What should a good map consist of?

As the topic says, I'm wondering what a good map consists of/what people like to play/see in maps.

Generally I do NOT like messy maps (sometimes I make exactly that type of maps, but shhh!) where is too much things like gold, mines or rockets. Also too much randomness in maps is a bad idea. And levels like chimneys or 'run straight to exit' are boring...

For me, good map should be not hard, yet challenging. Enemies must be effective and if there's gold - it should be placed in difficult to get place (or if this is a race map or DDA - put the gold in the less visible places).

...And of course don't ask for rates

SpartaX18 wrote:Generally I do NOT like messy maps (sometimes I make exactly that type of maps, but shhh!) where is too much things like gold, mines or rockets. Also too much randomness in maps is a bad idea. And levels like chimneys or 'run straight to exit' are boring...

For me, good map should be not hard, yet challenging. Enemies must be effective and if there's gold - it should be placed in difficult to get place (or if this is a race map or DDA - put the gold in the less visible places).

...And of course don't ask for rates

Thanks for that!
My friend told me today, he looks for levels that aren't too hard to beat, but are challenging to get a highscore on.

I like levels that arent too hard to beat but are challenging to get a highscore on too.
Gold placement can make or break a map. Dont put it in places that are too out of the way, those places should be for keys, or forgotten, put them in clusters that allow for a smooth transition from one section of then map to the next. Thats how I like gold if people put it, otherwise i prefer no gold but instead levels that require really polished runs to get top score.

I Think that map should keep up to Form=Function equation. Map should not only Look good, but It should feel interesting and challenging in terms of gameplay. Form = Function brings harmony to level. There are many levels that Look impressive but they are boring, and otherwise.
Sincerely, Blacklef

Thanks guys!
Helps a lot

Great thread, I was also interested in what people like to see. I usually go for coin placement that is en route yet perhaps in a more challenging one. Also I usually stack coins and have just 1 in a location. Is this accepted?

odla wrote:Great thread, I was also interested in what people like to see. I usually go for coin placement that is en route yet perhaps in a more challenging one. Also I usually stack coins and have just 1 in a location. Is this accepted?

I personally can find the gold to be aesthetically displeasing, but practically utile.

A map that will be rated is one that looks complex, but isn't too long.It is challenging and can trick you on the first few attempts, but is passable. If you want to make a make of outstanding quality, consider the following success criteria:
1   High level of intensity during game play
2   Relatively challenging
3   made with attention to detail
4   Trickery (a good map will take more than one go to complete)
5   Completability, (It shouldn't be too hard to complete)
6   Length, good maps should take roughly a minute or less to complete.

helloslyhello wrote:A map that will be rated is one that looks complex, but isn't too long.It is challenging and can trick you on the first few attempts, but is passable. If you want to make a make of outstanding quality, consider the following success criteria:
1   High level of intensity during game play
2   Relatively challenging
3   made with attention to detail
4   Trickery (a good map will take more than one go to complete)
5   Completability, (It shouldn't be too hard to complete)
6   Length, good maps should take roughly a minute or less to complete.

RIP possible rated speedrun

XD. Well now we know why n gaming makes brilliant speed run levels that just can't get the stars. But I am a hypocrite, I don't even follow this criteria, should do though XD.

I map how i want. I like my speedrun maps and their style. I know a couple others enjoy them so i'm (mostly) happy.

That's the attitude you need in life . Just make and do what you want, I do that all the time aswell that's why I have some pretty shit levels on my account and some very different ones and some that are very odd. XD nice maps btw

SpartaX18 wrote:Generally I do NOT like messy maps (sometimes I make exactly that type of maps, but shhh!) where is too much things like gold, mines or rockets. Also too much randomness in maps is a bad idea. And levels like chimneys or 'run straight to exit' are boring...

For me, good map should be not hard, yet challenging. Enemies must be effective and if there's gold - it should be placed in difficult to get place (or if this is a race map or DDA - put the gold in the less visible places).

...And of course don't ask for rates

I just read that last line XD funny how we keep telling people to not do that. When we all know we want to title each level we make a "rate 5 or else"

I would never put in the title "rate 5" or anything similiar. I COULD eventually say something like "feel free to share your opinion about this level", but i never did it and i doubt i will do it whenever in a near future. The biggest probability would be when i'd make a super-duper mega awesome level and be proud of it. But as i said - i wouldn't beg for 5's; just for notes that people think it deserves.

Same XD. I don't think there's been a single level that even hints to rate it. Nice bold word their Sparta, I think you've emphasised the wrong word XD , shouldn't it be like.?

(/\):;

And that was my attempt at a face :( maybe one day sly.

"like"? I don't get it. I changed it to "could" though :q

XD. No I just thought that you've highlighted the wrong word. Nevermined.

I know what did you mean, but i don't get why would "like" be highlighted..

Wrong topic soz XD

Alright?

P.s.: Instead of logging into the forum, maybe you'd join the chat? I'm here, so i can answer any question of yours instantly :p

Cool

I think that a level also needs a consistent style with tiles, gold, and mines. There should be some difficult jumps too.

I think I am particularly struggling with having length of my maps, the gameplay ending a little too early.

I think the tileset is REALLY important. Only a good tilleset attracts me to click on it first. I automatically dislike maps only containing objects, or only the full block tiles. Furthermore I find that it's important to maintain a certain style throughout a level.

But if you want a rated map, you could just make some art

^ Seconded. I almost always start with the tileset