Introduction
The first drawbridge contest is over and there are 20
legit entries (8 clean, 8 dirty and 4 artistic) and 11
disqualified/additional ones. Although a lot of people were on holidays
or were just leaving (only five out of the 31 best bridge builders of
all times listed in to the HoF participated), the
quantity of entries is not too bad. Despite the 'silly season'
low quantity - the quality of the bridges is again terrific.
There aren't too many drawbridge levels in the original
game and the patch 1.2 introducing pull hydraulics isn't that old.
Therefore, most of the participants had to become familiar with the
techniques needed first. Even the professionals reported some
difficulties in the forums. In addition, the use of hydraulics involves
much more abstract thinking because of augmented leverage effects.
Hence, the contest was rather a competition for the best pioneering
work than for the best application of known techniques.
Although it was a relatively quiet contest (esp. in the
CBCDF), there was some discussion on rule 1. Unfortunately, I
didn't give a sufficient definition of a drawbridge and have to
apologize for the trouble caused. Fortunately, contestants came to a
'gentlemen's agreement' and all the 'clean' entries
actually are drawbridges.
In a few seconds you will know, which of the many
concepts possible turned out to be the 'cheapest, most original,
best-looking or craziest'. Contrary to my expectations the
competition was close, very close, extreeeeemly close. You can believe
me, on Friday my eyes nearly popped out of my head when two very
competitive bridges reached my account (BTW: 'horncrg.wav' is my
new-mail-arrival sound) within two hours that differed by only
$13. Unfortunately, the cheaper one turned out to be unclean
(thanks Gray for double checking). Well, in conformity with rule 15 the
artist had a second chance ... Believe it or not, this did not turn to be
the closest thing in this contest ...
As always, any feedback on the contest is welcome.
Please post your thoughts in this forum thread. Each of the winners will get an eternal place in
the Hall Of Fame (if he doesn't have one yet) once Gray gets the
necessary information from them. The bridge cost discussion forum is no
longer password-protected until the next contest starts. For your
reference, the rules/prizes page and the contest level file can still
be found here.
Last but not least I'd like to thank Gray, Mendel
and Josiah for answering all my questions and the community for
participating and interest. Running this contest was a great pleasure
and a privilege.
Now, I won't put you on the rack anymore, the
results:
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