Fractal Maps

[Tyrant Roger]

Like many others, I prefer playing fractal maps for the variety and surprise of the result. In my current game, however, I was really surprised. I found myself on an island large enough for about eight cities. Within trireme distance was a second island of the same size with Ragnar on it. For centuries, of course, I couldn't trade techs with Ragnar - just resources.

Finally, Brennus shows up via caravel and the tech trading frenzy begins. When my caravels make the rounds I discover that each of the seven civs are on their own island - all about the same size. What kind of map is that?

I realized a domination win would require at least four sea invasions and so I am pursuing a space strategy, but it won't be easy with so few cities to build parts.

Anyone else seen such a map? Any suggestions on how best to proceed?

 

[Jerrymander]

Invade and destroy one neighbor, preferrably one with high produciton cities, or one that is least liked by other nations.
Then go Space Race.

 

[Duraska]

That does sound unique!

Build up your Navy! If you own the seas, you'll own the planet.

 

[Solver]

Sounds like the Islands script... Fractal can indeed produce those, too.

Use the AI's weaknesses. It isn't good enough at naval invasions to fully conquer another island. Do as Jerrymander says - invade and take over one island, preferrably with high-production terrain. Thought being close to you is more important for maintenance reasons. So you might want to invade Ragnar actually.

If you have two islands when everyone else has one, and eventually get the Forbidden Palace up on the second island, you'll take a lead by having more commerce and production. Then you can either go space or take over one more island if you want.

 

[Tyrant Roger]

Because of my isolated start, I had a very small army. About half as large as the next smallest army. This made invading Ragnar or anyone else all but impossible.

Accordingly, I built and upgraded my navy to deter invasion and concentrated on factories, laboratories, and Three Gorges Dam. When my space ship lifted off Brennus had only one more part to build. Very close ending ...

I usually don't play out isolated starts - just too slow and boring - but this game proved that isn't always the case.