The new Map system : V - Skyrim

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 4:58 pm

Exactly my point. There is less information infront of you on a 2D map.....you just get the general layout of things....so when you go to that huge gorge you only have a basic idea of its shape and location....as opposed to seeing it in advance in a tiny 3d scale model view, which just ruins the experience of finding out what its like for yourself, as youve already seen it.. I personally(that means my opinion) prefer to have a more vague 2d map where i actually have to find my way around, compared to a an exact scale model that ruins the grandness of the game by showing it in the tiny view before you experience it for yourself.

So you want less content, not more, implying that you're less concerned about content and more about aesthetics and immersion.

A simple topographical representation of the area, while pretty, does not tell you exactly where everything is, either. Seeing it for yourself will definitely be a different experience from seeing it on the map. Always.

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 4:52 pm

It is entirely aesthetic. Of course people like it for looks. No content whatsoever is being omitted.

Also:

Map
–noun
1. a representation, usually on a flat surface, as of the features of an area of the earth or a portion of the heavens, showing them in their respective forms, sizes, and relationships according to some convention of representation: a map of Canada.

I'm calling a spade a spade. The fact that it is 3D is entirely irrelevant. It shows you where stuff is in an accurate manner and is used primarily to find your location and what direction you're going in. That is a map. And the purpose of a dollhouse is not as relevant as the other thing that I cited: namely, that most dollhouses are not replicas of anything at all. They're not meant to represent real homes and often aren't even laid out like a real house. You're making a non-logical leap; "It is 3D, therefore it is the same as a dollhouse."

Many many dollhouses are made for that exact reason....to replicate a home/mansion/what have you. I dont see why youre so hung up on the dollhouse thing....Many dollhouses are made to be EXACT replicas of buildings....therefore it fits your earlier definition of a map to a T. I DONT want an extremely detailed scale model of the world infront of me showing me every spec of the world before i have a chance to visit it myself. Thats why i prefer the more vague paper map. But thats just my opinion. Yours is "map has no part in gameplay or feeling of the game whatsoever i only care about its looks and the new one looks sweet so its all good, i could care less if it ruins the sense of discovery i get by showing me detailed mini views of the entire landmass before i see it myself in its normal grand size."

I guess i just disagree with you there.....the map actually adds to the gameplay experience for me where as you stated it obviously doesnt for you, purely aesthetic for you.

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 11:20 am

So a detailed, scaled drawing doesn't spoil the area, but a bird's eye view would?

Both are pretty much the same thing...

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:03 pm

So you want less content, not more, implying that you're less concerned about content and more about aesthetics and immersion.

A simple topographical representation of the area, while pretty, does not tell you exactly where everything is, either. Seeing it for yourself will definitely be a different experience from seeing it on the map. Always.

Lack of content on the map is still content in the game as far as im concerned....anything effecting the gameplay experience is considered content to me. Definition for topographical map that you consider it "A topographic map is a detailed and accurate graphic representation of cultural and natural features on the ground" which is what i consider it....extremely detailed and accurate as you put it "topographical". I dont consider it to be simple by any means after seeing the demo.

I see youre obviously just putting words in my mouth though so ill just stop replying i guess lol.

We just disagree on it is all. The map plays a part in my gameplay experience where as for you its just something cool to look at.

edit:

So a detailed, scaled drawing doesn't spoil the area, but a bird's eye view would?

Both are pretty much the same thing...

If you cant see the difference between a more vague 2d map just showing general locations and shapes as opposed to an exact 3d scale model showing every detail of the land...then idk how to respond to that lol

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 11:19 am

So a detailed, scaled drawing doesn't spoil the area, but a bird's eye view would?

Do remember that he said he prefers vague maps. Not maps that might as well be in 3D anyway for how accurate they are.

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 11:42 am

Lack of content on the map is still content in the game as far as im concerned....anything effecting the gameplay experience is considered content to me. Definition for topographical map that you consider it "A topographic map is a detailed and accurate graphic representation of cultural and natural features on the ground" which is what i consider it....extremely detailed and accurate as you put it "topographical". I dont consider it to be simple by any means after seeing the demo.

I see youre obviously just putting words in my mouth though so ill just stop replying i guess lol.

We just disagree on it is all. The map plays a part in my gameplay experience where as for you its just something cool to look at.

edit:

If you cant see the difference between a more vague 2d map just showing general locations and shapes as opposed to an exact 3d scale model showing every detail of the land...then idk how to respond to that lol

Topography has nothing to do with culture. It means that the map displays altitude as well, that's it.

And I'm not "hung up" on the dollhouse thing, I'm just saying it's a stupid and pointless comparison.

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 5:05 pm

Either one I guess works.

I prefer the aesthetic of getting out the folded parchment map more though.

But they both look fine.

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 6:39 am

i prefered morrowinds map to oblivions .

I think that they should use the 3d render but att some sort of effect over it to make it look drawn.

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 4:34 pm

I honestly have to say, I think the map is amazing.

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 3:10 pm

I like it. It looks pretty cool, and I think the way a 3-d map is kind of... more high-tech than we'd expect in a fantasy game fits well with this series.

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 6:00 pm

I like it. It looks pretty cool, and I think the way a 3-d map is kind of... more high-tech than we'd expect in a fantasy game fits well with this series.

I agree with this. I don't think the 3D map really fits with the whole low-tech, rugged feel of Skyrim. Also, it seems a bit flashy, which sort of contradicts the whole minimalist approach the the rest of the UI. Eh, not a huge deal though, just an aesthetic thing for me.

» Mon Jul 04, 2011 10:39 am

you should add 'indifferent' to the poll.... just saying.... FYI, I'm in that category. I do care about the map, just I don't know which is better. It seems a bit annoying but it could be a good thing.