Relative Movement in Board Games
Definition and Context Relative movement is a game mechanic where a piece's movement is determined by its relation to other pieces or points of reference within the game, rather than a fixed grid or system. This contrasts with absolute movement, which is based on a set structure, like a chess board's squares.
Application In games using relative movement, strategy evolves from understanding and manipulating the positional interplay among pieces. For example, in a game where players control fleets of ships, the ships could move a certain distance relative to the positions of other ships, simulating naval formations or flanking maneuvers.
Examples Games like "Captain Sonar" where you navigate a submarine in relation to your opponents, and "Robo Rally," where robots move based on their relative positions to one another and obstacles, showcase this mechanic.
Impact on Gameplay Relative movement can increase strategic depth, as players must anticipate an ever-changing landscape of positional relations. It often leads to a more dynamic interaction between players, as the game state can alter significantly with each turn.
