Icons for unit options?

Father Beast · September 16, 2001, 14:27

No, this isn't a suggestion, it's an obsevation of how you might direct your units in CIV3.

I looked at the main map screenshots recently posted, and noticed a group of icons in the lower left corner of each screen. I think these are used to give unit orders.

For example, in the chinese 1948 screenshot, a worker is selected, and a bunch of icons at the bottom are available. from left to right, they appear to be:
Railroad
Fortress
Chop down forest
Don't know
skip turn
wait
Sleep
disband
Go To

if you look at other screenshots with other units selected, you will see a different range of options selected. in an earier age with a worker, Railroad isn't available.

has anyone noticed this before?

Father Beast · September 16, 2001, 15:00

this is especially apparent in this screenshot:

http://bonusweb.cz/obrazek.html?obra...ion3_scr29.jpg

a worker is selected, and the irrigation icon (available in grassland) is lit up and says irrigation underneath it.

Ralf · September 16, 2001, 15:07

It appears that you are right. In addition to this, they have also added context-sensitive rightclick-menus.

TVA22 · September 16, 2001, 15:16

This is the first modern-day screenshot I've seen!
Does anyone know if (and where) there are more like this?
Maybe even some with some modern-day units?

Father Beast · September 16, 2001, 15:28

in the 1997 egytian screenshot linked above, I'll try to identify the icons, left to right...

Automate worker?
Wait
build road to
don't know
sleep
don't know
fortress
goto
irrigate (highlighted)
plant forest
build road

I have looked through the other screenshots, and haven't found a pillage icon. guess none of the screenshots have a war situation

and one last note, the irrigation in this screenshot looks a lot better than in previous ones.

September 16, 2001, 23:00

>>sniff, sniff<<

Smells like CTP.
(Which IMHO ain't so bad)

saracen31 · September 16, 2001, 23:17

Quote:

Originally posted by Father Beast
and one last note, the irrigation in this screenshot looks a lot better than in previous ones.

First screenshot I've seen where the irrigation looks somewhat normal. Maybe they're cleaning it up, or maybe it will look prettier as eras change (more likely).

Quote:

I looked at the main map screenshots recently posted, and noticed a group of icons in the lower left corner of each screen. I think these are used to give unit orders.

It's always a good idea to have easy mouse-clicks available for all tasks, but I'm sure I'll stick with my handy hot-keys.

SerapisIV · September 17, 2001, 08:51

Firaxis Dan came into another thread and said that the picture you guys are discussing is not even a screenshot, only an artists mock-up of what the interface should look like.

Father Beast · September 18, 2001, 06:40

Quote:

Originally posted by SerapisIV
Firaxis Dan came into another thread and said that the picture you guys are discussing is not even a screenshot, only an artists mock-up of what the interface should look like.

Nonsense. I recall Dan saying the one with all different kinds of units was just a mock up, but not this!

Those icons are in the bottom of EVERY main map screenshot released so far. Are you going so far as to say that NONE of the "screenshots" are actual screenshots, but just mockups of how it should be?

the same icons are in the screenshots in the Computer games magazine preview, too.

Dan Magaha FIRAXIS · September 18, 2001, 07:08

Quote:

Originally posted by Father Beast

Nonsense. I recall Dan saying the one with all different kinds of units was just a mock up, but not this!

Those icons are in the bottom of EVERY main map screenshot released so far. Are you going so far as to say that NONE of the "screenshots" are actual screenshots, but just mockups of how it should be?

the same icons are in the screenshots in the Computer games magazine preview, too.

It is a mockup -- it's old terrain with placement city art, and the interface is an artist's mockup laid on top. The interface buttons you see were eventually put into the game, which is why you see similar buttons on other screenshots.

Dan

korn469 · September 18, 2001, 08:55

again Dan thanks for taking the time to answer our questions!

saracen31 · September 18, 2001, 12:52

Thanks for the post, Dan!

The icons are nice, but since I'll stick with hotkeys, I hope we have the ability to turn them off so they don't clutter the screen.

Father Beast · September 22, 2001, 04:09

I notice in the new screnshots, there is one with an Ironclad, and an icon not previously seen. I think it is for "patrol", which would be useful for naval ships.