I think we're transitioning to map packs

If you like I can upload individual maps to the http://soase.weebly.com/download-maps.html.

Add new maps easily with direct link you can post in the chat.

I added 1 for an example. Left click to view the file or Right click --> "Save link as" an save to the Galaxy Forge folder

5v5_red_crush_v03.galaxy

I can also post that exe if I get permission.

Also a good link for the OP or the ICO chat is http://soase.weebly.com/placing-maps.html harpos guide

I would suggest Private Messaging DirtySanchez and have him include the maps.

Is all that technical stuff from Monk's post in Technical actully nescessary for joining a match? Or am I to confer that the router setting and  DMZ enabling was just for people who wish to host on their own servers.  The technical stuff is always a little too technical at first, but I thought that hosts do actually host the matches on ICO's server and the main problems occurred only with the edition of the game that is currently being hosted.  Thanks for getting me caught up, and I do read the technical posts now and then for tips on hosting.  I just don't think it would be nescessary for people who want to join a match to have to go back and configure their router DMZ, on the other hand I do relate to the setting of router ports.  Any answers would be gratefully recieved.

Unless you have network problems, you should be able to just install the game, and then host and join any open game on ICO. I don't think you need to know any of that stuff in Monk's post here:

https://forums.sinsofasolarempire.com/174313

map packs and non random maps take away possibly the greatest thing about sins, the need to innovate based on a totally unknown staring position.  i really hope this phenomenon does not catch on.

You guys want to play my maps now, seriously?  I guess that would give me a reason to keep making improvements.  The biggest problem with some of those maps is that they allow people to build up too much eco, resulting in huge fleets and mid-late game+ lag.   So, it might be best to play them with small fleet sizes.  I suggest the following maps:

The 5v5 version of Asteroid Belt.

Red Crush v2

The 5v5 version of Gateway to Paradise

Buzzsaw might be interesting now and then depending on the start you pick.

Warring Systems v2 (play with small fleet sizes).

When I have some time, maybe I'll start working on my map improvement project again.

I agree, I think that's the reason why I'm so addicted: no game is ever the same.  However, so many people have been blaming their start lately for losing, that I figured I give it a go again.  I'm sure we'll still do randoms from time to time.

I'm sure it's just a phase

Honestly though, I've always liked them, just hard to get a game going on it.

It's not impossible to make maps that retain the element of randomness- after all, the basic Sins random maps can be viewed and edited in GalaxyForge.  My earliest maps were 5 player random FFAs, after I noticed that if you used a six player map with five players, two of the players had an advantage.  The example above differs from normal Sins random maps in that no player will be roided and the phase lanes are fixed rather than randomised, but it doesn't have to be done that way.  Despite players moaning at the devs for problems with the existing random maps, quite frankly we could have better random maps if we chose to make them.

However there still exists the problem of imagining space faring races that have yet to develop the telescope.  Perhaps this is the advantage that the much-vaunted nemesis of the Vasari possess?  They came from a research lab, after all... 

Also I disagree entirely that random maps are the greatest element of the game, I don't even consider them to be good for the game.   I hope much will change when and if we get ladder maps, and the long reign of 5v5s, which have done so much to stultify the game, is finally over.