The Watchtower is an object in Spintires (as cloaking), MudRunner (as Watchpoint) and SnowRunner that can reveal part of a map upon discovery.
Description[]
Spintires[]
In Spintires, watchtowers are marked with 'cloaking' and a large radius black circle. They appear physical on the map as black funnels resembling how black holes are often shown in popular media. Driving through the 'cloaked' area will reveal the map only along the path traveled. By driving into the center of the cloaked area, near the black object, the black circle will disappear, revealing the map around the watchtower.
Mudrunner[]
In Mudrunner, the the watchtowers are known as 'watchpoint' and cloak the map by large black circles, just like in the previous game. The physical appearance of the watchpoint is now a black flag near a structure resembling a hunting watchtower or birdwatching tower. Unlike in Spintires, the map within the black circle is not revealed until the watchpoint is reached, even if the player travels through the area. Upon reaching the watchpoint, the map is revealed and a gong sound is played.
Snowrunner[]
In Snowrunner, Watchtowers are marked on the map with tower icons. There are now three map states:
- Discovered: where the player has driven, shown in full color, and nearby tasks and vehicles are clickable.
- Map-only: area not covered by watchtowers, but not traversed by the player, shown in greyscale, no clickable objectives, but vehicles are shown by their shape.
- Cloaked: like in previous games, the area is shrouded.
Cloaking behavior is similar to Spintires again, travelling through cloaked areas will reveal them, but on a wider path than was the case in Spintires.
Watchtowers are unlocked by driving into the blue marked area near them, and doing so grants 50 experience points. Unlocked Watchtowers will allow the player to start a fixed fly-over animation at any given time if in said area.
Design[]
- In Michigan and Alaska, watchtowers resemble fire watch towers, such as Udell Lookout Tower.
- In Taymyr, watchtowers resemble hunting towers again like in Mudrunner, but taller.
- In Lake Kovd, the watchtowers also resemble hunting towers, but they are much shorter and more derelict.
| Gameplay in SnowRunner | ||
|---|---|---|
| World elements | Breakable Ice • Carcasses • Cargoes • Cargo Storage • Crafting • Farming • Ferry • Fuel Stations • Garage • Gateway • Logging • Mobile Bridges • Racing • Trailer Store • Trains • Train Tracks • Watchtowers • Water Towers | |
| Truck systems and upgrades | All Wheel Drive • Differential Locking • Engines • Gearboxes • Lift axle • Snorkels • Suspension • Tires • Winch | |
| Truck attachments and trailers | Cargo Beds • Cranes • Fuel Tanks • Generator • Loaders • Log Carriers • Log Cranes • Metal Detector Module • Prototype Exploration Unit • Repair Units • Seismic Vibrator Module • Towing Platforms • Trailer Couplers • Water Tanks | |