Concerning the limited map size and how to use it better...

[Goth Zagog-Thou]

I've been thinking about this and I have an idea how we can get more map space out of the game but still *technically* keep it the same map size.

I've noticed that the scale of structures vs map (especially height, this really makes it apparent) isn't right. Structures, Features, Objects, Units, everything is FAR too large in relation to the map. Ever looked at a picture of the canyon systems in Arizona? Those are up to TWO miles in height, in places. If we take into account that the maximum height (the 'z' coordinates -- not the x and y of the map) of cliffs, and then we build a Command Center there, I highly doubt that the Command Center is in fact a mile or so in height.

Here's what I propose -- scale ALL objects down by a factor of (at least) three. Scale the speed of vehicles down likewise by three (or more!) to match. It's a scaling issue, imho. Once we have scaled everything down to something of a realistic level, perceived map size will increase by an order of magnitude (because it takes longer to get anywhere) without really increasing the map size. Once that is done, because maps will seem to be rather edgy and polygonal. To compensate for this, could we change the grid stuff in the game engine so that 1 grid really becomes 9?

What do you think?

[NoQ]

And also make building a factory take at least two months ...

To compensate for this, could we change the grid stuff in the game engine so that 1 grid really becomes 9?

Which means exactly increasing the map size.

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By the way, i believe this idea boils down to increasing the margins for Z-coordinate, making heightmaps more epic. And in this form, i totally agree (though there might be certain technical issues (?))

[Iluvalar]

That's a job for my Minix3 mod. That do exactly what you request, except for the buiding size.

you'll have to find the file ilu_2.3.7_Minix3V01.wz in here : http://cid-9506c397de59c968.office.live ... ic/warzone

(I make you search because there might be a 2.3.8 pretty soon... so look for the last version )

[MaNGusT]

once that is done, because maps will seem to be rather edgy and polygonal. To compensate for this, could we change the grid stuff in the game engine so that 1 grid really becomes 9?

or do this -> viewtopic.php?f=30&t=5413&p=56595&hilit=grid#p56495

[Goth Zagog-Thou]

Wow, did I offend you in some way?

The grid thing was added as a side-thought, mainly to account for the 1,2 and 3-grid structures that would still need 1,2, or 3 grids. All I was suggesting was a way to keep the current map size as-is (since anything larger will mess with pathing) and using the existing space more efficiently. Vehicle speed would have to be scaled as well, but building speed is just fine the way it is.

Yikes.

[NoQ]

Wow, did I offend you in some way?

No-no, it was nothing, really
It was still funny to see how everybody shamelessly pushes his own ideas

[cybersphinx]

The grid thing was added as a side-thought, mainly to account for the 1,2 and 3-grid structures that would still need 1,2, or 3 grids. All I was suggesting was a way to keep the current map size as-is (since anything larger will mess with pathing) and using the existing space more efficiently.

If you divide one tile into 3x3, you'll increase the pathing area ninefold, unless you don't want to be able to drive through partly empty tiles/3x3 areas.

[Zarel]

Every single RTS in existence has unusually unrealistic scale, and this translates to larger-than-life units and structures.

Real wars have a tendency of taking several years, and if you put a tank and what it's shooting at on a computer screen, they would pretty much be just dots. RTSes change the scales of time and distance so battles can last less than an hour, and you can see what units are shooting at.

There's one semi-exception - the Supreme Commander series tend to be fairly realistic in terms of distance. The upshot of that is that if you zoom out far enough to see the battles, they're nothing but dots shooting dots.

And this is one of the many reasons why making a game more "realistic" can make it less "fun".

[Goth Zagog-Thou]

Fair enough. Just an idea that I felt the need to express.