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The start location is based on some algorithm. The players are fairly spreaded out and have mostly the same chances to get megacities and so on. So far so good.
I just thought about why you took this solution for the starting phase. You already concern oneself with the unfair conditions in the ladder, so every player has the chance to reshuffle the map. IMO, the random start also destroys a tactical depth in this great game. Why don't you let the player decide where he lands his/her first pod to deploy his/her units at a position where he/she wants to start? This solution would create much more fairness and, of course, several tactical scenarios you have to adapt.
My list of pros/cons not to do the first drop pod randomnly:
- Pros
- A variety of starting scenarios
- No problem with map unfairness
- Improvement of tactical depth (emphases player's tactical skills)
- Potentially more action on the first turns
- Probably leads to faster, unsatisfying matches
- Draws match if both pods are deployed on the same hexagon
- Other balancing issues?
I would really like to read your comment to this issue.
