For maps like District402, there should be a way to tell if the map is linear or classic style. This could be done simply by making an empires entity that has a dropdown menu asking mappers if the map is classic linear (any others) Why? Just because it will look better. And because noobs join the game and say "why no commander lol?" Original (large) screenshot With Linear Setting in entity (modified) Going further, maybe you could tie a gui function to target an entity that map developers can edit, that shows map information for example pretend im a noob. I join emp_canyon. In the main menu (where i chose brenodi or northern faction) i can click a small button that either simply says [?] or [Map Information]. The button targets the entity that the map designer himself wrote that gives some simple information like this is a classic style map - The commander places buildings and researches upgrades for your team while you fight. Help him by securing Resources located on the 4 edges of the map. There are 2 securable resources to the north and should be kept well guarded. Or some crap like that idk watever they want.
it says so on the bottom left of the load screen (classic, conquest, or [what ever escort is]). but it could be more prominently displayed, or show it during commander voting. plus when you pick teams, i wish more map makes would use that space to explain the map, maybe add a bit of a story.