Something, in short, that intimidates the hell out of small-scale map modders.
The new map looks like kiddie's doodle
- Thread starter ColonelSanders
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The main argument for a 3D map was that stores wouldn't stock games with 2D graphics. Now that stores don't even stock PC games at all, there's no reason not to return to beautiful 2D maps
Though actually I think the EU4 map looks pretty good
And what newcomer will buy the game and experience the gameplay when they check up how the game looks
on google and it looks like shit? Will Paradox add a watermark to all screenshots that say:
"The map looks like shit, no worries modders will (maybe) fix it"
3d is more flexible and practical. Now, 3d doesn't necessarily mean generic look that paradox is going for - 3d can easily replicate stylised, artistic, hand-drawn map. My guess is that paradox is going for generic look (which clashes with superb stylized interfaces), for marketing reasons. I mean - casual player looking at screenshots with terrain map mode with sprites, can easily mistake it for an Total War game. Hence their fixation with terrain map methinks...
EU4's political map is so bumpy. Terrain view is beautiful however, the 3d rendering could be removed when in political view.
Personally, I'm glad they're not going with the flat map approach this time around. I was really disapointed when they changed EU3's map to that look. Yeah, the borders and coastlines look better, but the map itself is so flat and unengaging now. I love the more raised map type used by their other games.
You have to understand there's a difference between casual players and the hardcore types who like the super-stylized maps you're talking about. The average, casual gamer is more likely to have the exact opposite reaction from yours. In other words, if they went with a more old-fashioned, 2D look, they'd have to add the disclaimer saying "Don't worry, it's not as weird and complicated as it looks. And it really was made this year."
You have to understand there's a difference between casual players and the hardcore types who like the super-stylized maps you're talking about. The average, casual gamer is more likely to have the exact opposite reaction from yours. In other words, if they went with a more old-fashioned, 2D look, they'd have to add the disclaimer saying "Don't worry, it's not as weird and complicated as it looks. And it really was made this year."
If Paradox tells us which color is used to represent sea level in the height map, anyone can easily reduce the bumpiness of the 3d map.
problem is, that one might not want to reduce the bumpiness of the 3d map per se, but only for the special mapmodes. I.e. terrain mapmode may be bumpier than political, religious, etc.
If there is a way to separate those height maps, it would be easy to mod yourself, yes.
If you can open and edit the height map, the sea level color should be obvious, btw.
The main problem is that provinces are so blobby. The borders were so accurate in Victoria 2, and then that was lost here.
The heightmap could be less bumpy, but that's easier to mod.
Paradox should have based the map on CanOmer's map mod for EU3
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The heightmap could be less bumpy, but that's easier to mod.
Paradox should have based the map on CanOmer's map mod for EU3
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No, CK2's is just not as terrible as EU4's. The political map mode is still looks and ugly and it's frustrating how it keeps defaulting to terrain, making it obvious terrain was PDS's priority when developing the game. As someone said, I think it was done to fool first-time buyers into thinking it's like Total War.
Just wait for map mods if you dislike Terrain and the new way they have done political. I my self will test out the new Terrain map mode and see if the new borders actually make it possible to play, which it might. However if not i'll look for or create a mod that makes the Map a bit more appetizing when in Political map mode.
To me it looks almost the same as EU3 - just more advanced in graphics. Honestly, I did expect a better map than the previous installment. I think they should've added more provinces and make borders more precise.
^^ They have added more provinces. Not necessarily made them more accurate though....
It has to do with the terrain being slightly visible in the CK2 political mapmode. That breaks up the plasticine look as it is in EU4 now.