MP: Noobs vs. Vets II: Mysterio's Revenge, EA, CBM, Game Over. Vets defeat Noobs.

[atul]

Heh, noble thoughts.

But, in this particular case, I think you're misinterpreting personal preference and hard-earned experience. One of the things that people learn "through the heel" as us Finns say is that too big maps aren't fun on the long term. People get easily overwhelmed by the size of their empires. I know, having had more than 100 provinces in one game. It isn't a preference or weakness of mind, it's something that happens when you cross some threshold.

Rules of thumb are good to have: 15 provs per player -> big game; less than 10 -> crowded. 20 per player is huger than Cartman's behind. Just be warned.

[quantum_mechani]

I'd also point out that I'd happily perform this 'public service' in two 4vs8 small sized map games than a crazy 16vs8 giant map game, both of which serve the same number of newbs. And it would probably be a more useful service anyway, on that big of a map many players might not even end up fighting until it was already at the point of dropping tarts on their heads (experiencing that is all well and good but it hardly gives you a good idea how to play the majority of the game).

But philosophical differences aside, I think Ironhawk's compromise is a good one. If we end up going with that I'd tentatively claim Oceania.