3D Graphics for Panzer Campaigns Relaunched

[Strela]

Hi,

I want to provide some further clarifications so that people understand what can and cannot be done with this graphics set.

The 3D is very different to the 2D. Where as the 2D is consistent where there is an individualised NATO counter for each unit, the 3D only does this for the 3D 'Counter' option. The 3D counter option has its own nuances (just click slowly on a stack in a hex and see what happens).

The 3D sprite view works differently. There is a limited number of graphics for each 'state' and 'type' of a unit. For example, when units are in travel mode they are represented by trucks or half tracks or horses etc.

Here is an example of an infantry unit and HQ in travel mode. Note the truck and infantry sprite;






Now here is the same hex with both units out of travel mode. Note both look like infantry! That's because there is only one graphic for 'deployed' men. Though a HQ the unit looks like infantry;






The same thing happens with guns and other towed equipment. Here is a horse drawn and truck towed guns in travel mode. Both the truck and horses are shown. The Nato symbol gives some idea these units are towing guns;






And here is how the units look when deployed;






There are 33 sprites in total of various types, but the infantry deployed in particular limits what can be shown.


For Compass Rose, seeing the terrain is easy. Yes the sprites stack but a lot can be done with them. In the next four shots i'll show you the potential options for display. This first shot is the baseline with everything turned on (including Divisional markings);

(Again right click and view in a new tab to see full size)






Here is the same shot with 'bases turned off'. This removes the counter behind the graphic - this causes some other issues and is currently experimental, but it is possible;






Here is the same shot turning units off. Currently you can see the positions of the various units via the discs but the terrain is very clear (unit bases have to be back on for this to work);






And if unit bases are off you get completely clean terrain;






Finally for Lowlander. Here are hexes on. It was inadvertent that I had left them off as the 2D terrain works best with hexes off. Personally I prefer it on for the 3D view. This view also shows that highlight unit now works so you identify units in the same organisation. I have put the NATO counters on for Divisional identification and to give some idea what type of unit the sprite is. Please note counters/graphics can only be ~ 30 x 30 pixels, so it's very limited;






Finally, John Tiller made the call to nix 3D from Panzer Battles. As the code is based off Panzer Campaigns it is probably there, but we would have to decide whether it was worth the effort resurrecting it.

David