[ Response | Lazer Tactical Action Game Message Board ]
Posted by Bazookafied
on June 23, 2009, 2:03 pm
MidSeason Report
This season, the OLCA has enjoyed some good changes and additions to our usual Fight Night Games. Now that we're halfway through Season 4, I thought it would be good to take a look back at the first half and also look to the future at the rest of the season ahead of us. We've had several significant changes this season that I will touch on.
Attendance
It's no secret that the OLCA has been seeing increasing numbers year after year. From our humble beginnings in 2006 with an average of 10 players per game to an earth-shattering average of 33 players per game for this season, we've seen many things change with these new turnout records. It's exciting to see this sporting event turn so big in a few short years but with it, we've started to see a few problems. With our Armory sitting at 40 sets, the wear and tear on gear with weekly use is starting to show. We've needed more and more batteries to be replaced more frequently and seen some gear falling into disrepair. Sundawg and I have been attempting to keep up with the repairs to keep the gear running, but it no doubt has been a bit taxing for us to handle. Because groups are now so large, it often takes us at least 30 minutes to get everyone squared away with gear and split into teams. This isn't just because of the sheer number of people who need to get stuff, but also that there's a seemingly constant stream of people showing up late that line up for more gear. This year's higher attendance has also seen some good things though, as large scale battles are becoming more of the norm. Strategies that were never possible before now have the numbers needed to be successful, but we've also seen other strategies that once worked fail miserably. It's forced many of our veteran players to rethink how they plan and play, which has kept things fresh for those who have been playing with us from the start.
Mission Park West
It's no secret that many of the Veterans have been talking about finding a new park to use for our weekly games both last year and even moreso this year. The park's irrigation system has turned once dry parts of our park into swampland and open water has welcomed more insects than usual. However, with this shift in the park's waterways, we have seen more cover and hiding spots making this park favorable for both newbies and veterans alike. The famous position of holding the Flank with a sniper rifle has proved to be more work than usual, as trees have grown taller and more lush, blocking much of the area that snipers used to be able to hit with no problems. Weather this year has been wet again, like last year, but we have not had nearly as many cancellations due to weather or a mucky park. At this point, I think we just expect the park to be a bit soggy and just tell our players to dress accordingly.
Locla Involvement/Appreciation
Especially notable in recent games, the OLCA has seen much more local interest than before. Kids in the park have actually started playing with our group, adding a new youthful element to our games. Most High School and College players are much more cautious than these spirited kids who are eacher to fight, even if it means going down in a blazing ball of Infared Death. Parents too have talked with veterans and myself about their appreciation for what we have been doing. Some have even noted that they sit on their back porches and watch the battles unfold for enjoyment. They have also noted that we have driven out the "Stoners and Druggies" who used to hang around the park. Although we really only do this once a week, it's at least nice for them to know that the park is free of those types on Monday Nights over the summer. As a result, we've also had fewer calls to law enforcement for us. Traditionally, Police have been called to the park because of misinterpreted sightings of "Paintball", "Airsoft", or my personal favorite: "Alcoholics". We've had police called so many times before that they usually skip the paperwork make sure we're "just having fun" and go on their merry way.
All in all, we've had a great season so far! Out of the 7 games we've played already, we've only had one cancelled for weather. Next week marks the OLCA's 4th Annual "Independence Eve BLAST!", an event we hold before the 4th of July with a cookout and laser tagging under the cover of fireworks. The neighborhood lights up with it's own display of fireworks that make the game atmosphere feel like a warzone and this event is always a favorite for newbies and veterans alike. I hope we continue to see good games, attendance, and weather for the remainder of Season 4!
'Zook
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