thereisnotry wrote:
1. Wow, that was sudden!!! No information, conversation, communication with the community? This came totally out of left field, unless my internet browser has been editing out all threads/posts which discuss this topic. Why was there no request for input or playtesting help from the various playgroups on this highly significant decision? Oh well, what's done is done, I guess. It won't be all bad (some of the changes are good, IMHO), but the suddenness and finality of the decision is unhelpful.
+1
That aside - here's my thoughts:
Actually - the best, most balanced map IMO is Theed.
Many maps have a "bad" side - which kinda makes them balance themselves, because if you choose the map, be prepared to be on the bad side.
Smugglers Base is bad because it is a field day for lancers and Yodabuck. Just ask Weeks and Urbanjedi, who both used this map to go to the top 8 last year. I remember Jason laughing at the map and calling it the "silly map" because it was so easy for certain squads to abuse. We both marveled at why it was on the restricted list in the first place. Of course he did the smart thing and did use it for his double lancer squad, and was rewarded for it.
At least on Throne Room you get into action quickly. On Rhen Var, Offworld Cargo docks, and Cantina, you have to trudge through tons of slow terrain and twists and turns. If you are not playing swap or the lancer, you are not engaging until round 3.
Offworld shipping center is just horrible. It should not be on the list.
Anyway -
I do remember talking about what maps may or may not be on a future update - but I feel blindsided by the fact it was done 6 weeks before GenCon.