Excellent,
I am not sure what all the COI, CE etc.. stuff does (dont have the VASL
stuff loaded). My interest is for more of a minature game rather than a
counter based game so looks are a factor. My preferred solution for a
turret would be to simply add a layer that has the attribute [can rotate
independently]. This would help as you would need only one turret image
instead of 12 or so for each individual layer level needed and you dont have
to worry about the turret getting left or messed up with other
layers/counters.
If you have lots of other status stuff you need shown would it be
possible to have something similar to the mouse-over viewer but with a more
configurable text/graphic display properties. Kind of like a mini status
window.
Now a full blown status window would be the best of all worlds. A
persistant window that would show a set of properties/status/markers based
on the currently selected counter would be just way to cool. The window
would be configured in the map section while what the window would display
would be configured in the piece. That way different types of counters
could show different sets of information [prototypes would make this very
easy]. I could see this being used for morale/hit points/ammo/command
status/weapons load outs etc... Now you have all the info available but it
is not cluttering up the map section or buried in different layers/property
sheets/markers. Putting in a [mask] or [restricted] property to hide part
of the data would be handy as well.
Enough of my ranting though. Hope some of your solutions work there way
into Vassal proper.
Good hunting
Charles
Hi Charles,
Good timing with this discussion.
Development of VSQL version 4.0 is well under way and one of the last
items on the list is:
----------------------------------------------------------
18) AFV presentation fixes
AFV presentation fixes (all for COI?): (AY)
* there should be a way for all markers (malfunction, etc) to
automatically travel with the vehicle, perhaps by putting these into the
vehicle menu?
* the (GI) method of using a turret image for CE was not an improvement
and should not be used. Instead, use either the COI "CE" counter or the one
now used on SL vehicles. [Keep it separate from the turret.]
* When a tank is fliped to become a wreck, remove all extra
characteristics (turret, CE, malfunctions, abandoned ...)
----------------------------------------------------------
So any and all thoughts relating to the display of AFV status appreciated
at this time.
I think we have no choice but to keep with the current method of
displaying the turret status with layers as part of the main piece.
Otherwise, therie is too much risk of the turret becoming detached from the
tank. This is the problem with the current plethora of status counters that
can potentially be loaded up on top of an AFV:
- CE/Buttoned Up
- Immobilized
- Stunned / +1 To Hit/Withdraw
- MA malfunction/disabled
- MG malfunction/disabled for SL
- BMG malfunction/disabled for COI
- CMG malfunction/disabled for COI
- AAMG malfunction/disabled for COI
- SA malfunction/disabled (what is that?)
Is that the lot?
Here are some ideas.
In other modules I have worked on, status information like this is not
added to counters by piling mountains of separate counters on top of them
(which results in stacking, display and movement problems), but by adding
small marker layer images onto, or around the base counter.
The top edge of the counter is reserved for User labeling.
The right edge of the counter is currently reserver for the large 'Moved'
marker.
That leaves the left and lower edges to carry additional markers. Perhaps
Armament malfunction/disabled markers could be strung along the bottom
(squares with M, MG, B, C, A or S in them, with colors or marks to indicate
whether dmalfunctioned or disabled)?
Not all of these need to be done in this way. Perhaps something like the
Stunned/+1/Withdraw is better left like it is?
Talking about turrets, my feeling is we remove the CE/BU status as Alan
suggests, and make the turret smaller and consisting of just the turret
shape with a white border as a transparent gif. Then it can be left in full
view on top of the counter at all times.
Perhaps the BU/CE can be indicated by a symbol on the turret? Or in the
top left hand corner of the counter which is unused in vehicle counters?
Keep the ideas coming,
Brent.
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