[Official 2006 Game Design] Game Elements and Subtasks

[Jaine Perotti]

Originally Posted by RyanMcE

A major field element that moves, like in 2001, but bigger... and spinning. Think, giant merry-go-round in the center of the field. Hm, now I have to run over to the game design thread and submit this idea that just came into my head...

I just had an idea come into my head as I was reading this.

- The field would be divided into two sections, "A" and "B".
- Goals to receive scoring objects would be mobile (like 2002 and 2004), and color coded to each alliance. x amount of points would be scored per object in the goal.
- There would be a "spinner" (like on a game board) located in the center of the field. If the spinner is pointed to side "A" of the playing field, all of the points scored in the mobile goals located on side "A" would be multiplied by, say, 2. If it is pointed to side "B", then all of side "B"s goals would receive the multiplier.

This game would allow for innovation in drivetrain design (battling for possession of the spinner), AND in offensive play (scoring points). This game would make both simple, defensive designs AND complex, offensive designs advantageous. This game would make it so that BOTH types of robots are needed.

Its also interesting because the multiplier would benefit both teams. The value of both scoring methods would also be pretty balanced - neither one would really take precedence over the other, because the bonus would effect both alliances.

This game also provides for last minute excitement ("Who is going to get the spinner bonus?") Robots would be trying to manipulate the spinner in their favor, and other would be trying to push goals onto the side of the field that the spinner is pointed towards (multiple tasks for multiple alliance partners). The spinner also puts alot of the focus of attention in the center of the field, which several people have mentioned as a favorable game characteristic.

What do you think?

-- Jaine