Seems like this topic is getting some popularity, so I'll add my 2 cents as well.
BnGI'll be a bit sentimental here.
Even with the current amount of rules, it's a shitty feeling when I'm trying to play it the way I like (you could say "with style") and I'm getting beaten with "cheap", "uninspired" shots and rollers.
I think, most of those who like BnG, think of it as "the gentleman's game".
Imagining the variant with even less rules, where all "cheapness" is allowed makes me think we need more rules, not less. It makes me think even removing it from the classic league would be better than letting "cheapness" take over.
At first glance, at least. Because all is not what it seems.
I like to think that BnG is about the creativity of utilizing your very limited options. And, while their goal is to prevent "cheapness", rules also limit creativity. Both in the sense of the shots (normal 5s grenades, for example) and in the sense of playing style (expecting each other to use a wide variety of shots).
Maybe I (we?) should start differentiating between funners and competitive BnG, and this thread is about the latter.
In competitive BnG, there shouldn't be such thing as "cheap", to begin with. Anything that's not forbidden is a part of the game and should be reckoned with, unless you prevent it by pushing and hiding.
These are the rules I'd have:
- reaim (aim vertically up or down at the start of your turn)
- only bazookas and grenades can be used for attacking
- random double cavern maps with the top part removed
These rules I'm not sure about:
- stay on your half of the map - because it's a bit vague
- no sitters - also, a bit vague (can't really measure .25 sec (or anything) live in the game)
- no 1s grenade attack - it actually isn't that easy and hardly ever useful anyway
- no straight bazooka shots - if your position allows it, you're probably doing something wrong
- no defensive girder - I'm generally not sure about girder(s) in BnG
These rules I would remove:
- 5s only with lg or max bounce - this is just a weird way trying to enforce the no sitter rule, while doing more harm
- no darksiding - why not hide well, if you can? destroying hides can be part of the game
Weapon options (other than the obvious):
- teleport
- shotgun
- blowtorch
- pneumatic drill
- fire punch
I'd suggest to have infinite of all of these, as skipping a turn of attack is enough of a trade anyway.
I'm not sure about girder, maybe let's keep the one for now, but the "no defensive girder" rule is a bit vague...
Team17I wouldn't add hotseat time.
I wouldn't add infinite girders (endgame can get bad enough already).
I don't think keeping weapons for next round in case of a draw would be fair.
Having mines could be an interesting addition, though.