Interfaces of wargames

[aknaton]

Is it only me, or are most computer wargame interfaces a bit old (that is of traditional type boardgames not RTSes). Its almost always a top down 2D view of a map. Often ugly (even if Ageods games have really nice maps) and slow to scroll and with only one or two magification degrees.

I think wargames could really benefit from 3D-maps/programming. How hard can it be? I made a quick test in OpenGL with an old Ambush map and some fake counters. It was really nice. Seamless zoom and unlimited possibilities to twist and turn the map to get your best view of the situation. So even if takes place on 2D I think it will benefit from a 3D rendering.

Heres a picture from my testing (before I added counters).

http://web.telia.com/~u93009295/screenshot.png

What does you other wargame players think in this matter. Would you also like to see games with 3D interfaces?


regards

/aknaton

[arsan]

Hi!
Welcome to the forums
Personally i find zero advantages to a 3D rendering of a 2D map liek the oen you show
Why should i like to drag and tilt around a flat boardlike map??
I think real 3D can be useful in some instances, like on tactical games where it can better show the lay of the land for example on Comabt Mission compared to Close combat games).
But on a operational/strategic games it usually only increases the hardware requirements and makle teh interface handling more difficult and offer no advantage.
Recently there was a discussion just about this on the Wargamerforums. Maybe you will find it interesting.
Take a look here
http://www.wargamer.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=351726

Cheers!