I'm suggesting a simple feature which would make new maps easier to play on and get in to for players new to the map. It would be an additional image (a transparent .vtf) which would be shown on the map in the map window, spawn selection menu map and minimap. It could be switched on/off with a button found in the spawn menu screen (or some other appropriate place). It would be an optional feature and could be used by the mapper if he/she finds it necessary. The overlay would be useful especially for those playing the map for the first time. The overlay could contain for example information about resource point resource flow, or information about additional routes which may not be visible otherwise on the map overlay, like tunnels and such. It could also tell the player the key positions/chokepoints in the map and other places of tactical importance. The overlay would be highly useful expecially for more complicated maps and maps with objectives or functions differing from the traditional gameplay of Empires. For new players, such overlay would be helpful even on a rather simple map like escort. In other words, it could contain essential information which would otherwise just make the minimap cluttered. Though, it would increase the size of the map as a whole, though considering the already rather large size of Empires maps, the increase would be rather small. And a normal comparison about the pros and cons in short: Pros: - would make custom maps easier to get in to - could help developing new strategies - a way for the mapper to introduce the map to the players, currently there isn't any Cons: - would make map file size bigger, though the increase would be quite nominal
