Balanced Systems for KOTH games and other

[Master Belisarius]

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

[DavidG]

Originally posted by Atrocities:

A balanced mapping system for KOTH is a must.

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.

Yeah, you could say that's part of the game and the luck of the draw and all

That's part of the game and the luck of the draw and all.

[Baron Grazic]

Originally posted by Atrocities:
A balanced mapping system for KOTH is a must.

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. I would use a balanced map in KOTH matches, but not all of them.

[Paul1980au]

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.

[geoschmo]

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.

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.

Geoschmo

[Paul1980au]

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.

[Slynky]

Parabolize and I are playing our game (starting tomorrow, I suppose) on it.

Another comment I havent seen: for all the people who think their chance for a win was marred by their position...now is the time to see how you REALLY measure up (i.e., no real excuses now!). I fall into that Category, thinking some positions have been bad for me. I've won some games and maybe thought it was more my skill than realizing how bad the map was for the other guy (sometimes, we humans overlooks stuff like that... ).

So, I'm ready to see what it's like when there isn't a lot of luck to favor one or the other.