Are maps becoming less useful?

[Glyfair]

Is it just me or is anyone else finding products have less and less useful maps?

To me, it seems that a lot of focus has been put on having "pretty" maps and much less on having "functional" maps. The only time I want a "pretty" map is when it's a handout to give to the players, representing a map they have in hand (of course, in practice these maps really should be less pretty most of the time). When I'm running an adventure, I want a 100% functional map. Something I can read easily, transpose to a battlemat if needed, or copy and give a section to the players to better represent an unusual area.

 

[Crothian]

Depends on the product. My next review happens to have maps in it and they have maps of different sizes, all full color but with squares on them so they can be used as the battle mat. The mapos are of buildings and really look good but are also very functional.

But I have seen the maps like which you speak. They look really good, but hard to use in game.

 

[mroberon1972]

Some are. But I'm sure you saw my review...

But then again, maps can be both...

 

[Capellan]

It's not just you.

The most useful gaming maps I have seen in a long time are Phineas Crow's: black and white, easy to print and annotate. Nowhere near as pretty as those in Dungeon, but often a lot more functional.

 

[Glyfair]

It's not just you.

The most useful gaming maps I have seen in a long time are Phineas Crow's: black and white, easy to print and annotate. Nowhere near as pretty as those in Dungeon, but often a lot more functional.

That is one plus from the old days. At least the maps aren't in "anti-copying but hard on the eyes" blue.

 

[Krieg]

Give me functional maps.

...but add in interior illustrations of what the rooms actually look like.

Now that would be something I would actually consider purchasing.

 

[Phineas Crow]

It's not just you.

The most useful gaming maps I have seen in a long time are Phineas Crow's: black and white, easy to print and annotate. Nowhere near as pretty as those in Dungeon, but often a lot more functional.

I started creating these dungeon/adventure maps mainly because of the current trend of pretty and useless maps. I offer, free to the public, simple and easy to use maps. Maps that may not be stunning to behold, but they get the job done.

I'm currently working on a weekly series of maps at the Silverthorne Games website, under the Free Stuff section.

The Silverthorne adventure maps come in two versions, a nice color version and a printer friendly version (usually B&W). I'm rather proud of these new maps and I feel they are some of my best work so far.

 

[MerakSpielman]

I applaud your efforts, Crow. I hate the "pretty map syndrome" too. In fact, I have a good number of your maps printed out in my "map file" binder.

 

[johnsemlak]

MerricB had similar opionions of WotC maps in this thread:
http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=92164

 

[Brian K. Moseley]

Give me functional maps.

...but add in interior illustrations of what the rooms actually look like.

Now that would be something I would actually consider purchasing.

Hello,

Please forgive the shameless plug, but you might be interested in the Masterwork Maps series. You can check out previews of every Darkfuries product at http://www.darkfuries.com/download.shtml.

All the best,