Map projection on an orb (virtual only)

[Warempel]

I understand you are currently also working on the "meta-layer" of the game, which presumably are different planets within a solar system.

Would you consider using / testing the following idea: All maps are (virtually) projected on an orb. Thus, a map would still be working & looking precisely as it is now, but it has no borders.

Any four corners of a square map logically join at the same point. The mini-map should probably center on a selected unit, which is now possible because the map has no edges (similar to a planet's surface).

I think this could add a unique selling point to the game while allowing a different kind of strategy and gameplay: No more safety in corners! (except for those set by map design through mountain ranges and such). Enemies can approach from "any" direction. You can move in any direction (within boundaries set by mountains etc.).

The largest distance to any point of the map would be half its size (=from center to corner) as opposed to its diagonal length from corner to corner (=which is the case in all hex-based games I've seen so far). It may be less useful for a fantasy game but I believe it definitely fits a scifi setting.

I have no idea if it fits the game design you have in mind. Especially since maps seem to be based on "fragments" of a planet's surface - so we might never see or reach the actual borders of a map already (which makes this whole orb-idea of mine completely useless).

Any way, good luck with further development of the game. Looking forward to seeing more.

[jirka_oxymoron]

Hello, this is a very, very interesting idea. Around such a mechanic an entirely new and unique game could be made but as you mentioned in the second paragraph from the end, the spherical map would be ideal for displaying the whole planet. In the current version of the game, the chosen map scale represents a smaller area of a planetary surface. During the design phase, the smaller scale felt much more appropriate when compared with the size and power of the factions. The game universe and the whole Siren System are huge and our factions usually represent only a fraction of the power of their home systems. More than anything they are but "castaway colonies". The support of their homes was interrupted at the very beginning of colonization. The new world around seems like a big wilderness full of ancient ruins, dangerous lifeforms, and hostile natives. It is a world where you can relatively easily escape the reach of authorities, simply by crossing a large distance… but now I got carried out a little bit :-)… There is also another, quite substantial reason. The classic square maps are more faithful to our model predecessor ;-).
Anyway, the spherical maps are a great idea indeed. I would gladly play a strategy game built around such a mechanic therefore I hope that one day this idea will plant its roots and bear the fruits.

[Warempel]

I think this idea popped up first when playing Star General and traversing the planet surface.
So it's been a while.

I'm curious if these smaller areas will all be tied together on a larger scale (in one big solar system map, where all of these areas can be revisited) or will play out more sequentially (like in scenarios we don't return to) ?

A complete map would add a "grand" strategic layer: Conquered areas may be invaded later, so they have to be defended. So you'd need to choose if and what forces you leave behind.

[jirka_oxymoron]

At this point, it is still too soon to show our hand but I think no harm will be done by unveiling that there will be a unique map for each campaign mission and we would rather try to avoid reusing the already visited ones in the campaign. Also, a Civilization type of conquest on the one big world overview would be a little bit ambitious for such a small team O:-).