Is it an impact crater from a rare metal meteorite or an old spy satellite? Is it an abandoned archeological dig of the Red Blobbies? A bomb crater from a forgotten conflict, a volcanic caldera, or an old surface mining operation? Nobody knows, but it must be worth fighting over! Introducing our new skirmish map: the Pit of Grit!
For a long time, we've had only two (finished) skirmish maps in Powargrid. We always planned to add more, but didn't get around to it until this week. Originally, we wanted to just vary the size and dimensions of the skirmish maps. But the problem was that the difference in gameplay between slightly larger or slightly smaller square maps just wasn't big enough. And while skirmish maps certainly have to look good, we would like them to also be distinct in gameplay.We tried some elongated rectangular maps, but they didn't lead to interesting gameplay.
Instead of using the skirmish map concepts we had, we looked at other ways to make them interesting. Skirmish maps in Powargrid have to be symmetrical to be fair (although asymmetrical design can work very well elsewhere; we both still love the old Alterac Valley PvP map in World of Warcraft), so that limits the ways you can design them. We realized we don't need mirror symmetry: a point symmetrical map is just as fair. For this map, we added a central obstacle that blocks cannon fire, so you'll have to circle around to get a shot at your opponent.
That means Powargrid will ship with three maps for skirmish, hotseat and online multiplayer modes. I've also finally named them!
The Isle of Trial
Who knows what might still be found on these old testing grounds? A clever player may be able to exploit the slightly narrower center section of the 11x11 board to establish their defenses.
All Must Fall
Because it's autumn! Fall, geddit? Geddit? ... Sorry. Bad puns and particle effects, that's me. Also, a nod to One Must Fall: 2097, which was my favourite fighting game when I was a teenager!
This map is a wide open 13x13 square, which you could consider the "regulation size" board - small enough for fast action, but large enough for complex tactical moves.
We've got plans for a few more map concepts, so stay tuned!
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