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Map orientation
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:25 pm
by Cavalryman
Why is the map orientated as it is? This is very confusing....for someone who has a good geographical knowledge I still find it hard to make my way around the map....if anyone fancies doing a modded re-oriented map with north at the top I'd be willing to pay for it!!!
I thought the Western convention was maps, north at top of the page?
The current orientation seems a bit wierd to me? What is the point? Anyone agree?
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:44 pm
by Tamas
Computing power considerations I think (normally oriented map would have way too many "dead space").
But in my opinion it also does justice for the general outline of the major fronts. I progressed from being disoriented by it, to accepting it, and to liking it at the end.

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:47 pm
by jpwagner
The following is lifted from a WARGAMER Forum post...
A) The map orientation.
The reason for the Dev team choice is the following one:
1: Look at the map and try to mentaly flip it it: "Hey! it does not fit in the squared frame anymore!" (the European battlefield is longer than large)
2: This means you'll need a bigger frame to display your new "horizontal" map.
3: Hey, this bigger map needs much more graphic ressources!!!
Conclusion: Horizontal map means less players able to run the game for no added gameplay value.
This was the main reason for this design choice. Actually you begin to play you fit in the map fairly easily, just like you do when you play War in the Pacific for example.
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:50 pm
by Marquee
Honestly, I heard the cries of the crestfallen about the map before I purchased and I wondered if I too would find it irritating. I haven't. It makes absolutely no difference to me. All things equal I would like it naturally oriented, but it's not a big deal at all. Didn't even take me time "to get used to it". I just view it as a boardgame situated on the table as it is.
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:55 pm
by Winfield S. Hancock
Yes indeed, the map orientation has not been of concern at all to me. It is fine the way it is.
My only issue with the map is when battle screens pop up and I am not exactly sure where the specific province is located in relation to the rest of the front, particularly with the more obscure (to me) provinces on the Eastern front. It makes it harder to decide whether or not this is really the battle I want to commit my reserves to, or if they are better deployed elsewhere.
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:30 pm
by Moff Jerjerrod
Hi everyone!
I'd like to comment if I may on the map orientation but before I do that allow me to say a little about myself.
I've been addicted to ageod's AACW now for 8 months and loving it!! I've also been lurking here in the forums and today I've decided to join the fun. I'm still considering whether to buy LGG or WIA and so I've been monitoring these forums closely.
Anyway just thought I'd chime in here on the map orientation. One of my strongest classess back in my school years was geography. I used to take big maps of Europe and place them on the floor as a child. I'd then cover the map with my army guys (little plastic soldiers) and proceed to refight WWII over and over again using rudimentary rules and two 6 sided dice.
You can probably guess what I'm going to say about the map orientation in LGG. I like it even though I don't have the game yet. To me it makes no difference which way the map is placed in front of me. I used to stare at upside down oriented maps for hours contemplating my next moves.
Yes it probably does take some getting used to but sometimes even something simple as rotating a map allows you to think out of the box easier or in new ways you've never considered before.
Just my 2 cents and I do recognise that when a map is not oriented the way we're used to seeing them it can be a bit confusing at first. Stick with it though and don't give up.

Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 3:55 am
by m_shane_perkins
Tamas wrote:Computing power considerations I think (normally oriented map would have way too many "dead space").
But in my opinion it also does justice for the general outline of the major fronts. I progressed from being disoriented by it, to accepting it, and to liking it at the end.
My experience is the same. At first I was very disoriented by the map orientation. But just like most things in life, repetition makes things eaiser. Now the orientation doesn't phase me.
Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 7:00 am
by jpwagner
When you get to the basics, instead of attacking left to right, we are simply attacking down to up....

OK...I will give it time
Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 11:10 am
by Cavalryman
OK...thanks for your comments...interesting...I guess I shall just have to give it sometime.....