D&D IPad Map Creators – Help Anyone?
So where am I in D&D?
First, a friend of mine had PDF files of the core rulebooks for 4e and he gave me a copy. Yes, this is against copyright rules, but don’t worry, if this pans out I will buy the books. My kids are young (elementary school) and I want to see if this is going to work before I plop down $60+ dollars. I could have used the Quick Start Rules since they are free, but my kids will be into it more if we make a character for each of them instead of the pre-made ones.
4e is heavy into using minis and maps. Instead of buying all that I’m looking into iPad apps to fit the bill. I’ve been reading reviews of each and trying to figure this out. Here is where I’m at, if someone has used any of these and stumbled onto this blog, I’d be happy for your input.
Cost: $10.99
It seems to have the most options in terms of graphics. You can play directly off of the app, but it has the least number of ‘bells and whistles’ for that. It also seems to be the hardest to use, but certainly not to the point that it’s not worth buying.
My Thoughts: I’m going to punt this for now and look at other options.
Cost: $29.99
Easiest to use for creating maps. That is clear from the YouTube video and it has line of site options as well:
But $30!
It is also clear that this app has the least amount of graphic options. You can add your own graphics, but it seems that can crash the app if you add too many. Battle Map is a memory hog and the developer is in the process of building a Battle Map 2 from the ground up, likely to fix those issues.
My Thoughts: I want it, but the $30 price gives me pause. I would likely take it over RPG Cartographer because of the ease of use and other live gaming options, but I have one more option.
Cost: $8.99
This seems to be a middle point between the two and yet, it’s the cheapest. Also it has light version that you can try out for free. It also tracks hit points, etc.
My Thoughts: I have to at least ‘kick the tires’ on Dungeon Mapp and see how it goes.
So I’ll download Dungeon Mapp light. If I like it then I’ll have to figure out if I should go for that or Battle Map. If this works well, then Battle Map 2 is going to have to knock my socks off to get me to shell out another $30+
The Gaming Atheist 