Terrain verticality#227

I think the terrain needs to feel more important than just cover. Units should be able to “jump” to get on top of certain terrain (like a cargo container). For Ranged this could give accuracy bonuses, but you would lose any cover. For melees maybe they could do special jump attacks for extra damage, but only if a figure is close enough.

i totally agree. starcraft has only lived as long as it has thanks to its multilayered maps and this could be a cool way to implement terrain effects in moonbreaker.

a map could have a short but toxic path that damages your units that end turn midway across the caustic bridge, but on the other side is some high ground that you otherwise have to take the long way around to reach, for example

Oh yea! adding effect could be easier than verticality and still make it the terrain feel like it matters.

Yes, adding ledges and platforms would make the maps much more interesting and add an additional tactical element when it comes to positioning units

Verticality feels like a fundamental addition that, pardon the expression, adds a lot of depth. The maps we have are really nice, and I know it’s probably a lot of additional thought and effort, but I think it would be worthwhile.

I think different terrain is nice (like steam vents on the one map) but I don’t want to get screwed because the map chosen has tons of verticality and I’m not drawing my units that can make the most of it (or lack them in my roster). I guess it depends on how accessible climbing is for non airborne units.

We tried this awhile ago and it worked OK, but caused a lot of problems with selection and units being blocked by the hills.

We could certainly revisit it after we launch EA, but I’m not sure it’s going to be straightforward or work very well.

Would the selection and visual blocking also not be alleviated by including a rotating camera?

Have to admit, I don’t understand why true camera rotation isn’t in either.