Game Interface. Ideal for Civ style game?

[Phlegmak]

I'm developing a Civ-style game, as some of you probably know.

I've been pondering what is the ideal for an interface. Is it better to have multiple independent windows, or a single window?

So, I could have a minimap window, an information window, a message window, and a main map window. Or I could have everything built into the same window. Here's my game:

Alterworld

This is a Civ 1 screenshot. Notice that the minimap and the information panel are all part of the same window.

Civ 1 Mac screenshot

This is a Freeciv screenshot. The minimap and the information panel are all part of the same window.
Freeciv


~~~~~~~~~~~
Conversely:

This is a Civ 2 screenshot. The parts of Civ 2 are movable, but the game isn't built around moving around the windows.
Civ 2


These are GIMP screenshots. GIMP is made up of multiple independent windows. GIMP is completely built around independent windows.
GIMP

 

[Sub]

I'd go with Civ2 style, but, personally, thats just because i've played the game so much.

 

[Kozmos]

Tears come to my eyes when I see civ2 such a wonderful game.

 

[Phlegmak]

So no one has an opinion on what is the better interface? Separate windows or one big monolithic window? I'm leaning more toward separate windows these days.

 

[Phlegmak]

I'm bumping this thread in the futile hope that I'll get some responses on topic. I'm starting to believe this forum is not for my questions I'm posting.

 

[Tycoon101]

As long as the interface is clear, I prefer an interface that is fixed onto the screen and cannot be moved.

If you need any help I'll *try* to aid you.

 

[tombeef]

Personally, I prefer one window, where everything is laid out in front of you, and everything is just a click away. Sometimes with multiple windows the game can take on a "cluttered" look in my opinion.

CIV I and II were great though.

 

[Tycoon101]

Yes, Civ3+4 both have excellent, fixed screen, interfaces. You should model your game after them.

 

[Phlegmak]

Thank you, Tycoon101, but I'm enthusiastic to work on my game entirely on my own.

I agree, tombeef, multiple windows definitely look cluttered.

However:

The big problem with fixed interfaces like Civ 1 is that they aren't easily changeable. Multiple windows are infinitely customizable.

Also, my game isn't exactly the same as Civ 2, which it most closely resembles visually right now. I've considered adding a "multiple map" concept similar to what's in Test of Time. Would it be cool to have multiple windows, one for each of your maps? Also, with the multiple map concept, I can make a map of outer space, connecting multiple planets. One could be Earth and the other Alpha Centauri, for example. So that would be three maps in that scenario.

Also, what about multiple windows for the exact same map? I can have a window open for something like North America, and simultaneously look at what I have in China.

 

[tombeef]

What if you could implement something like internet browser tabs to negotiate seperate maps? Then allow the ability to open a couple of windows of the same map if you wanted to view different parts of it. This would keep clutter down, but still allow quick navigation.