Map Size

[Roman]

How can I create custom map sizes?

Sorry for the amount of questions I post but I am new to these forums.

[gemini]

Hey, to change map size look in the const.txt file in the gamedata directory, and look for this line.

MAP_SIZE_SMALL 24 48 2
MAP_SIZE_MEDIUM 48 96 2
MAP_SIZE_LARGE 64 128 2
MAP_SIZE_GIGANTIC 120 240 2

The two map sizes have to be divisable by two, so you can't have a map size of 120 x 250. Also map sizes have to be entered x then y. So you can't reverse this order. E.G. y then x. Is invalid. If you do reverse this order or enter invalid dimensions it will appear to work but for some reason it really screws up the ai and maybe other little bugs.

There is also a file called map.txt I think. Which may also need to be changed. It's not necessary to change this file but you may experience some awkward geographical features if you are using extremely large maps created randomly because that file defines how big mountain ranges are, how may continents and other stuff like that. I guess it depends on what you want to do and the size you want to play on.

I haven't really played around with the map.txt file but if you search here on the forum I remember there is a very informative thread on this issue.

Hope that helps!!!!!

[This message has been edited by gemini (edited September 21, 2000).]

[Locutus]

quote: Originally posted by gemini on 09-21-2000 01:38 AM The two map sizes have to be divisable by two, so you can't have a map size of 120 x 250.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say here, Gemini, but at least your example is wrong. 120 x 250 *will* work. The only condition is that the numbers are even, so 121 x 250 wouldn't work (game would probably crash though I never bothered to try). Also, maps with unusual proportions such as 10 x 500 are likely to be screwed up as well (game will either crash during loading or behave really weirded while playing, I've seen both).

BTW, Roman, one can never ask enough
[This message has been edited by Locutus (edited September 21, 2000).]

[saarud]

I have tried starting on a random map size 140 * 280 and bigger but the map get screwed up and consist of continents that are filled with seas that are connected to oneanother. And the islands always consists of a mountain range that are like 5*5 to 10*10 times big in the bottom right corner of the island.

I have tried to tweak all the numbers in const.txt file that has to do with the map without results.
What should I do to get a a world that looks good????

[gemini]

Saarud, the settings that determine stuff like continent size and mountain ranges are in map.txt.

Search for some threads regarding this text file cos I'm sure I remember a thread that explained alot about that file, sorry I can't help anymore but I have never played around with map.txt.

Locutus, didn't think you were still hanging around the creation forum, good to see you .

Anyhow, I realize now how confusing that sentence sounded.

I thought the map sizes had to be divisable by 2, meaning even numbers.

Secondly, I looked at the default map sizes and just thought you had to double the x coordinate for legal sizes. I thought too that I read that in another thread. Thanks for the info and the correction.

quote: I'm not sure what you're trying to say here, Gemini, but at least your example is wrong.

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Gemini

[Roman]

Brilliant and works. I guess the map size limit is determined by the computer's RAM and playability. That's the way I like it.

[Locutus]

Gemini,

He, I'm still around, I have always been around and I will always be around It's just that you're so good at answering all the questions, I don't need to say very much Before I registered I was a lurker for a long time I and just went back to lurking for a while, I just couldn't let this oppurtunity to catch you making a mistake go

Seriously, I thought that that was what you were trying to say, but the way you wrote it down was very confusing and you were also wrong about the y = 2*x thing (working on flatmap support has given me quite some insight in how maps work in CtP, I now know more than I ever wanted to know ), so I thought I'd clarify things a little.

BTW, how's your scenario getting along? You do know CtPII is probably launched before the holidays? (exactly the reason I gave up on my scenario, at least for now)
[This message has been edited by Locutus (edited September 22, 2000).]

[gemini]

Ya, the scenario is still coming around. I'm doing alot of late stage alpha playtesting and just working on getting the numbers right so everything flows smoothly. Hopefully we'll be playtesting soon but you never know what other problems will come up. Have to keep testing and retesting and well... you know how it is, if it's not one thing it's another bug that pops up. But I'm getting there.

Well other ideas pop in my head for more features for the scenario, so it seems I am either adding something or fixing something.

Ya ctp2, hip hip hooray!!!!! Well I'm sure it will be better than ctp but given activisions past history of no support(e.g. the length of time to get the slic v1.2 documentation, and promising the api for the ai dll and not seeing anything), I'm not sure if Activision's support for mod makers and editing file's will be 180 degree turn around, so I'm not to worried if my scenario is going to be passed by because ctp2 comes out, cos I'm unsure as to how well activisions support will be this time around. I really hope they do make it alot easier for mod makers and I look forward to it coming out. I guess we'll see.

I'm making my scen cos I like it and I want it to be completely *bug free* and really a scenario that looks and feels like alot of effort was put into it. So I always approach things pressure free and the last thing I want to feel is rushed because ctp2 is coming out. Frankly I don't really care if alot of people play the scenario cos it's really something I want to do for myself and if I'm happy with the end result I'm sure it will appeal to other people. Wow, never knew I could babble like this before.

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Gemini
[This message has been edited by gemini (edited September 22, 2000).]

[Locutus]

Hmmm, sounds like you'll be busy for a while. But you're damn right, if you make a scenario you'll want it to be as bug-free and perfect as possible and if you don't care about many people playing it, you can take all the time you want. Most of the regulars here (even the ones that appear absent, I have the feeling I'm not the only one lurking) will probably give it a try anyway, we all know how long you've been working on it and how promising it sounds already.

But if I were you I woundn't underestimate CtPII either, Activision seems to have learnt a lot from their mistakes and are even making their own scenario's for CtPII so they'll *have* to make sure scenario-support works this time. Of course, it's still a big company and I'm sure they'll disappoint in some area's (IMHO the hype that's developing in the CtPII Forums is starting to get out of hand), but I think there will be a lot of facilities for scenario-makers in CtPII and very little people will go back to CtPI once they can also play the sequel.

quote: Wow, never knew I could babble like this before.

Yeah, I found out about my incredible 'babble-abilities' as well after I started posting here
Wow! You didn't know which smily to choose so you just used them all? LOL
[This message has been edited by Locutus (edited September 23, 2000).]

[skorpion59]

Well, Locutus, you pulled me out. I have been lurking for quite a few weeks now (since I started my weekly treatments). Gemini and Paul, as usual, have been doing an excellent job 'holding the fort down around here'.

I have to agree with you on the CtP2 forums. Some of the Hype is getting way out of control, much like the Civ3 forums. I dropped out of the Civ3 forum long ago for the same reason. Personally, I would rather have a game 'in my hands' with a few less options than to keep hearing, over and over, about something that is not going to happen or at least not going to happen for quite a few years. I would venture to say that most are non-programmers and simply don't understand that just because you want to do something, doesn't mean it CAN be done. At least not in the short term. You have to draw a line somewhere and say, "Okay, this is what is in the game and no more." If not, you will never finish the project. On top of that, 50,000 people want it done one way, while 50,000 other people want it done some other way. Compromise is the only solution. I am willing to judge CtP2 for what it is, not what *I* want it to be.

And, yes, as it has been pointed out, the forums do bring out the babble in all of us from time to time.