Problem's with 2015…

[James1902]

Originally Posted by Peter Johnson

I'd like to turn this discussion on its head a bit--rather than focusing on the things we dislike in the game, let's suggest ways in which the game design could have been improved (either via major changes in overall construction, point value changes, or even just a minor rule change) and how such changes might have affected robot designs and/or gameplay in a positive fashion.

My initial opinion of this game hasn't changed much (if you're curious) so I'll take your prompt.

1.) The step bisecting the field that eliminates robot interaction should go, but keep the landfill set up as is, an initial barrier with a small path to the other side that can be removed by stacking or moving totes out of the way.
2.) Establish platforms on either side of the field and punish teams for knocking down opposing alliances stacks. (Alternatively establish one scoring platform that teams will have to jockey for space on, but that might get difficult.)
3.) Reduce the number of totes available behind the drivers station.
4.) Go back to Win/Loss/Tie structure.

These changes would allow teams to play active defense without having the stack knockdown problem of 2003 and at the higher levels could turn the game into a struggle for scoring resources as teams try to gather totes and bins before the other alliance can steal them.

It keeps the interesting engineering challenge but doesn't diminish the feeling that each match is a direct competition.