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Next competition (start end of 2015- beginning 2016) Proposal Island-Archipelago map

Discussion in 'Website Information and News' started by Dreian, Oct 2, 2015.

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  1. Dreian

    Dreian Moderator
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    hey guys,

    we had a bit of a discussion on the chat today, and were considering the possibilities for the next contest.

    Among the things that have been mentioned, a few of our members regret to not have enough time to build completely their cities due to land size, lack of time to dedicate regularly...

    So, this is why I am proposing a possible contest based on a archipelago/island map, which might help limit the available size of land. We can of course choose in the already existing maps of the XLEX, or if one of our good modding souls agrees, get something new based on our technical request.

    You are welcome to give us some feedback on the features you would like to see on a possible map (%of land, mountain or not,etc) in case one modder agrees to listen to our contest requirements.

    For me I would prefer:
    -archipelago (1 major island, a few smaller one)
    - mixed landscape, possible lagoons
     
    Drazicdesign, Pamascus27 and Inan like this.
  2. IcyHot

    IcyHot Administrator
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    It will have to be a brand new map. The last thing we need is people pulling out an existing city. Everyone needs to start fresh on a clean map with no possible appearance of cheating.
     
  3. Inan

    Inan Governor

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    It is a nice idea. But in that case the island should be larger to give more variety for cities and the water has to be neutral colored. Nevertheless an island is not appropriate imho for big cities or industrial hubs with transportation systems. For a contest we maybe should consider the intentions of players for such cities too. Hence i would suggest a (mounty?) peninsula instead of an island, imho it offers more possibilities for cities due to its connection to the edge. So we would be able to create small touristic towns up to an coastal metropolis. Just my thought... :)
     
    Kurtis Edwards, Pamascus27 and Pepino like this.
  4. Mr.X²

    Mr.X² Moderator
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    id prefer a "normal" map
    personally with a river through it or some coastal lines.. flat. maybe some mountains in edges..
    you can also show a unfinished city, just take some creative shots :)
    and of course only a new one like icy said
     
  5. ronrn

    ronrn Governor

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    I think, in the spirit of a "city building" competition, that cities should be finished. We already have the media section, the media of the month competitions, city photos section, all the 'show us your .....' threads, and even CJs for those "creative shots".
    Of course, who is the one to define "finished city" or how can one even prove that their city is complete? That's where the "spirit" of competition comes into play.
    ....just my humble opinion...
     
  6. IcyHot

    IcyHot Administrator
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    Honestly is a city ever done?
     
    kipate likes this.
  7. ronrn

    ronrn Governor

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    I see your point and I agree. But in this case, as admin of the competition, I suppose that would be for you to decide.
    :boww:
     
  8. skullz613

    skullz613 Administrator
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    I like the ideas Dreian has. Maybe a map with at least a 30% flat area on a bigger island? I know most players will make their own flat areas using over water roads but its good to have a small area flat to start of with.
     
  9. pauliaxz

    pauliaxz Mayor

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    I strongly disagree with islands map idea. Since I don't participate in these contests, my words worth nothing here, but anyway, if I participated, I wouldn't want to build cities on islands in the middle of ocean. I prefer land-massed maps with some river flowing or maps with coasts.
     
  10. nicko2u

    nicko2u Governor

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    I tend to agree with @pauliaxz - stick to a land based map so everyone has same advantage, islands create some extra difficulty layers.

    One map I seen recently was by the master @The Funky Monk - he released a 4 map pack- contains a nice Gulf Map

    Maps - XLN 1st Birthday Map Pack | XLNation - Cities XXL

    Either way up to you guys who want to compete / build, therefore I suggest you guys start suggesting a fair fun map to build on :)
     
  11. The Funky Monk

    The Funky Monk Moderator
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    Yeah, that's a good point. Personally I'm terrible at creating over water areas. I'm sure others would be in the same boat.

    I'll whip up a few things in WM and post the satellite pics here and see what people like.
     
    kipate likes this.
  12. IcyHot

    IcyHot Administrator
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    With 23,000 users it will be hard to please everyone
     
    The Funky Monk likes this.
  13. veija2

    veija2 Mayor

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    So let's have some random selection process, like members # 495, 6032, and 21709 pick from a list of map options. Just not another vote.
     
  14. ronrn

    ronrn Governor

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    Not knowing what map will be used next is a good part of the challenge/fun. By whatever means were used to decide, the choice of maps have been good ones so far. If it ain't broke....don't fix it.:yawn:
     
  15. kipate

    kipate Governor

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    Well, I do not mind most maps, and yeah, pleasing every was hard to achieve.

    My personal opinion regarding Gonaives was that I did not know what to do with the
    small rivers every, I really hate decorating it all with esplanades, or simply
    with grassy area. I would prefer hence a map with only one medium/large river.

    Decorating the shore appropriately can be a nice task in the city center,
    but it can painfully annoying in the suburbs.
    And then having a small river with many little curves, that was like an overkill for me.

    I also agree with @pauliaxz and @nicko2u regarding a map that did not show
    an island, also due to the fact that you will need to establish shoreline decorations
    everywhere.

    Also, I have to say that island maps do mostly not offer enough space
    for a highway networks or airports. The only map I have seen which offered
    enough space for both was Hammer Island, e.g. look at the city by @veija2 .

    Additionally, it would be nice to have a map without too many little elevations
    regarding the terrain. Your maps are great, @The Funky Monk , but sometimes
    you put in too much detail, at least in my opinion.

    Then you have those little elevations, and players either need to find ways to deal with
    it, or need to carefully elevate them back to zero, which can be a time consuming task,
    as you nee to pay attention not to accidentally change the terrain which you did not want to
    terraform.

    This shall not be a general critique, I just think that for such contests, that only last some months,
    maps that have less detail regarding the elevation would be better.

    Now Funky will send me some nice snakes and spiders via Airmail :D
     
    The Funky Monk likes this.
  16. The Funky Monk

    The Funky Monk Moderator
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    @kipate, haha, I agree. Bootleg River looked nice but was shit to build on. A wide river going into the ocean would be cool. With big mountain in the background.
     
    Mr.X² and kipate like this.
  17. Dreian

    Dreian Moderator
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    Good to see some debate. My proposal of island/archipelago was just to propose diversity. but i don't mind as well the map to be shore, in land or whatever, from the moment it pleases the community...

    So i guess we should put of a survey for the community to choose which kind of map should be.
     
  18. The Funky Monk

    The Funky Monk Moderator
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    Here's a couple of examples I just made.
    Untitled-2.jpg Untitled-4.jpg
     
    skullz613 likes this.
  19. pauliaxz

    pauliaxz Mayor

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    Yeah! Snow maps, that is unusual and quite a challenge! I am for that one with snowy mountains
     
  20. nicko2u

    nicko2u Governor

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