[Suggestion] Do we need the mini-map?

from GalCiv3 Forums

Hi all

It just occurred to me that I rarely use the mini-map. I think the minimap made more sense in a time where the main screen was not zoomable, like for instance the older civilization games. But now I find myself navigating with the aid of the main screen. If I want to move to some place else I just zoom out and zoom in on the location I want to go too. To make this even faster there could be a shortcut key to zoom out maximally and then zoom back in to the same level of zoom previously used.

For comparison (perhaps not an optimal comparison) I could mention Sins of solar empire which does not have a mini-map and where I usually zoom out and in to the new location.

The toggable information on the minimap (like rally-points, trade-routs etc.) could well be displayed on the main screen when zoomed out to the strategic view (i.e. when everything has changed to icons). I think that the information on the minimap is to cluttered anyway.

So, does it hurt to have the minimap there? Well I think that if it is not needed I much rather have a clean main interface.

Well, whats your opinions.

9,095 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Yeah, certainly should be considered IMHO. My only thoughts are for the excessive sized maps where zooming right out, you may not be able to pick what you were looking for......... 100,000's of hexes!

 

But yes cleaner, and maybe save some horsepower under the hood - every little will help with the big maps!

Reply #2 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

I definitely still use the minimap constantly.  Please don't get rid of it :)

Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

I am the odd one.

I say no for I zoom in and out as needed.

The MM is a waste of space for me.

Reply #4 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Quoting Tony2488, reply 1

My only thoughts are for the excessive sized maps where zooming right out, you may not be able to pick what you were looking for......... 100,000's of hexes!
End of Tony2488's quote

Well, I guess that for the big maps it will be even harder to select on the minimap... :)

Reply #5 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

At first I was gonna say "no that's silly" but upon further thought, I hardly use the thing. Some folks use it to move around so they still need it in the game. Perhaps they can spruce it up. Maybe take a page from FPS and MMO mini maps, which do a good job of quickly providing situational awareness besides just terrain. Highlight points of interest such as opponent ships that have just come into view, battles that have just occurred, idle ships/planets.

Reply #6 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Or an option to remove it if you do not need it and a way to bring it back in gamve if you find out you really need it.

Reply #7 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

They could have a toggle to switch it for some other information.

Reply #8 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Quoting iRedEarth, reply 7

They could have a toggle to switch it for some other information.
End of iRedEarth's quote

Theres a toggle button on the GC 2 to get rid of the mini map and minimize the UI,personally I'd like to keep it with the option to minimize it.

Reply #9 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Quoting Echelion, reply 8


Quoting iRedEarth,
reply 7

They could have a toggle to switch it for some other information.



Theres a toggle button on the GC 2 to get rid of the mini map and minimize the UI,personally I'd like to keep it with the option to minimize it.

End of Echelion's quote

 

This.  I use the minimap a lot in GC2.

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