Why stage selection should be random

[Zoidberg747]

This has been discussed many times but I am going to bring it up again because I really believe it is the right thing for this game.

Interactables make stages a huge part of this game. So huge in fact that certain MUs can be changed on different stages. A lot of the community has complained about interactables, and as I see it there are two solutions to this problem.

1. Make stage selection random while allowing the loser to re-random

Pros​

1. Forces players to learn all stages. Shows who just uses one stage as a crutch and who knows every stage and can adapt on the fly.
2. Simplicity. A lot of times people wonder whehter there is a 50/50, loser picks, or loser can re-50/50 etc. With this rule there is no confusion, player two presses X and that is the stage. Loser can rematch or re-random. This makes running tournaments that much smoother.
3. Change of scenery. Many stream monsters hate seeing the same stage over and over. With this rule you get to see a variety of stages.
4. Allows you to see all interactables and get a sense of what they truly do. Many people assume that interactables are made for power characters, because players tend to pick rooftop and throw drones. Gadget characters also have extremely dirty setups on some stages, so this rule would allow people to showcase those and make people realize that it isnt always about throwing stuff.

Cons​

1. The first parts of the stages are the only ones that will be picked(for example metropolis street would never come up). However this is how it is in most FGs, and if you want a different part of the stage you have to go get it with a ringout, transition, wall-break etc.
2. You can't counterpick stages. Some people like counterpicking stages, and I understand that. But sometimes you have to do what is best for the scene, not just best for you.

2. Turn interactables off completely​

​

Pros​

1. Stages start to not affect MUs. Focuses more on the character and their abilities.
2. Makes the game more traditional in a sense

Cons​

1. Takes away a huge part of the current metagame. Many of us have spent months learning how to best use interactables to our advantage. If we take them out then all that time spent learning them was wasted.
2. Interactables are what set IGAU apart from other fighting games. They are a new idea and for many are a great addition. Some may not find it worth playing without the interactables.
3. Balance becomes an issue. While certain stages can skew matchups in one characters favor, it also makes certain bad Mus more tolerable. It could make the game even more imbalanced than it is now.
4. Let's face it, no one knows how interactables will play out in the future. You see a lot of people getting away with throwing them randomly because we as a community have not learned to effectively avoid them(I say we because I am guilty of this as well). Still players like Chris G never use them and avoids them with ease. Over time they may not play a major role in the game at all, or could be used more intelligently in setups and other planned situations.
5. Community image. Banning things like this only makes IGAU look worse in the FGC, and make an addition NRS added to the game seem obsolete.

Personally, I prefer the first option. I think it will get rid of most stage complaints and make the game more fun to both play and watch. However, I am open to the second option, as I would rather that happen then the current stage counterpicking that is going on now.

Edit: This is all opinion of course.

 

[UsedForGlue]

Me and foxy played 50/50 and loser picks in grand finals yesterday.

It was basically bin vs water wall (Gotham - Atlantis)

I would be up for picking somewhat neutral stages for tournaments specifically, but I feel Batman abuses or utilises any level, so maybe it should be random everytime, and loser decides if he wants to change the stage.

I would be down with that.

 

[Bildslash]

The problem won't be resolved until NRS patches in an explicit Random Select Button.

 

[Zoidberg747]

Me and foxy played 50/50 and loser picks in grand finals yesterday.

It was basically bin vs water wall (Gotham - Atlantis)

I would be up for picking somewhat neutral stages for tournaments specifically, but I feel Batman abuses or utilises any level, so maybe it should be random everytime, and loser decides if he wants to change the stage.

I would be down with that.

That is what random and re-random means. You either say rematch or re-random.

 

[1man3letters]

Me and foxy played 50/50 and loser picks in grand finals yesterday.

It was basically bin vs water wall (Gotham - Atlantis)

I would be up for picking somewhat neutral stages for tournaments specifically, but I feel Batman abuses or utilises any level, so maybe it should be random everytime, and loser decides if he wants to change the stage.

I would be down with that.

yea that was the only bad point to that great set.
was like rooftop/pit all over again with mk9 when certain players played.

more stages we get to see in tourny play and the less choice the player has the the better imo,
neutral stages interesting point also, batcave is a very fair stage

 

[Dust]

'Random' does pick different parts of the stage. Thus there would only be one con on your list.

 

[LEGEND]

only reason i don't like the neutral stage idea is that it would get boring seeing the same 3-4 maps over and over. . .still probably better than dealing with the current system though

I see the issues with the random systems we currently have to chose from but if NRS doesn't fix it or at least notify us that they are working on it then i think we have to use one anyway. The 50/50 system simply does not belong in tournament play, specially not with combos like Raven or batgirl +hall of justice and Sinestro + watchtower (and to a lesser extent DS + feris, Scorpion + mess hall). Just to name a few, there are alot more MU specific counter picks that really tilt MUs simply by winning a coin toss or LOSING a game

 

[chemist4hire]

I will just post what I posted in Tom's thread:

Rule 1: All button checks happen as instant rematch of last set and will be your only button check. Any further button checks will result in DQ.You are not allowed to button check after you go to the character select screen.

Rule 2: All stages are selected randomly by 50/50 the stages selected by the cpu for p1 and p2. You are not allowed to button check after you go to character select screen. Stages selected any other way result in automatic DQ.

 

[STB Shujinkydink]

The problem won't be resolved until NRS patches in an explicit Random Select Button.

Wish in one hand, shit in the other. See which one fills up first.

 

[Gesture Required Ahead]

Turning off interactables would ruin the purpose of the whole discussion -_-

 

[1man3letters]

Cons​

1. The first parts of the stages are the only ones that will be picked(for example metropolis street would never come up). However this is how it is in most FGs, and if you want a different part of the stage you have to go get it with a ringout, transition, wall-break etc.

this is solved by players "50/50"ing the stage the player 2 icon lands on.
problem solved