There are some bugs and user friendly issues that I would like to mention, and that can hopefully be fixed in the next patch.
1. It is almost impossible to add trees to the map, as it does not work like in AOM.
When I try to add trees, every tree that I add will erase the previous tree if I add it in the same area, so it is impossible to add a patch of trees. Painting trees does not work either.
The only way to do that is from the ‘Add Object’ menu, but you then have to click once for every tree you want to add, and you cannot ‘paint’ the trees like AOM.
2. The ‘Proto Unit Change’ did not work when I tried to reduce the population count for the Settlers by –1.
I basically wanted to create a map 1v2, where the first player can create Settlers that don’t cost any population, but it doesn’t work.
3. The AI’s in the custom map doesn’t function.
Just like in AOM, I set two players as ‘Computer’ and set an AI for both of them, but when I tested the map the AI settlers were just idle and did not perform any work.
Did I miss something? Is there any thing else I need to set up?
Did anyone create a map where the AI functions? Or is this a bug?
4. The drop down menus in the editor are very hard to handle (not user friendly).
They scroll to fast and it is very hard to find the unit/object that I want.
I always pass it in either direction.
It was already hard enough in AOM, but in AOE 3 it is even worse to a point that it is frustrating.
I suggest the Ensemble take a second look at the map editor and try to use the drop down menus including the ‘Trigger Menu’.
You will then see what I am talking about.
5. And finally I would like to mention the famous ‘Population Limit’.
Well 200 is just too old.
This is the 21st century, and AOE 3 has the lowest population limit compared to all the RTS games in the last 3 years.
For a start I would like to see 1v1 games allowing 300 or even 400 pop limit.
If AOE 3 can handle 2v2 with 200 pop limit for each player, then a simple math would suggest that it can also handle 1v1 with 400 pop limit.
I always reach the 200 limit, and there were several games where my game play was effected as a result of that.
It is impossible to launch an attack on two fronts with such low pop limit.
I normally have 70 villagers, which leaves me room only for 10 cannons, 20 cavalry and 40 infantry.
A major scale attack on a colony with 10 cannons and 60 units is not enough of a force.
All these units die within 5 minuets.
It will be really nice if we could have a game setup screen where we can choose the pop up limit, just like in other game.
Another possibility is an option that allows us to create up to 75 villagers who do not cost any population.
That will give us an extra 75 population.
[This message has been edited by MosheLevi (edited 11-04-2005 @ 06:45 PM).]