2016: The year of bullying kitbots and hypothetical situations

[JB987]

Originally Posted by EricH

There wasn't. 50 points sure changed the outcome, though. And before tech fouls was the dreaded "disable-DQ" one-two punch, which DID change the mechanics of the match as a 3v3 became a 2v3.

Here's a penalty recap of some of the real game-killers:
2005's "Kiss of Death": in a low-scoring game, 30 points could wipe an average alliance's score off the board. Elite alliances could take that and survive, barely.
2008's line crossing "reverse-direction" penalties weren't remarkable for their size, but for their frequency.
2014's 50-point tech foul swayed more than one match.

By the way, other than the slight change to game mechanics (+1 strength to the tower, meaning one more boulder to score before a tower can be captured for +1 ranking point or +25 points), this rule works very similar to 2012's lane violations.

Cue the sweat inducing SD flashback...

[Munchskull]

If you want to talk about bullying kitbot then let's not forget that both last year and this year kitbot had been at an extreme disadvantage. This year kickbot will be the worst it has ever been.

[Canon reeves]

Originally Posted by Munchskull

If you want to talk about bullying kitbot then let's not forget that both last year and this year kitbot had been at an extreme disadvantage. This year kickbot will be the worst it has ever been.

I think this year is one of the best for kitbot in recent years. Someone has to be left to defend the their alliances tower? Sure they may get pushed around if they are under powered, but at least they serve a role in the game that doesn't require anything more than a drive train. Better yet, making a kitbot with an intake that can go under the low bar is likely within the reach of most teams, especially now that AndyMark sells intakes. If they add the pneumatic wheel kit, the Ri3d's have shown that they could cross all of the defenses that don't require manipulation. A kitbot with an intake could serve as a great 3rd pick on any alliance. Compared the games I've watched matches on (2008+) this year seems like the best year for a rookie team to do the least amount of work, yet have such a strong capability to impact the game.

[Knufire]

1. Kitbot
2. Pneumatic wheel upgrade kit
3. Swap Toughbox ratio to the lowest available
4. Add a simple mechanism under 14" to suck in and spit out a ball.
5. Practice low goal cycling while crossing defenses.
7. Figure out how to plan strategy and coordinate with alliance partners well.
8. Probably make elims as an alliance captain at a signifcant number of events. At more competitive events, be a very attractive third robot. (Profit?)

[Munchskull]

Originally Posted by Knufire

1. Kitbot
2. Pneumatic wheel upgrade kit
3. Swap Toughbox ratio to the lowest available
4. Add a simple mechanism under 14" to suck in and spit out a ball.
5. Practice low goal cycling while crossing defenses.
7. Figure out how to plan strategy and coordinate with alliance partners well.
8. Probably make elims as an alliance captain at a signifcant number of events. At more competitive events, be a very attractive third robot. (Profit?)

Wow, you cracked my team's 2014 robot mlg strats! *mind blown*