Why only two dimensions?

from Sins Forums

Sins is an excellent game, but I don't understand why a "space" game would not utilize the y axis.  This makes the whole experience feel like a board game (a good board game, but still a board game).  Even in many of the classic terrestrial RTS games there would be ridges, hills, and valleys to incorporate, in a limited sense, altitude into the tactical process.  But Sins, as a space game, is flat as a pancake.

Why is this?  Maybe the developers thought the game was confusing enough as is, and adding an actual 3rd dimension would push casual gamers away?

It seems like a loss to me.

17,549 views 11 replies
Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top
The z-axis exists and can be moved on at will :P When you issue a move order, hold down D and you'll be able to control the z-axis orientation with your mouse.

At least that's how it used to work, I doubt the keybinding changed (I don't normally use it).
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Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top
Because real planets are all on roughly the same plane in a given star system, it's elementary astronomy. If you play with multiple stars you'll get significant z-axis alterations in their location (but not their orientation, weirdly enough).
Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top
Hmmm, I've played maps where planets weren't on the same plane in the same solar system. I don't have a clue what you're bitching about. Next time RTFM...
Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top
The thing is, you are playing on a two-dimentional monitor screen. Although it is quite possible to make planets have a variety in vertical elevation, it would be confusing. If you clicked on a spot to move your ships, the engine wouldn't know how "deep" you clicked.
It is not very common for rts or even 4x to have 3d gamplay, even though they have 3d graphics. Remember this would transform gravity wells into "gravity spheres," because phase lanes would have to go in every direction.
Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top
Because real planets are all on roughly the same plane in a given star system, it's elementary astronomy. If you play with multiple stars you'll get significant z-axis alterations in their location (but not their orientation, weirdly enough).
End of quote


I agree completely. It is natural for planets to form a 2d plane around a star, but why should different stars have the same alignment? The answer is simple: gameplay is easier. Remember-the basic point of this game is that you have fun, not to be astronomically accurate. I understand how it gets frustrating sometimes when you look at a "galaxy" and realize there are about six stars.

I'd like to see an astrophysicist play this game. He would probably die in his chair.
Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top
The first question that needs to be asked is would full use of the z-axis make the game more fun.
Reply #9 from Sins Forums Top
It looks funny when ships can block each other then try to move around as if in a 2D maze. They mastered space travel but somehow can't grasp the concept of going above or below.
Reply #10 from Sins Forums Top
I've also been on maps where planets weren't all on the same plane, although I didn't realize it at first because I spent most of my time viewing them from above.

As others have said, you can move your ships above or below the default plane. However, keep in mind that it takes more time to travel o---------------> that distance when you're adding height to it.
Reply #11 from Sins Forums Top
The game uses 2 dimensions because 3 is too many and one is too few.