Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.2/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 47,667

Mobile Support: Yes

About An Exact Map of the Empire

Step into the shadowy halls of imperial power in 'An Exact Map of the Empire,' a gripping indie action game where narrative-driven choices and resource management reign supreme. Crafted for GMTK Jam 2024 and inspired by Borges’ mind-bending tale 'On Exactitude in Science,' this free HTML5 browser title invites both casual and hardcore gamers to navigate the razor’s edge between obedience and ambition.

The Emperor – enigmatic, omnipotent, and obsessively precise – challenges you to chart an impossibly detailed, 1:1 map of the sprawling empire. Yet, behind every edict lurks the silent threat of political intrigue. In this Reigns-like adventure, swiping left or right through pivotal decisions can lead you to glory, disaster, or a fate stranger than either.

Dive into a world rendered in minimalist, atmospheric visuals – with crisp, evocative art that sets a tone of grand tension. Your mission isn’t just about maps; each choice pushes you deeper into a suspenseful narrative web. Will you quietly maneuver through court politics, conserving favor and resources? Or will you dare to defy the empire’s rigid hierarchy and carve your own legend?

Every move matters. Manage your influence, supplies, and morale as you traverse branching story paths. Each interaction, from overseeing mapping caravans to handling whispers of rebellion, can shift the delicate balance of power. Seasoned gamers will love the tactical resource juggling, while newcomers will find intuitive swipe-based controls perfect for quick, engaging play—on desktop or mobile, anytime.

Featuring an innovative blend of narrative and action, 'An Exact Map of the Empire' rewards thought, cunning, and calculated risk-taking. Its witty, razor-sharp writing keeps you invested, while bite-sized sessions make it easy to jump in or chase a new high-score ending. Whether you’re a fan of political dramas, branching stories, or indie experiments, this game delivers a uniquely exhilarating experience that lingers well after the empire’s borders are drawn.

Dare to draw your own boundaries – and see just how high you can rise. Start mapping your fate now!

How to Play

Getting started in 'An Exact Map of the Empire' is as straightforward as it is absorbing. Once you load up the game in your browser (or mobile device), you'll find yourself presented with narrative cards, each one depicting crucial decisions for mapping the empire. Much like in Reigns, simply swipe left or right (or use arrow keys/tap icons) to choose your response. Each decision directly affects vital resources: influence, supplies, and morale. The trick is balancing these to avoid running afoul of the Emperor—or sparking a different end altogether!

Keep an eye on the resource bars at the top of the screen. Running too high or too low in any area could mean untimely demise or unexpected promotion. As new situations arise—from sending out mapping parties to dealing with undercurrents of rebellion or flattery—consider both immediate costs and long-term impact.

Beginner tip: Don’t rush; take the time to read each card’s suspenseful text before responding. The narrative often holds subtle clues about potential outcomes. Experiment with different choices to discover multiple endings and master the ever-shifting court intrigues. Above all, remember: no choice is insignificant in the Empire!

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Read each narrative card closely – subtle hints can guide your next move.
Aim to keep all resource bars balanced; extremes (high or low) can end the game.
Be bold—sometimes pushing boundaries unlocks secret paths or special endings.
Replay to experience all narrative branches; different choices yield surprising twists.
Don’t ignore minor characters; their influence grows over time and can save or doom you.
Use mobile gestures for quick decisions, but slow down for tough calls.
Reference classic stories for hidden narrative Easter eggs and bonus outcomes.