Instruction map

From GenieWiki

An instruction map (properly a scenario instruction map, also variously known as a bitmap, instruction background or simply map) is an image (often a map) shown at the beginning of a scenario. The map has traditionally been used to represent an actual map, for example that used in preparation for war, as a visual aid to the player with navigation and understanding of the scenario. The instruction map is simply an image though, so anything at all can be used, for example artwork, a letter etc. Together with the history, scenario instructions and hints, the instruction map is a vital part of the pre-game interface.

If no instruction map is used by the designer the default (blank) map will simply be shown. Because a map is the first thing a player sees upon playing a scenario, a well presented instruction map will create a very strong first impression. Conversely, a blank or very poor instruction map may give the player the impression of a poor effort on part of the designer, and lead them to presume the rest of the scenario will be similarly poor. The bitmap image has a color depth of 8 bits (a total of 256 possible colors), which means more detailed images (e.g. from a 24 bit .JPG photograph) will become more 'grainy' as less colours are available. Any in-game unit can be represented normally however, as the games are all rendered in 8-bit colour.

Instruction maps in AoK

Inserting an instruction background is easy on the surface, but has some caveats. You can insert the graphic under the "Instructions" tab in the map editor, just use the drop-down box labeled "Instruction Backgrouud". All bitmaps in the root AOK directory (default "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Age of Empires II") are listed.

The bitmap that you use, however, must have the same dimensions and use the same color pallette as the original image (scenariobkg.bmp). The easiest way of accomplishing this is to paste the desired image over the original, but making sure to save the image under a different filename. You don't want to lose the original.

External links

• Creation of Introductory Bit Maps for AOE - Tutorial by Frank Steidel from Age of Empires Heaven