new graphics

[Strela]

The map file is simply an array, 3 dimensional, of the terrain in the hex, with layers describing the terrain type, height, roads, bridges, river hexsides, etc etc. The terrain type points back to the image to display in the actual tiles. I am not sure what may be different to drive the new look however, but I am sure it is fairly similar in structure. Not that it means a lot, just that the map size itself is fixed and minimized in size, while being totally flexible in regard to terrain changes and graphics.

Rick

It looks to me that what is different are the way the new graphics show where hexside differences (elevations mainly) exist.

Other than that, it just appears to a different set of designs on the bmp - they function in exactly the same way I think (although the only thing I have with the new look is the PzB), although I have a good idea that I will be working with the new look down the track - so we'll see how close I got to the mark.

I do like the new slopes, but what really worries me as a modder, is that they appear to have changed the order of the layers on which the terrain objects are placed. And if PzB is an indication of the upcoming PzC update, we will end up with an awful lot of trees cut in half, buildings and other objects disappearing halfway below slopes etc... visual anomalies you as a modder cannot do anything about. Another worrie is that the images from which the hexside objects are taken are reduced in size, making it impossible to place rivers completely on the border between two hexes as before because of lesser space, instead you will need to compress more of the river inside the actual hex.

But hey, now I'm running ahead of things - lets wait and see...


Jison

Panzer Battles uses the Squad Battles 'larger' hexes. Panzer Campaigns is unchanged with the 'double size' zoom.

The only thing I believe John did with both games was to program the elevations which is actually a hexside. I'm not certain it was left in the hexside bmp though.

I don't believe there was any change in the layers but I could be wrong.

David