[Slynky]

Originally posted by spoon:
Aren't there problems still being worked out with the Balanced maps?

I think the Balanced maps he is speaking of is generated by the Geo mod. Take a look around for Geo's comments on it (I did a review it in a thread I can't remember). Basically, there is NO advantage in taking any atmosphere/colony type. You will find the exact number of planets in EVERY system for each type. Also, they will ALL be 100%, 100%, 100%.

I will assume, since no one said anything else, that I will set up the game. I will use any map type that you two agree upon.

You may read further down on how I decide on starting points. I spent about 30 minutes picking a map for Asmala's Last game and adjusting starting points for the best balance I could imagine I would want for a game.

If you chose to have a random map generated by the game, I will generate over and over till I find one that looks interesting. Then, I will save it and look at it in the editor. I will look for balanced starting points. If the generated map doesn't yield a good position for each...nebulas, equal points out of the home system, etc., I will do another one...and look again.

Making a map that gives as much equal chance to 2 players playing for the crown is an important task to me. It's easier with the Balance Mod by Geo. But if you chose a random map...I will look for unequal nebula placement, asteroid placement, access to the center, etc. as I can when I decide a map is good to both players. I will NOT evaluate percentages, sizes, atmospheres, etc. when using a randomly generated map. I will make sure that the starting systems have lots of planets, warp points exiting are equal, and that, as much as possible, there will be colonizable planets within 2 jumps away from each home system. Just so you each understand, if the second jump from a home system results in a nebula, I will make sure the second jump from the other person's system has a nebula, too. (or asteroids...you know what I mean...a WORTHLESS system for colonizeing)