How does one customize a map accurately?

[Um I would know this how]

See i have this slight problem. I like to play on archipelago maps with small land masses but i cant figure out how to keep from ending up with a huge continent. Every time i play there is at least one huge landmass with like two civs on it. Is there anyway to ensure that each civ gets its own Island? It provides so much more of a challenge that way.
:rocket2: :rocket3:

Poll is added just for the heck of it

[Smash]

ok i was confused by the title somewhat.This is not uncommon for me

In fact this is confusing.

you could make a map or d/l a premade one.Other than that,just keep trying.You can get maps with lots of small islands.Load one up.Use cheat to reveal entire map.If you like what you see..save it as xxxx.mp and put in the maps folder then load from premade world.

Every wonder is useful cept Eiffel.Oracle needs an expiration change to bring it back into the game.Maybe Comminism.
Gardens is good on any level but better for higher levels.Same for Mich's.JSB is good cuz it works on unhappies caused by units in the feild.

Any wonder that give free improvements is good.The bigger your empire the better.
Pyramids is a much maligned but underestimated wonder.There some very good mp plans for the Pyramids involving size 5 cities and specialists.

If I could only have one...has to be Mich's or Cope's.If I have good city site then Cope's.Kinda depends on what your long term plan is.

Having said all that my fav is War Academy.

[allan]

In the map editor, you can set starting locations for civs. So make one of a bunch of islands, then put one civ starting location on each island. Either use all 21 civs (make 21 islands, or if you make less make sure any civs that have starting locations on the same island are in the same color group) for a random civ option, or go with seven (or less) and choose the option of picking your civs. Of course, you don't want to pick the option of randomizing starter locations when you start the game!

I actually did something like this once, and it made a very interesting game. I like archipelagoes too--go Navy!

[Fuzz]

Yer this is a good question... I played around with the map editor a bit, and I found large mass and arch, to be the same as small mas and cont.... I usually play with the latter btw.

I also found the map seems to kinda 'distort' when on medium or small... Almost as if it was rendered in large then shrunk... Weird.

[Mjollnir]

I like archipelago and islands because i am not a very good player. My reason for having them is not for a navy (i cant seem to pull that off with democracy...or anyone else for that matter) but for defense. On a large map you can hide your capital in an island the computer (or another player) hasnt found yet.

I dont think i should have said i am not a good player, my level is about emporer if i want to win. Anyway have fun!

oh, and i have a problem with pollution, with archipelago, less land= less pollution possibilities
=

[jomey]

I like archipelago and islands because i am not a very good player. My reason for having them is not for a navy (i cant seem to pull that off with democracy...or anyone else for that matter) but for defense. On a large map you can hide your capital in an island the computer (or another player) hasnt found yet.

A couple of pointers around the Navy/Democracy(I assume you find it hard to keep happiness at an acceptable level without going into Anarchy). Try and build the Wonder 'Shakespeare' in a high production city. Any naval units produced by this city afterwards would not bring any unhappy citizens with it. You could also try police stations which also has the same effect for one unit away from home. Failing these then try and use temples/courthouses/cathedrals/colleseums or lastly alter you luxury settings.

[Bachus]

I think that there has to be a way to customize your map accurately, without making a scenario. A lot of the fun in playing the game is not knowing the map and having to discover it. Personally I enjoy exploring.

Yer this is a good question... I played around with the map editor a bit, and I found large mass and arch, to be the same as small mas and cont.... I usually play with the latter btw.

I use large map with large land mass with archipelago and I get fine results in having my own island. Also, other civs usually are on different islands. I must confess that I haven't tried small mass and continents, but I think the land mass must be smaller.

I have a question for you. How do the settings in climate and age affect the terain and the resources? I know that on arid you get more deserts and plains around the Ecuator but I don't know exactly what happens; could someone clear this for me, as I want only grassland and hills with coal if possible.