Custom Map #4968: Broken Heart. By: Sorrontis

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This topic is for discussion of map #4968: Broken Heart


Author: Sorrontis
Size: 100x240

Desc:
I set out to make a 12 on a 10 scale Sorrontis map. I think I failed... It's only an 11. Too bad. Good luck, and tell me if you think it's a 12. Cheers! #CRPL #ExpertLevel

[Sorrontis]

Ah, there it is.


This is an exercise in constant survival, sacrifice, moderation, and foresight.

[Sorrontis]

Actual Hint 1:

Spoiler

Don't turtle... At all.

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Actual Hint 2:

Spoiler

Don't destroy your enemy wily-nily. Go after the high priority stuff before you destroy everything. Learn to cap rather than nullify.

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[D0m0nik]

Gulp. Seat belt on, helmet secured, here we go!!!

Hint 3????

Spoiler

Save a lot?

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[Sorrontis]

Gulp. Seat belt on, helmet secured, here we go!!!

Hint 3????

Spoiler

Save a lot?

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That's a given with my maps :)

[D0m0nik]

I was playing this thinking 'Wow I'm the man, this is easy, I'm gonna post a 20 min time and then go to the forum and boast about how great I am'. Then it all went to pot.

Iv'e said it before and I'll say it again, you're a sick puppy Sorontis.

Now, do I try and save the mess or start again?  :-[

[Sorrontis]

You know, I make these maps for the few of you that enjoy the horrible challenge. You inspire me to make things even worse. :)

Actual Hint 3:

Spoiler

Spread your base out, make redundant relay networks, AC AC AC, anddddddd..... bottom right is a good spot for early on game.

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Actual Hint 4:

Spoiler

That forge isn't necessary for a long time. Some places are better than others to put it. Don't plan ahead? you just might lose it.

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[D0m0nik]

Spoiler

I put the forge down early and was lucky to keep it but I had to work hard! I started as far north as I could, agree not the best spot!

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I am on the final assault (I think!) and have kept my AOOs so fingers crossed. It is evil how the freeze does not work on all effetcs though!

[Sorrontis]

So you must be going south now?

[D0m0nik]

Just finished it!

Spoiler

I cheated for the ending, used a load of guppies aided by the AOOs, let the spores go crazy, don't know if I could have done it without.

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Very challenging map though and some amazing ideas, the main concept (South) was insane, did not see it coming at all.

[Sorrontis]

Oi! How'd you do it in 40 minutes!? I messed around for about 20 minutes terping, but I could not cut out another 20 to even reach your time. D0m, you're a beast. I'll throw another map at you soon.

[GoodMorning]

Well, after deciding to abandon this, at least for now, here are my thoughts:

Complaining

An arbitrary protection mission is fine, but pairing a need for speed with a need to constantly rebuild is something that rings hollow as challenges go. At least give us a way to mitigate (if not prevent) the arbitrary destruction. Small bombs (red tag) OK. Black-tag: needs work.

Protecting the three Cores is something of a pain, and (for my ability) is a matter of keeping the levels down by Strafers, so that the terrain is a sufficient shield. When said Strafers are arbitrarily nuked en masse - it's not fun.

Essentially, you're all but using MakeRain - the difference being that the area outside your base is unaffected. And then requiring survival pod collection.

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Difficulty I appreciate, but the challenge here feels hollow from the start. I assume there are more interesting mechanics later, but I'm not going to go looking at the moment.

[D0m0nik]

I agree in part with some of GoodMornings points re random destruction.

Spoiler

The spawning runners I was perfectly happy with, you can adjust your tactic and place cannons and mortars around the map to protect everything, very little rebuilding is needed if you have a thorough relay and collector network.

The big impact events where not enjoyable as I spent the first 30 mins of the game time hoping that my forge would not get obliterated! It is not nice being helpless and having no control and no way to plan for this.

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Having said this I think the map is amazing, Sorrontis takes a very interesting approach to making very challenging maps and manages to keep you on the edge of your seat, at times I am genuinely tense and grimly anticipating the next 'surprise'. As long as pause is enabled it is fun working through the obstacles. Some of the hardest maps are just about slowly trying to overturn the tide with limited resources and can be a grind, this is a very different approach but it is certainly likely to frustrate more than it pleases, hence the rating!

I reckon it is a tough job making these maps but someone has to do it, thanks Sorrontis!

[D0m0nik]

Protecting the three Cores is something of a pain

I think it is only fair to point out:

Spoiler

You will loose all 3 regardless of anything you do. Just another little blow to the morale!

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[D0m0nik]

I am having another go as I was curious about some of the mechanics and I noticed a bug.

Spoiler

One of the runners spawned directly on a friend pod. The mission failure message came up. I kept pressing pause and yhe game adavanced anyway frame by frame, my units cleared the creep and then the game continued as normal. Not sure if the mission would still complete though? Random game over is not great either!

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