[Official 2007 Game Design] OK, so YOU design the 2007 game...

[EricH]

My vision:

Field size and setup: Same size as for Aim High, driver stations at the ends. In the middle of the field are 5 mobile goals in a + shape. 2 alliances of 3 robots each are placed on the field (place TBD). Human players are at 6 loading stations on the long sides of the field (3 per side).

Goals: 5 mobile goals, each about 6-8 feet tall, with reflective tape on them (as in 2002) and possibly a green vertical bar. At each loading station, there is a goal similar to the corner goals this year. Each has a light over it that could be red or blue (explained later).

Scoring objects: footballs and large softballs.

The game starts with an autonomous mode of 15 seconds. The side goals' lights turn on red or blue in a random pattern. An auto scoring system scores the balls in each goal and counts the points (then tells the human scorers the points in each goal and what color it is). Each robot tries to score either in its own color goal or in the center goals. Winner gets to play defense in the next period. No bonus determined yet, but should be 5-15 points.

Periods run much the same as in Aim High. The side lights change color depending on the period. (Red score or blue score). Final period is free for all, and the side lights are random again. Instead of offense or defense, the periods would be preferred scoring time.

The twists: Any ball type may be scored in any place. Humans may only score in the center goals. Robots may only be loaded in the loading area where their human player is. mobile goals may be loaded in any place. After a robot has dumped a load, it may not load without leaving the loading zone. The same goes for loading, then dumping. No contact in the loading zones, however you are not allowed to use them as a safe zone. Any robot may score in any goal. Any robot may score in any goal at any time, however, the side goals count for only the team whose light is on.

The big finish: There are six 1-foot high platforms each big enough to hold one mobile goal or one robot, but not both. Three are at each end. A mobile goal on a platform counts, along with anything in it, for the alliance that owns the platform. Robots also count, but nothing in them does.

Suggested scoring:
Football in side goal: 2 points
Softball in side goal: 1 point
Football in center goal: 4 points if goal is on platform
Softball in center goal: 2 points if goal is on platform
Goal on platform: 10 points
Robot on platform: 5 points
Auto win bonus: TBD (5-15 points, not sure just what)
Human scoring in side goal: -5 points