So is it time to change the Classic Massive Eastern Europe Bonus?

[NewSheriffInTown]

Map makers put a lot of work into making their maps. A lot of it is creativity, but somethings, like command bonuses, are a lot more calculated and have some math formulas involved.

A general rule of thumb (but not completely adhered to, as shown below) is this formula that helps determine what a command bonus should be.

Command Bonus = (Number of Regions + Number of Borders with other Commands) * 0.4

As an Example: Looking at Classic Massive, Canada has 8 regions with 4 borders. So the Command Bonus should be 5 (which it is)

(8+4) * 0.4 = 4.8 troop bonus

So, while working on some new maps, I decided to do a spreadsheet of Classic Massive to compare how well this rule was adhered to.

As you can see below, most of the Commands are spot-on with what the formula would recommend, while the rest of the commands are just 1 troop off.

The glaring exception on this map is the command of Eastern Europe.

Eastern Europe has 5 territories and 4 borders, the exact same as United States, Western Russia, Andes, and Central Africa.

Those other 4 commands with the same stats, have a bonus of either 4 or 3 (for some reason). However, Eastern Europe has a measly bonus of only 2 troops.

And if you ever played Classic Massive, you intuitively know that trying to capture Eastern Europe was not necessary your first strategy.

So the question is - Is it finally time to give Eastern Europe the love and respect it deserves, and boost it's bonus to 3 (or even 4)?

I already think I know the answer, but let me know below what you think!

 

[periwinkle]

Just curious....what's the formula how many neutrals in a 1v1 game? In general that is?

 

[NewSheriffInTown]

Just curious....what's the formula how many neutrals in a 1v1 game? In general that is?

I'm 90% sure the current rule is 20% neutrals in a 1v1 game. Though I'm not sure 100% sure if there are any exceptions!

 

[once]

Just curious....what's the formula how many neutrals in a 1v1 game? In general that is?

this is sth i have been wondering too. and whether maybe - at some point - it would be possible to have an option during game set-up to tweak such numbers / percentages. the # of neutrals works generally well for most games, but if it was possible f. ex. to have a (2 player) game on classic evolved with only 1 starting terr each - that would create a very different dynamic. not saying this would better (and 2 terrs only is an extreme example), but could be nice to have the option, particularly for 2 player games, where drop can decide so much. such an option would not be useful for every map really, and it should definitely be an advanced feature (it could maybe break games too). maybe sth to unlock when you upgrade your user class (like fixed force games)? but i do think it could bring variety to the maps & possibly create some interesting games for those willing to experiment. maps like 12d & land rush are designed around first working against neutrals, but there are multiple bonuses that mitigate this feeling like a shore. maybe this is not always needed?

 

[brianstheman]

classic evolved with only 1 starting terr each

I played in a bunch of games similar to this over the years, via 4p games where 2 players AWOLed. Definitely fun and exciting, cat and mouse type action.

RE: Original question
Definitely seems like the bonus could be at least 3. All other regions with 4 borders have a bonus of at least 3.

 

[matildathehun]

I love that people are thinking so closely about this!

I voted that yes, 4 armies makes sense given the surrounding commands. But that may prompt adjustments in other commands...

For example, I'd suggest that Scandinavia and Indo-China should also be increased to +2 from +1, based on all the arguments for Eastern Europe (primarily, that there are so many entryways to the command, i.e. four).

However, I'd keep New Zealand and Korea/Japan at +1 since both only have two entryways.

My two cents.

-MTH

 

[NewSheriffInTown]

I love that people are thinking so closely about this!

I voted that yes, 4 armies makes sense given the surrounding commands. But that may prompt adjustments in other commands...

For example, I'd suggest that Scandinavia and Indo-China should also be increased to +2 from +1, based on all the arguments for Eastern Europe (primarily, that there are so many entryways to the command, i.e. four).

However, I'd keep New Zealand and Korea/Japan at +1 since both only have two entryways.

My two cents.

-MTH

Actually I think you're right about Indochina going up to 2.

I'm weary about changing more than that at the moment.