[Official 2006 Game Design] Game Elements and Subtasks

[Ryan Foley]

Originally Posted by BurningQuestion

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). It also provides for last minute excitement ("Who is going to get the spinner bonus?") Its also interesting because the multiplier would benefit both teams, but one team more than the other. 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).

What do you think?

-- Jaine

Funny, I had a similar idea, except that I borrowed MIT 2.007's version. Instead of a spinner, I was thinking the 2001 teeter-totter bridge, maybe bigger. Whichever side was lower would have their points multiplied, or it would just be worth a certain number of pints if a multiplier is too much.


I like yours though, it's new, and I think it'd be harder to manipulate/ more fun to watch. Perhaps it could double as the location for robot scoring (get your robot on top).

To reply to BillFred's post (below): Actually I thought an interesting idea was a large balance scale. Whoever's side is lower wins the match. Then, the points for objects in your side is your Ranking Points from that match. Perhaps I shall whip up a full description of this for the other thread

Bonus: it gets rid of the "2X the loosers score...." stuff.