Craig Van Ness Q&A Thread

[caps]

I would love to see y'all tackle a game like Star Wars X-Wing or Battleship Galaxies. I'm really disappointed that the latter never got any expansions. I love the double-blind maneuver system of the former, but wish it was hex based. I think y'all could do some great stuff in that space.

[Jim]

Originally Posted by capsocrates

I'm really disappointed that [Battleship Galaxies] never got any expansions.

Me too. There was that one Director character that I was so looking forward to having...

[dok]

Originally Posted by capsocrates

I love the double-blind maneuver system of the former, but wish it was hex based.

Totally agree. Once you make me get out ruler to make my moves, I'm out.

[Heroscaper 101]

My Question: What made Heroscape great?

My thoughts about Heroscape being great would be "X" amount because it has "Limitless Potential"

[Craig Van Ness]

Originally Posted by Heroscaper 101

My Question: What made Heroscape great?

My thoughts about Heroscape being great would be "X" amount because it has "Limitless Potential"

I believe you are correct. IMO, the fact that Heroscape tapped into everyone's creativity made Heroscape great. It's a system to create around, and the terrain really set it apart from any other miniature game system.

[UberQ9]

I don't know if you're ever coming back to answer more questions, but here goes:

Looking back, is there anything with Heroscape and its design that you would have done differently, or that you would do differently if you somehow magically were able to make a "Heroscape 2nd edition?"

[caps]

Ooh, I really like this question. I have my own ideas but would love to hear from The Man Himself.

[Craig Van Ness]

Originally Posted by UberQ9

I don't know if you're ever coming back to answer more questions, but here goes:

Looking back, is there anything with Heroscape and its design that you would have done differently, or that you would do differently if you somehow magically were able to make a "Heroscape 2nd edition?"

Good question UberQ9.

I think the design is pretty elegant. In most cases, we tried to make rules that made sense, and if we designed something that didn't quite make sense or was too fussy, we waited until it was ready.

The one thing I wish we created- is a terrain line just for hobby. Terrain gives Heroscape an epic appearance and really lets people be creative.

[Tornado]

Any idea what that may have looked like?

I would have loved to see a larger version of the ruined warehouse from the Marvel set.

[UberQ9]

Originally Posted by Craig Van Ness

Good question UberQ9.

I think the design is pretty elegant. In most cases, we tried to make rules that made sense, and if we designed something that didn't quite make sense or was too fussy, we waited until it was ready.

The one thing I wish we created- is a terrain line just for hobby. Terrain gives Heroscape an epic appearance and really lets people be creative.

I agree that the rules are very well-designed. My primary gripes with the game are more with the design of specific units rather than the system itself. As a kind of follow-up question, are there any specific units that you think could have been designed better? The general consensus in the community seems to be that the Deathreavers are too strong or too cheap points-wise, and that Deathwalker 7000 and Hatamoto Taro are both very hard to make useful, but I'd like to see your take.

[lefton4ya]

Whatever you do, do not bring up "Taelord costs too much" to @Craig Van Ness -
That comment predates Heroscapers.com

BTW, anyone newer than 2007 on these forums should check out the old ScapeTalk podcast with Craig - he explains a lot of his designs highs and lows, in Heroscape as well as previous work (not to mention him being asked multiple times why Taelord costs too much).

[UberQ9]

I must confess I was in the "Taelord costs too much" camp for a while. I haven't used him with early classic only, but I have used him alongside the death knights (with whom he bonds) and I think he's probably worth his points.

DW7K and Hamtaro, on the other hand...