Beardy/Power Gamers Need Not Apply!

Inevitably, people are going to want to play in a tournament setting!

In both WarmaHordes/Games Workshop products, a measuring tape is needed to measure ranges and charge distances.  In the course of our tabletop wargaming careers, we've all encountered opponents who have judiciously measured 1.2" as being closer to 2" instead of 1."

In DropZone Commander, I am concerned with TWO play mechanics in this regard.  (For the record, I prefer the Prime Directive of "Maximum Destruction" - if it's close, the person should always get the benefit where he will do the most damage.  Whether you win or lose, if both sides get to destroy alot of models, both sides usually have fun.)

1) Measurements distances are measured from the center of a model.  Determining the center of irregular shaped models with dynamic poses (e.g., turrets aimed differently than "square" to the body of a tank) can be an exercise in subjectivity, not objectivity.
2) The "brackets" (10% < "Hull Down" < 50%) for determining line of sight (LOS) and Armor (A) bonuses can also be daunting!  I think you're gonna have to state what you think your vehicle's status is and agree with your opponent.  "Half" is eyeball-able but 10%?  I would argue that the calibration of one's eyes does not allow such a precise measurement with consistent accuracy.  Astute readers will catch my allusion to one of the first things you learn in science class!

All in all, I'm hopeful that inches will not matter in a game with such futuristic weaponry (even with the Active Countermeasures mechanic).  Also, beards will grow and haters are always gonna hate.

Each faction does have a Super Weapon that will pretty much vaporize any ONE model (UCM - Kodiak, ACV; Scourge - Desolator; PHR - Athena Air Superiority Fighter; Shaltari - Ocelot Warstrider).  Nevertheless, even without force restrictions, I'm pretty confident that an army composition of Super Weapon units will handily lose.  The more I think about it... the gameplay reminds me of Panzer General (PC).

For StarCraft fans, would you rather have 20-40 Zerglings or one Ultralisk?  Oh yeah, remember Dropzone Commander emphasizes objectives, not just last man standing!