I like the idea of small regions, it would make an interesting game-play, especially 2p. But I am also starting to like where you are going with the region-less suggestion.
About the graphics, I like the extra touch with the with the photographs but if you are going with a region-less map then I'm afraid the different coloured regions might be too distracting, confusing and misleading. How about if you chose one colour for the background but kept the pictures as they are. As for the ocean, I like the previous version more.
I like the idea of small regions, it would make an interesting game-play, especially 2p. But I am also starting to like where you are going with the region-less suggestion.
About the graphics, I like the extra touch with the with the photographs but if you are going with a region-less map then I'm afraid the different coloured regions might be too distracting, confusing and misleading. How about if you chose one colour for the background but kept the pictures as they are. As for the ocean, I like the previous version more.