Armchair Dragoons Forums

Wargaming => 4X Gaming => Topic started by: Martok on August 02, 2022, 08:34:31 PM

Title: Map size?
Post by: Martok on August 02, 2022, 08:34:31 PM
Battlegoat Studio's video about galaxy sizes (https://youtu.be/oWidgiBq1r8) in Galactic Ruler got me to wondering:  When it comes to 4x games, what size map does everyone generally prefer to play on? 



For myself, I typically like to play on the largest map sizes possible, albeit within limits.  (Remnants of the Precursors, for example, lets you play with galaxies of over 10,000 stars.  While I love the fact that it's possible, even for me, that's a bit much.)  The bigger the game-world, the more epic in scope, the more I like it. 

The major downside to this, of course, is pacing:  Games on big maps tend to take a *long* time to play out.  The late/end-game phase, in particular, can really drag on, which makes games difficult to finish -- in fact, I'm much more likely to abandon games on larger maps because of this issue.  It's a pretty problem the genre has never really solved IMO. 


I find the alternative -- playing on smaller maps -- is simply trading one problem for another.  Sure, games move much more quickly, but you also have little time for exploring, which is usually my favorite part of any 4x title.  Small maps *can* still be fun, though, especially in games that are more oriented around war/combat.  In addition, there's definitely something to be said for actually being able to finish a game now & then. 


Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: thecommandtent on August 02, 2022, 08:45:37 PM
I love the exploring part of 4x games so I always play with the biggest map size.  I agree about late game dragging on and I usually don't end up finishing them.
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 02, 2022, 08:56:19 PM
Need a vote option for "fucking huge" ;)
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: ojsdad on August 02, 2022, 09:36:28 PM
I love a very large map.  But besides the late game game dragging, I feel that most developers never consider the UI for large maps.  They build a single UI that is supposed to fit for all sizes, but that's often not the case.
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: Barthheart on August 02, 2022, 09:59:43 PM
Need a vote option for "fucking huge" ;)

This.
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: Martok on August 03, 2022, 02:08:14 AM
Fine, fine.  I reset the votes and added a "FUCKING HUGE!" option.  Y'all happy now?  :P 


Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 03, 2022, 06:16:16 AM
Fine, fine.  I reset the votes and added a "FUCKING HUGE!" option.  Y'all happy now?  :P

Yes, but only because there isn't a bigger option from the games themselves
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: bbmike on August 03, 2022, 08:17:48 AM
Small. I prefer to immerse myself into the game and with small maps I get to know all of the systems. With those "fucking huge" maps it is too much to keep "fucking track" of. I also prefer small fleets for the same reason. It has more meaning to lose the ACD Enterprise vs a fleet of 1,000 no name ships.
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: thecommandtent on August 03, 2022, 07:29:16 PM
Small. I prefer to immerse myself into the game and with small maps I get to know all of the systems. With those "fucking huge" maps it is too much to keep "fucking track" of. I also prefer small fleets for the same reason. It has more meaning to lose the ACD Enterprise vs a fleet of 1,000 no name ships.

I totally get that and kind of do that on a huge map.  I tend to have a "pet" army or unit that I immersive myself in while the rest of the chaos swirls around the huge map :)  Who says I can't play favorites and funnel a empires resources to spot  :3musketeer:
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: BanzaiCat on August 03, 2022, 10:31:50 PM
Small to medium. I don't have a lot of room, and if I did, I wouldn't have time for anything larger.
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: Barthheart on August 04, 2022, 06:47:52 AM
Small to medium. I don't have a lot of room, and if I did, I wouldn't have time for anything larger.

This poll is for computer games....  :Loser:
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: bbmike on August 04, 2022, 07:53:20 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: Undercovergeek on August 04, 2022, 08:08:55 AM
I didn’t want to tell him
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: ojsdad on August 04, 2022, 07:08:34 PM
Fine, fine.  I reset the votes and added a "FUCKING HUGE!" option.  Y'all happy now?  :P

Yes, but only because there isn't a bigger option from the games themselves

Could of us d pron huge  ;D
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: Martok on August 05, 2022, 03:43:55 PM
Small. I prefer to immerse myself into the game and with small maps I get to know all of the systems. With those "fucking huge" maps it is too much to keep "fucking track" of. I also prefer small fleets for the same reason. It has more meaning to lose the ACD Enterprise vs a fleet of 1,000 no name ships.

Yep, totally get that. 

I would love to see a modern version of Starships Unlimited 3, or something similar.  I love the concept, but the game is definitely showing its age.  And at least for me,  it's not the easiest game to play. 




Small to medium. I don't have a lot of room, and if I did, I wouldn't have time for anything larger.

This poll is for computer games....  :Loser:

Eh, it can apply to boardgames too.  He has a good point. 


Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: bbmike on August 05, 2022, 06:04:09 PM
But all of his boardgames have meeples!  ::)
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: Anguille on August 07, 2022, 07:51:32 PM
I love the biggest maps because of the exploration and a phase of expansion without any contacts (or little).
Title: Re: Map size?
Post by: Martok on August 10, 2022, 10:31:21 PM
and a phase of expansion without any contacts (or little).

Underrated comment right there. 

It's nice to be able to grow your empire for a while without feeling like you're bumping elbows with someone else close by.