Map Clarity Contours Mod [v1.0]

[defekt]

MAP CLARITY CONTOURS MOD

A 'graphics only'* change mod that aims to reduce the amount of map clutter where it matters most, and improves the visibility of elevation changes by adding contour lines.

For best results use this mod with Map Hex Grid: ON.

* Applying this mod will not require saved games to be restarted.

Files: DOWNLOAD


SCREENSHOTS...

ArdennesContoursMod01.jpg (645.13 KiB) Viewed 2445 times

ArdennesContoursMod02.jpg (688.64 KiB) Viewed 2445 times

ArdennesContoursMod03.jpg (678.13 KiB) Viewed 2445 times

CHANGE LIST...

[v1.0]
* Contour elevation lines at all zoom levels...
- 'Ground level' map retains the game's original GFX complexity,
- 'Manoeuvre level' map has less clutter,
- 'Situation level' map has even less clutter;
* Bright white hex grid overlay changed to mid-dark hex grid overlay;
* Various small alterations to make Yellow condition icons more distinguishable from Green;
* Clearer selected hex overlay;
* 50% opacity Yellow move path arrows;
* Historic German flag;
* Various errant pixel fixes that most people will likely never notice.


INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS...

Unzip the contents of the zip file, preserving directories, into your [DC:Ardennes install location]\graphicsAlt directory. (Also works with Steam version.) None of the original art will be replaced so if there are elements of this package that you don't want, e.g., the historic German flag, then delete those files from this directory and the game will revert to the original gfx files.

[Rosseau]

Thanks very much for your work on this mod, and to the devs for making alternative graphics so easy to implement.

[defekt]

Yes, the \graphicsAlt dir makes things like this a breeze.

[rocketman71]

Mod looks great. Have had the game for a while but not played much yet. Waiting for mods like this is one reason. Thanks for making it!

[briklebritt]

"Contour elevation lines" - would it be possible to add drop shadows to the elevation lines like it is in vanilla game? Without the drop shadows is not possible to see if the is a hill or a valley

[defekt]

"Contour elevation lines" - would it be possible to add drop shadows to the elevation lines like it is in vanilla game? Without the drop shadows is not possible to see if the is a hill or a valley

That's not really how contour lines work but the game does help in making that distinction by using a slightly lighter ground texture for each significant elevation change. Removing the game's vanilla 'stacked pancakes' (not my term) aesthetic and replacing it with contour lines was meant to not only de-clutter the map but also improve elevation distinction; however, contour lines do work best when they're of a higher density than can be presented in this mod given the way that the tiles system works. To that end, adding a subtle shade to the outer edge of what contour lines are being drawn seems reasonable. I'll take a look at it some day.

[briklebritt]

I like the contour lines more then the vanilla pancakes, but it is really hard to see the elevation. When zoomed out, the slightly lighter texture is much more visible than with the 100% zoom factor.
I don´t know how to improve it, but I wish you will find a way the get the elevation more visible when zoom is at 100%. Maybe shadow could be a solution, maybe not.