Physical TFT Components We'd Like to See Offered

[ParadoxGames]

Originally Posted by Steve Plambeck

I for one would appreciate smaller counters and hex maps/mats.

Original Melee and Wizard maps consisted of 7/8" hexes. Every counter and map I've made for decades was based on that size hex. The new counter sizes are too large to be compatible with anything I've made and drawn for all these decades.

The larger hexes also take up way too much table space.

Other than that, I'd love to see outdoor terrain counters, and more animals including riding horses.

I, too, prefer to play in the classic scale. I used the PDFs to make my own 1" scale versions of the counters, and create my own. I also designed my own set of staff, dagger, and shield counters so we never run out. The sheet is 4x7 so even uncut, it fits in the Pocket Box. And this map that I made features 1" hexes, and folds to 4x8," so it can be easily carried alongside the Pocket Box.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...n_D2_06_sm.JPG
back side
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...n_D2_05_sm.JPG

This is a larger map with 1" hexes.
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...83/tiny_a1.jpg

If you're interested in the boards, send me a msg.

[Skarg]

Yep. I actually use 1" hexes since the original (now discontinued for who knows what reason) GURPS maps and wagon/horse/etc counters use 1" hexes, which are completely compatible with original TFT counters, even 7-hex dragons.

You can get so much more battlefield per table space with them.

Also I have so many original-sized counters, I'm not wanting to shift to a new scale.

But fortunately all the new stuff has also been presented in PDF, so I can print my own at original-TFT size.

[larsdangly]

I also have a bunch of heritage 1" and 7/8" components, but I'm really enjoying the larger scale and heavier stock of the new ones. It just feels like such a step up in the experience of setting up maps and moving counters around.

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by Skarg

(now discontinued for who knows what reason) GURPS maps

Those trees, rocks, etc. produced as counters (w/interior hex lines visible), or, I suppose, as a new set of Megahexes would be extremely valuable. Counters would almost certainly be more economical. These would go very high on my list of druthers.

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by larsdangly

I would actively discourage SJG from producing variant counters that differ strongly in graphic design from those we have, including 'top down' views, alternate background colors and 3D paper figures. I feel like the core materials of the LE set are strong, and that such variants would lead to a shambolic mix of inconsistent components.

A set of miniatures is an interesting idea, but a tough commercial proposition.

Having been one who asked for 'top down' counters I would like to respond. First, let me make clear that what I mean by 'top down' is actually a counter that shows a top view of its subject as though the observer was looking down on it. A more accurate description, oddly enough, should probably be 'top up'.

I would like to see a set of 'top up' counters because I consider the current counter sets to already be a shambolic (great word, by the way) mix. At present counters include the following, pretty much at random: front up, left side up, right side up, and top up. I personally find this mix to be quite chaotic and disconcerting. I suggest a full set of 'top up' counters as a way to bring order out of the current chaos.

[larsdangly]

I think pretty much all of the 1- and 3-hex counters are renderings of a face-on or side-on figure, with the only exceptions being things that don't look like what they are unless they are viewed from above (like spiders and turtles). I think they did this for purely aesthetic reasons - a view of a person from above can effectively show their facing, but doesn't look very much like a person and offers almost no opportunity to render an interesting, engaging image.

Dragons are the only major category that I think is always shown from above but could have been done equally well from the side.

Anyway, I generally agree with their choices. I'd rather have a cool looking image of something than a geometrically accurate representation of a single view.

[Steve Plambeck]

I'm basically lazy, hence my wish for ready out-of-the-box counters in a scale I prefer. The LE box set was disappointing on that one count, except for the Pocket Box counters and maps which are only a minute fraction larger than the originals.

That being said, in this modern age, every type of counter our hearts desire could be made available cheaply now as pdf-only products, and I'd love to see it so. It could be a huge library now comprised of many series: top view series, front view series, kneeling and prone versions of the exact same figures as the standing ones, and I'd love a series of all the same figures with different weapons configurations... I'd buy them all.

Changing scale is a piece of cake printing from pdf. I've made many counters this way now, using 8½ by 11 inch 110 lb Index/Heavy Card stock. I print to paper first in whatever color desired, then glue to the card stock using Scotch photo mount spray adhesive; that's faster and a lot less messy than the rubber cement I used to use in the 80's. For a deluxe treatment I cover some with matte finish self-adhesive Clear Contact paper/shelf liner before cutting them out. That last stuff is also fantastic for waterproofing maps and making them almost wear-proof -- I did that for all my old wargames.

You have to be a little obsessive to do all that but, hey, that may describe a lot of us -- LOL

[larsdangly]

It would be pretty trivial for DIY'ers to rescale existing counters. But if SJG were tot make 'official' alternate designs I suspect it would actually cost them a significant amount of money. A couple person-weeks of salary isn't trivial if you aren't going to make revenue from what it produces.

[Steve Plambeck]

Originally Posted by larsdangly

It would be pretty trivial for DIY'ers to rescale existing counters. But if SJG were tot make 'official' alternate designs I suspect it would actually cost them a significant amount of money. A couple person-weeks of salary isn't trivial if you aren't going to make revenue from what it produces.

I'm all for giving artists employment :)

I assume the profit margin can be higher selling pdf downloads without the company having to print and box anything.

[RobW]

Originally Posted by Shostak

The original Melee and Wizard microgames had dark-color backgrounds. They are very, very useful. If the Legacy Edition counters were issued with a colored background, they would be harmonious with the standard counters and with the history of TFT.

Ah right, thanks for reminding me of that. The differently coloured backgrounds were really useful, friends v foe, summons, elite troops, leaders, special “emphasis” of all sorts.