The 2019-2020 school year is starting up and I am drafting a map for a design of a metroidvania styled game. The idea that I came up with was a disturbed diplomacy between oceanic governments, with the 3rd draft's focus being on the Atlantic (At) part of the map. This is one reason why the Atlantic region is in the center of the map, along with how the actual oceans of the world are mapped out on a globe or a map. This helped me form a basic layout for the map where I can create entrances to certain areas without giving too much access to each area or likely too little, with modifications done throughout the way
The idea is that the character explores the vast oceans whose stable diplomacy was being disturbed with the monarch of the Atlantian area being the center of the destruction of these relationships. The map was also somewhat inspired by Hollow Knight; however, most metroidvanias follow a similar map style.
Summary:
Map drafts do not have to start out detailed. Simplicity is key
Inspiration from forms of media and the environment helps with ideas
Sources:
Galuzin, Alex. “How to Plan Level Designs and Game Environments in 11 Steps.” How to Plan Level Designs and Game Environments in 11 Steps Tutorial, 21 Nov. 2016, www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/level_design_tutorials/how-to-plan-level-designs-game-environments-workflow.php.
Galuzin, Alex. “How To Plan Your Next Map.” How To Plan Your Next Level Design / Map, 6 Oct. 2008, www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/level_design_tutorials/how_to_plan_your_next_map/how_to_plan_your_next_map.php.