Yes this is really a premature question today… Note that I am first finishing Republica DLC (politics) before i’ll start on Militaria DLC which will the point where i’ll also attack the naval units. Note I am still not sure if those navy units will be included retroactively in Oceania DLC or will become part of Militaria DLC. Also note that any speculation on any future releases in always shrouded in some uncertainty.
Anyway, I have previously said much about implementing those navy units as actual units, with ship models designed and produced much as the other models, but them not being hex-based like all the other units in the game. They would be either moored in a specific port or active in a specific Sea Zone (hex agnostic, as a Sea Zone has maybe like 100-400 hexes).
Now there is much to be said to implement those navy units with Sea Zones. Because it can better simulate actual navy battle mechanics and movement. However I have this nagging doubt that it might be more fun to actually move your navy units around hex-by-hex as it gives more immersion as you actually move your units hex by hex and an increased sense of exploration, even if it would make the rules much less realistic (like reduced movement range compared to a more realistic implementation).
So when in doubt: time for a quick question to the actual Shadow Empire players. What do you prefer?
Loading ...Best wishes,
Vic
For naval warfare implementation in a hex-based system, we can adapt air combat mechanics:
Aircraft Carriers:
Move freely across water hexes, similar to helicopter movement
Serve as mobile naval bases
Surface Vessels:
Must be deployed from and operate out of ports, similar to how aircraft operate from airbases
Movement and range limited by port locations
Supply lines and logistics considerations apply
Submarines:
Can be deployed on any water hex, similar to helicopters
Special movement and combat rules to reflect underwater operations
I believe this might achieve a compromise between immersion and realism.
I agree with komchide and think that a compromise between the two opposites would be most enjoyable (if it’s feasible). However, if I had to choose, personally I would prefer realism
Zones is the way to go.
There’s already a lot of micro-management on the ground, so it’s a good idea to somewhat simplify the sea. It makes it more special and memorable.
Realistically, the open seas are very different from land. On land, armies have to follow roads and are easy to spot. At sea, you get hundreds of thousands of square miles of empty sea, with no obvious paths. You don’t move through pre-designated points that everybody else uses.
Imperialism, a forgotten strategy gem, had large sea zones, and I really liked that. You could do blockades, but having your fleet in the same zone as an enemy fleet did not guarantee combat.