However, in light of recent discussion & events there will be some changes from our usual ruleset, so let me explain:
We've had a lot of feedback about how map diversity is a bad thing as it encourages non-standard play and how many of maps such as Bonnie Springs, Tibet, Indonesia, Klondike, etc. are "non-standard," "trash," "pathetic," "deplorable," "disgusting," and pretty much any other negative adjective you can think of in virtually any modern European language. So to right our previous wrong-doings, this will be the new map pool for this event and future events, and in fact, the only maps you will be allowed to play on ESOC patch in general:
1) ESOC New Great Plains
2) ESOC New Great Plains
3) ESOC New Great Plains
4) ESOC New Great Plains
5) ESOC New Great Plains
This new map is revolutionary, more balanced than any other map we've ever made, and will only encourage the most standard of gameplay. To be honest I can't believe we ever played on maps like High Plains and Kamchatka, as they pale in comparison to this one! Here's a screenshot of this new upcoming map:
In this new and improved version of AoE3's iconic Great Plains map, we've added a significant amount of hunts in order to prevent "mapscrews" and the like. Players also start with at least 3 gold mines under their TC and 2 safely tucked in the back behind their base to ensure their vills will never be at risk of exposing themselves to the dangers of "completely random" cavalry raids.
Treasures have also been removed, as they have proven themselves detrimental to the health of the game. We are also currently considering removing explorers from the Discovery Age and adding them to your Colonial Age politicians, as you may incur an unfair advantage by attacking your opponent's villagers.
As you can see, we also changed the trade route so that each player has their TP tucked safely behind their base and on a route of it's own, so now you no longer have to worry about those pesky players taking all 5 trading posts and grabbing that stagecoach upgrade uncontested because you wanted to do a naked FI! Now you can simply upgrade your own single TP out of harm's way and reap all the benefits of stagecoach with none of the drawbacks!
If the map proves to not be as balanced as we wish after playtesting, we are also currently considering turning all of the mines into gold mines and the bison into elephants, but we'll keep you posted. We don't want to overdo it.
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There are also some other quick changes coming up in the next version of EP I should let you know of beforehand:
- Portuguese has been removed from the game because it would clearly be too imbalanced on ESOC New Great Plains, and as we all know, every single map should be able to compete equally on every single map. Since we decided to cut every single other map from the game, we figured we might as well scrap this civ too.
- All units no longer snare. This mechanic was just too broken to continue any longer.
- Docks have been removed from the game in case anyone tries to make monitors in the ponds.
- The herding mechanic has been removed, as the skillcap it too high to consistently herd hunts to safety.
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The future is looking better and better for Age of Empires 3 everyone! Soon we will be hosting even more events on the most balanced patch in AoE3 history! Look forward to it!
