I'm making a bunch of maps right now, wouldn't mind some rules of thumb (like tons of objects on a map is good/bad. How big should a town be, etc.)
http://rmrk.net/index.php/topic,9689.0.html
don't overdue maps, don't make them empty, most if not all should be a diff size then the other.
http://rmrk.net/index.php/topic,9364.0.html
ummm some general things that I do are:
1. make every house kind of unique to the others on the map
2. try to fill in empty spaces with flowers, or tables for inside etc.
3. try not to make maps too semetrical
4. use levels to make maps interesting
5. never make the maps too large so that they lag
6. and use tints and fogs to your advantage
i guess thats really what i gotta say ;) so goodluck
When you make a town, don't line the houses in a strait row and make them all look the same.
I see this in many rpg maker games.
When you use panoramas, you automatically win RMXP.