Author Name:  FirestarXL
Author E-Mail:  firestar@xlcorp.net
Author URL:  http://www.xlcorp.net
Authors ICQ #:  7354855 (only occasionally online with ICQ, email is quicker)

Map Name:  White Shadows
Map Version:  1.0 (Release)

Map Style:  Terragen / Unique (green)

Map File Type: UFO
Filesize in Mb (zipped / unzipped):  15.6 / 15.6
Memory Recommended:  96 Mb minimum, 128 / 256 reccomended

Map Size:  13 x 13
Max # of Players:  Three (possibly four if you're feeling brave)

Testing:  Tested with three players, also in skirmish.
Tools Used:  Terragen, Annihilator, Photoshop, Wilbur, Diet Coke


*  Abstract:

A smallish (13x13), but intense map with room for epic tank battles, yet scope for deviousness.  The lightly wooded grasslands, interspersed with large snow covered mountain ranges make for a plesant battlefield - at least until you cover it with battle scars... (Map needs CC installed)


*  Information:

My first map to be released (I've done others, but nothing special), this is a Terragen custom job.  The render took over eight hours on my Dual-Xeon 550 box with 640Mb of ram.  The 10240x7680 image size resulted in a bitmap file of over 200Mb - this is heavy stuff...  
I have tried to place features in a way that creates a realistic landscape feel, with clusters of trees in places that gradually thin out.  I think that good feature placement can really add to a map, and would appreicate feedback on how good a job I did.  

The start positions are as follows

-----------
 1        4
          
           
 3        2
-----------

All ten start positions are of course placed and I have made some effort to make their placments vaguely usable.  However beyond four positions no attempt has been made to balance them, so use at your own risk.  I reccomend this as a two to three player map.

*  Known Issues:

More of a note than an issue, but most land units cannot traverse the steep moutain slopes.  Occasionally the AI will build a factory in a location where the resulting units cannot escape, however it will more than compensate since the rest will be on the flat land.  The mountains are designed to be steep and hence inaccessible, however if enough people would prefer land access then I may release a version with a doctored heightmap that allows this.


*  Acknowlegements:

Kinboat for the Annihilator Map Editor --  http://tauniverse.com/files/utilities/Maps/

Caer for the Terragen Map Tutorial  --  http://caer.cjb.net

The foks on the Tauniverse UBB for their feedback regarding metal placement  --  http://tauniverse.com

And of course the late Cavedog Entertainment ( http://cavedog.com ) for the superb Total Annihilation.


