The Third Principle

Description
The difference between good and bad space maps isn't very clear sometimes. But this time, I think it'd be safe to say this is map is awesome. Luckily for us, Corusca_Fire knows how to make a good space map and uses his skills to make this map shine. His positioning of the props and stations makes for some intense space battles that make you think about your pushes into enemy territory and challenge your strategies. However, you might dislike this if you're not a big fan of dark lighting. Personally, I think Corusca had a great idea with making the ambient light darker, but Empire at War is just the wrong game for this. The lack of secondary lighting and other features really ruins it and just makes everything look dark, although the engine glows do look pretty cool with the contrast between light and dark. That said, those who still play space skirmish should definitely give this a download.

[quote]Over 2,500 years ago, Chinese General and military philosopher Sun Tzu wrote a book called
The Art of War. Now considered mandatory reading in fields from politics to business to military,
The Art of War's 13 chapters on leadership, tactics, and conduction of warfare guided Napoleon to
victory in Europe (untill he abandoned its teachings in his invasion of Russia), and has guided
many a corporation to victory in the stock market. First translated into English by a Jesuit priest,
this book provides perhaps the most insightful thoughts on strategy ever put forth, and was certainly
far ahead of its time. A few excerpts:

"Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack. "


"Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory. "


"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat. "


"The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand."


"The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom. "


Now, in his book, he lists five principles of warfare. They are as follows

* The Moral Law, or discipline and unity of command
* Heaven, or weather factors
* Earth, or the terrain
* The Commander;
* Method and discipline, which included logistics and supply

In The Third Principle, I have created a battlefield that will force the commander to put forth his very
best in the third of this list.

This nebula ridden space map is a beckoning to the sharp tactician. The starbases, which are closer to the center of the
map than is typical, are opposite eachother, right up against the "friggin huge nebula" in the middle. There are only two paths
into the nebula not blocked by asteroids; they are at the sides. In the center of the nebula is a smaller Ion nebula. These combinations
make for a tactician's dream--and a nightmare for simple minded unit spammers.

That said, not the whole battle is in the centeral nebula. It only holds 2 of the 8 mining pads on the map. There is plenty of open space, but you must always be wary of
ambush.

The unique thing about this space map that separates it from many others is that there is not just a few spots you need to hold in order to ensure
victory. Use your forces wisely. If you are spread thin on the defesnive, you MUST take advantage of the surroudings to beat a larger, concentrated
enemy force. Also, do the same to ensure a sweeping victory while on the attack.

This map is best played on high difficulty, or, even better, online mutiplayer. The more challenging your opponent, the funner the game.[/quote]