Question of the Week!!! (9/19/04)

[ColleenShaver]

Footballs!!

Not really, but they would be cool. I think the key to a successful game is making it not too complicated so that everyone can contribute. I say this also because it's very often that the less complex the game, the more unique and differing strategies that can arise as teams try to look at the challenge for the less obvious solutions.

Making a game that is simpler to contribute to (for example, getting 10 points for a robot being in the endzone in 2002 meant that even a robot that could barely more (or not move) could contribute to an alliance's score). It helps build a sense of value in alliances that is sometimes hard to remember if you have a string of partners that can't accomplish much (or you're that team!).

Short version => lots of easy ways to score points = simple & complex robots & strategies = fun!

[MikeDubreuil]

My opinion was the 2000 game was the best game ever. It was challenging, yet allowed even the rookies to participate. The round balls were easy to manipulate. However, the requirement to put them into the trough made the game much more difficult. The action under the chin-up bar made the final 15 seconds very exciting.

2003 - Did not particularly like the unique boxes. Seeing a stack higher than 2 at the end of a game was a rarity due to the ease of attacking it. Not to mention, a box is a rather plain object that when hit does not have a lot of dynamic movement. (footballs would be great because of their dynamic movement)

1999 - Enjoyed this unique game. The floppies were very difficult to work with. However, once you grabbed them you usuallly had them for the match. The puck added some extra excitement. Scoring the floppies by putting them into the air proved to be very easy, but exciting to witness at the same time.

Often times I wonder when FIRST will finally deliver what everyone wants to see- footballs.

[Koko Ed]

What was so great about last year's game was there was so many ways to play it and so many different strtegies to employ. And it was very entertaining to watch as well.