Author Topic: Rules for MA Maps? (Read 1005 times)

Bullethead · « **on:** March 02, 2006, 05:12:18 PM »

Is there a list of rules that maps for the MA have to conform with? I don't see it here, unlike over in the skin forum where they've got stickies with MA skin rules.

Saxman · « **Reply #1 on:** March 02, 2006, 07:09:12 PM »

Certainly would need 3 countries and a strat system.

I've heard it can have no custom objects at all, others say make the map the way you want and see what happens with it.

Bullethead · « **Reply #2 on:** March 02, 2006, 10:31:06 PM »

Saxman said:

Quote

I've heard it can have no custom objects at all, others say make the map the way you want and see what happens with it.

What exactly do they mean by a "custom object"? I mean, we've got several different field and TG configurations out there on various user-made maps. I've also heard that from-scratch 3D custom objects are now OK, since there's the OE and the AC3D thing all designed to put custom stuff on maps. But like I said, I don't know, which is why I asked.

Saxman · « **Reply #3 on:** March 02, 2006, 11:15:37 PM »

Custom fleet configurations are a little different from creating entirely new objects.

NHawk · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2006, 06:21:01 AM »

Changing a fleet configuration or a base configuration doesn't make it a custom object. It's the objects that are made from scratch and not included in the TE that are custom....

I'm going to try to do these from memory since I've misplaced the MA Map guidelines I had.

1) There must be 3 countries with equal resources.
2) No custom objects. (textures are OK, buildings, runways, etc. are not)
3) No airfields over 5k
4) Towns must be within 5 miles of base
5) A full, working strat system must be in place for each zone. (roads, tracks, barges)
6) Roads, tracks must be no longer than 10 miles.
7) No embedded skins. (which I don't think you can do anymore anyway)
8) All source files are to be sent when you submit the map. Not just the .res file.

I could have sworn there were 10 key points, so if I missed anything someone please fill in the gaps.

And I know there are maps out there with exceptions to these rules, such as towns being more than 5 miles from a base. So, I don't think there is anything etched in stone. If it's reasonably playable I think the rules bend.

Bogie603rd · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2006, 08:46:14 AM »

Hey, on the strat system, how to you get the Train, Convoy, or the barges to start moving? Cause I placed some on my maps before, but neither the train nor the convoy would start rolling...

OOZ662 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2006, 12:10:44 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by NHawk
4) Towns must be within 5 miles of base

Who let Frac3 in?

NUTTZ · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2006, 02:55:25 PM »

In the TE theres a button called "animate" that shows the convoys and trains moving while in the editor. If it doesn't move then, then it won't move in the game. You need to assign the tain to a track/convoy to a road.
I believe the roads/tracks can be named. I assign a number to correspond to the city number it is supplying.

NUTTZ

Quote

Originally posted by Bogie603rd
Hey, on the strat system, how to you get the Train, Convoy, or the barges to start moving? Cause I placed some on my maps before, but neither the train nor the convoy would start rolling...

Skuzzy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2006, 03:49:51 PM »

The easiest way to handle the roads/tracks is to use the "Create All" button in the "Roads" tab of the TE. It will create all the roads and tracks with a default 10 mile length running due south.
Then edit each one to run them the way you want.

Bullethead · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2006, 04:39:31 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Skuzzy
The easiest way to handle the roads/tracks is to use the "Create All" button in the "Roads" tab of the TE. It will create all the roads and tracks with a default 10 mile length running due south.
Then edit each one to run them the way you want.

Hey Skuzzy-

Could I trouble you to put up a sticky with the rules for MA maps, kinda like you've got for MA skins? Thanks.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #10 on:** March 03, 2006, 05:21:57 PM »

MA terrains do not have any real rules for making them. We have general guidelines which are just that.

The best way to save yourself some time is to make a bitmap of what you think the terrain would be like. Include field layouts and elevations. Send that to us, and we can go from there. You do not want to just make the terrain and send it in. Trust me on that.

Bullethead · « **Reply #11 on:** March 03, 2006, 05:39:48 PM »

OK, thanks, Skuzzy

I'll send you something one of these days

NHawk · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2006, 06:28:48 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Skuzzy
....The best way to save yourself some time is to make a bitmap of what you think the terrain would be like. Include field layouts and elevations. Send that to us, and we can go from there. You do not want to just make the terrain and send it in. Trust me on that.

Been there, done that, waited 1 month for bitmap approval/denial, waited 2 months, resent bitmap, made terrain while waiting, sent it in anyway, waiting again. I have a feeling I'll be waiting a long time. So I trust you on that.

croduh · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2006, 06:57:53 AM »

And you didn't get any reply?
Oh boy i better stop my projects now!:confused:

NHawk · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2006, 09:48:42 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by duh
And you didn't get any reply?
Oh boy i better stop my projects now!:confused:

Yes I did. It's on his things to do list. But I was just saying it takes a long time.