I wasn't going to get involved in this thread, mostly because we seem to discuss changes to free league at least once or twice a year, and nothing ever happens, so it seems like a pointless argument. However, I have been thinking it over and I'd like to share my ideas for an ideal 8-scheme free league that would attract both classic league players and new players on wormnet.
First of all, I do think free league should be modelled on classic league, with 4 rope schemes and 4 default schemes. I actually think this is essential in order to get a decent number of people playing. I would also reject all 'specialist' schemes (such as bungee race, SSR, etc), anything that basically turns into a free win for the 3 or 4 players who are actually good at them. The learning curve for these games is just too high, and especially these days you can't expect anyone to put the hours in to mastering them. And if the schemes are not being played at their highest level, then what is the point of including them? So I am proposing a balanced league of 4 rope schemes and 4 default schemes, all of which require different skills and can be easily picked up for new players.
My 8 schemes:
Darts - I think this one is pretty obvious. Skill-based scheme, plenty of maps, popular with new players and with a dedicated cult following that will add to the activity of the league. My only problem with it is that it can get a bit map-whorey, so I would recommend making bo3 map-picker mandatory. dS community will remain in charge of approving / rejecting new maps based on their fairness.
Big RR - Don't think anyone is disputing that this should be included, it's a very popular scheme on wormnet for old and new players. I would however eliminate draws by taking the remaining number of seconds in your turn when you hit finish into account.
ZaR Roper - Yes I'm biased but I really think this scheme deserves it's chance in free league. It has one of the largest active communities on tus (way bigger than dS, for example). It's played in AG way more often than than most free league schemes, new players enjoy it and I think it would also attract some of the best ropers from classic league. TFL really needs a good rope/attack scheme to be successful, it's something that is fast-paced and fun and will add something fresh and different to the league.
Regarding fairness: I don't see why people complain about the instant mines, it's the same for both players, avoiding them is part of the challenge. If anything it actually makes it easier to come back when you are behind. And yes you can get some impossible / unlucky crates but no more so than in roper, and navigating these turns is a big part of the strategy of the scheme. Destructible terrain also adds another strategic element, opening up tunnels when you are ahead and so on. Overall I think it's just as skill-based as normal roper, just with a different set of challenges. And in leagues it will be played with 2 worms per player, of course, as in the ZaR cups and tournaments we have run (check the results from these - the best players wins way more often than not).
Wascar - Always been a very successful scheme in WO, seems to be one that a lot of people enjoy and it's totally fair so I don't know why it hasn't been mentioned more for league play in the past. It's a different kind of racing to big RR, much closer to ttrr and requires great skill and concentration.
Intermediate - The original WA scheme should obviously be included. I would also make it bo1 and allow the player who picks the scheme to decide whether it is played on an island or cavern map.
Forts - Kind of a BnG equivalent for free league, I think it's important to have a scheme that rewards these skills as well. Has a decent amount of strategy involved too. People might say that it takes too long but in 1v1 with 3 worms per player I don't really agree that it does. Sudden death could also be moved up to around the 15/20 minute mark. I would also make default-sized maps mandatory unless both players agree.
Aerial - Again, this one is pretty obvious. Very popular scheme that requires different skills. I would personally keep the crates, I think they make it more interesting, though obviously superweapons and x2 damage should be removed. Sudden death is essential too, not sure if it has been officially added to the free league scheme but seems like most players agree that it should be.
Boom Race - I would also be ok with Battle Race instead (although I agree that it can get too map-whorey). Boom race is a fun scheme that is fairly easy to pick up, and one that players can improve on with practice. I also wouldn't mind Kaos or Drown Syndrome as the 8th scheme, but there's no way they should be bo3 because they take far too long. So I think boom race would be my pick for the 8th scheme.
Few other things:
Regarding bo7 playoffs - I wouldn't mind it, but I think if it were to happen then classic league should switch to bo7 too so that the two leagues share the same format. I think bo5 quarter-finals / semi-finals and bo7 final might also be a good solution.
60 day-seasons and resetting overall stats - yes, obviously if any many changes to TFL occur then these should definitely happen.
Make these changes and you will have a fun and fair league that attracts players of all skill-levels. I'm sure activity would be off the hook, there is something there for anyone and none of the boring or isolating schemes that only one or two people are good at. Hope you guys agree.
Spleen out.
