So what is the best map?

[Ken Bregott]

What do you think is the best custom map ever made for SMAC? What map did you enjoy the most?

[Bkeela]

I love the huge map of planet. I have found no custom maps that compare to it. I've downloaded a few off the net, but most are so absurd, they are unplayable. Most are suited to multiplayer.

Bkeela

[Googlie]

I agree.

After experimenting with million tile custom maps (1000 x 1000) i have my 'Huge' map set to 256 x 256 (you can change the settings in alpha.txt)

Huge MoP on this scale gives an awesome builder game.

Custom random maps are pretty cool too, especially if you want to hone your waterworld skills.

Googlie

[Lord Maxwell]

Googlie: Where did you find a MoP that size? Or did you scale it yourself? (Is there a way to do that?)

[JAMiAM]

Random...always random.

I've tried the MoP. It's okay...once. For me, a key component to my enjoyment is the tension of exploring the unknown. The mindset of being on an alien world, not of your choosing, hostile, yet the only one that you and your ragtag group of followers were able to get to, is one of the reasons that SMAC stays as fresh as it has.

[Paul]

I also prefer random maps for the same reasons JAMiAM mentioned.

[Googlie]

Lord Maxwell - you'll need to amend the alpha.txt.

Normal is:

#WORLDSIZE
5
Tiny planet|(early conflict), 24, 48
Small planet, 32, 64
Standard planet, 40, 80
Large planet, 44, 90
Huge planet|(late conflict), 64, 128

I now set my huge at 256,256 (which from trial and error gives me the best games - either for MoP or for random)

you can change to 1000 x 1000 in the "customize random world" settings on the game start screens - you'll get a warning but i always hit 'continue anyway'

Note that you'll need power and memory to run on these huge maps (I'm using PIII 700 with 128 MB RAM, but it used to work OK on a 450 P II I had)

If you go with 1000 x 1000, activate the 'speed enemy movement' option, 'cos the game really drags in the late stages as the AI moves

JAMiAM: - I agree - the randomness of the planet is refreshing. I only use MoP now if i am trying for a record

Googlie

[Docfeelgood]

Took your advise, WoW! thats a big map.

cool