Soapbox: Why I Love A Good Map, And That Time I Mapped Yoshi's Melons For Nintendo Power
Nathan Lockard shares his passion for maps and his detailed experience creating accurate maps for Yoshi's Story in Nintendo Power magazine.
Nathan Lockard dives into his love for maps, both in the real and virtual world, starting with his frustration over the lack of a map in the original Metroid. He reflects on his time at Nintendo Power, where he meticulously mapped every fruit in Yoshi’s Story, adjusting to changes sent from Nintendo’s Japanese HQ, and discusses how this tedious task made him appreciate the value of accurate maps.
Lockard highlights how in-game maps, like those in Super Metroid, provide critical gameplay benefits such as aiding progression and rewarding exploration. He also points out other games with innovative mapping systems, like the dual-screen maps in Chrono Trigger for the DS and the interactive waypoint system in Breath of the Wild, underscoring how they enhance the player's immersion and navigation within the game world.
Concluding his discussion, he explains that maps are not just tools for navigation but also a way to transport players back to the virtual worlds they've explored. He shares his admiration for maps that allow player interaction, noting specific examples from games across different genres and platforms. Lockard leaves readers with a sense of how maps shape gaming experiences by communicating a thousand words in a single, well-crafted picture.