Discussion on cloth map unit models

I've never heard anyone talk about this after way back in WoM beta, and I was wondering. What's your opinion on how units are represented on the cloth map, with the boardgame-like pieces?

I've never really liked them that much to be honest. They're not super annoying but to me they take away from the otherwise really cool cloth map.

That said, I don't know what I'd replace them with. Maybe simpler tokens, the same models as in close up view or icons that blend into the cloth map better.

4,056 views 14 replies
Reply #1 Top

The only alternative that comes to mind is instead of 3D chess piece like tokens you could use something like checker pieces with 2D art on them instead. This would be more moddable anyway.

I think the current pieces are fine though.

Reply #2 Top

Personally I like the 3d chess like pieces on the cloth map. I would think that a 2d version would not look as good.

Reply #3 Top


I love the 'chess piece' style units. Gives you the feel that your pushing troops around the map in a war-room.

Don'y really like the new cloth map that's on display....it looks way better than the original....I'll grant that....but it takes away from that war-room feeling. The similar map was better, imo.

Nevertheless, Stardock put time and effort into upgrading their clothmap. Doubt they'll change back and in the end, I'll get used to it. (That's the downside about playing the beta before the final release...some things that you liked are lost.)

 

Reply #4 Top

I like the chess piece look. A 2d version would be a downgrade and require a lot of work. The current chess pieces are "dynamic" in the sense that they are the real 3d units we have but frozen in poses. This makes it very easy to add new units to the game because you don't need to worry about how they are going to look on the cloth map, other than the pose. If you add a weapon, you don't need to do anything special to make it look right on cloth map.

Reply #5 Top

I like the chess pieces of the 3d units on the map, I would just wish for some small 3d icons for outposts and cities, and some better way of seeing improved resources.
Meaby Im just greedy for perfection :P... (And I have no idea what perfection really is, I can only guess =))

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

Reply #6 Top

Perfection is being at peace with oneself, and with others.  Not saying I've achieved it yet for great periods of time, but it is really nice when you are one with yourself and the universe. :)

Reply #7 Top


I also like the pieces on the cloth map.

Reply #8 Top

Quoting StevenAus, reply 7
Perfection is being at peace with oneself, and with others.  Not saying I've achieved it yet for great periods of time, but it is really nice when you are one with yourself and the universe. 
End of StevenAus's quote

Thats just nonsense ^^

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

Reply #9 Top

Alright, I'll have to learn to love them then.

:moo:

 

Reply #10 Top

I just like the point in these tokens that all the "important" stuff is "highlighted" or easily spotted, is all LNQ, if you have a better idea please tell :D
Can't promise I will like it, but atleast we get some inspiration, although its probably a bit late in development :S

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

Reply #11 Top

More general than on-topic, I agree.  But still relevant to the idea of "perfection". ;-)

Reply #12 Top

Quoting StevenAus, reply 12
More general than on-topic, I agree.  But still relevant to the idea of "perfection".
End of StevenAus's quote

My term of "perfection" is actually quite vague because I do not believe in something like "Perfect Behavior". or a "Perfect Game" since that is all depending on what and where you need to use it, and who plays the game, but a game can be perfect for me to play for example, because it fits all my "criterias" of what I want in a game.

Edit: Hm, I am very good at going offtopic myself :P

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

Reply #13 Top

I like the current models. It makes me think of a magical war room where moving the pieces sends orders across the realm. I do most of my strategic work from there. Also bears a delightful resemblance to Jumanji.

Reply #14 Top

I think there's a lot of room for creativity with 2-d tokens.

They could look like they were carved from wood and weathered, as if they were old and have been through a war.

I'm seeing them stylized profiles, portraits, silhouettes of what they represent.

I would be interested in the cloth map having different sound effects than the 3-d map. More along the lines of boardgames sound effects.

Othello