Now, I'd hate to be an elititst, and I do indeed acknowledge the numerous high quality C&M maps out there. Seriously, I've played some enjoyable, well-balanced C&M Maps around the net. In fact, I've seen quite a few high-end maps of this gameplay posted here recently. However, let us face the fact that the majority of Cat 'n' Mice has degraded down to nothing. Right? Aight, so you're probably wondering why I'm even rambling on like this. Honestly, what else do I have to say? Well, unfortunately for those short on time right now, I actually have a lot more to say, however, luckily for those wanting a map, I have just that waiting for you.
What does this map need?
What does a Cat 'n' Mice map need for it to be enjoyable? Aye? I'd suggest things like realism, balance, renewable strategies, and a different experience every time. Aight, so let's go into detail on some of those...
Realism - While Starcraft can only represent environments to a certain extent, the units can actually be applied to many ideals. Moving on, a Cat 'n' Mice map needs realism. Proper names and accurate representations would be my prime realism aspects I'd apply. Simple, righto?
Balance - Ahah, this is a generally mislabeled term. Most think that Cats and Mice alike should be perfectly equal. This is simply not true. Obviously, a Cat could pwn a Mouse any day. But then again, a mouse is small, rather fast, and quick to evade. So balance doesn't mean equal fire power, it means that for every "plus" a Cat has, a Mouse as a countering "Plus", and vice versa. This brings us to our next factor...
Renewable Strategies - As I said, the Cat and Mice are two completely different races, and they each have different tools. I believe that each race should have different strategies, and different ways to counter the enemies. Team work will apply to each one of these strategies differently.
A Different Experience, EVERY TIME - So, you just got finished playing a C&M Map; what now? Play the exact same thing, only to redo what you just did? No. In my opinion, the map should be something new each time. Again, as I already said, the player should be able to try different ways leading to success.
Finally! Are we ready to do some introducing? Oi?! Well then, let me present to you, none other than...
Cat 'n' Mice - Blue Cheese
Features - Aight, when I started this map my main goal was "Simplicity". This is great, easy to use, and (Ironically) simple. But, I wanted those seeking more than just simplicity to be able to really branch out with multiple strategies. This is where a lot of the design comes in.
Firstly, the entire terrain is meant to compliment both Mice and Cats at the same time. Each location has different options, yet in the same since, it has an implied function as well. Furthermore, not only does the base design push the limits of innovation, but the sum of the entire terrain is unique. As you'll notice, this map is only 64x64. Anything bigger, and I believe it'd be boring. Notice, however, how the terrain makes the map seem bigger than it is? In game, it provides for a completely different experience. Also note the variety in terrain style. Some hexagon, some isometric, it all compliments each other.
Secondly, the menu is simple, mainly because of the triggers incorporated into the building systems. While I had to compromise on the size of the menu, it actually doesn't need to be any bigger. Each unit has a different function, and even then, each pair of units has a different function. The possibilities of the combinations are close to endless.
How is this one "Better" - Well, since the term "Better" is a matter of opinion, I can't say it's definitely better. However, I can say that the amount of effort put into this map goes quite a far ways. Even then, I do address several of the bugs found in your average Cat 'n' Mice. Shall we go over these fixes?
To begin with, we have the save feature. When you die, you do not miraculously transport to the middle, and have a little flag there. Instead, you have to save where you died. Thus, the cats cannot camp everyone completely. Plus, you get 24 minerals as a bonus for saving. I considered boosting this up, but 24 minerals is actually quite a bit.
Moving on, we have the "Invincible Stronghold" problem to address. Why on earth is it even plausible to have this utterly ridiculous fortresses in which the cat cannot get into? Instead, the Mice have to constantly be aware of their dangers, ready to flee on the slightest whim. Instead of these super mining forts, the Mice have escape routes and hiding places. Escapes routes are generally small, and do not lead far. So it only gives the mice a slight advantage. Then we have the hiding holes. These holes are incredibly small, and do not allow the mice inside to see out. Thus, the mice must use intuition as far as leaving the hole safely.
What about those obnoxious civilians and blockades that riddle most maps? Hmm? Well, there are beginning civilians on this map, however they never block a mining place completely. Instead they only slow the progression of the Cats.
What other imbalances are there? Well, we also have the question of spawning Mice units. Instead of your SCVs and other units spawning directly in the middle, they will spawn next to your mouse. Furthermore, the Gateway produces your mining and military units, so again, the options are endless.
Next we have Cat options. Firstly, instead of getting a rather imbalanced flying units, the Cats get a free scan costing 200 energy. So, they have an easy option for exploring, but it's not horrifically lame. Moving on, Cats need more than just "Buy a unit, kill with it". So now, I added in a Defiler. What's so special about this Defiler? Well, not only can it plague, but it has the ability to infest Nexsuses when put next to one. When a cat owns a nexsus, and makes a probe, the Cat player receives a Zealot. These zealots are fast, but rather weak. I'd only use them for cornering or support. Still, very useful.
Conclusion - So, I've kinda rambled on a bunch about this map. I mean seriously, it's only Cat 'n' Mice. However, I really wanted to show you the amount of delicate craftsmanship that went into this production. It did take time and careful persistence to make this one. Really though, in summery it's just another Cat 'n' Mice in the terrifying field of others somewhat like it. Still, I'd actually recommend it... Please also take notice that this is Made by me and my Production Team. VioletDire led the way on this one, with the support of Fakepost, Zamzx, and myself. Please always give credit to atleast VioletDire, aight?
Enjoy...?
Tutorial
Alrighty then, to furthermore assist those of our society which could use a lift as far as being a Mouse goes, I have created this easy example of what a game could be like for you. Shall we?
Okay, so the map just started, what do you do? Most likely, everyone on your team goes directly upwards, so we'll start with that. Basically, you want to find a good location to gather from; a place in which it is easy to escape or hide. Look at the picture below...
As you can see, in this game I made a Nexus rather close to the main hallway. It's not the best of locations, but it's sort of out of the way, and it has a nice hiding hole. Also notice the text displayed on the screen. With most of the buildings you make, helpful text will appear to assist you. It's not much, but it does explain some core basics of the map. Moving on, now that I have my Nexus, I need 24 minerals for my SCV. This could be hard if he attacks me first, in which case I'd just hide. However, you only need three trips of minerals to get an SCV.
So, as it is obvious, I built my pylon so that the cat would have to get through it before getting to me, then I made my Gateway above it. After I had set this up, (Only taking a few mere seconds) I built my SCV and quickly gathered three trips of minerals.
However, the cat attacked me before I could gather anymore. Because my Pylon was blocking the entrance, I had time to hide my Probe and SCV away. While I can't see outside of the hideaway, I can still peep my SCV out quickly to see if he is there or not.
So, this time I was able to shift towards to left of the map. I quickly set up base in a few seconds, and continued gathering. I accumulated enough for a Dragoon (Which is a Drone) then I built it.
Of course, I had to swiftly run away once again. My SCV was caught in the fray, but my Drone and Probe survived. The Cat did manage to kill my base, (Obviously) But this time, I went down to the bottom left to start anew.
This base took a bit longer to set up, mainly because I had to make more buildings this time. For instance, I decided to make my Forge early. It was risky, but I thought it'd be best to upgrade my shields first. I also managed to scrounge up the money for a Civilian. Also note from the mini map, that I left my Drone to gather elsewhere. This too can be risky, but it helped me because I could gather faster.
Yet again the Cat eventually found me, and attacked my base. I left my SCV to gather because I was only a few minerals away from success. In the end however, I lost more minerals than I gained because my Forge and Civilian died in vain.
So, I went a bit left on the map, and quickly made my base. I bought an SCV, then I was able to buy a Tank. It cost me a lot, but again, my Drone has still been gathering this whole time none-stop. I set my tank up just outside my entrance and then saved up for some firepower.
While the Cat did find my Drone's little operation up there, I was able to recall him back so he could continue gathering. Also notice that I was able to afford some Vultures. I didn't want to lay any mines because the cat was too close for me to have time to lay them. Regardless, I set them up and made a Firebat just for some extra damage.
He finally attacked me, and I had to use my SCV for repairs. However, the Tank repairs incredibly slowly, so I was only delaying his success.
After he destroyed my outer buildings, he continued his attack on my defense. My Vultures were doing damage, but not enough to kill him yet. I built a Missile Turret with my SCV and got my Science Vessel. I then proceeded to irradiate the Cat, and then I saved up money for Defense Matrix.
I then Mineral Hacked through the Cat with my Probe and ran to the top left of the map. By then, I had saved up over 600 minerals. I recalled my workers to the top, where I prepared to end the game once and for all.
As you can see, I began to accumulate a large sum of fleas for my offensive. I also made a couple of Firebats to assist in the battle and also help block the fleas in.
I finally let my minions free and assaulted the enemy Cats. While he destroyed my base, I was able to triumph with both Firebats and Fleas alike.
And as it is already so apparent, I killed them.
So, I hope that really did help you guys out there. However, this is only one example of how it could go. Sometimes I get unlucky and die right off the bat, or other times the Cat gets a good unit from killing some noobs. Regardless, it actually is possible for the Cats to loose, and sometimes it's not even hard at all. Also note that this turned out to be a 1v1 because most everyone left rather soon. And since I didn't let the Cat pin me down once, I prevailed.
-Hale
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Post has been edited 2 time(s), last time on Nov 30 2008, 6:39 pm by Hale.
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