Video Game Maps: The Good, The Bad, The Directionless

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  • Опубліковано 4 лют 2025

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  • @aruretheincomprehensible20
    @aruretheincomprehensible20 9 днів тому +35

    One of my favorite parts about Hollow Knight's map is that it guides the player without being too obvious.
    In many parts of the game, purchasing the map from Cornifer gives you a partial view of the map, with a lot of stuff not filled in. However, a lot of the time the game subtly highlights the critical path by putting stuff on the map that attracts the players.
    For example, in the Forgotten Crossroads, purchasing the map from Cornifer gives you a mostly complete view of the area, and the area that stands out the most is False Knight's arena. Why? Cornifer's map shows False Knight's massive suit of armor on the map, and at that point in the game it's the most interesting thing on the map.
    For a late-game example, purchasing the Ancient Basin map from Cornifer gives us a view of the room he's in, the rooms you took to get into Cornifer's room, and one additional room to the left. Taking that left path will bring you to the Monarch Wings, which is an important mobility tool that's technically required if you don't use speedrunning tricks.
    Fog Canyon is an interesting counterexample: you're supposed to go through Fog Canyon on your way to Fungal Wastes after you defeat Horner, and so Fog Canyon purposely doesn't give you the map on your first trip through so you don't waste too much time there. It guides the player by not giving them the map, although I'm kind of upset that you only get the Fog Canyon map when you're almost done exploring the area.

  • @wiiinnnttteeerrr
    @wiiinnnttteeerrr 12 днів тому +126

    Utterly insane that this is your second video. It's a real banger, kinda gives Nakeyjakey vibes & I'm super into it.

    • @NotJackF
      @NotJackF  12 днів тому +8

      Thank you so much for the kind words, I appreciate it a lot! A NakeyJakey comparison is such a compliment! :))

    • @RyanOfTheHill
      @RyanOfTheHill 8 днів тому +7

      Also getting some Any Austin vibes. I love videos like this that emphasize the background/environmental aspects of game design.

    • @corvobombado
      @corvobombado 7 днів тому +1

      NAH, I DON'T BELIEVE YOU, SECOND VIDEO???? BRO NEEDS TI HAVE AT LEAST A YEAR OF EXPERIENCE, MAYBE EVEN MORE

    • @corvobombado
      @corvobombado 7 днів тому

      NO WAY IT'S TRUE😭😭😭😭 I WANTED TO SEE HIM TALK ABOUT THE MASTERPIECE OUTER WILDS SO MUCH😭😭😭😭

  • @PJBgamer
    @PJBgamer 9 днів тому +85

    I think you'd like Tunic. I don't wanna spoil it, but what the game does with its maps is really unique.

    • @Noko28077
      @Noko28077 7 днів тому +2

      For 2d game, Rain World has a unique mapping system due to its detail. Though good luck trying to progress through the game, you'll be so lost.

    • @PJBgamer
      @PJBgamer 7 днів тому

      @@Noko28077 I've actually played Rain World, and I can verify that the game world is massive.

  • @redminute6605
    @redminute6605 11 днів тому +86

    0:46 I’m literally watching this while standing, idk myself why.

    • @AnnoyingScience
      @AnnoyingScience 11 днів тому +10

      I'm standing at work while watching this! Clearly, he needs to cater more to the standup citizens that watch his content!

    • @ultimaxkom8728
      @ultimaxkom8728 11 днів тому +1

      It's a discrimination against standing humans(tm), I tell you! Discrimination!

  • @alisonarcement2445
    @alisonarcement2445 7 днів тому +8

    I work in GIS for a living, so maps are a keen interest of mine. Your conclusion, that each game requires a different kind of map so there can be no "definitive good video game map" is pretty consistent with real world maps. There are so many different kind of maps in our every day lives that are created and used for specific purposes. Navigation of course, but also aesthetics, explaining data, communicating information, etc. etc. I find it interesting and insightful that you came to a conclusion that mirrors what maps are used for in our lives. I think the best designed game maps correctly identify what use the map will serve in the game and is then built mechnically and aesthetically to serve that purpose. Sometimes that answer is no map, as you said.
    I really enjoyed your video, I hope you keep making more.

  • @kmatlockii
    @kmatlockii 11 днів тому +24

    I love the Super Metroid map style. It reveals as you explore, but there are map upgrades that reveal big sections that haven't been visted. These don't reveal secret areas though (which only show up once you visit them). On top of that, items are marked as uncollected or collected so you don't forget them, but you can't tell exactly where (or what) they are by looking at the map. For me, it's the perfect balance of mystery while still being able to keep track of the essentials.

  • @JoeJaJoeJoe
    @JoeJaJoeJoe 11 днів тому +65

    I'm a big fan of Breath of the Wild's map. Regions are blank until you climb the tower in the center, and then you get a detailed topo map of the area. Looking at how rugged an area was and planning routes around stamina gave a real importance to reading the relief and finding easy ways up

  • @rafa354
    @rafa354 7 днів тому +4

    I love how simple and complex at the same time the Chrono Trigger maps are. Love how they change between the eras.

  • @dailymdesdemona
    @dailymdesdemona 6 днів тому +2

    I'm so glad the Stardew Valley map got the praise it deserves ❤

  • @TheSunnyOne
    @TheSunnyOne 8 днів тому +12

    This is the second map centric video I've had recommended to me in less than 24 hours, and I couldn't be happier.
    The algorithm is finally starting to understand me.

  • @Nyperold018
    @Nyperold018 10 днів тому +13

    When you brought up pins, my mind went to Breath of the Wild's pins. Again, you can place them anywhere, and for whatever reason makes sense to you. To me, a bow-and-arrow means "I need to come back to this when I have sufficient arrows," a leaf means "Korok Seed challenge initialization point I need to come back to for a different reason," a star can mean "other challenge I need to come back to for a different reason," "found tablet in the Ancient Stone Tablets sidequest," or "starting point in that wind path shrine quest."
    Oh! Also, Persona Q: Shadows of the Labyrinth borrows the "You kind of need to draw and mark your own map" thing from another Atlus game, Etrian Odyssey. It'll let you know what squares you've stood in, but you have to note where walls, doors, traps, conveyor belts, and so on are.

  • @jakethadley
    @jakethadley 9 днів тому +6

    This was really chill, love it.
    The map moment that I remember most is in Skyrim, when you first have to go up the mountain to visit the Greybeards. I was fascinated at being able to turn and szoom the map, and spotted what looked like a valley tucked in the side of the mountain. Turns out, you can walk up it past a Stormcloak camp and there's a path behind that shortcuts the whole journey round the waterfalls and whatnot! Leads to a nice fallen tree across a gorge. Maybe not the world's most unique or interesting map, and it sure does suffer from visual clutter once you have more locatons, but was nice to actualy use it to improve my playthrough in that way.

  • @churchill8581
    @churchill8581 9 днів тому +3

    i was so suprised that you only have two videos. good shit, keep it up!

  • @grahammandryk3397
    @grahammandryk3397 10 днів тому +6

    crazy high quality video. especially for your second ever. you should be proud of yourself!

  • @MrRossa
    @MrRossa 12 днів тому +7

    it was a really nice video! can't believe that it has less than 100 views and that it is your second video to date here, really enjoyed it.
    i don't usually comment on youtube, but i wanted to help boosting it into the algorithm so more people can watch it, i hope you make some more content like this in the future.

  • @senseweaver01
    @senseweaver01 10 днів тому +5

    Can't believe this is your second video ever, I will definitely be sticking around for the third

  • @Beltyboy118
    @Beltyboy118 9 днів тому +5

    Speaking of customisable maps - project zomboid's is really cool. You can add notes and symbols when you find a pen or pencil, and with a mod you can even free draw too. Theres no other UI elements on it, so if you want to note a location of interest, you just circle it or draw a big arrow. Very immersive and very cool

  • @redxephos8627
    @redxephos8627 11 днів тому +7

    Here at 800 views, it's crazy to see the quality from a channel so small! But it reached my recommended, so heres hoping it reaches many more :)

  • @bengillespie3697
    @bengillespie3697 11 днів тому +29

    i was standing

  • @andrewmartin3671
    @andrewmartin3671 10 днів тому +14

    Interstate '76 (car based action game) has a different map for each level, they're just some basic line drawings on the back of a diner napkin.

  • @dawsong5208
    @dawsong5208 10 днів тому +2

    Hollow Knight’s entire map system & structure is easily my favorite of all time. I adore maps & slowly uncovering them in games. I wanted to add that although it doesn’t do much different, Elden Ring’s map to me is really sick in the way it constantly plays with your expectations. It starts out & only continues to grow as you find more map fragments so you never know how much more there is so much so that it left me gasping for air on a first play through. The density & scale was astounding! It also helps that there’s plenty of things that help further break past your expectations like the warps that take you across the map & entire underground sections.
    Just found your channel & these first 2 videos were awesome man! I really can’t wait to see where you go from here.

  • @heartscoper
    @heartscoper 11 днів тому +2

    That is a very well made video. Good job dude. Keep up the work 💪

  • @Stizzl
    @Stizzl 11 днів тому +1

    Fantastic for your second video (and in general), looking forward to what you do next!

  • @OdorGod
    @OdorGod 9 днів тому +3

    Leaving this for the future as proof that I subbed when you had 500 subs. early gang

  • @25thAlb
    @25thAlb 11 днів тому +1

    This was a very interesting and fun watch, and I love the concept. As a person who is obssessed with video game maps, the title hooked me in and the video did not disappoint, I'm really looking forward to seeing more content from you, hope you continue making videos because I assure you, you have a lot of potential! Have a great day mate!

  • @soupandsammich
    @soupandsammich 7 днів тому +1

    The way I wish this video was like 3 hours long I love video game and just fantasy maps in general. My favorite books as a kid were always the ones that had maps of their worlds in the first few pages :)

  • @shinkuu9870
    @shinkuu9870 11 днів тому +2

    Amazing video, I was shocked to see how unknown it was with this level of scriptwriting. One thing I was hoping you'd mention for the Hollow Knight map that stood out to me was actually the gaps in map when before you complete it. Seeing the unexplored walkways on my map during my first playthrough was such a big driving force for me to continue exploring.

    • @NotJackF
      @NotJackF  10 днів тому

      Couldn’t agree more! I love games that emphasis exploring, and seeing the sketched out maps before exploring areas really added that bit more for me. Even more so whenever you would stumble across an area NOT on the map. The thrill of exploration is very real!

  • @jubal6654
    @jubal6654 11 днів тому +2

    Great video but I was shocked when I saw your views, this has a level of quality one wouldn't expect at this point, keep up the good work you are doing amazing

  • @itsdasherr
    @itsdasherr 11 днів тому +1

    finished the video satisfied and was shocked to see your channel size. great work man

  • @brocoolhurst
    @brocoolhurst 8 днів тому +1

    Literally never played any of these games but this is a great video and hope it gets you more subs cause you deserve it!

  • @mangetsu0012
    @mangetsu0012 9 днів тому +2

    Great vid. Personally love Nier Automata's map as a challenge/gameplay feature and how it makes sense in the lore.

  • @garethmitchell9140
    @garethmitchell9140 9 днів тому +3

    There are also games like Etrian Odyssey where you need to draw your own map.

  • @airhead3409
    @airhead3409 11 днів тому +1

    You give me kinda vibes of "Internet Pitstop". Very chill to listen to. Keep it up :)

  • @fitzchevalerie6597
    @fitzchevalerie6597 10 днів тому +1

    Your video just has a charm similar to Stardew Valley, so simple, I really like it.

  • @TeaquestSagas
    @TeaquestSagas 8 днів тому

    Algo just hit me with this, and I love your style. Exactly what I want more of, thank you for making these sort of videos! \o/

  • @bareto
    @bareto 11 днів тому +1

    Finally UA-cam recommended something new and interesting made by someone who can write and edit well. Hope you make longform videos someday. Subscribed!

  • @AugustRx
    @AugustRx 11 днів тому +7

    Wish you would've dedicated a segment to the awful mini maps of witcher 3 and gta

  • @lottielemonhead90
    @lottielemonhead90 11 днів тому +9

    silent hill 2 and outer wilds are another two great maps

    • @12times12_
      @12times12_ 10 днів тому +4

      I was about to leave a comment about OW’s map too, it’s definitely pretty fantastic (along with pretty much every other part of the game).

  • @moshie61
    @moshie61 10 днів тому +2

    Super chill video bro. You have a really calming voice :)

  • @soronprfrbs
    @soronprfrbs 8 днів тому +1

    Your delivery kind of reminds me of Any Austin. I enjoyed this. Subscribed!

  • @_Mustafahaider
    @_Mustafahaider 11 днів тому +1

    Nice topic, great essay, fun choices
    You sir earned yourself a subscriber

  • @berhajek-jones1250
    @berhajek-jones1250 9 днів тому +1

    The Longing is a game that takes its map interestingly. It is in a physical place so you can only use it in that place

  • @kyethememer9836
    @kyethememer9836 14 годин тому

    My favorite kind of videogame maps are the ones that start out blank but fill out as you explore.

  • @pickaxe6742
    @pickaxe6742 10 днів тому +1

    Nice video, you earned your 400th subscriber ! :D

  • @Whenpigfly666
    @Whenpigfly666 6 днів тому

    I'd like to talk about about Deep Rock Galactic's map because I think it's neat. DRG is a game with procedurally generated caves, which obviously makes it more challenging to convey directions to the player. So what they came up with is the Terrain Scanner, a 3D map which gets completed as you walk through the caves, which only has the inside of the cave tunnel rendered, such that you always have a clear view if the cave you're in. Points of interest aren't "marked" on your map, rather they're rendered in with the rest of the terrain so there's no ambiguity as to where they are in a 3D space. You can also press space to orient your character to face in the direction you are facing on your map, for better orientation.
    Having a good map is very important in a game like DRG, especially when you remember that the game has a fully destructible environment and the terrain scanner needs to be updated in real time.

  • @OmegaMetroid93
    @OmegaMetroid93 8 днів тому

    I recommend trying Etrian Odyssey. It's a dungeon crawling RPG that gives you all the tools to draw your own map, and says "here you go, do whatever you want".
    There's a grid to draw on, as well as pre-made markers that you can use to place things on the map that you might need to know, and you can also makes notes and stuff. It's super engaging, and I feel like if you enjoyed the cartography aspect of Hollow Knight, you may enjoy this quite a bit too.

  • @Beeyo176
    @Beeyo176 7 днів тому

    0:46
    I'm at work, mister judgeypants

  • @viewyevening8719
    @viewyevening8719 11 днів тому +3

    0:46 I actually was standing cause, i was washing a couple of mugs so i was standing by the kitchen sink

  • @FirstDukeOfGaming
    @FirstDukeOfGaming 8 днів тому

    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is another great example of using player driven pins on the map. The best part is it lets you take a screenshot of the area you are in. This is crucial for remember those little blocked off area that need a powerup that you don't have yet. Such a neat quality of life update for the Metroidvania genre

  • @Turreww
    @Turreww 11 днів тому +1

    This video felt like eating some nice and warm tomato soup, comfortable and warm :D

  • @W4iteFlame
    @W4iteFlame 5 днів тому

    Wait...they were playing wargames in 1894? This is a very new information for me, thank you for including it

  • @LandLand7228
    @LandLand7228 6 днів тому

    Love seeing a surprise sekiro mention in any video. Got my like from it being the first mention

  • @alvarodumain5057
    @alvarodumain5057 9 днів тому

    I'm a simple man, I see a Scottish youtuber speaking about video game maps, I subscribe

  • @jburton7978
    @jburton7978 8 днів тому

    The Etrian Odyssey games have interesting maps. They're old school tile based dungeon crawlers and do their maps are a hybrid system of old games with no maps expecting you to draw them on a piece of graphing paper next to you as you play and more modern auto map systems. Being a DS game the map is on the bottom screen and you the player have to draw the map as you go along with some minor automap features such as marking tiles that you've stood on but not the walls.

  • @mob8502
    @mob8502 11 днів тому +1

    Only seen 1 minute and can tell this is gonna be a banger.

  • @crstph
    @crstph 10 днів тому +1

    as someone with a terrible sense of direction, i NEED good maps in video games bc i use them a lot-i also find different games can genuinely help me with practicing navigating. for example, i’m playing baldurs gate right now and the way the map kinda makes you navigate yourself has led to me checking the map & saying “i need to go northwest” where in real life if youd asked me to navigate via cardinal direction i’d have looked at u blankly.
    anyway maps in video games r awesome

  • @jimbothefuzzy
    @jimbothefuzzy 9 днів тому

    One of my favorite maps has always been Far Cry 2. The way the map is implemented into the game is something I always think about. Especially with how it fits into what's essentially an exploration game. It manages to make the hunt for secrets a lot less tedious. But it doesn't necessarily make it easy to find them. But I had a lot of fun with the triangulation and considering possible hiding locations for those secrets. Something like that definitely needs more exploration in games.

  • @14Gappar
    @14Gappar 8 днів тому +1

    Baller vid. Keep it up.

  • @Beeyo176
    @Beeyo176 7 днів тому

    You know what game had a dope map? Final Fantasy 8. Trains that run and disappear into little tunnels when they reach their destination? Dope. So dope. Blew my teenage mind back in 1999

  • @mangetsu0012
    @mangetsu0012 9 днів тому

    5:23 Anyone wondering: the map is from Xenoblade Chronicles X. Definitive Edition releases on March 20th 2025 on Switch. Play this masterpiece. It's a fully open world exploration based jrpg.

  • @madeleineruusu
    @madeleineruusu 11 днів тому +1

    I love maps in games especially because I hate to miss areas no matter how unimportant they are!

  • @OwenBarlett-vu4lz
    @OwenBarlett-vu4lz 8 днів тому

    Dude I see at you need more recognition, leaving this here so I know I was before 1k subs 💗

  • @musketto
    @musketto 10 днів тому +1

    You were wrong I am standing walking back from the gym infact😂

  • @Jolgeable
    @Jolgeable 8 днів тому

    5:30 aaahh, Sims 1 soundtrack. Nice.

  • @harlequingnoll5
    @harlequingnoll5 9 днів тому

    Shout out for the game Miasmata, for the map discovery: keyword triangulation.

  • @bs0023
    @bs0023 11 днів тому +2

    Cool video!

  • @RadioactiveBluePlatypus
    @RadioactiveBluePlatypus 6 днів тому

    I'm making dinner so yes I'm standing right now

  • @JuniperDev
    @JuniperDev 11 днів тому

    A fellow green screen random-gaming-topic UA-camr!! (: Welcome to the club. Awesome video as well

    • @NotJackF
      @NotJackF  10 днів тому

      Thought I recognised your username! Loved your video on Stardew Valley’s economy! :)) Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it!!

  • @Bland3435
    @Bland3435 7 днів тому

    Everyone should claim their "i was here before 1k" card

  • @zaqu45
    @zaqu45 7 днів тому

    I am watching this video standing because i am at work!

  • @dimi5881
    @dimi5881 6 днів тому

    Stardew Valley has a great map cause its detailed and just charming

  • @jaguarninja394
    @jaguarninja394 7 днів тому

    I'm playing subnautica for the first time and I was really mad when I learned there was no map. I feel like that game would give you a map because it's so heavy on exploration. At least give us a recipe mid game for those who love maps

  • @wouldntyouliketoknow99
    @wouldntyouliketoknow99 11 днів тому

    Me standing and doing a task while watching the intro 😶

  • @standard-carrier-wo-chan
    @standard-carrier-wo-chan 4 дні тому +1

    Oh the video production quality is good. Putting my subscribe down now as future investment.

  • @leosmith-moores1213
    @leosmith-moores1213 11 днів тому +1

    More video games should have maps like Sekiro and Hollow Knight

  • @Scammdrew
    @Scammdrew 11 днів тому +1

    Insanely good vid subbed almost instantly! Collab when..?? 👀

  • @dirtywhitellama
    @dirtywhitellama 6 днів тому

    I've always been kinda sad that more games haven't followed Ultima Underworld's choice and let you literally just write on the map. Either drawing with the mouse or typing with keyboard. You could put literally whatever you wanted on those maps.

  • @Xloi63
    @Xloi63 8 днів тому

    Im watching while standing cause I’m cooking

  • @habibb582
    @habibb582 10 днів тому +1

    Make a longer part 2.

  • @Yoyoyoman35
    @Yoyoyoman35 8 днів тому

    Would love to see you talk about some game maps that are kind of awful and explain why they fall short

  • @dokchampa9324
    @dokchampa9324 9 днів тому +2

    maybe im nitpicking but I feel a bit disappointed by the fact that this video doesn't actually have "The Good, The Bad, The Directionless" it has the Good, then one Bad and no Directionless, unless you count Nier as both Bad and Directionless but that feels like a weak argument to me

  • @Leisure_process
    @Leisure_process 8 днів тому

    Thank you for your video was very good and interesting :) I’ve got one question tho - what’s your accent it sounds very nice!

  • @TM-45.
    @TM-45. 8 днів тому

    The maps in splatoon are verry unique.
    The plaza and single player go more for style points.
    The pvp map on the other hand is loaded with functionality and informations about every player like the rest of the UI and its evolution is realy nice.
    There are also a lot of ways to know the opponent's location wich is weird but consistant with the abundance of traking weapons or abilities.
    Also get to your points faster instead of saying some boring filler, ( or simply speak faster)

  • @Charc45
    @Charc45 10 днів тому

    Am I crazy or did you use a music form the wii forgotten classic Endless Ocean 2 in the intro ?? (Great video btw !)

  • @papluuu
    @papluuu День тому

    Im watching while standing

  • @comradestannis
    @comradestannis 8 днів тому

    Jack.
    Just Jack.

  • @mar_10a64
    @mar_10a64 11 днів тому +1

    I just found a hidden gem

  • @Nuriawall555
    @Nuriawall555 8 днів тому

    I'd love to know your opinion on Pathologic Classic HD's and Pathologic 2's maps

  • @Fractimago
    @Fractimago 8 днів тому

    I kinda like rain world's map. you don't even have one really, you're just a silly little creature with nothing but your memory, and memories are at times confusing and hard to follow. so is the map with an unnecessary way of separating it into layers you have to switch between at times to get a good idea of how the region connects. not to mention its emphasis on getting lost and exploring things like what you talked about with sekiro and hollow knight. you don't have any memory of places you've never been, so the only way to figure out where you are and need to go is to get lost sometimes. that being said, i am guilty of using the interactive map online when i get too lost /:

  • @human4147
    @human4147 10 днів тому

    This is what youtube was made for 😩

  • @XanderBraxton
    @XanderBraxton 11 днів тому

    3:32 actually the only problem was the "r" sound which is similar to a quickly tapped d like in the american laDDer or waTer

  • @Harriet-MarieHaines
    @Harriet-MarieHaines 6 днів тому

    I’m curious to know your thoughts on Hyper Light Drifters map, if you’ve played that game. It’s so poorly designed and I’ve always wanted to know if anyone out there agrees with me 😭

  • @MarigoldAW
    @MarigoldAW 8 днів тому

    My map hot take is that the Elden Ring: Shadow of The Erdtree was one of the worst maps I have ever had the displeasure of using. Visually beautiful but absolutely worthless for navigation since there is not a underground/surface like in the Original. Much of the DLC you are underneath the surface but there is no map for large chunks of areas. Horrible horrible map

  • @jackduncan4125
    @jackduncan4125 10 днів тому

    18:13 hey me too

  • @SYNC4ex
    @SYNC4ex 9 днів тому

    Great video. Could have done without the "omg what am I supposed to do" or "oh no tech issue" moments

  • @airagog1016
    @airagog1016 11 днів тому +1

    I’ve seen this before

    • @NotJackF
      @NotJackF  10 днів тому

      Welcome back! Got a few comments about audio issues so gave it a fix and reuploaded! Hope you enjoyed it the second time around lol

  • @erikfurudisatoko
    @erikfurudisatoko 8 днів тому

    a lot of effort in the video

  • @turtleknight7015
    @turtleknight7015 2 дні тому

    Reupload?

  • @W4iteFlame
    @W4iteFlame 5 днів тому

    Hello Jack

  • @Eto-Ezio
    @Eto-Ezio 7 днів тому

    Do you want to know a great map? Far Cry 3