Best UI in a computer hex based wargame?

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Chuske
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Best UI in a computer hex based wargame?

Post by Chuske »

Often when I read reviews of computer hex wargames I hear comments along the line of "good game but the UI is poor". So I'm wondering what a good UI in a hex-based game might actually look like.

So wondering what the readers of these forums think, is there an example of such a game with a solid or even excellent UI? Doesn't have to be limited to matrix/slitherine games by the way. Also what do you think developers could do to improve their UI design? i.e. what UI features help.

Thanks guys.
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Edmon
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Re: Best UI in a computer hex based wargame?

Post by Edmon »

Panzer Corps 2 has a nice UI in my opinion. Clean and everything I need to see is where I'd expect it.

One part of it that's not so hot is the hero menu, but I hear that's being worked on...
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Re: Best UI in a computer hex based wargame?

Post by ncc1701e »

I do have on the contrary an example of a good game with the most terrible UI I have never seen: MWIF aka Matrix World In Flames. I try several times. But, sorry, no, I have lost the fight with the interface.
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Fred98
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Re: Best UI in a computer hex based wargame?

Post by Fred98 »

Stacking should never be more than 4 units as otherwise too hard to manage.

Some modern games have the data as a pop up when hovering over a hex. I find it annoying as I move the mouse around and pop ups appear and disappear. Instead click on a hex and a display opens in a side bar providing the info of that hex.

Click on a hex and all the units in the hex are displayed in a side bar so I can study the details of each unit in the hex.

A shortcut key that gives the total sum value of variable over all the hexes on the map as a number over each hex. The variables might be:
The stack defensive value given an attack by infantry
The stack defensive value given an attack by armour
The stack attack value given I am attacking infantry
The stack attack value given I am attacking armour
And others

All the friendly units displayed as a spread sheet. Each variable has a separate column. I click on the title of any column and it sorts by that variable. I click on the last column of a unit, the spread sheet closes and the map centres on that unit. If it was not at the top of a stack it is automatically brought to the top of the stack.

This is a game and not real life. Most enemy units are hidden due to fog of war. But I have contacted some enemy units so I have knowledge of them. Known enemy units displayed as a spread sheet as above. The point is that my opponent has a played a turn and in the replay a specific enemy unit turned up. Now I am going to spend time looking for that unit and my wife is calling me for dinner......
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Re: Best UI in a computer hex based wargame?

Post by Kuokkanen »

I have found Advanced Tactics Gold to have a pretty good UI: map screen provides enough information without pop-ups, but not too much. Unit roster/TO&E with some details appears at bottom of the screen with selection of a unit. Planning an attack is also done on the main map screen.

In The Operational Art of War III unit roster/TO&E takes a pop-up window, which can get a little bothersome with lots of units. Likewise planning an attack takes a pop-up window. I'm not a fan of this. Your mileage may vary.
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Duck Doc
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Re: Best UI in a computer hex based wargame?

Post by Duck Doc »

WarPlan / &Pacific UI floats my boat. Best I have played. Field of Glory 2 is second (but not hex based) and Valor and Victory would be third.
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Chuske
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Re: Best UI in a computer hex based wargame?

Post by Chuske »

Thanks guys, I'll look at the games you mention. Good points from Fred98 on tooltips, they can be useful in the right places but a nuisance done badly.
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