IRC notes 2009-02-15

These are Zenbitz' comments on the IRC chat log of 2/14-2/15 (2009). Others feel free to chime in. The purpose is mostly to make sure that I have voiced an opinion on the topics discussed.

These topics are in the order they were brought up in the chat, nothing more.

=Hexes, Squares, or "no grid"?=

I think we can tweak mechanics to work with any. An AP system where, in a single "turn" a character mixes move/shoot/move actions (with no interruption) seems to favor a simple hex grid (1AP = move 1 hex). Graphical sections are almost certainly "square" (or at least 4 sided "isomorphs") ... so adding hexes is just a complication. A possible way around the "AP" system with non hexes is to "highlight" where player can move in a transparent "mask", maybe with a bullseye to give increasing AP costs. This also lets you add extra movement cost for difficult terrain (like up hill - if you were so inclined... ha ha)

=Will there be vaults? = As in - big old complicated fallout shelters that are total fantasies? I would say strongly no. Some scattered fallout shelters - sure. Underground maps? Absolutely. One way to think about it? Did they have them in 1988 in the real world? No?? Then not in game, unless you have them caused by fall. That swedish underground naval base is AWESOME! I think the soviets might have nuked it, though? Maybe it got hit by a dud... As for missile silos.. cool BUT, they are A-number-one priority critical targets. So, in my mind, you have to come up with a good reason why it's not blasted. "Hit by a dud" (ok, but lets try not to overuse!). The links I posted in the forums yesterday mention a soviet missile base in Lithuania.