BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat

BattleTech Miniatures and Terrain => Gaming Terrain => Topic started by: Lord Cameron on 22 October 2011, 05:46:13

Title: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: Lord Cameron on 22 October 2011, 05:46:13
How many people use them?

How does the quality compare with Map Pack paper maps?  :-\

Do you print on 11 x 17?
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: DarkISI on 22 October 2011, 07:42:47
I use them and usually print the pieces on A4 paper. After that, I glue them together. You can find a lot of maps for Heavy Metal Map, here (http://www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,520.0.html).
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: scatcat on 22 October 2011, 09:25:07
HMMs graphics aren't nearly as nice as those found in map packs. All it needs is someone to make a custom palette to spiff up that end. Everything else is top notch.
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: Lord Cameron on 22 October 2011, 12:39:07
HMMs graphics aren't nearly as nice as those found in map packs. All it needs is someone to make a custom palette to spiff up that end. Everything else is top notch.

Which graphics do you mean?
Like the rivers, lakes, hills etc?
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: DarkISI on 23 October 2011, 01:46:16
HMMs graphics aren't nearly as nice as those found in map packs. All it needs is someone to make a custom palette to spiff up that end. Everything else is top notch.

I like the Heavy Metal Graphics. I added a few images to my own palette, but I saw no need to replace any of the existing ones.
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: scatcat on 23 October 2011, 09:26:50
I like the Heavy Metal Graphics. I added a few images to my own palette, but I saw no need to replace any of the existing ones.

They're not bad, but they aren't on par with the professionally made map packs.

Which graphics do you mean?
Like the rivers, lakes, hills etc?

In general I'd say background graphics are the weakest link. The provided textures get the job done, but aren't eye candy. Since these background textures are responsible for most of the map, you're left with an overall impression of, "Meh." Add-ons (trees, rivers, roads, etc.) look pretty good.
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: DarkISI on 24 October 2011, 04:03:35
In general I'd say background graphics are the weakest link. The provided textures get the job done, but aren't eye candy. Since these background textures are responsible for most of the map, you're left with an overall impression of, "Meh." Add-ons (trees, rivers, roads, etc.) look pretty good.

I don't think they are all that bad, but I have had times were I found the amount of backgrounds lacking. I looked for something special and it simply wasn't there. Perhaps, when I start creating new maps again, I will update my palette and add some new backgrounds (I'm currently releasing the old maps two per week on HPG Station (http://hpgstation.de/) with some background information about their creation process, so that will take a few weeks to happen).
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: Red Pins on 24 October 2011, 11:24:47
...Given I won't buy anything other than paper maps, I think maybe HMMap is in my future - I've played on them before and liked them.
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: Slade, The Grey Fox on 14 November 2011, 16:54:26
I especially like the option to open numerous map files and save the larger map as a JPG.  Works great for tactical maps to the players during campaigns.
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: ScrapYardArmory on 04 December 2011, 09:30:01
Love 'em.  Wish I had more time to make new maps.

I usually print them out on standard paper from my ink jet and then cut and tape them together.  It does not take as much time as you would think.

Here is a snapshot of one:

(http://www.scrapyardarmory.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Mount-Shanyu-1.jpg)

Also, if there are hex elements you like, there is nothing stopping you from cutting them out separate to use over and over like the hex packs.  There are four turrets in the map above which I cut out as single hexes so I can use them on any map in my collection.
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: Lord Cameron on 06 December 2011, 03:50:53
Love 'em.  Wish I had more time to make new maps.

Here is a snapshot of one:

Thanks for posting that!
It does look pretty good.  O0
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: kuttsinister7 on 21 December 2011, 20:02:16
That's what I want for Christmas then, lol  8) O:-)
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: Hellraiser on 21 December 2011, 20:16:18
I have not worked w/ it much but IIRC my GM has it.

I'm thinking its something I'll get in the future because it just seems to have a load of customizing potential.

Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: Frank Olson on 20 November 2023, 15:32:38
I use them and usually print the pieces on A4 paper. After that, I glue them together. You can find a lot of maps for Heavy Metal Map, here (http://www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,520.0.html).

That link is dead now. Do you still have the files and would you share them?
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: Goose on 21 November 2023, 00:05:58
Use the Wayback Machine, Luke! azn
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: SeeM on 22 November 2023, 14:14:04
I liked Heavy Metal Maps 10 years ago. Now they are 10 years bahind anything in print today. Hills, rivers and forests are ok at best, but anything above is pretty outdated. The only thing I still like is readability. Everything on them is instantly obvious and clear.
Title: Re: Heavy Metal maps?
Post by: Hellraiser on 24 November 2023, 00:32:43
Oh dang, necrotizing flesh thread arise!  :evil: