Map Pack Comments?

from Elemental Forums

 

Thought I’d open a thread for folks to comment on the new map pack. Good, bad, indifferent.

I bought the pack last night, didn’t have much time to play. I started with the Wildlands map. Wow. Start is very challenging. I found my starting location highly constrained by wildlands right on the border – no doubt “hence the name”. On the plus side, there were pre-existing roads leading from my start around both sides of the wildlands, so initial exploration was way quicker than normal (until my scout got eaten about three seasons after leaving my capitol). Lots and lots and lots and … of monsters. None exceptionally tough nearby, but the expansion locations are very definitely not easy to access with a lowly pioneer. I feel this map is geared toward “few and powerful” vs “many” at least initially. Another cool thing, I discovered my very first ever X/5/3 settlement spot – which was relatively nearby. Can you say “fortress”? Unfortunately an unchained jug was sitting next to it. A bit much for my sov+clubwielder early unit, but that critter is “dead man walking” as soon as possible.

I did notice that both the adjacent wildlands to my start location seem to be spawning wandering monsters that cross outside the borders. I know that in plain vanilla there are a couple that do that  whether or not you have triggered the quest, but I was wondering if anyone knew whether ALL the wildlands on this map would spawn. Maybe I shouldn’t have set monsters to “dense” in the world slider. :D

Anyway – I think I’m in love with this map (I’m saving the Anthys map for when I can do a marathon with it).

What do you all think about the new maps?

11,481 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

I did not buy it yet, I'm waiting to the weekend to have some time to play. But I 'd really like to know people commenting about it.

What you said about the wildlands map seems pretty interesting, I can't wait to hear some more things.

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

Yea, the map pack has completely changed our design for the expansion pack's campaign.  A Fun map can make a huge difference.

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Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

I'm really looking forward to buying it and playing the Athys map, but I'm really busy with RL stuff (marriage), but I will get it in a couple weeks and play it's dick off.

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

Played Antherys, loved it. Played the crucible, didn't like it at all.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Frogboy, reply 2
Yea, the map pack has completely changed our design for the expansion pack's campaign.  A Fun map can make a huge difference.
End of Frogboy's quote

In my first games, I found the wildlands as useless, dangerous places that took me space to expand. Later, I found them as places to get XP, but distracting me in fighting the AI.

Currently, I think you have a diamond in the rough with them.

Have you thought in a game mode or a new map where the Wildlands spams more powerfull monsters and expand their limits over time?

The player should ally with the AIs to stop them...or not, or play alone...it opens a new game mode more oriented to "hack and slash" monsters (something like those "tower defense", wich are generally boring, but I think here can give some variety to standar playing). And it would give the most experienced players a new challenge to try new OP tactics, or just to see how long they can survive...

Reply #6 from Elemental Forums Top

I haven't gotten the pack yet, but I seem to remember someone (Brad) saying there was going to be ships with this new map pack?  is that the case, and are they usable in regular random map games?