by dracodragon
Of all 3 (including base), I unequivocally prefer the East map.Why over the base map
- (3p) no single chokepoint over the action route, which we all know is a basic "human right" in Hansa. It might not be un-counterable (I don't wanna argue over this) but it is IMO un-fun. 3P is actually enjoyable though 4P and 5P will be better.
- sea route is a great addition. They require investments in Book skill unlocks in order to be even able to use the routes. It increases the utility of merchants wherein the base game it is only useful for blocking.
- everywhere on the map is situationally useful/no clustering over top and bottom. It is much more viable to build over the sea route, which is the shortest path for the 7 VP.
- the above 2 points increase the strategic/tactical depth of the game
why over the Brittania map
- while the Brittania map introduces interesting rules to the game, it detracts from the cleanliness/elegance of the game. In base game/East map, there are no exemptions to rules.
That said, I'm not dissing the Brittania map as ultimately not everyone cares about elegance as much as I do, and as Jesse said it adds a whole new dimension.