Vex High Stakes 2.0 Game Manual Update Breakdown

Summary

In this video, Evan Rogerson discusses the Version 2.0 update of the game manual for the 'High Stakes' robotics competition. He analyzes how the changes, such as the field setup modifications, the scoring criteria updates, and the autonomous win point adjustments, will impact gameplay and strategies. Evan also highlights the rule that allows tipping over goals as a defensive strategy and the increased viability of wall stakes. He concludes with thoughts on the balance of the game and the potential for higher-level play as the season progresses.

Takeaways

• 📖 The game manual update version 2.0 has been released, marking a significant change in the rules affecting gameplay strategies.
• 🔄 The field setup has been altered for the second time this season, with corner changes from squares to triangles and new scoring criteria.
• 🎯 The position of the rings on the field has been adjusted to ensure fairness, with the top ring color now consistently opposite for both alliances.
• 📈 The definition of a corner has been updated to a three-dimensional space, impacting how goals are scored and the strategy around them.
• 🤖 The rule changes have made autonomous routines more consistent, eliminating the need for different programs based on alliance color.
• 🏆 The autonomous win point criteria have been updated, now requiring four rings and three stakes, including one on the alliance stake, for high-stakes events.
• 🚫 It is now legal to remove your own rings from the field without penalty, encouraging more aggressive play and strategies.
• ⏰ The SG11 rule, which allows robots to leave the positive corner, has been extended from 10 to 15 seconds, promoting end-game hanging and wall stakes.
• 🔄 The rotation of mobile goals is now specified, providing clarity for autonomous programming and reducing surprises during matches.
• 🆕 A new rule allows objects to be thrown out of the field during robot skills matches without penalty, adding a new dimension to strategy.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to discuss and analyze the changes introduced in the game manual update version 2.0 for the game 'High Stakes' by VEX Robotics.

Why does the presenter believe the field setup change is significant?

The presenter believes the field setup change is significant because it's the second time this season it's been changed, and it alters the size and rules of the corners, which can impact gameplay strategies.

What was the issue with the previous field setup regarding the rings' position?

The issue was that the positive corner had a red ring on top regardless of the side you were on, and the negative corner had a blue ring on top, which was not fair as it could be beneficial to be on one alliance over the other depending on the robot's capabilities.

How does the change in the corner definition from a square to a triangle affect gameplay?

The change from a square to a triangle makes the corners smaller, potentially making it more challenging to score in them. It also changes the criteria for a goal to be considered scored in the corners.

What is the new rule regarding the scoring of rings on tipped goals?

The new rule states that tipped goals will still count for points even if they are not in contact with the floor within the corner zone, as long as they are in contact with the floor or white tape line anywhere.

How does the update affect the strategy of tipping goals?

Tipping goals is now less effective as an offensive strategy because the rings still count for points. However, it can be beneficial defensively to tip your own goals over to make them harder for the opposing alliance to move.

What is the impact of the rule change on the autonomous win point for world qualifying events?

The autonomous win point criteria now requires teams to score four rings instead of three, and score on three stakes instead of two, with one of those rings having to be on the alliance stake.

Why does the presenter think the change to the autonomous win point criteria will affect VEX U teams differently?

The presenter thinks the change will affect VEX U teams differently because the setup is different, requiring a goal rush to achieve the autonomous win point, which adds a layer of complexity and strategy to the game.

What is the new rule regarding the rotation of mobile goals?

The new rule specifies that the rotation of the mobile goals must be consistent with the diagrams in the game manual, which means they must face a specific direction as indicated.

How does the update handle ties in matches where no rings are scored and no robots hang?

In the case of a match with no rings scored and no robots hanging, the team with more mobile goals on their side of the field at the end of the match will be declared the winner.