Slitherine

I produced a first test for an 360° all direction unit view with 16 pictures like PGII (PG3D).
I followed the same file parameters like the animation graphics. My new Poser Pro 2012 needs only 10-15 minutes to finish this 16 direction file for one of my units, I can produce all of my over 300 units in this way in 2-3 weeks.
Now we need a new game engine modifikation permitted to include all my units to this nice view, also I can do 16 new animation (for every direction) files for every fire possibilities in some hours.

1st example PzKpfwIVD:


Naturally nice are also animation frames for death1+2, drive (walk), wait1+2, retreat, overroll, result, build fortifikation, damage, fuel, repair and many more.

Rudankort please give us this new engine !!!

H.Balck

Have you tried it, how they look on the map? Could you please make some screenshots about it?

Have you tried it, how they look on the map? Could you please make some screenshots about it?

Please read exactly ! I dont have the engine to do that. Its only a new way.

H.Balck

I think, it's not about the engine: PC is a 2D strategic game, not a 3D. And I like it so, without any 3D and continus animations. But you can do it, what you want to invent, I don't forbid you.

Personally I hated PGII exactly because of these extra views.
I hope we have never such a engine.
Sorry HBalck, but that's my opinion.

I like 90% of Balck's icons, but I agree with VPaulus. I like the game in 2D.

Looks like here are only PG1 fans - where are the millions of PG3D (PG2) fans ?
I would like PC with 16 unit directions ! Looks like I must find my own way to realize a new game design.

H.Balck

I would like to see this added to the game. I am a big fan of PGII and PGIII.

There are a few of us who like the 3D, all-around aspects of units but the design decision was made at the beginning of the PzC production to go with 2D aspects because they give the best graphical representation of units. I doubt there will be any change on this decision and it sounds as though it is generally liked anyway. I have learned to like it, although I turn north-south battles, such as Operation 'Bluecoat', on their sides to get the look of the units right!

If they ever introduce that, they'd have to redo all units and animations. And the game would eat up more resources CPU/GPU/RAM-wise.

And if they do, they should keep at least the option to use the current gfx style, since many modders can work with 2d and enjoy it that way, but going 3d is not everyone's cup of tea, not to mention other efforts needed (time). I like to work in 3d, but this could decimate the modding community quite a bit, so in the end I'd agree with VPaulus.

Maybe they still do it n a future game though, since at some point you simply have to offer "more" in a commercial product (pure speculation of course).

I wasn't thinking about modding at all. But now that you mention it's also true that would kill a little the modding community.
I really don't like that isometric view. Although I love on RPG's like Baldur's Gate. But on PG I hate it.
IMO, it was that "offering more" that killed PG franchise.

If somebody want to play 3D 2nd world war strategy, than he shall play the Combat Mission serie. It's 3D.
(But there are others too, but I know that more.)

While it seems tempting at first sight the effort and ressources needed in order to implement all units in 3d with animation would be to big for a small company in order to achieve it in an acceptable and economicly reasonable timeframe. On the other hand it needs a rebuild of the engine from scratch...not to mention that modding would require far more skilled individuals and giving the fact that hex-wargames appeal to a limited customer group Iam not sure if hex and 3d are a good combination. I would rather go the other way and make the mechanics a bit more complex in order to simulate equipment production, supply lines/range,headquarters,building of fortifications and other basic things...this would make Panzercoprs more interesting for those hexgamers who want a bit more depth...if these functions can be switched on/off in the menue the target customer group could increase considerably...

chris10 wrote:While it seems tempting at first sight the effort and ressources needed in order to implement all units in 3d with animation would be to big for a small company in order to achieve it in an acceptable and economicly reasonable timeframe. On the other hand it needs a rebuild of the engine from scratch...not to mention that modding would require far more skilled individuals and giving the fact that hex-wargames appeal to a limited customer group Iam not sure if hex and 3d are a good combination.

Agree.

chris10 wrote:I would rather go the other way and make the mechanics a bit more complex in order to simulate equipment production, supply lines/range,headquarters,building of fortifications and other basic things...this would make Panzercoprs more interesting for those hexgamers who want a bit more depth...if these functions can be switched on/off in the menue the target customer group could increase considerably...

That could be also quite problematic. Because you'll add more complex mechanics for the gamer to deal, and that's not the spirit of Panzer General nor Panzer Corps. Too much management and it can kill the game.

VPaulus wrote:That could be also quite problematic. Because you'll add more complex mechanics for the gamer to deal, and that's not the spirit of Panzer General nor Panzer Corps. Too much management and it can kill the game.

I agree 1,000 percent VP. What was it that someone wrote on the forum last year? "PzC was meant as a beer and cheese game".Simple and still challenging.

VPaulus wrote: That could be also quite problematic. Because you'll add more complex mechanics for the gamer to deal, and that's not the spirit of Panzer General nor Panzer Corps. Too much management and it can kill the game.

thats why I mentioned an on/off function in the menu..this would enable both approaches...for playing and for modding and only cause of 3-4 more mechanics the game wont become a micromanagement wwII simulation monster..

As i may sound old fashioned but i prefer the 2D version. When i compare my hours of gameplay between PG and PG3D one hour for PG is 1 second of PG3D.
I like the way it is although there is always room for improvement like a smarter AI, more units, and easier modding facilities. Also this version of Panzer Corps doesn't require a supercomputer to play.
And about more management, there are plenty of alternatives to play this kind of game. I prefer it remains basic and simple, accessible for beginner to expert and i think this is one of the keys of success for this game.
The thrill of watching your units grow in experience during combat and replace units by newer models that become available. In between you can make the opponent suffer and get the satisfaction that your tactics worked.
I don't want to look at units grinding their ass in my face.

Yes, Panzer Corps is really great because since it's turn-based you can take your time while it's not complicated either, so you don't need to sit for a long time on one turn. Both of this combined makes it a really... relaxing game I'd almost say Which I found is also the reason why I can play it for almost unlimited time. There is just SOMETHING about this game concept that makes it feel so incredibly rewarding.

But to stay on topic: I never liked the 3D either. Simply for the fact that the overview gets lost when all the vehicles are in different angles. And I didn't find that it looks very good either, 2 perfect sides are better than 8 low-detailed.