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How does this look so far?

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I don't like the fact that the counters are transparent. While it may be an interesting idea, at least for my eyes, it makes the whole thing look a bit confusing. The air counters without bases, to me look like map elements ( for example air fields ), not like unit counters.

I agree with Ivanov, I think the counters get a bit lost in the terrain. I think, however, that may be pure preference - there was someone else asking for this sort of thing where you could see the terrain under a unit. So, the mod probably has potential for a segment of the players.

Regardless, nice work!

-Mark R.

I like the approach with the transparent background. If the units are too big, you can not see anything from the map below. Especially when a lot of units are together. If the units are too small, they look frumpy and undetailed. Tastes are different. In addition, there are certain gaming habits that sometimes counteract a real innovation. I'm sure if the counters had been transparent from the beginning, then there would be an outcry in the first approaches to massive variants because of the large loss of visibility below the units. Players are like that. And that's what mods are all about - so that there's something for every taste! [8D]

But you should actually try to give your units - without exception - a uniform appearance. The air units really look a bit lost and static. I think freestanding units work more as a colorful and more detailed "3D" variant...

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Here is the latest iteration.

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thanks, they look great to me[&o]

The counter bases are unnecessary, make them like the naval units. Color in/highlight the NATO icons background if you feel a need for the national color differences although the national icons are enough to discern ownership for me.

Formation size XXXs could be smaller, for aaa, at, art., etc. perhaps III regt. or btn II size, SF could be brigade size X, airborne = XX division size. Something that is historically accurate(attachments/task force KG) yet still allowing for the SC scale, a trade-off of sorts.

I like the white naval lettering, box style(less thickness), shows up best against the blue water hexes.

Instead of black/dark air units, give them some color(camo or historical markings), perhaps side view silhouettes(like WiF) instead of top down would be less terrain intrusive.

Thanks for experimenting.

Good suggestions all. I'll work on some. Thanks again for the feedback.

Harry

Hairog, for reference, there was a guy back in the old SC1 days that did some great(IMO) air sprites(as well as others). Wasn't to long after SC first came out, probably around September 2002, SC came out in August, if my memory serves me correctly.

IIRC his name was Jim Bunnelle, handle was jbunnelle. Now I'm not sure if he's still around or if his mods are still up on the Web, but those were my go to units for all of the SC1 days.

Unfortunately my PC that ran SC1 has long bit the dust, but it was just a thought, one of those fleeting deja vu things that hit ya every once in awhile.

Good luck, you're the closest thing I've seen in quite a while that functions and is pleasing to the eye.

Thanks for the info and encouragement SeaMonkey!

Another idea...

Whoa.... now you've gone over the top Hairog. Do you really have enough source imagery to do full-color aircraft silhouettes for all the nations? Would be awesome if you did. How about the navies too [;)]

Wow! Now those aircraft sprites are impressive.[X(]

Still would like to see the side view, like the ships.

I did the following several months ago but never finished it.
The color silhouettes are from WIF, I try to get acknoledgement on the WIF forum to use them from the author but get no reply.
So I didnt dare to continue and release the mod.

LOL I was about to do the same thing.

The smaller planes look ok from the side but the larger planes (SB) do not. I don't like the looks of mixing the views myself. I probably won't do a side view for that reason.

Again thank you for the input.

Crap! Those are nice SIPRES.

I kind of like the notion of mixing, makes for a quick visual differentiation between plane/bomber types.

Whatever, Hairog, it's your mod, but these(yours & SIPRES) are definitely the best I've seen and very similar to jbunnelle's.

Have you guys thought about an isometric view?

ORIGINAL: James Taylor

Have you guys thought about an isometric view?

I have, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Sipres has the eye for production value graphics. I'm just trying to feed folks like him ideas.

Here are two side views of bombers...not very exciting to me.