Continent - A new random map script for the AOE3 demo - by RF_Gandalf
Continent is a new random map with a roughly circular land mass surrounded on all sides by water. For all of those complaining about a lack of randomness in the 2 random maps included in the demo, this should help with your pain. Note this map has not been tested with more than two players.
The setting varies between an eastern woodland, with green terrain and 'new england' style forests, and a more arid climate with or without a central desert. Fauna vary with the climate setting. Player start positions are randomly varied. There is a short trade route on each side of the map generally buildable only by the closer player. There are 2 or 3 Native American village across the center of the map (and each one is randomly Commanche, Iroquois or Cherokee). There are a few sheep or cows (randomly chosen). The ocean is well stocked with fish and whales. Treasures are split equally on the two sides of the map.
This map gives different options with gameplay than those included in the demo, but the original AIs will not generally build up a force on the water. I am looking for feedback on gameplay and on the use of the random Native tribes. In this map you will only know with scouting which of the Natve tribes are available to ally with, if you want to try to use them for their units and techs. You might have to choose which is the most useful to you, and you might have the opportunity to ally with more than one tribe.
I think this is a very fair, balanced map and expect to do a similar version for the game once the full version is released. I expect this to be playable for the upgraded demo version as well.
In order to play this map (and the next two I am releasing in the next 24 hrs), you will need to follow these instructions:
First, backup your folder named - Age of Empires III Trial\data
The files :
stringtable.xml
resources.xml.xmb
must be unzipped to your folder named - Age of Empires III Trial\data
The rest of the files should be unzipped to your folder named - Age of Empires III Trial\RM
The text file is simply a review of the map and is not essential, but it does include these directions.
With these changes you should now be able to see Continent plus the original Texas and New England in the random map drop down window. If you have downloaded and installed my previous 5 maps as well (via the 'Gandalf's Random Maps' download) these new stringtable and resources files do support those maps as well so you can still see and play those maps too (plus the 2 other new maps I am releasing).