My opinion on sea bonuses and territories is that a map maker should try to limit the use of them when making a map. Sometimes, they are beneficial to the map, for example, when there's a vast ocean of nothingness. However, where possible, I prefer to see islands there and not just a load of ships. This is just my opinion though, you're entitled to your opinions as well, so let's discuss this. Do you like the use of sea territories in maps?

It's ok if some boats are used.

But I prefer the port system, where you have some cities that you can quickly "swim" to the next coastal city. The 1500 territory Rome map uses this system, I really like that system.

Also, best islands, not ridiculous boats, I agree, but sometimes, there's no islands there.

Well it depends what kind of feel your going for, the boats used in Dameon's Westeros maps work really well but then other maps would probably work better with islands or maybe just port to port

I like to avoid using boats, because maps are supposed to represent what's actually there, not random stationary boats that can be taken over.

Edited 2/22/2015 10:33:41

This map: https://www.warlight.net/Map/17015-Large-Map-Enteria

Makes an excellent use of Oceans, dividing them into territories of their own. I think we should see more of this.

I like both, only the disadvantage of Islands is that you can quickly go to another territory on the other side of the map which means you can spread faster than with boats. I think a Island connections should be limited to 2 or 3 territories to avoid quickly expanding, which is not fair compared with expanding by land. An example is the Big Africa map https://www.warlight.net/Map/10589-Africa-Big

Boats do represent real life situation. People use boats to travel over seas all the time. Only to get a bonus on a sea/ocean is not realistic because you cannot build an army on sea if you don't have land.

You can build an army of warships

This is a very unique and beautiful way of handling sea.
https://www.warlight.net/Play?PreviewMap=14680

That said, as long it suits the map and is well done, sea territories tend to be a good strategic element imo.

I like the idea of boats as navies have been critical in every war in history.. until modern times I guess.

But in the past, which typically 'risk' games are trying to mimic, it didn't matter how strong your army was, if you didn't have a navy to get them across the sea, you were stuck.

So in my mind, the boat represents control of the sea lane, not just a stationary boat. If you can blockade a port with your 'boat' you can halt your enemy's advance.

Also, the sea was typically the fastest way to transport your army, so when you look at a Westeros map with the boats, it shows you could go from one end of the 'world' to the other in 7-10 turns instead of 50 by land... unless you can't control the sea lanes, then it's walking for you.