Air/Helicopter in-flight status for counters

[benpark]

The 2D and 3D mix is great looking. I had one idea for something that I often struggle with getting a good, quick grasp on- which helicopters are airborne in certain crucial planning situations in 2D. I mocked up something below. It is just a rectangle around the counter, acting like a shadow. Not sure how sharp the edges need to be for your engine, but a shadow under gets the point across visually and someone in your art crew could do it justice better, I'm certain.

Capture.JPG (112.33 KiB) Viewed 1251 times

[berto]

A most interesting idea. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Jason Petho]

Damn, that is a good idea!

[Big Ivan]

Yeah that is a good idea, I like that!!

[berto]

A big problem, however: stacking. How do you depict the shadow effect for helo(s) stacked with other helos at ground, and other ground units? For example, an in-flight helo in the middle of a stack with other units higher up and lower down the stack at ground?

OTOH, in 3D, currently at-ground helos currently throw shadow. We can remove that effect. Maybe lower their depiction in relation to ground also.

[benpark]

I came back to edit my post, after realizing stacking is an issue- but, of course Beto beat me to it!

Maybe it only shows up on the top-most counter in the stack?

[benpark]

The 3D suggestion is also sounding helpful for the quick graphical read of what's what in both views. Having 2D and "3D" (isometric) is a feature that sets this one apart.

Great maps to fly them over, to boot.

[bruce205]

Great idea Benpark !! I'm sure some resolution can be had. Berto will figure something out I'm sure.