Strangereal (the Ace Combat world)

[MS-06F Zaku 2]

So, I really love the Ace Combat series, and I think the world it takes place in would make an awesome Defcon mod. Take a look:

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/425/ ... zesbo9.png

Unfortunately, I'm pretty much unable to make maps on my own (too lazy to learn, etc etc). If anyone's interested in trying this, I have some ideas on how to split up the territories in balanced ways and whatnot that I can send you.

[MS-06F Zaku 2]

...so what do I do now?

[MS-06F Zaku 2]

...

Someone? Help? Please?

[Ace Rimmer]

First things first, have you checked here?

I can't remember off hand exactly what needs to be checked, but I do recall you need to make sure the AI/Travel nodes need to be changed to mesh with your new map, new territory images made for the land/water (for placement of units), and cites updated with names/coordinates. Can't tell if there are cities on your new map. Can't remember the exact locations of them... *goes to check*

Ok, in your Mods/Strangereal folder there should be;

• mod.txt, with Name, Version, Author, Website, Comment information for those that download the mod.
• screenshot.bmp, for a small preview image in the Defcon Mods menu 210 x 118
• data/earth folder containing modified:
  • <insert territory name here>.bmp x6
  • travel_nodes.bmp
  • sailable.bmp
  • ai_markers.bmp
  • international.dat
  • coastlines.dat
  • cities.dat
• data/graphics folder containing modified:
  • blur.bmp
  • territory.bmp
  • water.bmp
  • water_shaded.bmp
  • map.bmp
  
  There are other little tweaks you can make to rename things. It's all in the guide above I think.

[MS-06F Zaku 2]

All of my .dats are completed, and I looked at the FAQ; the purpose of each .bmp is what's giving me trouble. I do have a few specific questions:

Does map.bmp have any bearing on gameplay or the appearance of the map in-game, or is it just the minimap?
Do the territory bmps (Africa, Asia, Europe etc) automatically detect if an area is water, or do they need to have partial transparency for that area?
What's an ideal resolution for each file?
What's territory.bmp for?
And coastlines.bmp?

Also, is there an easy way to make font bmps?