13 Colonies Quenched!

[the.killing.44]

Sorry, I'm not a fan of the huge block of text. I love the thing in the top left, so maybe you could make it a watermark in the southeast area from this image? I do like what you did with the minimap.

[cubfanpgh]

Liking the letter concept, really gives it life.

While I understood what "accommodate" and the Indian stuff meant in terms of gameplay, this is possibly only because I have been following the map through its progression. Things could get sticky there, though maybe just changing one or two words is required.

Finally, strike "reference" and write "refer to". While this is a small grammar thing, it's jarring.

[The Neon Peon]

Why do you use a different font for the large and small versions?

[Industrial Helix]

OK, thanks for the suggestions everyone. Since I posted that a bit late I noticed a few minors errors on my part as well as those mentioned. The biggest change is the tilt int he minimap... when I looked at it this morning the right edge was far too vertical and the slightest tilt would give it that scattered general's desktop look.

The changes I did not implement are to ensure that the sea lines didn't get covered up by the letters. This, while reducing clarity by the tiniest tiny bit, give the map some character and helps push the multiple papers idea. I really this its obvious that the two ships connect and shouldn't be worried about it. Napoleonic Europe does it and I think it works quite well.

As for the letter, sorry Killing, but I'm making the executive decision on it. As long as the rules are clear I think it should be alright. It's a little different than the usual form of listed rules that maps use, but a little storyline never hurt anyone.

As for centering the stamp on the parchment... well, the image I grabbed it from is the stamp on the parchment. There's not much that I can do about separating the two. While centering more would be slightly better, I don't think its too bad as is.

Anyway, here's hoping the mods pass this thing... I'm gonna PM them on it... the first time in the 10 months this map has been in production, so I'm not feeling too bad about it.

One last housekeeping thing.... I'm going to continue to progress the block text map and use it as a reserve for when Beta testing comes. Should a number of people complain about the size of the text, the block text map will be a ready reserve for quick implementation.

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

[Industrial Helix]

Hey Neon, there was doubts as to whether or not it would be readable in such a small size... I'm going to keep the blocky text on hand should, come beta testing, a number of people actually have problems with the small text.

[isaiah40]

A couple minor things. The bottom of the map is sitting on top of a wood surface, while the top of the map is UNDER the wood surface. Bottom right corner needs the wood surface/ torn paper look.

Can you tilt the story line a little to the right (that is the top of the letter gets moved to the right). This would give more of the scattered paper feeling. This would also move the letter away from that one British ship.

Overall, I'll say it again, Great job!!

[AndyDufresne]

The wall of text is too much for me---probably because of the font style. Is there a way to you can note key pieces of information? Underlining perhaps, if you aren't going to change the font style?


--Andy

[Industrial Helix]

Thanks Issiah. I see what you mean about most of it. Though I think the bit about where it looks like the wood is overlaying the map on the bottom... I think that might be you. After you said it I can see how you could see that, but its not how the layers are ordered nor how the inner glow, outer glow and drop shadow were set to operate. Regardless, I toyed with those three setting to try and get it less like you saw it. It should be good now.

Andy, I mean this in the nicest way and with all the respect you deserve for commenting on my maps and helping me along... but its literally 6 sentences and hardly a wall of text. It's unusual for a map on CC, yes, but if a player can read the instructions on a macaroni and cheese box, then they shouldn't have trouble with this. Plus, despite its wording, it's pretty simple: 2 men for french ship and colony, 3 men for both british ships and their landing points, Indian territories revert to 2.
They're not complex rules and once got, should be easily retained in the mind. I do not expect it will cause problems with players.

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

[isaiah40]

I think I may have mis-communicated there. I saw a shadow on the wood texture at the top of the map, it looks good now.
Ooops ... now you have to put the wood texture in the top right corner where you tilted the letter. You have a white background where you shifted the letter.

[Industrial Helix]

Got it, here it is adjusted.

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

[AndyDufresne]

I know the rules aren't complex, but the Font is less than helpful in style, thus making it more difficult to find and then apply those rules.

So I'd consider figuring out a way to quickly highlight the crucial game information, or look for a font that allows for a quicker scan.


--Andy

[the.killing.44]

I know the rules aren't complex, but the Font is less than helpful in style, thus making it more difficult to find and then apply those rules.

So I'd consider figuring out a way to quickly highlight the crucial game information, or look for a font that allows for a quicker scan.


--Andy

Yeah, I agree with changing the font.

Then you should select:
"…French vessel…come to your aid."
"…both British vessels…three armies shall be sent to your aid."
"While they may grant you swift passage…kill those who do."
"Secure the colonies…chart."

See how bolding all of that text works.

[Industrial Helix]

Well, arguably the flags ought to serve as indicators as to where the information on the bonus is located. If you jump straight to the british flag, for example, the following text is "secure for them both safe landing points, three armies shall be sent to your aid." in half a sentence there it is, both ships, landing points and three armies, and a total of 8 extra words. The previous versions of this map included 5 non-essential words in the rules...

I think bolding the font would only serve to muddle the text in variances of dark and light, skiny and thick, rather than clarify it. The flags serve as good indicators as to where the essential information is located.

Though something could be said for the directions leading a player to think that you only have to hold the landing points. I clarified them in the following draft.

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

[natty dread]

For the record, I still think it would look better if you spelled Algonkin "Algonquin".

As for the letter, I for one have no trouble understanding the rules of the map from the text. I think it's fine as it is, but a bold text on the key parts would not hurt it either.

[AndyDufresne]

Best of luck with whatever you decide. I just always hate to see good maps get muddled by text/font clarity.


--Andy

[Raskholnikov]

Don't mean to be negative, bu most non-English native speakers will have no idea what the letter says. Even so, the "secure landing" part is confusing. I personally love the letter idea, but it must be simplified to tha max, even if it won't sound like an 18th century letter and you will have to use +2 symbols etc. Good luck!

[natty dread]

Don't mean to be negative, bu most non-English native speakers will have no idea what the letter says.

If you can't understand that much english, then you won't understand the rules of half of the maps in CC...

there's always google translate

[Industrial Helix]

Ok, guys, this is the only other font that will work for the letter that I could find which maintained a handwritten style and worked for the shape of the letter.

While my sympathies to those who do not speak English, a) Natty dread has a point. b) this isn't the only map that features text to read that is necessary for the rules. Bamboo Jack, for example, Poker club, and to an extent, Supermax.

If necessary, I'll post a translation in the thread for those who can not read the text.

Also, the case could be made that in bolding certain parts the text would increase in confusion rather than decrease. I think simplicity in terms of style is the necessity that will aid the message of the letter.

And honestly, if you don't understand what "secure a landing point" means then... I don't know what to tell you. I think we're undercutting the intelligence and problem solving abilities of CC players here in wild speculation as to what they can and can not understand. I do not honestly believe that letter is any more difficult than the directions that accompany a board game of Risk, are found in the book of recipes or may be inside the most common piece of mail. Should it truly prove a problem in Beta, I will make the changes. But I honestly do not believe it will, short of maybe complaints that they don't want to read all six sentences.

Clarity, is an issue, I believe this version will address it suitably.

I relented on putting in +3 over three as it does make things somewhat more clear without detracting from the letter form.

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

[cairnswk]

To be honest, i had no problems reading the previous small version letter and understanding everything (but then most players are not me), and i found it more difficult to read this small version letter in that font. Sorry IH.

EDit: The golden rule to follow for instructions that has been beaten into me repeatedly by the foundry over these nearly last three years when developing gameplay rules, is:
K.I.S.S.

[jefjef]

Interesting change. The "letter" should look like it was written with an ink well and quill pen in the old english style.

AND.

WHERE IS THE AMERICAN FLAG? I see France and Englands. You gotta have the flag of independence on this map.

[Industrial Helix]

Thanks Cairns and I'm glad someone here can say they can read it. While the rule of thumb is to keep is short and simple, I think the letter gives it much more flavor. I've gotten a few PMs saying they love the letter idea... though why those people don't post on the thread is beyond me

Jefjef - The current flag in use is the flag of the Grand Union used by Washington between 1775-1777, he personally hoisted it himself in Cambridge 1776. The Betsy Ross flag didn't come into play until 1777.

I just found the perfect Betsy Ross flag image though, which will go more with the parchment and look more like it was printed at the time... so stay tuned.

[MrBenn]

The instructions need to be as clear as possible. While I like the idea of the letter, it adds a layer of confusion to the instruction. I had to redo the instructions on Wales a couple of times, and had to settle for something a lot more obvious than I had originally wanted.

On a graphical front, I miss the US flag in the top corner. While there is little to fault about the new graphic, it feels to me as if it adds a bit of clutter?

Part of me wonders if the colours (red/blue) could be desaturated or muted a little, but these are just tiny niggles now

[Industrial Helix]

Thanks MrBenn, hopefully these changes will address everything.

I clarified the instructions to the point where they're clearer than they were in the previous versions. Hopefully, capture isn't too complicated a word and when reading it everyone will understand that means own the territory. I specified what I mean by landing points and where exactly they are. I also added numbers for further clarity.

Changed the flag to appease Jefjef and I think he's got a point, if I'm doing revolutionary war then anything short of the iconic betsy ross flag won't do.

I also tweaked the colors on the red and blue colonies. They're more desaturated now.

I figure I've got maybe a half of a day left before the foundry closes. Here's hoping this thing gets its promotion!

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

[the.killing.44]

Well, your flags are all over the place, but…better I guess.

[Industrial Helix]

Woops...

Should be fixed now.