I think I'd like a island map

[Trumanator]

I could see an island map as somewhat fun and interesting, but I suspect that there would be some severe nation balance problems.

[Gandalf Parker]

Check out my smaller Tower Map.
http://www.dom3minions.com/maps.htm
It might do what you want. It forces everyone to have only one enemy on each side of them for most of the game.

The larger versions (altho I prefer the pipe version) are great for playing long solo games with lots of nations but avoiding much of the micro-management that giant maps create. It makes it easy to play into plate game with only a couple of small front-lines to have to managment. At least its a very different game.

[rdonj]

I feel like I've seen semi-similar maps to what you're after, but I cannot remember where. Maybe one of elmokki's? I don't think there'd be a problem with island maps as long as you either played with nothing but sailing/amphibious nations, or went with ports that allow points of access across the water for nations without amphibians/sailing.