[Ben Martin]

Ultimate Ascent. Points were balanced, the floor was relatively low for shooting a frisbee, games were fast-paced and exciting, and the field geometry and rules forced diversity in robot designs and distinct roles at the highest level of play. You couldn't build a robot that would be the absolute best at every task. Defense and counter-defense strategies were important for both protecting and shutting down full-court shooters. The potential was there for big point swings based on changes in one's strategy. Game piece variability was also far less of a factor than it has ever been for a shooting game. Rankings and the eliminations play structure were simple.

Also, the most competitive off-season event made zero rule changes (aside from giving +5 lb and switching to 1-8, 1-8, 8-1 alliance selection), which I think speaks to the strength of the original game.