We all know that FIRST is going to bring back the autonomous mode, since it was such a hit last year, but what could the new game be? Something they might do is have a game object that would be way harder to deal with than this years boxes, perhaps CD’s? Post your Ideas one what FIRST may do for the new game this year.
*Originally posted by John JediMaster *
**We all know that FIRST is going to bring back the autonomous mode, since it was such a hit last year, but what could the new game be? Something they might do is have a game object that would be way harder to deal with than this years boxes, perhaps CD’s? Post your Ideas one what FIRST may do for the new game this year. **
Nobody officially said “Autonomous Will Be Back”… although I don’t doubt it. Many people thought after they started with the 2 v 2 that they’d never stray from it, but then they went to 4 v 0. FIRST I’m sure will have some kind of fancy trick up their sleeves. I expect something affordable but effective and challanging. That’s all I can say…
*Originally posted by Gadget470 *
**Nobody officially said “Autonomous Will Be Back”… although I don’t doubt it. Many people thought after they started with the 2 v 2 that they’d never stray from it, but then they went to 4 v 0. FIRST I’m sure will have some kind of fancy trick up their sleeves. I expect something affordable but effective and challanging. That’s all I can say… **
I wasn’t a part of FIRST for the 4 v 0 game (was that 2001?), so take what I say with a grain of salt…or a whole shaker. 
The general perception I’ve gained from CD and the FIRST community in general was that the 4 v 0 game was, more often than not, boring for almost everyone involved. The competition between teams is definitely something that makes the game more exciting for spectators. If the game was as bad as I’ve been told, it doesn’t seem like FIRST would want to have a 4 v 0 game again.
I think they should try something like 1 vs 1 vs 1 with a circular or triangular field. For the finals, do 12 teams of two.
I’m sure there would be even more exploiting of the game than last year, however.
*Originally posted by IMDWalrus *
**If the game was as bad as I’ve been told, it doesn’t seem like FIRST would want to have a 4 v 0 game again. **
It wasn’t that bad. Anyways, the Autonomous mode was awesome, it brought an angle that gave everyone a fair chance and really leveled the playing field… so I hope that comes back. I’m still waiting for the 6 team game… possibly 3 vs 3? or 2 vs 2 vs 2… it would definately speed matches along, and if the game was good it would make for a great competition
*Originally posted by Jnadke *
**I think they should try something like 1 vs 1 vs 1 with a circular or triangular field. For the finals, do 12 teams of two.I’m sure there would be even more exploiting of the game than last year, however. **
It’s been done already – just prior to alliances. The result – and biggest problem – is that two teams end up teaming up against the third. It means that a good robot needs to be able to compete successfully against two other equally good robots. The equation doesn’t add up.
i’ve heard that all the games have had some sort of similarity to the lego league games…just what i’ve heard, but the lego league game was released today…
*Originally posted by Keiko173 *
**i’ve heard that all the games have had some sort of similarity to the lego league games…just what i’ve heard, but the lego league game was released today… **
If you look at any two things long enough, you can always come up with a similarity :yikes: 
I doubt they plan this :rolleyes:
*Originally posted by WakeZero *
**If you look at any two things long enough, you can always come up with a similarity :yikes:I doubt they plan this :rolleyes: **
Look long enough… doubt they plan this… bah… its FIRST we are talking about here!
I started a thread here:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21911
that talks about some of the similarities and predictions.
I have reviewed all the FLL games, and there has usually been at least one fairly strong similarity between the games from year to year.
Especially last years game. They had a large ramp, and they had to stack a few things( if I remember correctly) .
Anyway, I just came up with an interesting KOTH idea, and its in that thread. I’m going to refer to here with ideas and possibly posting the annual FIRST hint once it comes around.
*Originally posted by IMDWalrus *
**I wasn’t a part of FIRST for the 4 v 0 game (was that 2001?), so take what I say with a grain of salt…or a whole shaker.The general perception I’ve gained from CD and the FIRST community in general was that the 4 v 0 game was, more often than not, boring for almost everyone involved. The competition between teams is definitely something that makes the game more exciting for spectators. If the game was as bad as I’ve been told, it doesn’t seem like FIRST would want to have a 4 v 0 game again. **
I’m not saying they will have it again. Dean straightly said he didn’t like how it turned out. I’m saying that’s just the kind of curveball FIRST throws. Don’t “expect” things to be in the game. Count on robust robots… that’s about all.
Okay, I still think that the autonomous mode will be back, I believe even Dean couldn’t say it wasn’t a great thing. But I think it might not be stacking, but if it is I think it will be something that would be harder to work with than boxes or goals.
*Originally posted by Ryan Dognaux *
**It wasn’t that bad. Anyways, the Autonomous mode was awesome, it brought an angle that gave everyone a fair chance and really leveled the playing field… so I hope that comes back. I’m still waiting for the 6 team game… possibly 3 vs 3? or 2 vs 2 vs 2… it would definately speed matches along, and if the game was good it would make for a great competition
Yea I’ve been hoping to see 3 v 3 or 2 v 2 v 2 since 2002 (Yes not that long ago.) That with autonomous would make for a fun and interesting game. Teams may also be able to get into more matches and it may create a much more fan friendly game. That could also bring strategy to a new level.
-Pat
Hmm, well so far the game has been limited to a Max of 4 bots because of the 4 channel limit on the control system.
As I stated in a separate thread, the response from IFI that I received stated that all the info on the new control system will be posted on their site on October 1st.
Perhaps the new system will support more than 4 channels?
The game field would have to be enlarged, but as I’ve said before, if they’re changing the controls, they’re likely to change the field, If they want to.
So far we’ve learned lost about the games from the control systems, pre-season.
Especially last year, when we received info on creating autonomous routines with the eduBot. Also the annual FIRST hint revealed the ramp, and hinted at building things.
Keep an eye out for pre-season documentation. It’s full of information!
I beleive Auto mode has been confirmed that it will be in at least the next 2 years by IFI.
For me I didn’t like the auto mode but I guess it was ok… I agree though that they will go with it again this year… I think they will probably make auto mode longer like to say 20-25 seconds… I have no clue what they will do for this years game… I hope they do something with tubes like they did in I believe 1997 when my brother was on the team and TJ was able to get 7, yes 7 tires a time up on top of the scoring tree…
Submarines!
*Originally posted by KenWittlief *
**Submarines! **
Ohhh, here it goes.
Now, seriously, I don’t think they will lengthen the autonomous time for a few reasons. Last year, about the last half the autonomous time did not contain movement of anything in the majority of most matches. The other reason is that for robots that do have programs which take advantage of the whole 15 seconds, they sometimes would get stuck against something early on and be stalling motors for the remainder of the time; very bad for the motors and electronics and it kills your battery too. For teams that don’t stall out, they spin the tires for a long period of time, still bad for the tires anyway.
So, I think the autonomous mode will remian at 15 seconds. One part of FIRST is not having enough time to do everything you want; e.g. the 6 week build.
I also think that more points will be scored for tasked performed in autonomous mode than in user mode.
*Originally posted by KenWittlief *
**Submarines! **
High School students + electronics + water = the most devestating accidents in the U.S.
Hmm.
Well, I just found out that this year there are, or were, 5 game committees around the US. Each one was assigned with the task of creating their own game to present it on September 1st, and one would be chosen. So, the game is done. The trick is figuring it out. Here’s a “list of likeliness”(this is just my prediction):
Auto Mode - 80%
KOTH - 75%
Basic Scoring by pushing - 100%
2 or more advanced scoring methods - 80%
Same field Size/Shape - 100% (I have had this verified)
Different Driver Positioning - 25% (as in across the wide side of the field)
Balls - 50%
Goals - 50%
Scoring Areas (KOTH included) - 75%
Bins - 25%
Blocks - 50%
Climbing - 40%
Going Under Things - 60%
Ramp (small or large) - 25%
Plateau - 50%
Gates/Fences/Doors - 60%
Anyway, this isn’t my full list, but it’s a good idea, I guess. Anyway, I still like my “Sumo Circle” idea. A Circle for KOTH points in the center, you have to be touching inside the circle to get the points. Think of the pushing battles…
The only problem is too many bots would block off the whole area in some way…
By attending the Manchester FIRST Forum back last June, it seemed that Autonomous and 2 v 2 were definatley sticking around. Also, more selection and variability in the kit of parts was something they wanted to work on.
As for the 5 regional groups, don’t even try to get a word out of them about their suggested game… they won’t say anything. And most likely, 2004’s game would be some kind of mix of all of them (picking the best aspects of each game and combining them).
I’m not even going to bother seriously trying to guess 2004’s game. I’m just going to keep preparing my team for the unpredictable.