOTH is a must. However, the map editor is, needs to be improved dramatically before we can achieve quick balanced maps.

Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

Nice mod Geo http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Would be interested in playing a (but not every) game with it.

Truth is I am pretty satisfied with the Tesco brand of maps. Sure, they are not all of the same quality, but they make exploring a bit more exciting, and gives you the oportunity to gamble a bit with your colony tech/athmosphere. You can take the safe route and go Rock/None or you can be brave. Sometimes it even pays off http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

Thanks Geo! Like Atrocities, I think taht this MOD is a must be for KOTH games (and probably rated games too).
Thanks again!

Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I disagree. While it may be a nice option for those that want it, if it becomes the default i will likely not rejoin KOTH. Starting behind a blackhole as you did is very unusual. And imaging what a great game it would be if you won. Some of my best games were those were at one point I was at a disadvantage and struggled through and won.
For me knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that there will be one and only one breathable planet in the next system makes the game less exciting. Heck I don't even like the 'no ruins' rule. This too takes away some of the excitment. finding ruins is fun.

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">That's part of the game and the luck of the draw and all.

Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Sorry I have to disagree with you here Atrocities.
The option of a balanced mapping system is required for KOTH type games when both players wish for this, but it should not be the default. You still need to ability to play a game where chance and luck is involved.

Mind you I say this with the knowledge that I need every piece of luck to beat some players here. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif I would use a balanced map in KOTH matches, but not all of them.

Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

You know balanced maps are a idea. Random unbalanced maps are for those who like a challange but for newbies a balanced map is needed to keep them in particpating in games for the medium term. I like systems that act as middle grounds with big green star planets but perhaps have multiple warp entry points to keep the players battling over the good systems. Storm systems around warp entry points also act as a trap.

Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

I must agree with those that are of the opinion that a balanced map shouldn't be the default. I was merely suggesting it as an option, much like the tesco maps are.

I too like the random element, and have had some games where I was succesful despite a poor starting position. Although to be honest that hasn't happened recently. The general level of skill among players has gone significantly up since KOTH started. It now takes all my skill AND a little luck to win these games. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

And I have seen plenty of games where the difference in starting positions was frankly insurmountable. Maybe I'll come up with something a little softer, mroe random, not quite so uniform, but still with less chance of one player being totally screwed over.

I would likely not want to use these for every game, although I would not object to anyone wanting to use them in any match. Where I would probably request it is in the top of the hill and king matches. It's hard enough to get through all the players it takes to get to the top of the hill. I would hate to spend weeks or months slogging up the hill only to lose the king match on turn 25 because of a poor starting position. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Geoschmo

Re: Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other
 

You know perhaps generous starting systems with 4 or 5 good green planets to give you a good start and then poorer systems and then good systems in inner terriotary.

Once broadband takes off i would like to see the 255 system maps used. that would remove any such weightings and also ensure massive long games.