This topic is for discussion of map: Hard Art 8: Mooon (http://knucklecracker.com/creeperworld/mapcomments.php?id=3550)
(http://knucklecracker.com/creeperworld/thumb.php?id=3550) (http://knucklecracker.com/creeperworld/mapcomments.php?id=3550)
Author: UpperKEES (http://knucklecracker.com/creeperworld/viewmaps.php?author=UpperKEES)
Desc:
As usual the start may cost you a few tries, but after that you'll find yourself in the middle of an interesting technical fight.
This is my second Hard Art map based on a painting by Miss Melissa (the other one being Hard Art 2: Envy).
Title: | Hard Art 8: Mooon |
Difficulty: | Hard |
Creeper type: | Land only |
Remarks: | As usual the start may cost you a few tries, but after that you'll find yourself in the middle of an interesting technical fight.
This is my second Hard Art map based on a painting by Miss Melissa (the other one being Hard Art 2: Envy (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?topic=4076)).
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Description: | This is my second map based on a work by Miss Melissa, who also is a very good CW player.
Fight you way through the moons and intersections of lines to reach the totems. All emitters (of intensity 5) can be capped by just one blaster and will increase their frequency after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 minutes.
ARTIST: Melissa Dumais
TITLE: Mooon
MATERIAL: acrylic on canvas
YEAR: 2009
DIMENSIONS: 40.6 x 50.8 cm
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Download page: | Hard Art 8: Mooon (http://knucklecracker.com/creeperworld/mapcomments.php?id=3550) |
Comments page: | Comment here please (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?topic=5306) |
Full size screen shot:
| (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=978.0;attach=1899;image)
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Based on: | (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=978.0;attach=1901;image)
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More art: | See here for more maps about art (and jobs) ;) (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?topic=978.0) |
This is hard, I keep starting out and dying. Hahaha ::)
Yep, the start is tough, but an easy start means an easy map is my believe. Just keep on going, you'll be doing fine.
By the way: my time was set during testing (actually the first time I finished it after the final changes), so it's not a good one. Don't let it discourage people, because I'm sure 6-7 minutes can be shaved off. :)
Edit: typo.
I just have to say that i like the art Melissa makes ,
and you do make the maps look very well compared to the art =)
Quote from: SPIFFEN on November 18, 2010, 02:01:50 PM
I just have to say that i like the art Melissa makes ,
Yes, I do so too. For others: you can find more art made by her
here (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?topic=4076.msg19485#msg19485).
Quote from: SPIFFEN on November 18, 2010, 02:01:50 PM
and you do make the maps look very well compared to the art =)
Thanks Spiff! :) The picture on the right is how it's supposed to be. That way the moons also look a bit like a crazy cow, hence the title 'Mooon'. ;)
I had to rotate it 90 degrees however to make it match the CW screen. Like
Hard Art 2: Envy (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?topic=4076.msg19080#msg19080) it's really suitable for a CW map. I like the gameplay of this map a lot, although the start is a bit rough. I'll probably post a screenshot later on how to start very efficiently, but I'll let people try for themselves first.
Miss Melissa isn't able to be online for a few days now, but I'm sure she will also play the map herself, just like she did during testing (our finishing times were rather similar).
By the way: this is my last map using 'normal' backgrounds. From now on I will be using more advanced graphics. 8)
Last night when I tried, I had gotten to the point where I had
5 blasters and about 4.0 energy production. However that was
at 9 minutes so. . . You should know what happens then. :(
I got overrun by the massive amount of Creeper as the rest
emitters kicked in. I never really had a chance anyway. Hahahaha ::)
Spoiler
In that case one tip: try 1 mortar instead of 4 blasters and add 1 blaster later on.... ;)
My start which seemed to be "ok"-ish strategy until ~ 10 minutes, was:
3 collector
1 power plant
1 collector
1 blaster + 1 mortar (build same time)
The blaster is able to keep the closest emitter from getting to base, and mortar tries to keep the incoming wrath at bay. From there I usually built 3-5 power plants more, and then mortar + blaster, and tried to cap the emitter. However, no success yet. Have to try again. Next idea to try is to replace the second mortar with a drone. That might help keep the creep off, while I build more blasters to cap the closest emitter. If I were able to do that, then I could populate the left bottom corner with power plants, and I think that'd be a key to victory.
I also have one hidden strategy I won't reveal yet, I want to try it myself. If it succeeds, I think that might be a key to quick victory (well.. at least victory, instead of crushed to bits)
Spoiler
I build much more reactors in the beginning. I indeed build a mortar and a blaster a little later on, but I cover as much of the largest blue moon as possible with reactors before I advance. Then I build a second blaster and mortar and fill up the middle golden bar on the left.
I made a bunch of mistakes but I that will help when I try again. Nice map :)
Thanks JM, always nice to see you're still playing my maps, and even replaying them! :)
If I may, I made two blasters by 2-3 minutes and started a mortar. Making reactors all along.
Measure the space you got to make sure you do not misplace a unit so it takes the space of two.
If you use fine control to cut the ammo packets when you think the blasters can hold with their stored ammo while the reactors finish, you can almost not worry about deficit.
Then I make two more blasters and secure some territory to build other than the moon you start on.
And while one blaster can keep an emitter in check, it takes three to really pacify an emitter.
After you get building space, make more reactors and more weapons and you are done.
(tried not to give away too much)
Hi burguertime, thanks for posting! :)
Quote from: burguertime on November 19, 2010, 01:24:42 AM
If I may, I made two blasters by 2-3 minutes and started a mortar. Making reactors all along.
Spoiler
I think starting with only 1 mortar (after a few collectors and reactors) will save you more energy. One mortar consumes just as much energy per second as a blaster and if you place it well you can last a little longer with just one weapon.
Quote from: burguertime on November 19, 2010, 01:24:42 AM
Measure the space you got to make sure you do not misplace a unit so it takes the space of two.
Yes!
Spoiler
Moving Odin City a little also helps....
Quote from: burguertime on November 19, 2010, 01:24:42 AM
If you use fine control to cut the ammo packets when you think the blasters can hold with their stored ammo while the reactors finish, you can almost not worry about deficit.
True. Good tip.
Quote from: burguertime on November 19, 2010, 01:24:42 AM
And while one blaster can keep an emitter in check, it takes three to really pacify an emitter.
Spoiler
One blaster can completely cap them, but when there's still other creeper around (which certainly will be the case in the center of the map), the blasters will get distracted. Once the area is cleared just one blaster will do; until that time indeed better use some more.
Great map KEES, once you get a good foothold in the corner, the map becomes very fun. ;D
Thanks Colin. It's indeed a bit of a struggle, but that ensures more satisfaction in the end!
Pretty hard map. Nice work.
Build:
Reactor
Collector
Collector
Reactor
Mortar
Reactor
Reactor
Reactor
Mortar
Reactor
Reactor
Reactor
...
Thanks Cary! :)
Nice to see everyone has their own approach; yours resulting in a great time!
Quote from: UpperKEES on November 17, 2010, 09:37:03 PM
By the way: my time was set during testing (actually the first time I finished it after the final changes), so it's not a good one. Don't let it discourage people, because I'm sure 6-7 minutes can be shaved off. :)
Okay, let's make that 9 minutes. ;) I'll be trying soon.
Gave it another shot and just didn't manage to get it done under 20 minutes. Still made lots of mistakes however, so a completion time around 17-18 minutes is certainly possible.
Do not make me play it again. :D
Well, that took me a few more tries this time....
Your turn! :P
Spoiler
PS: you can build your second mortar a lot later when you place the first one well. :)
My Kingdom for a Save/Load button. >:(
Yeah, going over that initial energy generation process can be a bit boring and fast forward (double speed) doesn't really help you when you like to build your reactors exactly at the moment your energy levels allow for that.
Just a few more months until CW2 gets released with a mid-game save option! :)
16:54
If you wish I can teach you how to play this game. ;D
Ooooooh, what a fun map. :) Except for the beggining (like already stated), I had a very good time playing it. Definitely one of my favorites, I might even have to play it again... ;).
For me, I had a hard time deciding whether to use mortars or drones. Drones are cheaper, but mortars target, hitting more creeper... But I decided on mortars for the beggining and 1 drone at the end.
Quote from: Cary on November 23, 2010, 02:00:06 PM
16:54
If you wish I can teach you how to play this game. ;D
Looks like I can teach you a bit to. :D But give UpperKEES a little while and he will be teaching all of us. ;D
Edit:
Oh, and of course, I love the piece of art behind it too. Both UpperKEES and Miss Melissa did a very nice job (Ha ha, there is another job :D)! It makes wonder though, when Miss Melissa makes a new piece of art, if she starts thinking about how well it can be made into a map for CW ;D
14:42
AAGGGGRRRR!
I have to change my strategy completely. >:(
To Fisherck:
It was funny map, before you came. ;D
Quote from: Cary on November 23, 2010, 02:00:06 PM
16:54
If you wish I can teach you how to play this game. ;D
Heheh! :D You're a funny guy.... I think.... ;)
Quote from: Fisherck on November 23, 2010, 04:10:24 PM
Ooooooh, what a fun map. :) Except for the beggining (like already stated), I had a very good time playing it. Definitely one of my favorites, I might even have to play it again... ;).
Thanks Fish, that's great to hear from a good player like you! :)
By the way: I believe the start of a map should constrain the player at least a little, because with 20 energy after 4 minutes any player can finish easily.
Quote from: Fisherck on November 23, 2010, 04:10:24 PM
For me, I had a hard time deciding whether to use mortars or drones. Drones are cheaper, but mortars target, hitting more creeper... But I decided on mortars for the beggining and 1 drone at the end.
Spoiler
I also used both (2 or 3 drones in the end) but I'll definitely have to scale down to be able to beat your time.
Quote from: Fisherck on November 23, 2010, 04:10:24 PM
Looks like I can teach you a bit to. :D But give UpperKEES a little while and he will be teaching all of us. ;D
I think the time I was teaching you is in the past, as I've been replaying almost all of my recent maps several times because of you! 8) I like that though and it's nice too see how much a player can improve in such a short while.
Quote from: Cary on November 23, 2010, 05:15:37 PM
14:42
AAGGGGRRRR!
I have to change my strategy completely. >:(
So do I. ;) Nice to see this competition here! I noticed you playing two of my maps before I think and it seems you also improved quite a bit. :)
Quote from: Cary on November 23, 2010, 05:15:37 PM
To Fisherck:
It was funny map, before you came. ;D
I like it myself as well (although it might start to become frustrating at this point :P).
Let's not forget the design was actually made by Miss Melissa who is rather good in creating CW maps without knowing it. She just calls it art. ;D
Well, starting out at 49 min and getting it under 20 min is good for me. Another fun map Kees! I tried the single mortar for awhile and that kept the creeper at bay which allowed for a quicker buildup. I look forward until the next one ;D
JM
Thanks JM! :)
Improving your score by 30 minutes indeed isn't bad at all! I bet you changed your strategy as well during your various attempts. I'm still puzzling where to improve mine to be able to beat Fisherck's time.
Next map will be released today. It's the last one in the Hard Art series, but there's more to come! 8)
Quote from: UpperKEES on November 24, 2010, 06:50:01 AM
Thanks JM! :)
Improving your score by 30 minutes indeed isn't bad at all! I bet you changed your strategy as well during your various attempts. I'm still puzzling where to improve mine to be able to beat Fisherck's time.
Next map will be released today. It's the last one in the Hard Art series, but there's more to come! 8)
You probably need a lot less energy then I end up with... better use of relays, moving OC, pick up the upgrades sooner, securing the bottom left corner sooner... just some ideas I would use next time.
I have a tendency to leave mortars and/or blasters in there place too long, so they end up not targeting the creeper efficiently.
Quote from: UpperKEES on November 24, 2010, 06:50:01 AM
Thanks JM! :)
Improving your score by 30 minutes indeed isn't bad at all! I bet you changed your strategy as well during your various attempts. I'm still puzzling where to improve mine to be able to beat Fisherck's time.
Next map will be released today. It's the last one in the Hard Art series, but there's more to come! 8)
You must be using a different tactic, because after playing the map, I thought that I could drop at least another minute, if not more...
Quote from: snowmaker (JM) on November 24, 2010, 09:20:49 AM
better use of relays, moving OC, pick up the upgrades sooner, securing the bottom left corner sooner...
Yep, those were exactly the things I was considering (or just executed badly during my previous attempts). It will probably take a few days before I'll have the time to experiment though....
Quote from: Fisherck on November 24, 2010, 09:32:04 AM
You must be using a different tactic, because after playing the map, I thought that I could drop at least another minute, if not more...
Yeah, yeah! Rub it in! ;)
Survived!
Another great map from UK (with kudos to MM).
That was a lot of fun and I will be back to play it again.
Thank you,
dbit
WOW, that took me forever to get to. i must be losing my touch! ;) .. two mins longer than when Kees first sent me the map.
to all the ppl who left me compliments.. thank you. tho, since im not particularly fond of the painting (since my dad said it looked like a mad cow and thats all i see when i look at it now) all kudos should go to Kees for making it an enjoyable and challenging map. THANK YOU ;D
Quote from: Miss Melissa on December 29, 2010, 04:31:30 AM
WOW, that took me forever to get to. i must be losing my touch! ;) .. two mins longer than when Kees first sent me the map.
Oh, I thought it took you about 30 mins the first time, just like myself....
Quote from: Miss Melissa on December 29, 2010, 04:31:30 AM
to all the ppl who left me compliments.. thank you. tho, since im not particularly fond of the painting (since my dad said it looked like a mad cow and thats all i see when i look at it now) all kudos should go to Kees for making it an enjoyable and challenging map. THANK YOU ;D
And thanks to you for providing excellent paintings to create Hard Art 2 & 8! I really enjoyed making them. :)
Well not a good score by any means but I'm just happy I beat another one of UpperKEES great maps. I kinda just fumbled my way through this one, I got a mortar up but then I had a drone going as well to try and keep the other corners of the playing field under control while slowly expanding. Eventually I got 3 drones up and running, after that it was just a matter of time.