Pre-loaded maps

[Sabram]

Well as anyone that's seen my posts can tell you, i'm working on my game Fantasy X: Part I, and im just curious as to one thing right now...

Is it acceptable or frowned upon to use the game's pre-formed field maps in your games, even if the layout fits the game properly?

[hitogoroshi]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I personally find it distasteful. The last thing I want to deal with is pre-made maps. It's pretty obvious that professional games are better than RPGM ones, and the only cool element (creativity) shouldn't be killed.

But there is an alternative. I'm almost done with Mana Clash Tribute. I suppose it's not much help to your 26%, unless the multiple file trick can help you. I'm actually a bit vague on the workings of that one. >_<

[Valkysas]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I dont have a problem with people using pre-made maps. especially since it helps free up space for other things.

[Perversion]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I should just break down and use one of the pre-made maps on one of my games, because my maps suck, anyway.

[hitogoroshi]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I dont have a problem with people using pre-made maps. especially since it helps free up space for other things.

Wait, really? I didn't think that actually happened...don't you need to pre-load the sample data and use it from there, taking the same memory as if you created it? Or am I just being tired and slow? xD

[Valkysas]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I always figured that since the map data was already on the disc, that it wouldnt bother saving it to memory card as well, kinda like RPGM1's premade stuff.

[Red Dragon]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

You would be wrong though Valk.

[Valkysas]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

yup. wouldnt surprise me if I was.

[Sabram]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I have no problems making the maps myself, i was a graphical designer in the army, so i know what looks good. The reason im asking is i dont have the TIME to invest in making a map, as it would take me 3-4 hours to make a good one.

Last time i tried to make a good RPG on this platform was when i was still in the Army, and didnt have a 3-year old daughter wanting to play with me all the time.

Basically, it's a time saver.

Edit: I just bought RPGMXP, so i might be spending more time on that than my RM3 project, especially since both my PS2's are packed away til im done moving.

[JPS]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I dont see a problem with using premade maps, most of your time wont be spent on a map so you shouldnt spend the most time designing one.

I change around some things on a map but keep the mainland intact

[Lausen]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

Yeah I used 1 pre-loaded map in my game, but I changed it so much it's almost unreconizable. I would suggest not using too many though.

[tjoris9]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I don't see anything wrong with the premade maps.

You can change the entire feel and appearance of any of them by playing around with the options and changing the terrains a little.

[hitogoroshi]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I just don't get why maps don't seem to count. I mean, if you had all of the sample monsters, people would be like, "wtf, man!". Same for dungeons. But maps are just fine to not work on? o.o

[Sabram]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I think it's because of the lengths of time needed to create a stellar field map.

It doesnt take long to make your own monsters or dungeons, or even characters, but a field can take HOURS.

The Casual RM3 player doesnt have that time, especially if they're in school still.

[Wavelength]

Re: Pre-loaded maps

I don't think most people would look down on using a default map, per se, so long as it's a solid game design choice rather than simply taking the path of least resistance. However, I'd recommend at least making some changes to the map in order to make it fit your theme a bit better, if not simply to make it more original.

I suppose maps can take a long time to create (my main map has already taken me about six hours, and it's maybe 25% complete... and I've spent lots of time making dungeons, etc. out of Field Maps as well). But it tends to be one of those things that's almost completely customizable, and actually gives you an awesome product when you're done with it.

It's one of the most rewarding things to make well, and as a bonus, screenshots of these maps tend to be great promotional tools for your game.