Mark H. Walker Signs With Matrix Games!

[Fred98]

ORIGINAL: markhwalker There's a game around with better graphics........

LnL is a board game, there is no comparison.

Uncommon Valour Close Combat 5 Battles In Normandy

Those games are computer games. The graphics are wonderful. And provide information to the user in a way a board game cannot.

Your game is a board game and the graphics are perfect for a board game. For a board game they are as good as I can imagine. Good luck with your next game.

[Erik Rutins]

As a side note, board games can actually handle (and many do have) much better graphics for counters and such (and maps) than computer games on average. The only limitation for a board game is what a professional printer can do - which is not much of a limitation. For computers, we have say 1024 x 768 pixels, that's it. Let's say a counter is 30x30 pixels. It's not difficult to see how working with an array of 30 x 30 blocks of color, you can't come close to counters that look like what Mark posted above.

There are certain limitations which good computer developers can work within to fool the eye a bit, but without significantly higher system specs and resolutions, it's impossible for them to be just as crisp, clear and high resolution as a good board game (though recent titles have been getting closer).

Computer games have a list of other advantages though, which I won't get long-winded on. But for 2D graphics, board games like Lock 'n Load are the best you'll find.

Regards,

- Erik

[wodin]

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

As a side note, board games can actually handle (and many do have) much better graphics for counters and such (and maps) than computer games on average. The only limitation for a board game is what a professional printer can do - which is not much of a limitation. For computers, we have say 1024 x 768 pixels, that's it. Let's say a counter is 30x30 pixels. It's not difficult to see how working with an array of 30 x 30 blocks of color, you can't come close to counters that look like what Mark posted above.

There are certain limitations which good computer developers can work within to fool the eye a bit, but without significantly higher system specs and resolutions, it's impossible for them to be just as crisp, clear and high resolution as a good board game (though recent titles have been getting closer).

Computer games have a list of other advantages though, which I won't get long-winded on. But for 2D graphics, board games like Lock 'n Load are the best you'll find.

Regards,

- Erik

Agreed.

[markhwalker]

Agreed, and good point, Erik. But that said... the VASSAL LnL graphics still look pretty sharp, and those are typical 96 DPI web stuff.

And Joe, thanks for the good wishes.

Best, Mark

[wodin]

ORIGINAL: Joe 98

And a computer version, must make use of comoputers to make it BETTER. Specificaily, information needs to be graphical - characters typed on counters is no good.

Why not? The counter gives all the info needed. Plus like SB you might have a unit info box, giving all the extra info that is needed i.e Ammo/Status/Fatigue etc etc.

You mention BiN is that not a similar look to a boardgame? Does it not have counters like chits? Each counter represents a squad so how would you show that as a graphic which will also show the same info as a counter? I think you will find the counter can show info far better than a bunch of men squashed together in a hex.

I really cnat see you buying a PC version as it isnt going to be what you want. A PC version should have the overall look as the boardgame. Yes use the PC's power to add to the game but add to the gameplay not chnage the whole graphical look to the extent it changes the game into something like a turnbased Close Combat. Leave that to Combat Leader.

[Fred98]

ORIGINAL: wodin You mention BiN. Is that not a similar look to a board game?

Sure is. And that’s why I use it as an example – the different scale is not relevant.

ORIGINAL: wodin The counter gives all the info needed.

True, but in a computer game there is a better way. I am aware there are a number of pieces of information displayed on the counter, but I’ll start with attack and defence values.

Example:

Hot key “A” shows all the attack values of your troops across the map. If there is a stack it totals the stack.

Hot key “B” shows the defensive values of your troops across the map. If there is a stack it totals the stack.

The number floats directly above the counter and the number is colour coded. Green is best, black is worst with other colours in between. You want to find your most powerful attacking unit on the map, or the most powerful defending unit – here it is!

ORIGINAL: wodin ......you might have a unit info box, giving all the extra info that is needed i.e Ammo/Status/Fatigue etc etc.

The reason for the unit info box is because there is not enough space on the counter for all that information. In computer game that limitation is removed.

Click on the unit and all the info is displayed in one box

Further, that info too could be easily garnered by using hot keys.

But there could also be a display in a database format which can be sorted – just like Uncommon Valour.

BTW these items ought to vary over a game. In a computer game its easy to keep track but in a board game its very difficult.

[wodin]

Youve just stated exactly what I said?!

Everything you ask for could be incorperated nto the game design withoutany need to chnage the look of the game.

Infact what you ask for may well be included as Mark has mentioned he will add to the game to make use of PC's.

I hope everything youve just mentioned is included. However none of it has anything to do with counters and maps.

What youve just said in your last post is EXACTLY how SB operates. This has counters with even less info on because everything you need is in the unit info box which is along the bottom of the screen.

[markhwalker]

Yes use the PC's power to add to the game but add to the gameplay not chnage the whole graphical look to the extent it changes the game into something like a turnbased Close Combat.

I've been DEEPLY involved in the E2 industry for over a decade. The number of translations I've seen screwed up by coder's fascination with PC computing power is legion. Why will Firepower (Joe, LnL units have no attack factor) be displayed ON te counter? 1) It looks good. 2) It's the qucikest way for the gamer to access it. No key press needed. Now, summing a stack? Yeah, that's a great example of how the computer will enhance the game.

Wodin... does SB= Squad Battles? If so, I don't feel that there is a lot to be learned there.

Best, Mark

[wodin]

Yes Squad Battles.

I hope your right Mark. This game when played PBEM is superb it has loads of atmsophere and you need to be adept at squad based tactics to get somewhere. An awfull lot goes on under the hood with it than first appears.

I mention SB as it is the right scale and looks similar to LnL and ASL.I wouldnt expcet you to take much from it as you already have a design in place with the boardgame also its engine is five years old. However I hope that your game beats it for gameplay and Im sure will have more chrome. Until then though SB for me is the best tactical game out at the moment.

I await a PC version of LnL with baited breath.

Mark dont let me down:)

[markhwalker]

I'll try not to Wodin... I may have mispoke on Squad Battles, I like the sustem, but will take LnL in a somewhat different direction. But... meanwhile back at the boardgame ranch.

[wodin]

No problem Mark.

Looks very good. Sgt Reiner might need to look a bit tougher. He reminds me of a WW1 British pilot for some reason.



Joe surely if the PC game looked like that you wouldnt complian?

[ravinhood]

Man if you do a computer conversion just like those graphics, your game will be superb. Those are excellent graphics. Shame we gotta wait on yah to do another board game, Matrixgames should get yah started on a computer conversion "soon". heh I'll be anxiously awaiting the computer version, but, wish you luck with the board game version.

[markhwalker]

Sgt Reiner might need to look a bit tougher.

What do ya mean!!!! He's in the middle of a gory battle and he's smiling. How bloodthirsty can you get? [;)]

Best, Mark

[markhwalker]

Oh yeah... these are EXACTLY how the computer version graphics look. We are redoing alll the graphics from Forgotten Heroes for the computer game.

Best, Mark

[Erik Rutins]

That's a great pic Marc, really looking forward to this one! [8D]

Regards,

- Erik

[wodin]

ORIGINAL: markhwalker

Oh yeah... these are EXACTLY how the computer version graphics look. We are redoing alll the graphics from Forgotten Heroes for the computer game.

Best, Mark

So looks like the computr version is a cert then!!

Yippee

[markhwalker]

So looks like the computr version is a cert then!!

Well, nothing in life is certain.

Best, Mark

[wodin]

tease[;)]

[Fred98]

ORIGINAL: wodin Joe surely if the PC game looked like that you wouldn’t complian?

As for board games there are:

Advanced Squad Leader Patrol! Ambush! Lock and Load

As for computer games there are ( or are in production )

Squad Battles Sniper Ambush Lock and Load

This style of gaming holds no interest for me.

I would enjoy seeing a game of tactical infantry fighting but not in this style.

[markhwalker]

but not in this style.

What style? You've lost me. The creative, innovative, new style?