I am offering the use of the 2D graphical map files I have modified for the HPS game packages. Like many of you I was not satisfied with the stock 2D graphics, and, as I principally play within the 2D environment, I decided to modify all of those files to a more asthetically and pleasing view.
You will find that the modifications consist of two separate themes; one for the Eastern Theater of the war, and one for the Western Theater. The principle differences between the two sets are the color of the Rebel units and the map hex colors. The Eastern Theater map colors more nearly approach the elevation tones of the old TalonSoft Battleground maps, while the Rebel map counters are rendered in ANV grey. The Western Theater map colors are somewhat more washed out and "dusty" looking, while the Rebel map counters appear in the predominant butternut. The Union counters are the same throughout.
These sets provide a better scale to the buildings and have all pikes, roads and trails rendered in a more realistic color and definition. (Some of you may object to the rendering of the trails, a trait that I felt added a sense of vague reality to the map. But the trails are all there!) Creeks and streams have a more realistic appearance, and all hexsides graphics have been also modified.
The unit counters have been studiously reworked to give a more solid and recognizable pattern. Leaders, infantry, artillery, cavalry and supply units are all immediately identified, whether they are in battle formations or not. However, in making this change I had to sacrifice the operability of the Brigade Colors selection found under the game's View toolbar button. I have found, however, that judicious use of the Highlight Org toolbar button provides an excellent substitute.
Installation of the files is a simple matter of opening the winzip file attached and copying the two "Theater" folders found inside the main folder. The "Theater" folders should be saved and placed somewhere where you may open and close them at leisure. Before actually using these files, you should also copy and save all of the 2D map files you are currently using in the selected game and save them properly labeled to a secure location. Then it's simply a matter of copying all of either the Eastern or Western Theater 2D files as you may chose for the game package involved, and pasting them within the MAP folder of the game where they will automatically replace all of the stock files.
(Note: I have not yet thoroughly checked the functionality of these files with the newest JTS Overland Campaign package.)
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HPS Graphics 2D Map Mods.zip [335.31 KiB]
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