So, I suppose everyone here is well aware of the infestation that plagues Battle net to this very day... Yes, I am actually talking about good ol' Cat 'n' Mouse. It pains me to see how many noobs have completely destroyed this once wondrous game-type. They've desecrated it down to nothing more than imbalanced horrors. The amount of effort put into these maps are literally at %0. People find it enjoyable to waste their time on worthless piles of a sick Twelve-Year-Old. Proof? Well, take a look at Cat and Mouse - Winter. Honestly, I believe most of us are past mineral walls. While it may be considered a classic, it's hardly worth your time. Others? Maybe something like Cat 'n' Mice Springie, or Cat N Mouse FLOOD. Honestly, how did they even come up with those? Then there is another group of rather disgusting maps. Things like "Fireworld" and "Dessert" have been so terribly edited by idiots that the original is completely erased. I'm not even sure what the originals of those were like.

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

Attachments:

Post has been edited 2 time(s), last time on Nov 30 2008, 6:39 pm by Hale.

Hey there. So I thought it would be useful if ya'll had a strategy or two to start out with. I was apart of the production team, and mainly helped out with balancing/testing the map, so keep these tips in mind when playing Blue Cheese...

Okay, let's talk Mice. Most of you will end up playing these, as almost no one likes playing cat (Well, we hope to change that stigma with this map)

Minerals - Basically everything in this map is fairly cheap. There are only a few big-ticket items, and those are definitively meant for the end-game. It's important to start mining as early as possible, but it's even more important to use your minerals wisely. You can't afford to just throw away 5 firebats (At 24 minerals, that's quite a lot of mining). Moreover, Mice only get a total of three gatherers (Including your mouse). While this may seem odd, the map is warped around this concept. As I said, most items should be generally cheap.

It's also worth mentioning the building order. The first zealot you make is a SCV, and after that you get firebats. Likewise, your first Dragoon you make is a Drone, and again, after that a Vulture. As For the High Templars, you get a medic. Medics are incredibly useful, but a tad expensive. At 200 energy, they can blind a cat. However, your Templar Archives must be living in order for the medics to have energy.

Big ticket items - These are Shield batteries, Tanks, and Forges. The tanks (as for all blocking units) are purely defensive units. Costing 240 ore, they are quite the investment. The tank is only useful when siege, wherein it turns to Player 12 and gains a large amount of armor and hp. Even though Tanks are forever immovable once sieged, they are incredibly strong. Tanks can also be repaired, but at a rather slow rate. In fact, by repairing you can only slow the rate of attack of your enemy.

Then there is the forge, and at 200 minerals, it better be worth it. Forge is a weak building, however, it serves a duel purpose; one being it can upgrade your shields to 20, and the other brings us to...

Insects - The best way to win with the Mice is to start an infestation of Insects. You start one by spending 400 minerals on a large block of rotten cheese (Shield battery). It will turn to Player 12 and spawn rather weak Zerglings two at a time until it is destroyed. You can upgrade them to the much more powerful Broodlings as long as you have a Forge made.

You shouldn't just run for the insects, however. Not only can the cats turn them against you (completely changing the course of the game) but if you lose that investment, you usually don't get a second chance. Insects are also what we call a "Team Strategy". You see, Insects won't generally live alone. In fact, if you don't have someone distracting the Cat, you probably won't get to even make Insects. Teamwork is a key to winning Mice!

Now for them Cats

You can play this C&M with only one player as a cat. If there's only one cat at the start, that player will get a second Cat. (This is extremely useful since people leave all the time.) The Cats get 2 gas every time they kill a Probe, and 1 for every 4 vulture/firebat
kills.

Units

- The first would be the Ultralisk, it's a bargain at 2 kills (4 gas). It's a cheap support unit, as there isn't a singular Mouse unit that can go toe to toe with it. Depending on how you play, it could be the only unit you need.

- Defilers, as Hale mentioned, are used to corrupt Nexsuses. They also can plague, which is devastating to any mouse defense as most mouse units rely on armor. They can burrow for safety, and can be used for surveillance.

- Kerrigans, A small unit that does decent damage, and is small enough to fit into mouse hidey-holes, is Infested Kerrigan. It can ensnare, slowing a mouse down to a crawl. Kerrigans, like Zealots, are not strong enough to take on an entire Mouse force, but Kerrigans can hunt down Mice and support your main Cat.

- Archons! The most expensive, but best all-around unit a cat can buy is the Archon. It has limited range, that can shoot over walls, and can fit into mouseholes. It has moderate HP and decent armor. Not only all of that, but Archons are immune to Irradiate and Mines.

- Abilities
There are three that you should be familiar with. Turning, Healing, and
Scanning.

- Turning makes the insects attack the mice, which means if they are unprepared it can be devastating.

- Healing allows you to cast Restoration on your cat if you move it to the bottom of the map. This cures blindness and Irradiation.

- Scanning is free, but takes a long time to recharge. The map is small enough that this just saves the cat a small amount of time.

This map totally sounds intriguing.

By the way, I agree with what you said above. However, Fireworld 5 is a map where only the tanks are rigged, other than that the riggedness on both sides is somewhat balanced/evened out. But yes, Desert was completely ruined by that stupid 5.5 version made by some random idiots. Also, Fireworld 5 is a lot more enjoyable than the original.

It is somewhat sad that people who know nothing about mapping can go and modify maps.

I think you should have a mapping license to even open up an editor D:

I remember the classic jungle CnM, that one has the most replayablity imo. I'm going to try this out since you put so much work into it, and you know what your talking about.

Actually, Jungle is rigged.

Also, you could have totally put up a thumbnail instead of just locking down Edit, you know...

Attachments:

You have a talent in writing and reviewing. I haven't played your map yet, but You should really consider going into writing/journalism or smth... because it's good.

And I agree.. i was once one of those noobs who destroyed a cat n mouse game w/ complications XD. But no worries, CnM will come back when SCII is released. If you set a good standard, then people will copy your ways. I think i'll give this a go, and if its good, then i'll consider copying it (With credit to you <3) if no good CnM games comes out on SCII.

I hope we have just as much talent in mapmaking

Tell us what you think of it

Personally I thought the opposite. Good job putting work into it instead of running a wall of buildings and sticking a few probes in the map like most people on SC do.

Ah, I see your point there. However, when I made the terrain, I approached it with the mindset of using every space to it's fullest. So when I mention that "The terrain makes the map seem bigger than it is", I am referring to the fact that it isn't just a couple of void rooms with minerals slapped on. Each base is dynamic, yet at it's bare minimum space requirement. So yeah, horrific wording on my part, but you get the point, righto?

I'm pretty much mortified by the overpoweredness of the cats, I played this just now 4-5 times and you don't even have to be skilled to play as a cat. The mice can hardly build anywhere, making your first SCV is one of the hardest things to do. However, it's not like you actually have the time/money to create units that can do any worthwhile damage against a Kerrigan. But, it doesn't even matter, because the Cat can kill you so easily that he just creates Archons when you're still suffering with getting 100$. So, he has archons with 900 HP, and you don't have anything to defend with. How nice, how great. Also, the cat can easily camp on you and you're blocked off forever, while other players can hardly gain any cash to begin with. In the end, the Cat can NOT lose on this map, because it's rigged to ass.

Wow, I guess some people like it to be one easy going map where cats can be killed on the slightest whim. Perhaps you did not read the countless strategies? Hmm?

So here's how it is, I'm not sure who you are testing this map with, but as far as I've played it on Battle net, the Cats generally loose. Now, I understand that this map takes a bit of getting used to, after all, it's different gameplay than other C&M maps. How exactly is it different? Firstly, Mice have to always stay on the move, not bunker down into a fortress in the beginning. It can be hard for mice, but if you play your cards right with a somewhat good team, you can get to a situation where the cat gets owned. So how about some help? I'll admit it, being a Cat is simpler than being a Mouse, however, being a Cat is not better than being a mouse.

1. What I do in the beginning as a mouse is go to a simple gathering location, somewhere where they have to kill my nexus to get to me. This way it's easy to set up, but easy to flee. At this point my main goal is getting 24 minerals for my SCV. When I do get that amount, I just find a location nearby to build my gateway. In this map, you don't need a lot of room because you only need a small location for your 2-4 buildings. After I make my SCV, I'll send it to gather with my probe. But hey, what if my base is attacked by then? I mean, it happens a lot

2. So I just got a attacked and I had to flee, what now? Well, depending on if I have the minerals for an SCV or not, I'll either find a place to gather for more, make my SCV somewhere, or send my SCV to gather in a "safe" location. Now, I can either go for a Civilian next, or a Drone. Personally, I think long term so I'm going for the Drone. Assuming I make both my SCV and Drone. I need to find simple locations for them to gather; places which are out of the way, and generally easy to flee from. Also don't forget, Mice have a "Teleport Workers" option on the right of the menu. This is useful because if my gathering spot is attacked, I can easily wisp them away to my probe.

3 - Aight, how would I end this? Admittedly, you're going to need at least one smart ally, but hopefully you won't end up with too many feeding idiots in your game. But moving on, I could go for 3 different strategies. There are others, but seriously, I think these could be the best.

----Strategy 1 - I could slowly accumulate the recourses needed for Fleas. (Forge + Shield Battery). If you build your Forge first, you can upgrade shields to 20. By doing this, Kerrigans are worthless, and Kittens and Archons do less damage. Moving on, this Shield Battery should be built somewhere where the cat can't directly get to it. This is expensive, but if you had a steady income throughout the game, you should have a lot. Also, you can block up the entrance to your spawner, thus accumulating a lot of Broodlings. Here's where you need to be careful though, Cat's can turn the insects against us for 4 gas. It's pricey for them, but viable. If they do manage to turn them against us, just send some Firebats to the Shield Battery and kill it. In the end, so many insects or fleas have accumulated, that when they do turn back on our side, there are enough to obliterate the cat.

----Strategy 2 - This strategy is very simple. In fact, assuming I have both my Drone and SCV, it's very easy to set up. So here's the deal, this plan is all about defense. Basically, I save up enough money for a tank, maybe two, (One is usually enough). Then, I set up my tank(s) on a blocking location, and siege it. Now, it'd be best to buy at least three vultures. These can be pricey, but maybe some Firebats would do fine too. Now that I have a tank with some defense units, I am ready for the cat. In fact, even if the cat attacked before hand, a tank can take a lot of damage. Also, it is repairable. Tanks repair very slowly, but you can significantly reduce the amount of damage the enemy does. Also, if you have your units attack, the cat may become so frustrated, he'll leave you alone till he can build up more. So to sum up this strategy. 1. Get Tank(s) and place them. 2. Get Vultures or Firebats. 3. Be sure to repair. Then you have enough time to do what ever else you need to.

---Strategy 3 - This one takes luck, but can be implemented very early on. It's really simple actually, all you have to do is mass Firebats or Vultures. Firebats are cheaper, and rather effective. With vultures however, you could mine the entire middle of the map. (Very dangerous). A squad of Firebats could take out most units that the cats can acquire. In fact, Kerrigans are so weak, two Probes can kill it. Now, you'll need more than just a squad to kill the cat, maybe even three. Regardless, you can do significant damage using your offensive and defensive units.

So I hope that went into depth about how to play some. Really though, Kerrigans are weak, Kittens are slow, Defilers have less health than a Firebat, and Archons are expensive. Now, I can't help you as far as them feeding morons go, we all get them. But really, Mice have an equal chance of winning as the Cats.