If this thread sounds like a dictatorship (did I already use that comparison?) where I'm the only one who posts reviews, it's not. I'm not going to be accepting community reviews because I want to get my reviews up quickly and easily, but after I put a review up, if people want me to change something about my map review I certainly will.
And if there is a map I have not played but I want to review, I will probably ask you guys what you thought of it, look at the screenshots, its description, and what other people thought of it, and perhaps make a rating that way. I'll probably have a special section for maps like these, ones I haven't actually played but have a sorta kinda review.
More editing on the OP coming soon!
EDIT: Hey, I'm still looking for a banner! If nobody wants to make one, I suppose I'll make my own, but I'd love a community made banner for the CTM shop.
CTM maps beaten: Sea of Flame II, Infernal Sky II, Kaizo Caverns, Black Desert, Legendary, Nightmare Realm, Sunburn Islands, Spellbound Caves, Lethamyr, Waking Up
Nice. Do you think you could make it a less "pixelated" font? The huge letters over the VM also sorta detract from the picture.
If this gets off the ground, I'll make it my sig.
@KingKaider: I will eventually go back and beat Depthcharge. I liked that map, but...beta testing some CTM maps, Super Hostile, IRL work, etc. The Cybele Adventures IV snapshot looks really, really good. Very professional looking. I'll definitely have to play that when it comes out.
Yeah, hopefully this will become the hotbed of CTM off-topic discussion that Vechs' thread isn't, because whenever someone posts something that doesn't have the words "Super Hostile" in it, the mods delete it.
Thanks a million for the banner Strat! That will be the new official banner! I was envisioning a banner just like that, and I made one like that earlier, but the silly online banner makers don't let you have the image link of the banners you make, and I suck at GIMP. So thanks! I added the banner to the OP and credited you.
Now, for an actual question to get discussion started on this thread about CTM maps. I have a burning question to ask y'all... what do you like to see in a CTM map?
I know that's a super broad question, but giving you my answer so you know what I'm talking about: I really focus on block combinations, terrain, and loot. What I'm talking about when I say block combinations is, do the blocks in an area really, really look good together? Do they contrast and look original? For example, I'm a huge fan of the block combinations in Amalon's maps... in one of the areas in his second map, he uses obsidian, endstone, glowstone and vines together, and they look great.
As for terrain, what I look for in a great mapmaker is, can they make good terrain? One of my favorite terrain people is three_two... his giant, expansive, sweeping, creative areas are exactly what an ideal CTM map to me represents. A person who only plays vanilla should be able to look at a CTM map and have their jaw fall to the floor, while still having it not be too out-there and un-vanilla-y, if that makes any sense at all.
Now, for loot, I just love an abundance of fantastic enchanted loot. Someone who makes great loot is Domara... his maps give out a lot of enchanted things, ores, materials, etc... but the map is hard enough that giving out that much doesn't make it easy. I enjoy maps where there's great loot in the chests AND lots of mobs and difficult traps... makes the map that much more exciting rather than fighting say, 2 zombies in leather armor, you are fighting 222 zombies in Protection IV diamond armor. The difficulty scale is still the same, and the difficulty ratio, but it's so much more fun.
Anyway, sorry for being so long-winded, but I'd love to hear your responses! What do you look for in a CTM map?
What made CTM Central so interesting was the fact that you could see and hear many different playstyles to your need being represented on one map, this one just has a single playstyle and selected maps that one person plays instead of many. If this is what you are "offering", Isaac, then you're doing it wrong.
What made CTM Central so interesting was the fact that you could see and hear many different playstyles to your need being represented on one map, this one just has a single playstyle and selected maps that one person plays instead of many. If this is what you are "offering", Isaac, then you're doing it wrong.
Did you read what I wrote about this thread?
Yes, I am the only one writing the reviews, because I can get reviews out faster and with less hassle if I don't have to wait for people to PM me their reviews. However, it is not that different than the last CTM Central-- if the community tells me that something about a review should be changed, I will do it! If you have any feedback on the reviews, I will change them to what the community wants them to say. It's still the community's opinion.
Also, maps are not going to be the only thing in the OP. I am planning on putting strategies for playing CTM maps and more in the main post. It's going to be a complete resource for CTM, not just a list of maps. (And if you're wondering, the strategies for playing CTM and other stuff are going to be entirely from the community, not my opinion).
Overall, I don't really see how the community isn't being involved here.
What made CTM Central so interesting was the fact that you could see and hear many different playstyles to your need being represented on one map, this one just has a single playstyle and selected maps that one person plays instead of many. If this is what you are "offering", Isaac, then you're doing it wrong.
Give the man a break, (for a little while, then rip his head off) Hybran. This was just made today and obviously can only have a few entries for now. Once Isaac gets more people to do reviews (You, Red, myself, Strat, Izak, other forum regulars, etc.), the maps will get reviews from multiple play-styles. And as long as we continue to add more and more maps to the thread, the selection will increase.
Yes, I am the only one writing the reviews, because I can get reviews out faster and with less hassle if I don't have to wait for people to PM me their reviews. However, it is not that different than the last CTM Central-- if the community tells me that something about a review should be changed, I will do it! If you have any feedback on the reviews, I will change them to what the community wants them to say. It's still the community's opinion.
Now then, you sir, have not played every single CTM map ever made. As such, if this "shop" is to increase its stock, you MUST ACCEPT reviews from others. Let's take Matt's map for instance, he can't review it because he made it, and you haven't played it. But it should be on this thread, right? It's a good CTM map and could use the exposure. You have to accept good reviews from other people about maps that you have not played. Otherwise this thread will continue to have a very limited number of reviews/maps.
Bounce Hybran off of Isaac...watch the two argue...continue to bounce them around...profit.
Send in your reviews please to me! I will take 5 volunteer reviewers for naow. The first 5 people to PM me will be the first 5 reviewers! (After that, I will add people later as needed, or if they want to be a volunteer reviewer.)
Pm me starting... now!
EDIT: Editing the OP to accomadate multiple reviews.
Give the man a break, (for a little while, then rip his head off) Hybran. This was just made today and obviously can only have a few entries for now. Once Isaac gets more people to do reviews (You, Red, myself, Strat, Izak, other forum regulars, etc.), the maps will get reviews from multiple play-styles. And as long as we continue to add more and more maps to the thread, the selection will increase.
Heh heh heh heh. I don't have a review right now, the only maps I've completed are Vechs' and XeroThomas' prolouge. I can do a "guest" review of Matt's map once I'm done beta-testing it though, or I can turn in my review to you for editing and you can run it under your name.
Hey, does anybody know how you make a link that brings you to CTM Shop, but a certain amount of space down the page?
Once there's multiple things in this thread eventually (map reviews, map walkthroughs perhaps?, tips on conquering maps) I want to create a table of contents so people can clicky. So, does anybody know how to do that?
Now, for an actual question to get discussion started on this thread about CTM maps. I have a burning question to ask y'all... what do you like to see in a CTM map?
I know that's a super broad question, but giving you my answer so you know what I'm talking about: I really focus on block combinations, terrain, and loot. What I'm talking about when I say block combinations is, do the blocks in an area really, really look good together? Do they contrast and look original? For example, I'm a huge fan of the block combinations in Amalon's maps... in one of the areas in his second map, he uses obsidian, endstone, glowstone and vines together, and they look great.
As for terrain, what I look for in a great mapmaker is, can they make good terrain? One of my favorite terrain people is three_two... his giant, expansive, sweeping, creative areas are exactly what an ideal CTM map to me represents. A person who only plays vanilla should be able to look at a CTM map and have their jaw fall to the floor, while still having it not be too out-there and un-vanilla-y, if that makes any sense at all.
Now, for loot, I just love an abundance of fantastic enchanted loot. Someone who makes great loot is Domara... his maps give out a lot of enchanted things, ores, materials, etc... but the map is hard enough that giving out that much doesn't make it easy. I enjoy maps where there's great loot in the chests AND lots of mobs and difficult traps... makes the map that much more exciting rather than fighting say, 2 zombies in leather armor, you are fighting 222 zombies in Protection IV diamond armor. The difficulty scale is still the same, and the difficulty ratio, but it's so much more fun.
Anyway, sorry for being so long-winded, but I'd love to hear your responses! What do you look for in a CTM map?
My personal opinions:
Scaling Difficulty> What I mean by this is, don't throw 30,000,000 monster spawners in at the start of the map. In other words, the map should start out easy then get progressively harder at each intersection or area (For Linear branching maps). White should be easy as hell, Black and red should make you want to punch a kitten.
Scaling Loot> Don't give a diamond sword at the beginning with enchanted armor. Instead, give out items for the difficulty of the area. i should not have full diamond armor before the map is half over. I should not have a wooden sword in the final area.
Cool Victory Monument Style> Be creative of the victory monument layout. Don't just copy Vech's design.
Fun Areas> Explanatory
So, that's just my opinion
I also sent you a review PM. Minecraft 1.4 is FAR less laggier than 1.3 on my intel gfx powered laptop So I'd actually beable to play those huge maps
Now then, you sir, have not played every single CTM map ever made. As such, if this "shop" is to increase its stock, you MUST ACCEPT reviews from others. Let's take Matt's map for instance, he can't review it because he made it, and you haven't played it. But it should be on this thread, right? It's a good CTM map and could use the exposure. You have to accept good reviews from other people about maps that you have not played. Otherwise this thread will continue to have a very limited number of reviews/maps.
What made CTM Central so interesting was the fact that you could see and hear many different playstyles to your need being represented on one map, this one just has a single playstyle and selected maps that one person plays instead of many. If this is what you are "offering", Isaac, then you're doing it wrong.
I didn't say he was "doing it wrong" (Rhetoric > truth), but instead focused on what will make this thread "popular." I also phrased it to seem more like I was trying to help him rather than correcting him. It could also be popularity bias though.
As for what I look for in a CTM map? I look for exciting terrain and beautiful landscapes. I look for unique areas that are truly interesting. I look for a challenge that will test my skills. I look for a map that is balanced and fair (no blowing up wool boxes, etc.) I look for a map that seems professional, well-made, and enjoyable.
When I'm done, I can do a review of Mattgeek314's The Fire Beneath. I'm the beta tester for the map, and only 4 wools away from completion.
I think beta testing should not be the most reliable reviews. It's mostly because the creator has changed parts of the map after you've beta tested it.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Every bloody CTM map series boasts that it's bigger, longer, and harder than other CTM series. It's almost as if it's a **** measuring contest. (bigger, longer, harder...)
The most important thing for me in a CTM is balance. Gameplay is the most important aspect, with aesthetics second. A really impressive looking starting area is fairly important though, as it catches the eye and keeps the player interested. If the first dungeon is fun or interesting, it keeps my interest. Surpassing that, if a first dungeon is unique and unlike something I'd ever seen before, that will definitely make me want to keep playing. And if that uniqueness continues...because not all dungeons can and should be: Run in, place torches, kill monsters, repeat.
If this thread sounds like a dictatorship (did I already use that comparison?) where I'm the only one who posts reviews, it's not. I'm not going to be accepting community reviews because I want to get my reviews up quickly and easily, but after I put a review up, if people want me to change something about my map review I certainly will.
And if there is a map I have not played but I want to review, I will probably ask you guys what you thought of it, look at the screenshots, its description, and what other people thought of it, and perhaps make a rating that way. I'll probably have a special section for maps like these, ones I haven't actually played but have a sorta kinda review.
More editing on the OP coming soon!
EDIT: Hey, I'm still looking for a banner! If nobody wants to make one, I suppose I'll make my own, but I'd love a community made banner for the CTM shop.
http://i.imgur.com/hsjRA.jpg
CTM maps beaten: Sea of Flame II, Infernal Sky II, Kaizo Caverns, Black Desert, Legendary, Nightmare Realm, Sunburn Islands, Spellbound Caves, Lethamyr, Waking Up
If this gets off the ground, I'll make it my sig.
@KingKaider: I will eventually go back and beat Depthcharge. I liked that map, but...beta testing some CTM maps, Super Hostile, IRL work, etc. The Cybele Adventures IV snapshot looks really, really good. Very professional looking. I'll definitely have to play that when it comes out.
Looks promising, isaac, keep up the good work!
Thanks a million for the banner Strat! That will be the new official banner! I was envisioning a banner just like that, and I made one like that earlier, but the silly online banner makers don't let you have the image link of the banners you make, and I suck at GIMP. So thanks! I added the banner to the OP and credited you.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Now, for an actual question to get discussion started on this thread about CTM maps. I have a burning question to ask y'all... what do you like to see in a CTM map?
I know that's a super broad question, but giving you my answer so you know what I'm talking about: I really focus on block combinations, terrain, and loot. What I'm talking about when I say block combinations is, do the blocks in an area really, really look good together? Do they contrast and look original? For example, I'm a huge fan of the block combinations in Amalon's maps... in one of the areas in his second map, he uses obsidian, endstone, glowstone and vines together, and they look great.
As for terrain, what I look for in a great mapmaker is, can they make good terrain? One of my favorite terrain people is three_two... his giant, expansive, sweeping, creative areas are exactly what an ideal CTM map to me represents. A person who only plays vanilla should be able to look at a CTM map and have their jaw fall to the floor, while still having it not be too out-there and un-vanilla-y, if that makes any sense at all.
Now, for loot, I just love an abundance of fantastic enchanted loot. Someone who makes great loot is Domara... his maps give out a lot of enchanted things, ores, materials, etc... but the map is hard enough that giving out that much doesn't make it easy. I enjoy maps where there's great loot in the chests AND lots of mobs and difficult traps... makes the map that much more exciting rather than fighting say, 2 zombies in leather armor, you are fighting 222 zombies in Protection IV diamond armor. The difficulty scale is still the same, and the difficulty ratio, but it's so much more fun.
Anyway, sorry for being so long-winded, but I'd love to hear your responses! What do you look for in a CTM map?
Did you read what I wrote about this thread?
Yes, I am the only one writing the reviews, because I can get reviews out faster and with less hassle if I don't have to wait for people to PM me their reviews. However, it is not that different than the last CTM Central-- if the community tells me that something about a review should be changed, I will do it! If you have any feedback on the reviews, I will change them to what the community wants them to say. It's still the community's opinion.
Also, maps are not going to be the only thing in the OP. I am planning on putting strategies for playing CTM maps and more in the main post. It's going to be a complete resource for CTM, not just a list of maps. (And if you're wondering, the strategies for playing CTM and other stuff are going to be entirely from the community, not my opinion).
Overall, I don't really see how the community isn't being involved here.
Give the man a break, (for a little while, then rip his head off) Hybran. This was just made today and obviously can only have a few entries for now. Once Isaac gets more people to do reviews (You, Red, myself, Strat, Izak, other forum regulars, etc.), the maps will get reviews from multiple play-styles. And as long as we continue to add more and more maps to the thread, the selection will increase.
Now then, you sir, have not played every single CTM map ever made. As such, if this "shop" is to increase its stock, you MUST ACCEPT reviews from others. Let's take Matt's map for instance, he can't review it because he made it, and you haven't played it. But it should be on this thread, right? It's a good CTM map and could use the exposure. You have to accept good reviews from other people about maps that you have not played. Otherwise this thread will continue to have a very limited number of reviews/maps.
Bounce Hybran off of Isaac...watch the two argue...continue to bounce them around...profit.
FINE FINE FINE.
I SHALL ACCEPT REVIEWS FROM EVERYONE.
Send in your reviews please to me! I will take 5 volunteer reviewers for naow. The first 5 people to PM me will be the first 5 reviewers! (After that, I will add people later as needed, or if they want to be a volunteer reviewer.)
Pm me starting... now!
EDIT: Editing the OP to accomadate multiple reviews.
You just repeated my post.
:/
Heh heh heh heh. I don't have a review right now, the only maps I've completed are Vechs' and XeroThomas' prolouge. I can do a "guest" review of Matt's map once I'm done beta-testing it though, or I can turn in my review to you for editing and you can run it under your name.
But Isaac listened to me, whereas he just argued with you. Problem?
Once there's multiple things in this thread eventually (map reviews, map walkthroughs perhaps?, tips on conquering maps) I want to create a table of contents so people can clicky. So, does anybody know how to do that?
Zap, come here, is this another case of Popularity Bias?
And put up a review of the Zero Mercy series (author is Xekaj), review by Hybran.
My personal opinions:
Scaling Difficulty> What I mean by this is, don't throw 30,000,000 monster spawners in at the start of the map. In other words, the map should start out easy then get progressively harder at each intersection or area (For Linear branching maps). White should be easy as hell, Black and red should make you want to punch a kitten.
Scaling Loot> Don't give a diamond sword at the beginning with enchanted armor. Instead, give out items for the difficulty of the area. i should not have full diamond armor before the map is half over. I should not have a wooden sword in the final area.
Cool Victory Monument Style> Be creative of the victory monument layout. Don't just copy Vech's design.
Fun Areas> Explanatory
So, that's just my opinion
I also sent you a review PM. Minecraft 1.4 is FAR less laggier than 1.3 on my intel gfx powered laptop So I'd actually beable to play those huge maps
We said the same thing, but we said it differently. Re-read them.
I didn't say he was "doing it wrong" (Rhetoric > truth), but instead focused on what will make this thread "popular." I also phrased it to seem more like I was trying to help him rather than correcting him. It could also be popularity bias though.
As for what I look for in a CTM map? I look for exciting terrain and beautiful landscapes. I look for unique areas that are truly interesting. I look for a challenge that will test my skills. I look for a map that is balanced and fair (no blowing up wool boxes, etc.) I look for a map that seems professional, well-made, and enjoyable.
I think beta testing should not be the most reliable reviews. It's mostly because the creator has changed parts of the map after you've beta tested it.
My Minecraft Maps: coldfusionmaps.com