Slitherine

RBS and Pete were debating something in another thread that is relevant here. To paraphrase, RBS said mirror match capability ends debate on balance and I agree. Both players play both sides on the same map a.k.a the Slitherine open tournament. I appreciate and eagerly play in the Digital League Tournament and under the current format one of the skills is picking a list that can handle 9 foes and anachronistic match-ups. Don't tell me everyone is lazy like me when it comes time to sign up in the league (saying armies to follow). I bet there are some, and ok, maybe sometimes me, that want to see what others are picking so they can counter. In the current format, imbalance is part of the game and hence one of the challenges the most skillful of us must learn to overcome....unless we generally cant. This is the case with select lists that have or will be nerffed (Jewish revolt, Indians, Romano British, Kingdom of Soissons). I respect all the thoughtfulness and passion on wanting a better game, but defining what better means (more historical vs. more a game, flanks attacks including the side squares vs only including the (expanded) rear) I think misses a key the point that there is a game system in place that equalizes competitive play; this, I think, is the real concern given the participants in this thread are mostly league players. For Fun, it seems like in the last 2 weeks we have had an explosion of Mods. If there is an insight or game experience from those mods worth making part of the vanilla game, I am sure thoughtful arguments that consider overall game balance will be considered. But for competitive play, in the digital league, it is what it is and we all go into it knowing the rules so far.

What I think might be a good idea for a trial would be a build upon what Pete runs in the theme event. Mirror matches but using an Age vs a geography or fighting style. However, mirror matches in more than one or two divisions, with the surge of players signing up for season 8 would be a monster to run and participate in. It would also change recording keeping and much more. But mirror matches ends the balance debate. Mirror matches make it all about vision and skill. Lets see how Ludendorph feels getting picked to death...better yet lets win more points than him doing it!

To be honest, I find mirror matches boring and doubling the number of games per player and per division is a non-starter, I think. At least for me. I have only entered the Classical section this time and that is 9 games as it is. That is a large number of games for most players other than Bunny and others who play 36 or whatever.

I started this thread to point out some imbalances that I perceived in one army composition. Obviously, there will be debate and some will agree or disagree with my view. As nyczar mentions, some armies have already been nerfed so there is a process in place already. This is the best way forward, I think - getting feedback from the community and adjusting things once the 'data' is in and opinions have been given!

TheGrayMouser wrote: ↑Thu May 21, 2020 11:26 am IMHO the Swiss Army knife effect is less about the lists or allies, it’s the ability to build the army AFTER you see the map. Solution: submit a fixed list to the organizers of tournaments which is then published once it starts, no “changies”

I kind of agree with this and was looking into making a mod that would hide the map during unit selection, but it turned out to be quite an involved change and I put it on the backburner indefinitely.

What about a mod that automatically selects all the units of one's army, so the players can't choose any, like currently for a few units or in scenarii ? Can't it make fun games ?

Athos1660 wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 11:29 am What about a mod that automatically selects all the units of one's army, so the players can't choose any, like currently for a few units or in scenarii ? Can't it make fun games ?

There's already option for this when you create a challenge. Automatic force selection, or something like that.

^This game is perfect