Custom Map #7529: The X+ Factor. By: Jason Stevens

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This topic is for discussion of map #7529: The X+ Factor


Author: Jason Stevens
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The X+ Factor This map has a difficulty level between moderate and hard and is based off "The X Factor" map, although there are quite a few differences in this map. In particular, the start locations have been made "more equal". Tehre are many viable start locations and many different strategies to defeat the Loki on this map. GOOD LUCK! #Spore #Runner #Creep #Pump

[Lightforger]

Interesting.
I like that the green emitters aren't that super close to the corner.

The thors are a nice addition, though in my playthrough there would barely be enough time to build them :p

For starting positions, the reactors still beat everything else without effort.
37 reactors > 4 "empty" PZ's >>>> totems >>>>> oreN

Something that might be useful for future maps, ability to nullify the green emitters - they are good on the frontlines but once you pass them they turn into an energy drain.

[jasons2645]

Interesting.
I like that the green emitters aren't that super close to the corner.

The thors are a nice addition, though in my playthrough there would barely be enough time to build them :p

For starting positions, the reactors still beat everything else without effort.
37 reactors > 4 "empty" PZ's >>>> totems >>>>> oreN

Something that might be useful for future maps, ability to nullify the green emitters - they are good on the frontlines but once you pass them they turn into an energy drain.

Yeah, I agree on the start location.  I started on that one as well :)  But at least the other 3 are more compelling than they were on the old map.  With the green emitter so close, it really was an incredibly difficult start.  Now, you get enough breathing room to start a base on any island - and there is a true benefit provided with each selection :)

[Johnny Haywire]

I decided to try landing on the right island above the 4 "traditional" landing spots. It wasn't an easier start, it was just different.

I think it's possible to hold this, but when I did it I'd forgotten about the pumps that pump to the two islands. By the time I realized what was happening it was too late.

I like these 4-corner maps. I can't remember which one is my favorite but this one seemed to present a bit more of a challenge than most of the others. Not entirely sure about that - perhaps I was just a bit out of it today.

Thanks for these maps, Jason - they're very enjoyable!  ;D

[marvinitfox]

The first 5 minutes are really tense, and crucial.

After that its a simpler matter of prioritizing tasks, and steady growth.

I tried (repeatedly), but I cannot possibly take all 4 corners in the startgame.
I can however take 3, and chose to do the 3 away from the ore island. (as you get quite enough AC from the converted reds)

[Johnny Haywire]

If you use guppies right away to start your grid, you can build it fast enough and connect all 4 corners... but until you get the forge, you'll need to keep the guppies going. The packets move too slowly to reach all around the grid on this.

Not that this is the most relaxing way to do it - you gotta watch spores and digitalis too, so there's too much multitasking for my taste.