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Map Designer: BPLlama [BPLlama@canada.com]
Reviewed by: Tarrant[9th]
Story From the Text File:
"This gigantic relic was destroyed when the sun in the center went supernova eons ago. The debris left behind makes this vast area of space a treasure trove."
Number of Players: 3-8
Starting Units:
Resourcers - 1
Research Ships - 1
Interceptors - 10
What I Thought:
Layout -
Well, if you're looking for something different in a map layout, I think I've found the crown jewel. And the kicker is that it's so simple in concept. The screenshots above speak for themselves. In an attempt to draw fighting away from the center of the board, BPLlama has spread all resources into a gigantic sphere which is hollow on the inside. And I'm not using the word "gigantic" loosely either. This sucker is big. Just for reference, starting points for players is just outside of the diameter of the sphere.
Combat -
On just about any map, resource areas are a hot spot for melee. And, resource areas are typically in the middle area of a map. Putting two and two together, it stands to reason that most combat takes place in the center (or so) areas. Not so on Dyson Sphere. Fighting is all over the place. It's kind of funky actually with the hollow sphere thing going on, I found it much more difficult to use the sensor map to coordinate my moving around. That's not a complaint though. Something this eloquent demands you be a little more precise and take a little more time before hyperspacing over that fleet of Ion Frigates.
Resourcing -
Instead of a solid sphere, what you've actually got is a series of "patches" that form a sphere. Pretty neat huh? Take a look at the screenshots and believe me when I say that you're going to need some serious resource collectors and controllers to gather on this baby. The more the better because this map is so big, after they stray far away from your mothership, you're going to have a rough time protecting them. They magically grow bullseyes on them for some reason.
Overall -
What a refreshing change of pace Dyson was. I don't make it a secret that I like big maps like this. Lots of money and room to manuever that massive fleet around in appeal to me in a warm fuzzy way...ahem. To give you an idea how big it really is, let's just say that my squadron of interceptors required refueling before they made it to the other side of the sphere. Get the idea? So, do you like long drawn out games that keep you in front of your monitor for a couple of hours? Then this map is just for you. Two thumbs up from me!
Overall Rating: 95
Download "Dyson Sphere"
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