Flocked, tessellating, connecting tiles for Non-Hex gamers

[wargamer1979]

Hello Everybody,

Just having a thought - another idea for a Kallistra tile that could be produced are interlocking squares - say e.g. 300mm squared that provide a flat surface possibly with additional added flocked texture that could be used for Non-Hex games.

Kallistra already produce a variety of products that are Non-Hex but nothing for the underlying surface. I feel Kallistra perhaps might like to produce a product to fill this gap that would compliment their already existing range of Non-Hex products.

Products on the market for this are rolls of mat but this perhaps could be replaced by tiles that can be stored away in a storage box.

This would work well for example with my recent purchases of Rivet Wars miniatures or Warhammer miniatures.

A second option would be to consider making the interlocking sections "stack" and allow "gradients" but this may overcomplicate the idea and production readyness in the first instance.

Hope to hear from you with your views.

Best wishes

Graham

[Norm]

Games Workshop produce 2' x 2' tiles that have some contours and textures moulded into the terrain tile - they are in my opinion overly priced, but then perhaps manufacturing to that size is very niche, though it does show that there is a demand and a commercial viability for the tile.

I think if any one tile is going to work in the current climate, it would be a large square (say 8 - 12 inches) that is sub divided into 4 (giving 4 to 6 inch cells), as this would match the Peter Pig PBI stuff and rules like 'To The Strongest'

My only reservation would be that I think the growth in squares is that it is simply easier for players to make their own grids rather than doing the more complicated hex designs, which are difficult to get perfectly done when doing them yourself. Once you get a person willing to spend on hard plastic tiles, it may well be that they choose the hex over the square because of its universal increased functionality.

[wargamer1979]

Hi Norm

Thanks for the replies. The tile for Non-Hex gamers I was thinking of was one that is seamless i.e. when several are joined together one cannot see the joins. This would be useful for those who play ruler games. My thoughts were that Kallistras non-hex scenery is intended for those who play table top games where the terrain is placed straight on the table.

Yes you are right a tile sub-divided into squares is also a Non-Hex game - I had not considered this possibility when titling my post.

Best wishes

Graham

[colingee]

I contemplated using off-set squares instead of hexes, as they would give eight routes in all directions, rather than six. However, the roads and rivers would have been a nightmare!

[Paul K]

Hi folks,

The square or hexagon debate is always an interesting one.The hexagon has been the preferred shape for most conflict based games ans simulations for many decades. In terms of flexibility it has no equal. The Hexon terrain system was designed as a direct response to the 'wants and wishes' of a large number gamers - a considerable amount of research was undertaken before the Hexon project was initiated. Even the hexagon size of 100mm from flat side to flat side (4 inch), was the specified preferred size by the vast majority of gamers questioned.

[wargamer1979]

Hi Paul

Yes you are right the hexagon provides a lot of flexibility for war gaming and has been a preferential choice over the years. When listing this thread I was thinking of your Non-hex products which are not "Square" but possibly for rulers games e.g. the new crators release, lakes, forest areas and hills.

What did you think to the idea of "seamless" tiles that could connect together to form a board that could sit under these Kallistra pieces? - these would potentially tap into the "war-hammer" and rulers games market. I would imagine there are just as many people out there playing rulers games as hex games. Warhammer do produce some boards along this line though pricey.

Best wishes

Graham

[Paul K]

Hi Graham,

The 'seamless tiles' idea is very sound and I am sure that there is a potential market if the design, quality and price is right. We specialise in hex terrain and design and make terrain to fulfil the needs of the ever increasing number of gamers who prefer hexes over measuring. Having said this, the reason why we design and make non-hex terrain features is in response to the large numbers of gamers who have requested these, having examined the hexon hills etc at wargame shows and asking 'can you make'. In response we now make non-hex hills, escarpments, crater sets, forest bases (to individual order), and will be adding other features over time. The introduction of non-hex terrain boards isn't currently on the 'to do' list.

We will always try and respond to the requirements of wargamers, after all, that is our role. The reality for us is that we have the manufacturing facilities to produce a massive range of different terrain pieces, but it is commercial, and logistical constraints that prevent us from quickly expanding the already comprehensive choice available. We have a policy of holding a stock of every product we make ready for dispatch, which is now thousands of different pieces which takes up a lot of space in our unit.

[wargamer1979]

Hi Paul

Thank you for your replies.

The Hexon II Kallistra tile is a fantastic "modelling" product - my thoughts are:

(1) They give the modeller control over size and shape of their layout.
(2) They can be used for multiple war gaming scenes and theatres due to variety of textures available.
(3) Give structure to war games and flexibility in terms of troop movement.
(4) Tiles connect together with clips.
(5) Stackable.

Its these above reasons IMO Kallistra Hexon II tiles are a really great product. It is not surprising that there are several interesting spin offs e.g. as we have discussed...

(1) Micro square Kallistra for building RPG scenery
(2) Seamless tiles for Non-hex ruler games
(3) Larger square Kallistra for war games

... that provoke thoughts of wonder despite the real world constraints.

It is great that Kallistra products do not go out of stock - that is one of the frustrations with many collectables. Although new developments and product releases are always exciting.

Best wishes

Graham