Mapping Options

[katasu]

Okay so I need help mapping something. So far I think I've done good work on my three maps, but this fourth one I just seem to do. I need help mapping a forest. It'll be going horizontal and it's a snow forest. I want it to be big enough so that battle's will take place but not every 2 steps. Yet I don't want it so big that you'll have to run back out before getting to the otherside. Can someone point me in the right direction or something. Help will be appreciated. Thanks!

[X-M-O]

This actually belongs in Level Design, moving it over now.

[katasu]

Oh sorry, thanks for moving it... any advice for me? lol

[X-M-O]

I'm not personally the greatest when it comes to mapping, I mean I really only tried my hand at it briefly because the team I was making games with already had an excellent mapper, lol.

I do know what looks good, but getting it to look that way is another story.

What I would try to do, is look at a helicopter view of whatever it is I'd be attempting to map. Then try to make it look something like that (using that as a guide, basically).
Not sure if that is helpful though. ^^

[katasu]

I think it looks pretty good.

[Show/Hide] Spoiler

This post has been edited by Jonnie19: Jun 1 2012, 10:30 PM

Reason for edit: Please try to keep images in spoilers, if possible ~ Jonnie19

[Jonnie19]

I personally prefer smaller maps, there is nothing wrong with getting the Player to go between lots of different maps, it also gives the impression that it is bigger. If I was you I would split up this map to around 4-5 maps, It would then give more of an impression of a deep forest.

Loving the use of the water and the different levels to try and split up, what could have turned out to be a rather boring map, you've done really well

[katasu]

I personally prefer smaller maps, there is nothing wrong with getting the Player to go between lots of different maps, it also gives the impression that it is bigger. If I was you I would split up this map to around 4-5 maps, It would then give more of an impression of a deep forest.

Loving the use of the water and the different levels to try and split up, what could have turned out to be a rather boring map, you've done really well

Wow thanks man. I consider mapping to be my worse ability with RPG Maker so that means I'm getting better. Also I was going to divide it up but I just went ahead and did it like that.

[Jonnie19]

It is all down to personal opinion, but I find that smaller maps, are also less laggy for users who don't have the latest PC's or are using their laptops, it also means you can add more event's also, and then takes out the need for Anti-Lag scripts as much

[Vexus]

I hate games with small maps.

Nothing more frustrating than having to cross 10-20 maps to reach point B from point A when it could be made possible in 1-5 maps.

To each their own.

[amerk]

I'm actually on the fence, but I think I like a mixture of large and small maps.

Basically, it depends on the style. I've seen maps that are each 17x13 in size, and it does get old after awhile crossing through a bunch of tiny maps. But I've seen them 100x100, and those can also get frustrating.

For me, I'd say keep the exterior of a village one map, and the interiors together on one map. Caves and dungeons should be divided between a few maps, maybe to break up floor themes, but try to keep them from being small that you can see all the exits in one sitting.