MAPS! - Page 10

Beeg · #91 December 26th, 2018, 07:37 AM

Hi all. I have a map that I've wanted to make for years. I've tried a few times but I just don't have the time, skill, or patience. I'm wondering if there are SP gamers who design maps for other gamers? I would want to offer some compensation, it's a large, detailed map. I've attached an overhead view. Thanks!

wulfir · #92 December 26th, 2018, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beeg

...it's a large, detailed map. I've attached an overhead view.

Here's a suggestion using the Venhola program - the black border being the edges of the map (max size).

The terrain is fairly hilly - the Donau will be about 10-12 hexes wide.

What season? Summer? 200x160?

Did you want it to be a river map (assault mission generates inflatable boats for infantry), or not?

Also - roughly what kind of battle is meant to be played on the map? Focus on the bridge, areas north of the river, or maybe south of the river?

Using Venhola you can also rotate the map if you need to, like this:

Beeg · #93 December 26th, 2018, 07:41 PM

Wow, great suggestions! Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with Venhola. I would like the map to be as big as is feasible, in summer, with river crossing (assault) as the mission.
I was raised in this area of Bavaria and it may have been a strategic location if the Soviets decided to continue into Bavaria from Austria after WW2. My hypothetical has Patton refusing to turn over White Cossacks and recruiting German army prisoners for defense. I envision the main Soviet thrust coming from the southeast, towards Vilshofen, with allied (Czech?) units securing the area north of the Danube. The town would be defended by a mixture of US personnel, Cossacks, and German civilians/soldiers. There would be a US relief column coming from the northwest as reinforcements.
The terrain is very hilly, as you said. The part of Vilshofen to the south and east of the Vils River, which splits the town, would not have been very developed at that time. That part of town is mostly new since the war. I've attached a map showing roughly what I have in mind for the force locations but I had to reduce it and it may not be legible.
Sorry to carry on like this but I'm excited about your ideas. If you have other suggestions, please let me know. Thanks much!

Mobhack · #94 December 26th, 2018, 08:05 PM

Looks like there are islands in the river - those can give the AI hiccups. It will cross to them and unload a barge, the dropped off troops are then marooned on the island, usually. (The same can hapen with sandbanks in say a beach assault map).

wulfir · #95 December 26th, 2018, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beeg

I'm not familiar with Venhola.

It is an amazing tool for map making. Highly recommended.

So, the setup is meant to be 1945?

If the AI is to make the river crossing it will be able to send infantry across, but will struggle with non-Amphibious vehicles...

Beeg · #96 December 26th, 2018, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mobhack

Looks like there are islands in the river - those can give the AI hiccups. It will cross to them and unload a barge, the dropped off troops are then marooned on the island, usually. (The same can hapen with sandbanks in say a beach assault map).

Thanks, great info. Probably best to do without those islands, they weren't part of the overall scenario anyway.

wulfir · #97 December 26th, 2018, 08:17 PM

Vilshofen map, 1950s, US Army Europe, appears to be based on German WW2 maps:

https://www.landkartenarchiv.de/tk25...Maps_2536_high

Beeg · #98 December 26th, 2018, 08:27 PM

Yea... 1945, 1946 possibly. I'm still debating whether to make it in SPWW2 or SPMBT.
I know the river crossing can be tricky. The game seems to work best when the troops are moving left-to-right and vice versa, as opposed to up & down, with a river crossing. That's why I was hoping to have the Vils running roughly north & south. That would be the major river crossing, with the main Soviet force attacking right-to-left. The forces on the north bank of the Donau can have a separate battle so that river doesn't need to be crossed. I'd like the scenario to be balanced, to be played as either side, but the AI works much better in defense so that may be an issue.
I found Venhola doing a search but there doesn't appear to be any information on how to use it. Any help there? Thanks again.

Beeg · #99 December 26th, 2018, 08:35 PM

OMG! That archive map is amazing! It appears that it's not downloadable though. I would love to get a full-size copy but I'd prefer not to buy a print.

Beeg · #**100** December 26th, 2018, 08:37 PM

Quick story - my dad was part of the US occupation force in that area right after the war. That's how he met my mom. Good thing this is a hypothetical or I may not be here. lol