Showing posts with label cliffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cliffs. Show all posts

Friday, May 24, 2013

TU9 Seed & Map: shellacked

Total Score
26.9 / 30.0 ( 89.7% )
RIM Scores (MAX: 10.0)
REAL 9.1 INT 10 MAG 7.8


Rating

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • ++ Expert ++
  • Suicidal Expert

Technical Details

Seed Number: 5999 9928
Version: XBL 1.4 (TU9) (no PC equiv)

Etymology

I was playing Call of Duty yesterday and I went 34-1, with the final kill coming in the last ten seconds of gameplay from a lightning strike. That was what we in the industry refer to as a shellacking. Past tense: they were shellacked.

Notes

"shellacked" is, without question, one of the most stunning and amazing seeds I've found in the TU9 era. Above ground, there are some amazing gorges, cliffs, and extreme hills. Below, there are ravines piled on top of each other and mixed with caves in such a way that you can't discern which are is ravine and which is cavern. The nether has one of the biggest nether fortresses I've ever seen. All the way around, this one is a must play.

Can't Miss

"The Blue Cave" is a stunning and confusing place. Basically, it's the convergence of four ravines and two separate cave systems, all of which have dug out the bottom so it's just a vast expanse full of waterfalls and lava floors. It's beautiful, but you can easily get lost in this thing, so brings signs or something to help you. I picked the entrance that is the least confusing and used it as the coordinates below, but there are dozens of ways to get into this thing -- some of which break through directly onto the surface.

Video

Villages

  • [-139.70.308] flooded village, x3 buildings, guard tower, water well

Underground

  • [326.41.-200] medium underground ravine
  • [-324.29.-149] x7 gold
  • [-315.15.-187] One of the entrances to "The Blue Cave"
  • [-14.37.-113] large underground ravine
  • [44.31.24] library
  • [29.34.1] ender portal, x1 eye

Above Ground

  • [-170.65.271] large ravine
  • [-241.113.-353] tall mountain
  • [-160.90.-317] tall waterfall
  • [-116.114.-331] epic cliffs
  • [152.66.-337] lava pit
  • [270.64.-316] stunning lava fall cave
  • [224.65.357] expert level cave, two pitfall, head down for ravine with lava floor
  • [-26.65.75] lava pit

Monday, May 13, 2013

TU9 Seed & Map: Mo42

Total Score
12.1 / 30.0 ( 40.3% )
RIM Scores (MAX: 10.0)
REAL 4.7 INT 3.3 MAG 4.1


Rating

  • ++ Beginner ++
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • Expert
  • Suicidal Expert

Technical Details

Seed Number: 240 2240
Version: XBL 1.4 (TU9) (no PC equiv)

Etymology

Molybdenum is an element on the periodic table. It's abbreviation is Mo and it's atomic number is 42.

Villages

  • [-188.77.3] village, x8 buildings, blacksmith, water well

Above Ground

  • [261.60.-60] deep cave x2, Y=12
  • [332.94.-332] huge swamp
  • [-347.64.-94] large flat desert
  • [-378.66.3] lava pit
  • [-379.71.162] large erosion
  • [-55.75.-300] awesome waterfall cliff

Saturday, May 11, 2013

TU9 Seed & Map: bananasfoster

[CORRECTION: This post was originally posted as "bananafoster" and not "bananasfoster". Sorry for the inconvenience.]

Total Score
25.7 / 30.0 ( 85.7% )
RIM Scores (MAX: 10.0)
REAL 6.6 INT 10 MAG 9.1


Rating

  • Beginner
  • ++ Intermediate ++
  • Advanced
  • Expert
  • Suicidal Expert

Technical Details

Seed Number: 127 661 9333
Version: XBL 1.4 (TU9) (no PC equiv)

Etymology

Bananas covered in ice cream and rum and Bacardi 151 then set ablaze. It tastes like candy dipped in jet fuel, but the light show makes it worth it.

Notes

On any other day, this seed would easily top the charts. It's just dumb luck it got trumped. It took a long time to search through the mountains on this level looking for things to photograph. Then it took an even longer time cutting down the number of photographs I wanted to show you to a reasonable number. Scenic doesn't even begin to describe it.

Can't Miss

I found a crazy, thin spire that stretches way into the sky. It shall henceforth be known as "The Wand" and just next to it is a nice little floater. You should totally check out this pair if you happen to be in town.

Can't Miss #2

The northeast corner has an elevated island ringed by cliffs. It's not particularly big, but it's imposing and really a cool place to set up a fort.

Villages

  • [-177.81.-432] village, x1.6 buildings including half-way house

Underground

  • [143.29.32] library

Above Ground

  • [-231.74.384] deep basin
  • [-73.67.242] pumpkins
  • [-28.66.347] medium ravine, awesome!
  • [31.68.219] shortcut cave
  • [312.63.274] completely submerged underwater ravine
  • [207.114.35] spire, "The Wand"
  • [348.109.-108] tallest point, skinny butte
  • [312.102.-140] other skinny butte
  • [210.106.-113] medium flat floater
  • [236.90.-165] X-style ravine with crazy butte
  • [380.81.-384] cliff island
  • [38.76.-283] pumpkins
  • [-71.65.-307] lava pit
  • [-191.64.-284] large flatland and pumpkins
  • [-281.94.-90] small land bridge, floater
  • [134.93.20] dig down for lapis/cave

Friday, April 12, 2013

TU9 Seed & Map: c27j83

Total Score
23.6 / 30.0 ( 78.7% )
RIM Scores*
REAL 6.3 INT 8.1 MAG 9.2

*Each rating has a maximum value of 10.0

Rating

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • ++ Advanced ++
  • Expert
  • Suicidal Expert

Technical Details

Seed Number: -141 276 3139
Version: XBL 1.4 (TU9) (no PC equiv)

My Review

There's a lot to see in the mountain region. And this seed is almost all mountain region. You have lakes that have carved out deep cliffs and valleys full of waterfalls. All around, including the nether and the end, this level is both challenging and unique. I highly recommend it.

Can't Miss

There is a major valley in this area. The walls are incredibly steep and there are two twin really-tall waterfalls. If you can run through this valley from end to end in the middle of the night with all the zombies out, that would be quite a challenge.

The Nether and The End

The Nether is well balanced between open lava and complex tunnels. The End, however, is one of the worst I've seen. You spawn in a 5x5x5 hole inside the land that you have to climb out of. Of course, you have no idea which way you are pointed. It's quite a thing.



Villages

  • [363.74.81] village, x3 building, water well, blacksmith
  • [67.70.323] village, x7 buildings, water well
  • [262.70.291] village, x9 buildings, water well

Underground

  • [-308.43.-402] medium cavern
  • [-175.43.104] medium stronghold
  • [-161.35.67] ender portal

Above Ground

  • [-293.667.380] small hidi-hole
  • [-378.68.130] shortcut cave
  • [-338.69.6] pumpkins
  • [-328.66.-310] small lava fall and small cove (nice)
  • [-288.111.-387] epic cave dive
  • [187.64.-272] lava pit/forest fire
  • [283.65.-218] medium ravine with two tall waterfalls
  • [338.64.-145] medium cavern
  • [283.85.-65] medium cave
  • [286.89.37] medium waterfall
  • [259.82.104] pumpkins
  • [305.71.177] medium flatland
  • [272.65.374] underwater dungeon skeleton
  • [118.111.120] tall medium overhang
  • [-193.91.59] medium erosion
  • [-171.65.-45] small valley lake
  • [-75.111.-94] pumpkins
  • [-128.88.1] steep twin tall waterfall valley
  • [-213.65.-219] large lake

Sunday, November 4, 2012

1.8.2 Seed & Map: relegated

Total Score
66.3 / 170.0 ( 39.0% )
Ratings*
FLAT 4.1 V 3.9 M/H 3.7
RAV 2.5 C 4.8 AMS 1.1
HOLD 6.2 DW 3.9 OH 7.3
LB 4.8 FLOAT -- SHADE 5.5
W 6.2 CLAY 4.1 LAVA 2.8
WF 2.1 LF 3.3    

*Each rating has a maximum value of 10.0

Rating

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • ++ Advanced ++
  • Expert
  • Suicidal Expert

Technical Details

Seed Number: 94627213
Version: XBL 1.8.2 (equiv PC 1.2)

My Review

Though failing to achieve any sort of outstanding achievements, this level is beautiful and a serious consider for those of you who like deep shadows -- something that has become depressingly rare in this new post-update Minecraft. Two dungeons and an eight pack of diamonds help flesh out this advanced map. Oh, and there's pumpkins!



Villages

  • [-389.84.-242] village, x9 buildings, guard tower, water well; on the edge of a cliff dropping off into a small ravine (unique)

Underground

  • [389.12.-19] dungeon, x2 chests, iron, x8 gunpowder, saddle
  • [332.12.-39] obsidian generator, huge lava cavern
  • [-275.14.19] x4 gold
  • [-261.12.45] x8 diamonds
  • [199.12.-421] x3 diamonds, x9 red stone
  • [180.28.-403] medium cavern
  • [173.29.-223] x5 gold
  • [203.17.148] small stronghold
  • [196.20.169] dungeon, x1 chest, x6 red stone

Above Ground

  • [-401.95.396] small butte
  • [-279.68.239] medium open air ravine, Y=35
  • [-215.65.298] shortcut cave
  • [-360.68.103] small cave
  • [-296.72.-178] lava pit
  • [266.75.-156] shadowy epic overhang
  • [256.71.-74] medium sinkhole
  • [249.67.125] pumpkins

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Seed & Map: blackspot

Rating

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • ++ Expert ++
  • Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 20.74.-60
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score
MH 7.3
DW 3.3
C 4.1
W 3.9
SP 3.3
VR 3.7
AF 6.9
    32.5

My Review

While this seed is predominately desert, the real reason to play this level are the epic cliffs that dot the landscape. You'll just be walking along and then all of a sudden the land slips out from beneath your feet leaving you staring into a well-guarded cove or a crater. Both scenic and effective on the difficulty. The deserts are surprisingly difficult to cross, consisting of large sand dunes as opposed to the usual flatland deserts. Great for someone who knows what he or she is doing, lousy for someone who has a tendency to plummet to his or her death.

Cliff Related

  • [356.74.168] epic cove
  • [156.72.358] shortcut cave in cliff face
  • [-28.106.-323] deep valley
  • [-85.108.-359] large crater
  • [-96.104.-351] high, difficult cliff dive
  • [-350.84.192] large crater lake

Items of Interest

  • [105.73.-65] dig down for hidden cave
  • [-10.78.-142] desert
  • [40.107.-252] massive sand dune
  • [117.64.-259] deep cave
  • [163.66.-282] medium clay
  • [330.70.-303] cave complex
  • [368.72.-167] hidden deep cave with stalactites
  • [374.78.79] thick forest with medium waterfall
  • [247.71.342] hidi-hole
  • [189.65.354] medium floater
  • [147.65.310] wolves and a small cave with stalactites
  • [-358.84.-213] pitfall with waterfall inside
  • [-344.62.28] deep cave complex with two lava falls
  • [-189.72.-370] pitfall cave
  • [-107.82.-375] medium overhang
  • [-7.84.-258] pumpkins
  • [-120.66.-179] medium falling sand
  • [-189.64.-69] massive underwater clay deposit
  • [233.65.130] tall waterfall
  • [222.86.-31] small overhang and small floater

Images

This is one of the best and most clearly defined coves (356.74.168) I've found so far. Both entrances are guarded by waterfalls and entrance from above is difficult to say the least -- requiring a hike down terrifyingly steep cliffs. At right, the mesa in the distance has an odd, bulbous formation living on top of it.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Legendary Seed: itsybitsyspider

Special Achievements

  • Perfection! This seed has achieved one or more perfect scores.
  • Legendary Seed! This seed has scored an astonishing 55+ out of 70 in the overall score.
  • Golden! This seed has scored higher than 50 out of 70 in the overall score.
  • Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
  • Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.
  • Abyssal! Higher than 8 out of 10 in deep water.
  • Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • ++ Advanced ++
  • Expert
  • Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 93.75.-79
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score
MH 8.1
DW 9.5
C 5.7
W 7.5
SP 7.2
VR 7.8
AF 10.0
    55.8

My Review

This is a fantastic level that I recommend everyone should see. Two things about this level that should sell you immediately. First, my spawn point had coal, iron, a hidi-hole, an underwater cave, and clay. Second, this seed has the most "Items of Interest" (see below) of any seed I've posted so far. Now that you're sold... let's begin.

This is an archipelago with many spider-web islands, inlets, lakes, and a cove or two. If this seed had more land, it would be one of the greatest of all time. As it is, it leaves you jonesing for more at every turn. As amazing as the mountains are above water, the valleys and seabed deep underwater are equally fascinating. There are islands that are literally afloat and if you dig anywhere, they collapse into the murky depths.

The west is mostly desert, but still interesting. However, if you spawn in the center of the map, you will be immediately drawn to the west -- which is where some of the most awesome formations can be found. Chief among them, "The Web" (see below) and it's network of twisted overhangs, land bridges, and caves. There are large spires everywhere (including a nice one in the northwest corner away from all the action) and there are several medium- and large-sized floaters fit for sky huts.

As far as resources are concerned, this is a clay level for sure. Many, many deep deposits scattered around the world will get you the brick house of your dreams (not that brick house of your dreams). I found one of everything in each corner, so you won't have to travel far to find what you need. I even found a pink sheep! Falling sand (for those who like that sort of thing... and I do) can be found on the desert islands in the west. Normally, something with this many shadows would be classified as an "Expert" seed, however most of the shadows fall over water so you should be pretty safe. Very little land but what little land it has is awesome. A legendary seed if I've ever seen one.

Can't Miss

So, the west side of the map is certainly the place to be with some truly amazing mountains. However, the gnarled and twisted formations I'll henceforth refer to as "The Web" are something you have to check out. You can find it at -369.72.73, but be sure to look around because it covers a pretty hefty chunk of the west side of the map. There are overhangs and land bridges running every which way and an absolute cacophony of awesome formations that are difficult to climb but awesome to look at. When you add in the caves underneath, it's a Minecraft wonderland.

Video: This Old Seed, Ep6

This seed appears in episode six of my important Xbox Minecraft seed tourism series, "This Old Seed". In this video, I give you a tour of "The Web", show you a pretty nifty overhang, and go to the ends of the map to get high.

Cliff Diving

  • [108.75.-59] medium overhang over water and floaters; also a medium cliff diving event
  • [-85.74.-391] cliff diving off medium overhang into water
  • [159.81.264] medium cliff diving event and three small floaters
  • [-78.65.-76] large overhang and tall cliff dive
  • [36.97.-60] large floater and tall cliff diving event
  • [-188.114.-127] epic cliff dive event: make sure you hit that hole
  • [-283.82.-39] medium cliff diving event
  • [-251.82.-55] medium cliff diving event

Items of Interest

  • [131.64.-56] hidden cave under water
  • [93.67.-99] small hidi-hole with iron
  • [92.65.-117] sugar
  • [23.69.-140] pumpkins
  • [-22.65.-156] crazy sand and red flower patch
  • [-7.65.-188] sugar
  • [-65.66.-249] small gravel
  • [-196.67.-146] epic, gnarly spire with two medium waterfalls
  • [-226.69.-150] pumpkins
  • [-394.79.-395] tall spire in northwest corner
  • [-280.65.-360] small flat island, sugar
  • [-202.75.-357] medium exposed stone
  • [-135.66.-355] medium clay with nearby iron
  • [-106.69.-392] shortcut cave with coal
  • [-74.65.-380] sinkable island with large clay
  • [96.65.-304] x2 sugar and crazy water hidi-hole
  • [121.65.-307] small cave + medium floater
  • [166.67.-232] shortcut cave
  • [196.76.-256] lots of pumpkins
  • [187.56.-327] deep cave with three waterfalls and a lava fall and lots of coal
  • [237.69.-294] really nice cove
  • [288.68.-302] suspicious pit
  • [289.66.-211] small lonely cacti on a sandbar guarding large clay
  • [356.65.-173] large clay, small falling sand
  • [374.68.-39] hidden cave
  • [361.65.32] large clay
  • [242.73.367] dead drop through mountain
  • [207.73.308] medium falling sand
  • [161.65.254] monster clay under small overhang in water
  • [206.66.211] large falling sand
  • [225.66.110] hidden deep pitfall cave
  • [87.65.182] medium clay
  • [113.65.260] medium overhang over water
  • [99.67.334] medium floater
  • [-116.76.327] wolves
  • [-145.75.321] pitfall through mountain
  • [-111.84.284] medium cave complex
  • [-4.64.66] dig down for medium cave with waterfall and lava fall
  • [39.66.-69] large clay, a small overhang, and a deep lake
  • [-7.68.-44] two small overhangs and a small floater
  • [-41.75.-47] tall waterfall and an awesome ravine
  • [-59.71.-81] small land bridge
  • [-130.75.260] small cave behind pond
  • [-257.65.349] hidi-hole
  • [-381.71.291] deep shadow, watch for skeletons
  • [-380.72.339] large floater
  • [-295.90.236] medium cave with coal
  • [-256.69.215] medium hidi-hole
  • [-323.103.231] tree valley
  • [-296.105.171] the small cave on this snow-capped peak must lead to something
  • [-347.82.162] river pouring out of shortcut cave and nearby small cave
  • [-369.72.73] Can't Miss: "The Web"
  • [-353.73.52] hidi-hole
  • [-328.70.-40] small waterfall
  • [-377.68.-85] one lonely pumpkin
  • [-298.66.-104] medium clay
  • [-181.70.-68] amazing shadowy land bridge
  • [-160.66.-72] small cave
  • [-224.72.-145] pumpkins
  • [-202.91.-128] massive spire with waterfall pouring out of it
  • [-199.119.-103] two tall spires, tallest point not-in-a-tree on map

Images

As you can imagine, with any legendary seed it's difficult to narrow down the choices. For each of these shots, there are another two that didn't make the cut. However, I will say that it was also difficult to get shots in the first place because there are so many trees in these crevasses that it's a constant struggle to get a vista.

Anyway, up top with the map you'll find an "eye" formation in "The Web". This formation had two oddly accurate skeletons living in it, so I had to switch to no-enemies in order to get the shot. Below it, another view of "The Web": this time from the top of the formation looking down at a natural hill/cave combo that kind of reminds me of a spiral staircase.

As for the three images at right (from top to bottom), the first is a large spire with a waterfall pouring out of the middle of it. This double waterfall cleared out grass and trees at it went along depositing them in it's delta for me to pick up later. Lucky for me, this second shot was possible because the shadow of this overhang lands in the water. Finally, the trees worked in my favor for this shot. Is it a floating medium spire or a large ground spire? I'll let you find that one out for yourself.