which maps do you prefer

[gr8ful wes]

Well, I have tried the random maps, but still prefer the realism of real world or european maps. Granted, I have only been civing for about six months. It is the same for me with Colonization. tried the random/customized maps but continue to prefer the maps of the New World. Been playing that game for 4-5 yrs.
I guess I must think that we live in a perfect world or something.

I do apppreciate your reasons for choosing random though. just not my cup o tea.

 

[gerryandersson]

I like random terrain maps, normal size and medium islands.

 

[CaptBoulanger]

I personally have a homemade USA map with navigable rivers which I usally play on, in round-world mode. It's sorta fun to start in Boston and be able to cut across the narrowest part of the "ocean" (east of Cape Cod) and colonize Oregon with triremes.

Actually, I usually start in isolated locales because I prefer fighting high-tech wars; San Fran, Sacramento, LA, Denver and Tampa are preprogrammed start-points I often use on that map. (if you're downloading it, try the English, Chinese, Japanese, Romans or Russians - but DON'T play the English and Chinese together, their startpoints are 4 squares apart)

 

[ArmOrAttAk]

I like world maps. Seems alot of the time the random maps all look basically the same. Snake continents that really turn into a chore navigating -not just in the sea.
World map everybody gets a good starting position. I also like looking at the top 5 cities and knowing whereabout my opponents are (Because they sure know where I settle cities with no defenders) so that levels the field a bit.
One thing I do is edit the map... Put one tile of land between the continents and Britian/Japan so they can walk off. You can go to 2020ad with the celts still in the stone age otherwise.

 

[Narz]

Besides my maps, I find the best random maps the game can produce are random ones with the following specifications :

Size : Large
Custom Landmass : Small
Land Form : Continents

I find these to be the best for MP games as well.

- Narz

 

[Narz]

By the way, CaptBoulanger, I like your USA map. The starting locations on the Germans and Mongols leaves a bit to be desired for though. Playing either of those two Civs on Deity would be quite a challange!

 

[CaptBoulanger]

Just a guess here, but looking at that map, I'd hazard a guess the Romans would be best to play on deity level. Or possibly the Americans. They both start near a lot of good terrain with some hills and rivers (good for trade and shields).

I personally usually play on Warlord or Prince myself, and other than the mentioned issue with the Germans and Mongols starting on islands, and the close English/Chinese start points, you can pretty much start anywhere and do very well.

 

[Remorseless]

Like Wes, I'm pretty new to this. At first, I loved the random maps--and I'm with Narz on this, large continents, big maps, etc.--but lately, I've really enjoyed the large world map and the Med map (personal favorite). Latest game is Americans on Pacific map at Prince lvl.
But, to belabor an already-tired cliche':
It's all good

 

[mgeary]

I use only radom map. I enjoy the challenge of exploring and taking over new and unexplored lands.

 

[Paramos]

Random maps, normal size, for reasons above. Is it my imagination, or are the larger areas of farmland usually in the Southern Hemisphere? (Maybe an entry for the "I've been playing Civ2 too much" thread!)
I find continents better than islands. You can start to bash the AI before you get map-making. Also if too many enemy civs are on one continent they exchange techs quickly early on.