Order vs Chaos?

from Sins Forums
Most of us are pretty new at this map making thing, and Thanks to p5yy things have become much easier.

What i would like to know is what kind of maps people prefer? Evenly balanced numbers of Perfectly aligned worlds in a set pattern like a square, triangle, or whatever? Or toss in a random factor? while keeping your balanced pattern like i did with Ulysses Triangle, make sure none of the worlds are perfectly aligned. I think not having a grid in the map editor is an excellent idea. There is just something that bothers me about symmetry in a solar system. If you look at our solar system for example it is pure chaos (and would make for an incredibly imbalanced sins map)the only "order" is everything orbits in somewhat of a circle. On the other hand order, and symmetry assures balance, because you will know what worlds you have the enemy will have an equal number of. The problem is that you will come up with patterns like squares, triangles etc.

I am not suggesting that anyone make imbalanced maps. I am just tossing some thoughts, and opinions out.

What are your thoughts on this?
modding
7,007 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top
I think a good balance is in order.

some maps are caotic, and that is fun half the time.
Some maps are orderly, and that is fun half the time.
Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top
I prefer maps with a bit of order to them, seems like 9 out of 10 times I get crappy map placement
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top
I always prefer order to maps.

If you want chaos , just choose random maps. However im starting to see a pattern in the design of random maps which makes it just an ordered map that gives unfair start positions so I prefer ordered maps with fair start positions.

Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top
Well I obviously enjoy chaos, thus why I design an entire mod to provide more so, varying resource asteroids, randomizing the abilities of storms, gas giants and stars.

Maps can have order by in resource count, but central locations can be different in each game making the map simply have more replay.

In addition I added new planet types for map makers, such as advanced homeworlds with more resources this way you can have a game with Very Very few planets but have tons of resources.

So yes I like balance, but I like some random as it makes things fresh and challenging, also I enjoy making non-symmetrical maps, as these are more challenging to make balanced.

You can also randomize whether certain planets even show up! and phase lanes! Making for some very very divergent maps emerging from the same map. You can essentially Design your own random map generator.
Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top
You sound like someone who should look at my mod Major Stress


Pretty Please
Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top
I like order for the most part -- I may enjoy chaos, but I thrive on eliminating it. Ergo, most of my maps are highly organized (as you guys may have noticed).
Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top
I'll be checking out the various mods when i get some more free time to do so.

Where i was going was not so much the balancing of maps, because everyone wants a balanced map. I was thinking more about the appearance of maps. Instead of having patterns that are perfect squares, circles, triangles, and whatnot why not toss a little chaos into that order.

In the center of my map i did use random generated objects. Also i only made 1 strategic (choke) point for each faction that you can only reach by ether going thru a gas giant/nebula/asteroid belt, or take the long way thru the sun.

Also be careful how you place non colonizables. I found out the hard way that PJI's dont work if you have a non colonizable behind it. I really wish they would bring back the old PJI.

Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top
I found out the hard way that PJI's dont work if you have a non colonizable behind it.


Um, duh

That said, the devs are working on a solution of some kind.

I really wish they would bring back the old PJI.


Eh, I like it either way. The non-trapness of the current one is useful.