Matrix Games Forums

Hello
From screenshots I have seen, the units are depicted as 3D models of tanks, airplanes etc. Can I hope there will be counters as well? Like the NATO symbols?

This has been brought up from time to time - I believe the unit symbols are modable, so I'm sure someone will come up with a new set of unit symbols after the game is released. One thing to remember - this game is directed not just at the grogs, but a wider mass-market audience (as a great introduction into computer wargamming) - so keeping the unit graphics pleasing to the eye is a huge plus.

ORIGINAL: paullus99

This has been brought up from time to time - I believe the unit symbols are modable, so I'm sure someone will come up with a new set of unit symbols after the game is released. One thing to remember - this game is directed not just at the grogs, but a wider mass-market audience (as a great introduction into computer wargamming) -

Though I agree with the above, in my opinion grogs would make a HUGE mistake if they miss this game just because they heard it is aimed at "mass market" audience. This game has *so* much to offer to grog-minded individuals, as I (and others) can attest [:D]

As for unit symbols, it's really the first question to go to WAW FAQ once someone starts to maintain it. [:D] In my opinion, existing symbols work perfectly fine, and even though I come from hardcore grog gaming community I feel no need to use NATO symbols in this particular game.

Of course YMMV but the game is very moddable and there'll be less than a week from official release of the game before the first graphic mods start appearing [:D]

Oleg

I understand the need for 3D-models ofcourse. But my experience from HoI is that they take too much computer resources, and does not provide information I want. So if it is so simple to make, why not include this in the game?

There is a whole laundry list of items that the developers are still working on - graphic changes are pretty low of the list of priorities....not that they can't be done, its just that there are many, many other issues being addressed first.

When you have finite resources available, you need to concentrate on those that are the most important first.

3D-models ... and does not provide information I want

even if 2D square boardgame counters were created there would be no information (combat strengths, MPs) on them.

ORIGINAL: JallaTryne

I understand the need for 3D-models ofcourse. But my experience from HoI is that they take too much computer resources, and does not provide information I want. So if it is so simple to make, why not include this in the game?

The symbols are not real 3D models in the game. They are just images or snapshots of 3D models made with a 3D modellling tool, and as such they occupy a mimimum of memory. Using military symbols instead would occupy the same space.
As it is now, all the unit conters for all the sides (there is one counter for each type and each side + some resource icons = 73 icons) occupy a measly 700 Kb.

Nothing is past the point of no return, so some alternate unit icon set might still make it into the game.

Jorgen

ORIGINAL: MButtazoni

3D-models ... and does not provide information I want

even if 2D square boardgame counters were created there would be no information (combat strengths, MPs) on them.

Yep. A square with an X in it doesn't provide information. Just so folks understand, the combat strength that would normally be on a "counter" is going to be based on research levels.

Another point, however, is that the counter v. picture debate is not new. It happens for almost every boardgame as well. Some designers love counters, some love pictures. For my money, this game needs the 3-D unit image, but I admittedly prefer boardgames with unit sillouhettes rather than NATO.

Or, put differently, when I asked the designer of a boardgame to include Vasilevsky as a general instead of Rokossovsky, his response was simple: "No. I like Rokossovsky." Hard to argue with that. [:)]

I personally like the new counters versus the NATO standard. It gives it a more boardlike feel.

I also hope for the option to use counters. It is realy a huge step in favor of making the game feel more like an advanced WW2 game. Gives the game credability to among grogns. Not that they are needed for the game to be good but for me they add to the war feeling instead of cute little toy soldiers.

a few grognards may, mistakenly, gloss over this game. IMO (because i am one of them), most will be playing it for a long time no matter what the unit icons look like.