VGMaps
Encyclopedia
VGMaps.com: The Video Game Atlas, or simply VGMaps (as in "Video Game Maps") is a website with a collection of maps for various video games. Most of these maps are screenshot maps; maps created by taking several screenshots of a game and then assembling them into a single image with an image editing program such as Microsoft Paint
. (This method works well for games with 2D graphics, but 3D games require more complex methods.) Because screenshot maps are typically created with the aid of emulators
, the maps at VGMaps are primarily from older gaming systems, such as the NES
, Super NES
, and the Game Boy line
of handhelds. However, the site accepts maps for games for any platform.
Though screenshot maps make up the vast majority of the site's content, VGMaps also includes maps that are drawn by hand (which may or may not include actual in-game graphics) or other visual diagrams that may be useful references during gameplay. (Some games - such as those in the arcade-style or fighting
genres - often do not actually require maps, but the assembled screenshots of stages or arenas are still featured, like many others, for nostalgia.)
The maps are assembled by average gamers, and then submitted to the site's owner Jonathan Leung. He in turn puts the maps on the website for all to see, with new submissions put up nearly every week, typically on weekends. Those who submit the maps receive nothing in return, but they do have the chance to receive the occasional honour of having their maps recognized in the "Maps of the Month" feature. A forum
is used to discuss mapmaking techniques and to make requests for maps of particular games.
The current "compass
" logo first appeared in September 2005 and the current site design, along with the shortened name VGMaps.com: The Video Game Atlas, has been in use since January 1, 2006.
being honoured on July (the seventh month) of 2007, or games featuring monsters like those in the Castlevania
series likely to appear in October because of Halloween
.
To coincide with April Fools' Day
, April's Maps of the Month between 2005 and 2009 are jokes, either being a non-existent game from a real series (such as The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Hours, based on a cancelled Game Boy Color game), or an apparent remake of an existing game (such as The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Advance). April 2006's Mega Man Solid X: Guns Of The Mavericks reimagines FOXHOUND from Metal Gear Solid
as if they were Mavericks in the Mega Man X series, with its title parodying Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
. There was no April Fools' joke for April 2010, however whether it has been completely abandoned, or if April 2011 and future years will revive the tradition is yet to be decided.
As of , there have been a total of Maps of the Month.
The following table shows all of the games that have had the honour of being featured as the Maps Of The Month.
, commenting that "it's great to be able to see just what those levels looked like in all their glory." Other blogs such as Boing Boing
began linking to it also. Popular technology news site Slashdot
had an article about the site, calling it "a very worthy site that's sure to stoke the fires of nostalgia."
The media coverage of VGMaps reached another high on July 15, 2005 when G4TV
's Attack of the Show!
's 69th episode had a segment that showcased the site. Kevin Pereira
showed the screenshot map
of the NES
game A Boy and His Blob: Trouble on Blobolonia as a sampling of the maps on the site.
ed video games, some have feared that those developers might attempt to ask JonLeung to remove content from his site. On March 19, 2005, his map for the NES
version of Maniac Mansion
caught the attention of Ron Gilbert
, one of the creators of the game. Far from condemning it, he posted a link to the site on his Grumpy Gamer blog. So far, VGMaps has had no complaints from any game companies, and may even be covered by Fair use
.
Microsoft Paint
Paint is a simple graphics painting program that has been included with all versions of Microsoft Windows. It is often referred to as MS Paint or Microsoft Paint...
. (This method works well for games with 2D graphics, but 3D games require more complex methods.) Because screenshot maps are typically created with the aid of emulators
Video game console emulator
A video game console emulator is a program that allows a computer or modern console to emulate a different video game console's behavior. Emulators are most often used to play older video games on personal computers and modern video game consoles, but they are also used to play games translated...
, the maps at VGMaps are primarily from older gaming systems, such as the NES
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
, Super NES
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
, and the Game Boy line
Game Boy line
The line is a line of battery-powered handheld game console sold by Nintendo. It is one of the world's best-selling game system lines with a combined 200+ million units sold worldwide....
of handhelds. However, the site accepts maps for games for any platform.
Though screenshot maps make up the vast majority of the site's content, VGMaps also includes maps that are drawn by hand (which may or may not include actual in-game graphics) or other visual diagrams that may be useful references during gameplay. (Some games - such as those in the arcade-style or fighting
Fighting game
Fighting game is a video game genre where the player controls an on-screen character and engages in close combat with an opponent. These characters tend to be of equal power and fight matches consisting of several rounds, which take place in an arena. Players must master techniques such as...
genres - often do not actually require maps, but the assembled screenshots of stages or arenas are still featured, like many others, for nostalgia.)
The maps are assembled by average gamers, and then submitted to the site's owner Jonathan Leung. He in turn puts the maps on the website for all to see, with new submissions put up nearly every week, typically on weekends. Those who submit the maps receive nothing in return, but they do have the chance to receive the occasional honour of having their maps recognized in the "Maps of the Month" feature. A forum
Internet forum
An Internet forum, or message board, is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages. They differ from chat rooms in that messages are at least temporarily archived...
is used to discuss mapmaking techniques and to make requests for maps of particular games.
History
The website began on April 25, 2002, and the domain name vgmaps.com was created on April 30, 2002. The site eventually launched on May 6, 2002 as VGMaps.com: The Online Video Game Atlas by Jonathan Leung (known as "JonLeung" on the site), with a handful of screenshot maps that he assembled himself. The site grew gradually but steadily as other people contributed maps of their own. As the site's collection grew, so did the site's popularity.The current "compass
Compass
A compass is a navigational instrument that shows directions in a frame of reference that is stationary relative to the surface of the earth. The frame of reference defines the four cardinal directions – north, south, east, and west. Intermediate directions are also defined...
" logo first appeared in September 2005 and the current site design, along with the shortened name VGMaps.com: The Video Game Atlas, has been in use since January 1, 2006.
Maps Of The Month
For every month since May 2004, exceptional compilations of maps from a single game are chosen by JonLeung to be the Maps Of The Month and are featured on the main page of the site. They are not necessarily recently-submitted maps, as some map sets are honoured years after their initial creation. Often, the maps are apparently chosen to be thematic to current events, holidays, or the season of that month, such as The 7th SagaThe 7th Saga
The 7th Saga, called in Japan, is a role playing game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The player chooses one of seven playable characters, all of whom separately embark on a quest to locate seven magical runes. As the player progresses through the game from one town to the next, they...
being honoured on July (the seventh month) of 2007, or games featuring monsters like those in the Castlevania
Castlevania
Castlevania, known as in Japan, is a video game series created and developed by Konami. The series debuted in Japan on September 26, 1986, with the release of for the Family Computer Disk System , followed by an alternate version for the MSX 2 platform on October 30...
series likely to appear in October because of Halloween
Halloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
.
To coincide with April Fools' Day
April Fools' Day
April Fools' Day is celebrated in different countries around the world on April 1 every year. Sometimes referred to as All Fools' Day, April 1 is not a national holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day when many people play all kinds of jokes and foolishness...
, April's Maps of the Month between 2005 and 2009 are jokes, either being a non-existent game from a real series (such as The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Hours, based on a cancelled Game Boy Color game), or an apparent remake of an existing game (such as The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, known as in Japan, is a 1993 action-adventure video game developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy...
Advance). April 2006's Mega Man Solid X: Guns Of The Mavericks reimagines FOXHOUND from Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid
is a videogame by Hideo Kojima. The game was developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Japan and first published by Konami in 1998 for the PlayStation video game console. It is the sequel to Kojimas early MSX2 computer games Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake...
as if they were Mavericks in the Mega Man X series, with its title parodying Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
is a video game developed by Kojima Productions for the PlayStation 3 console. The game was directed by Hideo Kojima and made its worldwide release on June 12, 2008, ten years after the release of Metal Gear Solid and twenty years after the North American release of Metal Gear.Guns of the Patriots...
. There was no April Fools' joke for April 2010, however whether it has been completely abandoned, or if April 2011 and future years will revive the tradition is yet to be decided.
As of , there have been a total of Maps of the Month.
The following table shows all of the games that have had the honour of being featured as the Maps Of The Month.
| Date | Game (year, system) | Compiler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | May | Mega Man III (1990, NES) | Revned |
| June | Pokémon: Ruby/Sapphire Versions (2002, GBA) | Jaromaru | |
| July | Super Mario World (1990, SNES) | Stefan Mahrla | |
| August | Kid Icarus (1986, NES) | Bergles | |
| September | Pokémon: FireRed/LeafGreen Versions (2004, GBA) | Jaromaru | |
| October | The Goonies II (1987, NES) | TerraEsperZ | |
| November | Castlevania II: Simon's Quest (1987, NES) | Wileee | |
| December | Little Nemo: The Dream Master (1990, NES) | Chiasm | |
| 2005 | January | Metroid II: Return Of Samus (1991, Game Boy) | Zeric |
| February | Faxanadu (1987, NES) | Timothy1979 | |
| March | Prince Of Persia (1990, PC) | TerraEsperZ | |
| April (April Fools') | The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening Advance (Unreleased/Fake, GBA) | JonLeung and Osrevad | |
| May | Pokémon: Emerald Version (2004, GBA) | Jaromaru | |
| June | Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars (1996, SNES) | Peardian | |
| July | StarTropics (1990, NES) | Chiasm | |
| August | The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (1998, GBC) | Osrevad | |
| September | River City Ransom (1989, NES) | Osrevad | |
| October | Castlevania (1986, NES) | Revned | |
| November | Secret Of Evermore (1995, SNES) | Grizzly | |
| December | Kid Icarus: Of Myths And Monsters (1991, Game Boy) | RyuMaster | |
| 2006 | January | The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Ages (2001, GBC) | Revned |
| February | The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Seasons (2001, GBC) | TerraEsperZ | |
| March | Wizards & Warriors III: Kuros: Visions Of Power (1992, NES) | KingKuros | |
| April (April Fools') | Mega Man Solid X: Guns Of The Mavericks (2006/Fake, GBA) | JonLeung, bustin98, Osrevad, Grizzly and Revned | |
| May | King's Quest V: Absence Makes The Heart Go Yonder (1990, PC) | Dan | |
| June | Mega Man VII (1995, SNES) | Geminiman | |
| July | Super Mario Kart (1992, SNES) | Alex Foster | |
| August | The Lion King (1994, SNES) | Grizzly | |
| September | Kid Chameleon (1992, Genesis) | DarkWolf | |
| October | Monster Party (1989, NES) | Chiasm | |
| November | Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988, NES) | KingKuros, Zeric, JonLeung, Revned, J.J. Maxx and mephea | |
| December | Aunt Arctic Adventure (1988, Amiga) | Grizzly | |
| 2007 | January | Donkey Kong (1994, Game Boy) | Captain Drake |
| February | Solomon's Key (1987, NES) | Rick Bruns | |
| March | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989, NES) | Chiasm | |
| April (April Fools') | Super Kid Icarus (1992/Fake, SNES) | JonLeung | |
| May | Final Fantasy Legend III (1991, Game Boy) | Dammit 9x | |
| June | Castlevania: Circle Of The Moon (2001, GBA) | sprays | |
| July | The 7th Saga (1993, SNES) | KingKuros | |
| August | Krusty's Fun House (1992, Master System) | Maxim | |
| September | The Legend Of Kyrandia - Book Two: The Hand Of Fate (1993, PC) | TerraEsperZ | |
| October | Castlevania: Harmony Of Dissonance (2002, GBA) | Zeric | |
| November | Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003, GBA) | Peardian | |
| December | Mega Man 8 (1996, PS) | Zeric | |
| 2008 | January | Ninja Gaiden Trilogy (1995, SNES) | Will Mallia |
| February | Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II (1994, NES) | Captain Drake | |
| March | Mario Vs. Donkey Kong (2004, GBA) | Peardian | |
| April (April Fools') | The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Hours (2001/Fake, GBC) | JonLeung | |
| May | Wonder Boy In Monster World (1991, Genesis) | Dammit 9x | |
| June | Contra III: The Alien Wars (1992, SNES) | RT-55J | |
| July | Wolfenstein 3-D (1992, PC) | DarkWolf | |
| August | Metroid: Zero Mission (2004, GBA) | rocktyt | |
| September | WarCraft II: Tides Of Darkness (1995, PC) | LDK | |
| October | Castlevania: Bloodlines (1994, Genesis) | TerraEsperZ | |
| November | Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 (2000, PC) | LDK | |
| December | Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2: March Of The Minis (2006, DS) | Peardian | |
| 2009 | January | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles In Time (1992, SNES) | Will Mallia |
| February | Sonic The Hedgehog (1991, Master System) | Maxim | |
| March | The Legend Of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004, GBA) | rocktyt | |
| April (April Fools') | Metroid Dread (2009/Fake, DS) | JonLeung | |
| May | Batman: Return Of The Joker (1991, NES) | RT-55J | |
| June | Rolando (2008, iPod) | Revned | |
| July | Beyond Oasis (1994, Genesis) | xyzbilliu | |
| August | Flashback: The Quest For Identity (1993, SNES) | Will Mallia | |
| September | Paladin's Quest (1992, SNES) | FlyingArmor | |
| October | Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (1993, TG16) | Zeric | |
| November | G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1985, NES) | sprays | |
| December | Paper Mario (2000, N64) | Peardian | |
| 2010 | January | Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight (1990, NES) | Dan_ |
| February | Virtual Boy Wario Land (1995, VB) | Trebor Almasy | |
| March | Fantastic Dizzy (1991, GEN) | Jester | |
| April | Mega Man 10 (2010, WiiWare) | Revned | |
| May | Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame (1993, PC) | TerraEsperZ | |
| June | Crusader of Centy (1994, GEN) | xyzbilliu | |
| July | StarCraft (1998, PC) | LDK | |
| August | Dragon Warrior III (1996, SNES) | Paco | |
| September | Metroid Fusion (2002, GBA) | zerofighter and rocktyt | |
| October | Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2003, GBA) | TerraEsperZ | |
| November | The Magical Quest: Starring Mickey Mouse (1992, SNES) | Will Mallia | |
| December | Super Mario All-Stars (1993, SNES) | Zeric | |
| 2011 | January | Kick Master (1992, NES) | sprays |
| February | Mega Man ZX (2006, DS) | X GOD, HIVOLT & rmexesaito | |
| March | Micro Machines 2: Turbo Tournament (1994, GEN) | Maxim | |
| April | Spear of Destiny (1992, PC) | DarkWolf | |
| May | E.V.O.: Search for Eden (1992, SNES) | Tropicon | |
| June | Super Metroid (1994, SNES) | Rick Bruns | |
| July | Duke Nukem II (1993, PC) | High Treason | |
| August | Golden Sun (2001, Game Boy Advance) | Paco & Stefan Marla | |
In the media
Although VGMaps had humble beginnings, it has grown in popularity over time. As people found the site, many would link to it in their blogs and on various message boards. Eventually the site drew the attention of major video game websites, such as JoystiqJoystiq
Joystiq is a video gaming blog founded in June 2004 that has since become one of the most successful sites within the Weblogs, Inc. family of weblogs. It is the centerpiece of WIN's own network of video gaming blogs, which also includes a blog dealing specifically with the popular MMORPG World of...
, commenting that "it's great to be able to see just what those levels looked like in all their glory." Other blogs such as Boing Boing
Boing Boing
Boing Boing is a publishing entity, first established as a magazine, later becoming a group blog.-History:...
began linking to it also. Popular technology news site Slashdot
Slashdot
Slashdot is a technology-related news website owned by Geeknet, Inc. The site, which bills itself as "News for Nerds. Stuff that Matters", features user-submitted and ‑evaluated current affairs news stories about science- and technology-related topics. Each story has a comments section...
had an article about the site, calling it "a very worthy site that's sure to stoke the fires of nostalgia."
The media coverage of VGMaps reached another high on July 15, 2005 when G4TV
G4 (TV channel)
G4, also known as G4 TV, is an American cable- and satellite-television channel originally geared primarily toward young adult viewers, originally based on the world of video games...
's Attack of the Show!
Attack of the Show!
Attack of the Show! is an American live television program shown weeknights on G4, G4 Canada and Fuel TV in Australia. The program is hosted by Kevin Pereira and Candace Bailey...
's 69th episode had a segment that showcased the site. Kevin Pereira
Kevin Pereira
Kevin Pereira is co-host of G4's Attack of the Show! .-Biography:While in high school, Pereira hosted Pointless Audio under the pseudonym Captain Immy...
showed the screenshot map
Screenshot map
A screenshot map is a single image of a location within a video game compiled from various screenshots. The screenshots are usually taken using an emulator in order to achieve "pixel-perfect" quality. Adjacent screens are pasted together in an image editing program, and the onscreen sprites are...
of the NES
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
game A Boy and His Blob: Trouble on Blobolonia as a sampling of the maps on the site.
Legality
The map content on VGMaps crosses into potentially dangerous legal ground. Because the screenshot maps often contain material from copyrightCopyright
Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time...
ed video games, some have feared that those developers might attempt to ask JonLeung to remove content from his site. On March 19, 2005, his map for the NES
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
version of Maniac Mansion
Maniac Mansion
Maniac Mansion is a 1987 graphic adventure game developed and published by Lucasfilm Games. It was Lucasfilm's first published video game, and it was initially released for the Commodore 64 and Apple II. A comedy horror parody of B movies, it follows teenager Dave Miller as he ventures...
caught the attention of Ron Gilbert
Ron Gilbert
Ron Gilbert is an American computer game designer, programmer, and producer, best known for his work on several classic LucasArts adventure games, including Maniac Mansion and the first two Monkey Island games. Gilbert was also co-founder of Humongous Entertainment and its sister company Cavedog...
, one of the creators of the game. Far from condemning it, he posted a link to the site on his Grumpy Gamer blog. So far, VGMaps has had no complaints from any game companies, and may even be covered by Fair use
Fair use
Fair use is a limitation and exception to the exclusive right granted by copyright law to the author of a creative work. In United States copyright law, fair use is a doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the rights holders...
.