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Map Designer: AlStar [Alstar_@yahoo.com]
Reviewed by: Tarrant[9th]
Story From the Text File:
"The unforunate residents of this planet were experimenting with drawing energy directly from the core of their world. These experiments brought forth a disastrous planet-shattering explosion, which quickly turned a thriving civilization into dust in a matter of seconds. (oops) However, that's life, and now the remains of the planet make for great harvesting. Reports warn that the orbital defenses that once protected the people of this world still maintain their vigil over the now dead world. Reports also tell of a massive project that was making a new ship of immense power. If these reports are true, then the ship, if it is fully functioning, would make an excellent salvage target. However, as you enter the system, your sensors pick up more targets then expected, either the defenses around this old world are more extensive than initial reports indicated, or you have company...."
Number of Players: 2-4
Starting Units:
Resourcers - 1
Research Ships - 1
Light Corvettes - 5
What I Thought:
Layout -
At first glance, this map appears to be just one of your run-of-the-mill designs. By that I mean you have an spherically shaped resource patch in the middle with players being dispersed around the outside edge. But, there are two things that set Expanding Universe aside from the others. One, the asteroids in the middle are pretty large and the field is really dense. Two, per the story above, there are stationary autoguns (remember the junkyard mission?) positioned at various points along the outskirts of the resource field...no doubt to better harass incoming and outgoing resource collectors. Typically organized in groups of three or four, they fire at any ship that passes too close for comfort.
Combat -
I was honestly expecting the usual humdrum when I fired up this map but had a grin from ear to ear when I finished. Why? Because the layout AlStar uses really encourages resource collector defense as well as search and destroy. And, the asteroids are so dense in the middle that you have to be careful moving your units thru it. Capital ships on aggressive tactics are especially vulnerable to drifting into a big rock.
Resourcing -
For a moderate size board, this one is Cash City baby. Build collectors and them build some more. And when you're done, build a couple of more. Like most maps of this design, he who controls the middle controls the game.
Overall -
For the most part, I'm going to review only maps that I like for the simple fact that I'm much more likely to play them often. As a result, I'll be able to give you guys a better idea of how well they are designed. On that note, Expanding Universe is definitely a keeper. Although the resource placement is pretty standard fare, I think the ratio of money to map size is right on target if you want a war of attrition. The addition of "neutral" autoguns is a nice touch too. I played it with mothership and with "carrier only" and must say that it's even more fun with only the carrier.
Overall Rating: 75
Download "Expanding Universe"
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