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Why Squares and not Hexes ?

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Why Squares and not Hexes ?

from Elemental Forums

One thing that is rather annoying in Elemental, is the use of squares and not Hexes.

Anyone read the reasoning behind this design decision ? I am a long time Pen and Paper Battletech player and have always found the Hex to be a more flexible form of terrain demarcation then a square. 

Seems like a nitpick but really puts Elemental at a disadvantage for those of us who really do like to be strategic minded players.

elemental
23,874 views 31 replies
Reply #26 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting shadowtongue, reply 25

Hexs are better than squares for tactical combat at least, but getting poked in the eye is better than what passes for tactical combat thus far in Elemental.

 

So sad. So true.

Reply #27 from Elemental Forums Top

Hexes have less connecting spaces, when allowing for diagonal movement. Also, hexes don't like up to the cardinal directions, which makes my brain uncomfortable.

Star Control: Origins
Reply #28 from Elemental Forums Top


One thing that is rather annoying in Elemental, is the use of squares and not Hexes.

 

Actually I think it is just a matter of taste. As an example: I prefer squares over hexes.

 

Reply #29 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Panic77, reply 27
Hexes have less connecting spaces, when allowing for diagonal movement. Also, hexes don't like up to the cardinal directions, which makes my brain uncomfortable.

They line up with two of the cardinal direction, unless the view angle is screwy. To some extent, hexes are less suited to games that do not have a fixed view; otherwise you would be unable to use a rhombus shaped city wall to give the  illusion of being square.

Reply #30 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting shadowtongue, reply 25
Hexs are better than squares for tactical combat...

People keep saying this, but I have yet to see anybody actually make a case for it.  The only argument I've seen is that a hex grid supposedly eliminates the diagonal movement "advantage" of a square grid, but since strategy games don't actually care how much distance a unit visually covers then this is a moot point.  So what is the actual argument in favor of hex grids?

Reply #31 from Elemental Forums Top

honestly there are million things more important than the shape of the spaces.