RF_Gandalf |
Posted on 02/14/08 @ 10:17 AM
File Details |
Game Version: |
TAD |
Asian Rivers
A random map script for AOE3: The Asian Dynsties
by RF_Gandalf
Asian Rivers is a new random map only for AOE3: The Asian Dynsties, for Single-player or Multiplayer use. This design features a rectangular map with two parallel rivers separating the teams, each with 1-4 shallow crossings. This map is somewhat larger than the standard ES maps and is rectangular. The map uses 8 different, randomly chosen terrain patterns, each of which represents a different Asian region based on some of the terrains of the Asian maps (the 8 are Honshu, Deccan, Himalayas, Yellow River, Mongolia, Indochina, Siberia and a 'green' Siberia); each pattern has appropriate treasures, forest and fauna with some degree of variability of features in each pattern.
There is always one Trade Route on each side of the map, each with 1 or 2 trade post sockets (player number dependant). There is also a Trade Route with more trade post sockets running the width of the map between the rivers.
There are up to several Native villages at various locations, randomly chosen and fairly, roughly symmetrically placed. There are may be more natives than on most maps, although the number will vary. There can be one or two types of native per map.
Mines, huntables, herdables, forest and treasures are pretty standard. All maps have 2 mines per player near the start area (though the second is just out of the starting screen), with an additional few per player further off. Often some of the distant mines will be gold mines rather than silver, tin or copper mines, which provide much more coin; more rarely even the start area mines will be gold mines. The center area between the rivers, in addition to having the above mentioned trade route, has richer resources - more mines, more huntables, possible extra berries, possible native villages - so is worth battling over to achieve control. In addition, in the KOTH game style the monument will be in the center of the map between the rivers.
In my testing this map produces extremely fair, balanced maps for 2 team play. Effective play involves scouting the various resources, Native types, Trade Routes, map terrain, river crossings, and of course, the enemy. The gameplay on this map is unique and offers a variety of strategies. The use of the natives should be routine. There is a posssibility of defensive play at the crossings. And the map is very well suited for coordinated teamwork. This map can be played in FFA but it is not an ideal map for this as player placement is not always fair.
Note that the number of river crossings can vary randomly from 1 to 4, but will always be the same for both rivers. Obviously 4 crossings are harder to defend than 1 or 2.
To play this map, the two files (Asian Rivers.xs and Asian Rivers.xml) must be placed in the folder: My Documents\My Games\Age of Empires 3\RM3. Please do not place them in the game's install folder - that will not work. When you start up a skirmish game in Single-player or Multiplayer, use the small blue 'Custom Map' button, which allows you to then select one of the random maps in that My Games folder from the drop-down window. The files will transfer in Multiplayer if your allies or opponents have not downloaded the files. Please do not edit the files or you will have compatability problems in Multiplayer. The map will not work in the original AOE3 or TWC because the new Asian Dynasies terrains and other features will cause the map to not work properly.
Thanks to ES for providing the tools to make random map scripting possible.
Feedback appreciated! |