I've spent a lot of time today perusing TF2 game modes and maps in preparation for a local LAN party that I am staffing, and thoughts invariably drifted to CTF. I realize it's kind of late considering the contest ending in four days, but I have not, in my skimming so far, found something similar.
This is my idea; add one simple mechanism to competitive CTF, a flag lock. When one team is carrying the flag (or intel or whatever other item you happen to be implementing), the opposing flag is locked (can not be picked up, but otherwise functions as always). This allows teams to protect their own flag by going on the offense, and rewards them for seeing it all the way through without tripping up. It also opens up possibilities for more risky strategy, like splitting off one or two players to ninja the enemy flag before they can get to yours. Also, there is an inherent risk in ever dropping the flag, because you may not be able to pick it up if the enemy grabs yours in the mean time. Perhaps a grace could be added to let coordinated teams pass quickly, but no more than that.
I really can't think of any negatives to this. Any thoughts?
This is my idea; add one simple mechanism to competitive CTF, a flag lock. When one team is carrying the flag (or intel or whatever other item you happen to be implementing), the opposing flag is locked (can not be picked up, but otherwise functions as always). This allows teams to protect their own flag by going on the offense, and rewards them for seeing it all the way through without tripping up. It also opens up possibilities for more risky strategy, like splitting off one or two players to ninja the enemy flag before they can get to yours. Also, there is an inherent risk in ever dropping the flag, because you may not be able to pick it up if the enemy grabs yours in the mean time. Perhaps a grace could be added to let coordinated teams pass quickly, but no more than that.
I really can't think of any negatives to this. Any thoughts?