Games Problem with a 3d snake model for a classic snake game.

Hi,

I have a 3d snake moving on a 2d grid with 100x100pixels boxes.
The camera is from above the snake.
The snake can only move in the grid. The model is made in Maya and animated there.

PROBLEM:
1) When all the snake is one 3d model the snake moves and turns in the grid nicely but when it comes to become larger the model Z axis is getting bigger and the model is becoming like a rubber. If the snake becomes very large it looks awful.

2) We fixed this problem by making the model 3 pieces. One piece the snake head. One piece the body and one piece the tail. So when the time comes to become larger the body is animated to become large and once it reaches the double size it becomes 2 body pieces. This way the snake can be as large as we want without the model to become ugly.

The problem in this case is that when the snake turns the models break (because its 3 pieces).
How can I approach this problem so I can make it larger and it will turn with unlimited turns.
This is my old 2d snake game. See it to see how the snake will turn:

I want to do something similar with a 3d snake.

Thanks for your help,

 

For me, if I wanna make this kind of 3D snake game. Hmm...
Maybe I will create just 3 separate models for head, body and tail.
Use a list to store snake head moving position history.
Then use LeanTween to move the snake, or maybe LeanTween Path.

 

Where should the animation happen? with animator?
We tried with 3 separate models for head, body and tail and when it turns the models break.

 

Is there a video for showcasing the "break"? (With zoom in)
Sorry, it's a bit hard to imagine.