Base sizes: standardization good or bad?

[Rakky Wistol 2,903]

So, there was some talk about the Decimators base looking "rectangular"...I don't see it, but what does everyone think about some ships with different base sizes?

I'm primarily interested in "long" bases (1x2) and "wide" bases (2x1) instead of the standard small base (1x1) or large base (2x2).

For example: Kwing- very big wingspan. Would make a lot of sense to be 2x1. It would certainly handle a lot rougher than a standard sm base but fit in a lot of spots a large wouldn't. Rather than making the dial worse you are making the mini itself harder to maneuver. A nice side benefit is you can also give it a bigger arc rather than just standard or turret.

Example 2: Hwk- could have been "long" depending on which measurements you use. It could have had a slightly better dial and the long base offers a wider turret coverage (it's specialty) and makes chasing it or it running a bit more difficult.

Both sizes offer some differentiation to the game without changing any of the games mechanics. At the games scale it also allows a titch of wiggle room to get a bit more detail on Already great modeling. It also helps with base overhang on some ships.

Are there any downsides to 1x2 or 2x1 bases outside of the learning curve to get them to fly with the rest?

[Vorpal Sword 14,685]

I'd say most of the issues with adopting additional base sizes is on the production and pricing end. More sizes means more production lines, which probably means higher prices and/or lower supply for the "standard" sizes.

[Rakky Wistol 2,903]

Seems like a pretty small production problem when weighted against gains. Especially since it will only apply to a few ships but that is one additional downside.

Others?

[dvorm 1,058]

One extra base size does not mean one additional production line, just one extra tool. That assumes the total number of bases manufactured does not change.

One additional part requires additional logistics. That is the most important cost factor.

It also requires an additional blister variant. That costs money as well.

 

Large and small ships call for medium ships.

[Forgottenlore 9,824]

Large and small ships call for medium ships.

Yeah, I have been really surprised that there isn't a 60mm square base in between the small and large based ships. Hwk would have been a good candidate for that, as well as a future skipray blast boat, probably the defender and a host of other ships.

[Skargoth 1,703]

Call me OCD, but I like the uniformity of the bases, arcs, etc.

Edited June 14, 2014 by Skargoth

[rowdyoctopus 1,409]

From a gameplay standpoint, I would much rather they stick with the 2 standardized sizes. A double wide base would have a wonky firing arc, and a double long base would draw way more flanking shots.

[Rakky Wistol 2,903]

OCD, OCD! (but not really).

Call me OCD, but I like the uniformity of the bases, arcs, etc.

 

Ya, it would create these drawbacks:

 

From a gameplay standpoint, I would much rather they stick with the 2 standardized sizes. A double wide base would have a wonky firing arc, and a double long base would draw way more flanking shots.

But isn't variety, strength, and drawback vital? Our numbers are:

1-4

0-3

2-12

0-5

But really, discounting some unique ship's THING it's:

2-3

1-3

2-3

0-2

Without making some of those outliers no longer special we're not talking about much more room to diversify ships without new rules and abilities. Heck, most actions can be added to any ship at this point through droid and EPT and action sharing/passing. Actions and upgrades aren't even unique to ships anymore.

Physical base size changes has game, mechanical, and tactical considerations that provide more options along with dial and stats. I've been flying around a wide based Kwing for fun and it makes me think and fly differently.

[Lagomorphia 1,285]

Call me OCD, but I like the uniformity of the bases, arcs, etc.

Same. Also very useful if and when stuff breaks.

 

Given the Decimator, I think FFG's going to stick with their two sizes. That being said, the length of Huge bases tends to vary.

Edited June 14, 2014 by Lagomorphia

[UltimateZing 44]

On the picture, it just really looks that way due to presentation and angle of the base. Bigger issue - more discussion is happening on the base than some of the newer upgrades.

[Aminar 1,949]

I think having other base sizes could open up some interesting options design wise, but most ships dshould have similar sized bases.