Posts from "Random" vs. "Fixed"

Wow... that's something. This takes the highly respected and beloved Random Maps to a whole new level! Now, I just need to figure out how to generate these templates on my own.

I even know approximately who you should contact... there's a user here with the nickname "pagan," and I remember seeing him mention some templates, even their names... ask him, or other participants in his tournament:smile50:

Playing on fixed maps can be compared to chess, while playing on random maps is like poker or even bridge.

But unlike chess, where the board is always 8x8, fixed maps need to be studied carefully, and due to lack of time, this can be problematic.

As far as I understand from reading reviews and reports from random map players, there aren't that many generally accepted templates. And, knowing these templates, it's not difficult to navigate the area. I just don't understand - how can these templates be identified in advance so that only they are generated? Where are they defined, and how can they be changed?

Even so, you need to play a couple of times, otherwise you won't be able to calculate a couple of squares, you'll lose momentum, and accordingly, this could cost you the game.

Wow... So, this elevates the deeply respected and beloved Random Maps to a whole new level! Now, I just need to figure out how to generate these templates according to my own wishes.

The template is chosen randomly from the list. If you leave only one option in the list, it will be "as desired." :rolleyes:
But, in my opinion, this doesn't lead to any new level of quality. :smile27: The chance that the generator will create an interesting map is about the same as using a text generator to create high-quality poems or stories. The templates in this example are just grammatical rules that the program follows when selecting words. It doesn't add any more meaning to the text.

"The Miner and Trog start with the minimum amount of resources in week 1." In both cases, there is no need to think; everything is well-known and overused.

Interesting topic, tell me more.

Most maps are simple enough that they don't require предварительное изучение. For example, the maps for "Seasons" – I'm ready to play on any of them after looking at it for 10 minutes in the editor. And the opponent won't have the advantage of "knowing the map" – because there's nothing there that needs to be known.

The chance that the generator will create an interesting map is about the same as using a text generator to create high-quality poems or stories.

The Miner and Trolls take the minimum amount of resources on week 1. There's no challenge in either case, it's all been done before. Cool topic, tell me how?

Therefore, the conclusion is: in fixed matches, the one with more free time will win.

I agree, but if the FIX (a save game created using it) is given right before the battle, then the FIX is definitely the best option. IMHO.

Sincerely, K0Lb@zzeR.

Does anyone know which files are responsible for generating random maps? Not just the template itself, but also its content. If it's not too much trouble, could you please share them? Or does anyone know how to balance a random map based on the content described above? In particular, I'm interested in key objects such as: utopias, conservatories, hives, and dwellings. Is it possible to specify somewhere that they should be generated "equally" between both players? Thank you in advance!

All of this is already defined in the template. I'm currently trying to figure out the inner workings, but it's a bit difficult. If Alexey helps, we'll definitely share everything later.
There are many options inside the template that need to be adjusted correctly.

All of this is already defined in the template. I'm currently trying to figure out the inner workings, but it's a bit challenging. If Alexey helps, we'll definitely share everything later.
There are many options within the template that need to be adjusted correctly.

That's why I want to try to improve the random map generator, if that's even possible. I need to somehow extract the necessary files, but I don't know how or which ones to extract :confused:. Maybe someone can help with some advice?

I've already talked about the balance in fixed maps. But even if it's still incredibly difficult to achieve in fixed maps, it's naturally even more so in random maps (and the outcome is the same) - but with random maps created using template filtering, there's the possibility of creating an infinite number of new maps, even if they're not perfect, they are original.

We are trying to optimize the process of running online tournaments. And if you can offer a constructive solution, we are all for it. ;)

cool topic, tell me how?

But still, with restarts, you can get at least some more or less interesting map.

That is, perhaps somewhere in some file, a constant value of "value" for each zone is specified, according to which the computer "balances" the random map? Does anyone know which files are responsible for creating a random map? Not just the template itself, but also its content. If it's not too much trouble, please post it. Or maybe someone knows how to balance a random map precisely according to the above-described content? In particular, I am interested in key objects, such as: utopias, conservatories, hives, and dwellings. Is it possible to specify somewhere that they are generated "equally" between the two players?

It's a different matter that you can write a script (in Heroes of Might and Magic or in the Terrain Editor) that will edit the map after it's generated. But in my opinion, it would be much more useful to spend that time creating a couple of good fixes.

Achieving a balance (an approximate one, which is enough) is actually quite simple. It's much more difficult to make a map multi-faceted, so that each side can act in different ways. Then you can play 10, 20, 50 games on it – and it won't get boring (if, of course, you take at least short breaks between games :cool:). You can hold an entire tournament on such a map. Chess players have been playing on their single "board" for centuries, and that's fine. :D