Balanced Random Maps

Pongui

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Balanced Random Maps

This thread contains a periodically updated collection of randomly generated maps, which are UNEXPLORED, except by the map creator, who has selected start areas to ensure a balanced game for multiple players. Of course there are no previews for these - that would defeat the purpose! Each map is defined by the parameters (eg. world size) of it's random generation, and by the number of civ colour start areas. All else is darkness you'll have to explore tile-by-tile during the game.

Starting Locations

Each civilization colour group starts in it's own region. For example, a large penninsula might contain the start locations for the three white civs: Romans, Celts, and Russians. Each of these civs begins on a tile suitable for a first city, or very near one. Since only one civ within a colour group may be in play at one time, a player can choose from any column on the list and will start in the same region anyway.

The number of rows down a player can choose from equals the number of players the map is rated for. On a 3 player map, for example, a player can choose from the first 3 rows - white, green, or dark blue. All additional start locations are on tiny islands or the polar caps. These civs could be omitted from the game, or given to the AI for comic relief.

Filenames

2MMVNT4Ra.MP = default map file. This file would actually be named a.MP, because all parameters are default. A more common example would be 5LLc.MP, indicating a third generation 5-player map, on a large world with a large landmass.

1-7: # of civs (Choose from any column, starting at top. Any additianal civs will be on small islands or isolated poles.)
S,M,L Small-Medium-Large: size of world
S,M,L Small-Medium-Large: landmass
A,V,C Archipelago-Varied-Continents: land form
A,N,W Arid-Normal-Wet: climate
C,T,W Cool-Temperate-Warm: temperature
3-4-5: age
R,F Round-Flat: earth shape (default = round)
aa-zz: generation (default = a)

Any omissions in name = normal or default

Posts

Each map is contained in a seperate post, with a description. These maps will be replaced from time to time. Anyone who wants to post their own Balanced Random maps, please do!
 
Maps submitted by Sean Lindstrom

I used the MGE ver.1.3 MapEditor's "Random Map" function to make these. There are some rare instances where I've joined or cut-off landmasses by adding/deleting a few squares, or have painted a river to improve an otherwise poor location. Aside from that, these maps are pure.

Most start locations are on grassland/river, within reach of two or more specials, and you should go ahead and found your capital on the first turn. Searching will likely reveal a few equally good sites nearby. Where I couldn't place a settler start location on a suitable city site, the settler starts on a hill or mountain within view of one. Players may be on seperate continents. I can't claim that the start positions are perfectly equal, only that no player gets an obvious advantage or disadvantage. If your region is arid, for example, know that you have a strategic advantage to balance this.

Enjoy!
 
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