Another softening of my stance!
Dwelling on this more, and looking at the road map and polishing discussions, I think SA:V wouldn’t be necessary for the Microbe Stage. If anything related to optimization for this specific stage should be implemented, size-related costs would be more intuitive, manageable, and relevant.
I think where we can look at SA:V is for the Multicellular Stage, where the shape of your body plan could potentially boost certain stats. This would be better for multiple reasons:
- The multicellular body plan editor, with a maximum for now of around 20 cells, should be easier to manage and balance for this mechanic, instead of the Microbe Editor where parts are oddly shaped and many more hexes can be a factor.
- Introducing SA:V in the Multicellular Stage could be smoother for onboarding players. Having it be something players think of in combination of placing organelles, maintaining tolerances, and staying on top of shifting conditions would be tough.
- Instead of SA:V being influenced by the placement of parts with their own specific functions, SA:V is determined by the placement of cells. That makes it a good amount easier to present; players can focus just on immediate part effects first when placing organelles, then worry about SA:V effects when placing cells.
- SA:V’s has higher value as a mechanic introduced in the Multicellular Stage, where we are looking for mechanics to provide variety and represent multicellular body plan parameters, as opposed to the more feature-filled Microbe Stage.
Hhyyrylainen can claim victory over this instance of scope creep.