Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

Actually, this is probably one of the better initial reactions I've had to a game, but I pretty much end up growing to love all of the games by the end of the season whether I initially liked them or not.

So far, I really like Lunacy- I like games where there's a lot of strategy involved (so last year was a bit more of a disappointment to me). Everytime I re-watch the animation and re-read through the rules, new complexities jump out at me. I know people have mixed reactions to <G14>, but I think it's great, just because of how many layers of complexity surround it. I don't think any of us will truly know what to make of it until we've seen it play out in a few competitions. I also like the change that's been made to the floor from recent years; the whole game has a refreshing feel to it, like it's a new twist on everything. I even like <R06>, because even though it sounds very limiting, it forces you to work within the intent of the game, but you're still going to see so many different and unique robot designs that approach the game very differently. I know the OP is a rookie, so I don't know if they realize this about each year's game. (:

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

For those of us who are a little rusty on our physics we will have to dig out some old equations and have to think of how things are going to be moving around the field.

It should be a very useful engineering skill to have to redesign our drive trains. It should certainly be interesting.

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

A key word to keep in mind when participating on an FRC team is: flexibility.

The game changes year to year, creating a large part of the challenge. If you want to think about impact, think about AndyMark. How would a change like this impact them? Think about how important it is to have technical mentors as part of the team and how that impacts through challenges like this. Think about networking and how important that is.

Working as an alliance on the field during competition can be representative/reflective of how to interact/work together as professionals off the field. Chief Delphi is one example, the Blue Alliance is another (and weren't they spectacular yesterday, woo?!), NASA's incredible, amazing support throughout the year. These folks have to be flexible in the real world, real time. Look at the adjustments that Brandon Martus continued to make to the website yesterday so that FIRSTers and guests could continue to share insight, opinions, information.

Flexibility. For second year teams transitioning from a 2008 rookie year, try to keep in mind that 2008 is past and 2009 is present. Stay in the present. Use the past as a reference/resource but not as a rigid mindset that narrows the possibilities/opportunities that the present offers you.

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

The only thing I don't like is that this is going to be like gym class dodgeball. The more athletic kids, like basketball/baseball players are going to have a biiiig advantage over others.

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

I like the game ok. I think it is going to be different from anything that the GDC has ever done and will probably ever do again. Its going to be a challenge, but in that lies the fun.

I feel really stupid asking this but where is the game animation on the FIRST website?? I can't find it anywhere. I think it might be my computer but I'm not sure. Can somebody give me the link?

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

I didn't like overdrive at the kickoff last year but as the season went on I grew to love it. Right now I don't like much about the game but eventually I probably will!

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

On the NASA site - http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2009_frcwebcasts.php

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

Wow! Long time, no post for me. However, I must say that I think this is definitely the best game since 2006 (I'll have to wait and see some matches played before I decide that it's better than the 2004, 2005, or 2006 games).

Last year's game was - quite frankly - unexciting (although some elimination matches got me tensed up). I like this game because it will be easy to judge the progression of the match (i.e. who is winning) as a spectator in the stands, and I like how the GDC decided to shake things up with the slick surface and kit wheel requirement. The idea of trying to score balls into trailers attached to the opposing alliance's robots will certainly make for some exciting plays. Another plus about this game is the fact that there are no penalties which are TOO easy to incur.

I have seen many FIRST games played out over the years, and trust me - every game will grow on you. Give Lunacy a chance! :)

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

Thanks!

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

What's wrong with that. Invite your school's best athletes to try out.

FIRST is about inspiration and changing society.

One of my favorite mentoring memories was a "jock" who attended a FIRST off-season competition because his girl friend was on the team. He got hooked on FIRST, became one of our better drivers, and went on to tech school after graduation. I don't think he had any real direction besides sports before he joined our team.

If we can get a "jock" to think like a "techie" or "nerd", that's changing society! ;)

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

Dude that's the total opposite of what is going to happen. The intent of this game was to be fair. If you're that worried about the athletic kids winning over you, go practice scoring balls into the goal. Because I assure you, that's what all those "athletic" players do.

Diversify your team like we and many others have to include those athletes you seem to be so jealous of. Go make your point to them that you could use their help. Break social barriers for yourself.

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

I love the game, but not the game theme, which seems a little more childish than the past few.

On another note, this change makes me loathe the policy I pushed before graduating, which was to not use a drivetrain unless it has been tested before. I assumed the drivetrains would not change much, but I was very wrong.

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

I semi dislike it purely from a driving stand point. Last year it was tough as crap. I am also from NY but reside in VA where nobody (or next to nobody) has ever seen snow/ice let alone driven on it. It is going to be really hard to tech someone how to drive effictively on an ice like surface in less than 6 weeks. I do like challenges though so Im up for anything...

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

I like the game concept a lot. It is new, unique and will be very interesting to see the dynamics of 6 players on this field.

I am a bit worried however, that it will decrease the number of unique designs and limit creativity a bit. The size limitations and drive train limitations makes me think we are going to see a lot of aim high machines with new wheels. It is always a little strange when a robot from a previous year will work pretty well (even if with just small modifications) for a new game.

Re: Anybody really dis-like the game?
 

I spoke with a few members of the GDC in Manchester. They are thrilled that they made such a radical change this year and it's well received.

I always worry the the game will be too tough for the rookie teams. I think they achieved a great balance this year.