in-game mapping?

[reckon luck]

I've been watching some gameplay videos and I'm not sure what kind of map or mapping options there are in this game. Does seeing the map require a spell or special item? Do you have to use an external program or graph paper? Do some scenarios have more mapping options than others? Just wondering.

[nftyw]

The base game presumption is that you need to use a low level spell from your Mage to get an overhead view of the dungeon level you have explored. However, it has limitation and can't be used if you run out of charges, lose your Mage, and it's very basic -- you cant tag areas with anything more than an icon.

Still, it can be helpful to avoid getting lost, using it alongside traditional graph paper mapping can be quite helpful when traps and dungeons start getting nasty with their tricks. Some scenarios give you or sell items that let you view the map infinitely, or at least in exchange for a store bought consumable. Some are nice enough to give you a mini map on the top of the screen, making navigation way more easy, but not every scenario will do this. Some streamers might use an external program to help them map -- this is obviiously not built into the game and needs to be purchased seperately.

[reckon luck]

OK so there ARE maps in the game, but it varies by scenario and is often limited to spells/items. With the scenarios that have a minimap, are there more tagging or notation options?

[tleaves]

If you look at my Five Ordeals videos, you'll see that I show how to use either Gridmonger or Grid Cartographer while playing. Very, very unnecessary but (if you're a nerd like me) very fun.

[ScuffZero]

Playing Halfhearted RPG right now, and casting wizard eye does give symbols as notation options. The automap doesn’t fill in things like warp tiles or pits so you’ll definitely need it.

[tleaves]

Let me also answer one specific question: "Do some scenarios have more mapping options than others?" and the answer is "Yes, kinda."

The "default" setting is something like:
* The game keeps track of every square you touch. (and the walls/doors around it)
* It only shows you those squares when you cast a WIzard Eye spell (what the japanese games call the 'Dumapic' spell from Proving Grounds.

HOWEVER, each scenario can have its own rules about this. Some of the possibilities are:
* The game always shows a minimap.
* The game never shows a minimap.
* The game shows a minimap if the user carries a certain item
* The game shows a minimap if the user flips a switch in a dungeon (this can be on a per-level basis; for example, Prisoners of the Battles has a "reveal minimap" switch on almost every level.)

As ScuffZero discovered, Wizard Eye does allow you to annotate the map somewhat (with symbols/letters) but doesn't really let you take detailed notes.

[ScuffZero]

Oh hey, it’s Tea Leaves! Your videos convinced me that Five Ordeals was worth picking up, and I’ve been enjoying it the most out of the Wizardry games I’ve played so far. Thanks for helping me appreciate this one!

[tleaves]

My implant is glowing!

[Etchasketch]

Hey Tleaves, you oughta get a commission because your vids convinced me too!

[tleaves]

I'd settle for an on-camera interview with someone from the Five Ordeals development or publisher team when I'm in Tokyo in a couple of weeks! (hint hint, nftyw!)

[nftyw]

hah, Im no dev, just a guy who enjoys dungeon crawling.