New Random Cave Map Generator

[Gozzy]

Thanks for all the comments, I'll try and answer some of the specific questions as follows.

Any chance you could make it a downloadable program? I'm going to be getting a laptop real soon and it won't have aceess to the internet when I am away from home.

Unfortunately the code is written in PHP with MySQL backend and a PNG library for the graphics. To install it on a laptop you would need to installa Apache and MySQL. I would also have to release the code (I can't convert PHP to a binary) which I'm not keen on doing at present as it is very much a work in progress.

The dungeons are a little too random for my tastes. I've never seen a random dungeon generator generator a realistic dungeon.

I'm intigued to know what you mean by realistic? If you let me know what you would expect to see then I'll see fi later revisions of the code can come closer. Any other comments along these lines also welcome.

The only suggestion I would make/ask is, is there a way to add an input for number of rooms? The dungeons are huge!

I'm considering input parameters for the next release which will probably include a map size parameter. I'm also looking to include more control over some of the aspects of the map that are completely random at the moment. If you've generated a fair few maps you'll have noticed that some don't fill the lower portions of the area and this is due to the random aspects of the code. Any other ideas relating to input parameters welcome.

Overall, I'm glad to see that people find the stuff I'm doing useful. Let me know ideas for features in the existing generators and ideas for other stuff that you may find useful.

 

[iwatt]

Great stuff.....thanx

 

[Graybeard]

I definitely like the cave generator. I plan on using it in an upcomiing session.

Very nice work.


Chuck

 

[Raven Crowking]

I'm intigued to know what you mean by realistic? If you let me know what you would expect to see then I'll see fi later revisions of the code can come closer. Any other comments along these lines also welcome.

For me, realistic would mean that the layout of the rooms seems planned, rather than random. Which is an awful lot to ask of a random generator! It is also why the cave generator is superior, IMHO. Far too many cave maps seem planned, rather than the result of natural forces.

If you've generated a fair few maps you'll have noticed that some don't fill the lower portions of the area and this is due to the random aspects of the code.

Overall, I am glad that this happens. It means that the shape of the cave (or dungeon) does not automatically fill a preset amount of grid. I would ask you to please, please not tinker with that aspect, unless you also include an option to not fill the entire grid!

I was going to ask about connections to the outside world. I.e., number of entrances to a cave or dungeon. Would it be possible to include a way to set this?

RC

 

[Mythmere1]

Links don't seem to be working anymore...

 

[Gozzy]

For me, realistic would mean that the layout of the rooms seems planned, rather than random. Which is an awful lot to ask of a random generator!

See attached. I've worked up a new version of the generator (which isn't finished yet - I'll add it to my site when it is) that works on an entirely different set of rules to the original. I studied a number of dungeon maps to analyse how they are composed and this is the answer to that.

Oh by the way, what you are seeing in this image is the actual output from the code, it hasn't been "enhanced" afterwards. I'm rather pleased with the graphical look and the final version will enable you to choose different backgrounds and probably tile sets. You'll be able to set a bunch of parameters too including maximum room height and width, map size and a randomness parameter.

As ever, comments welcome.

 

[Gozzy]

Minor Updates

I've updated the cave map generator based on some of the feedback. It now includes user choices, an optional entry point and better randomisation. Check it out here.

 

[pogre]

I've updated the cave map generator based on some of the feedback. It now includes user choices, an optional entry point and better randomisation. Check it out here.

Excellent update! Nothing constructive to add here - just another fan saying "thanks!"

 

[Gozzy]

Excellent update! Nothing constructive to add here - just another fan saying "thanks!"

Wow, thanks!

I guess I'll keep on working on the Encounter Map generator then...

 

[Raven Crowking]

This is some fine work

Gozzy,

This is truly some fine work. It will surely see use in my game!

If you feel like tinkering some more, you might consider the possibility of multiple cave entrances.

Otherwise, pretty darn perfect.


RC