Normal Game Balance

[shellyc]

In my opinion, normal games (specifically mini-normals) have become overly townsided, often as part of the review process.

If this is a commonly held sentiment (i.e. not just me and a handful of others) then this seems to me like something that should be redressed for the sake of the normal queue. Consider this an info-gathering exercise to see if (1) there actually is a widespread perception that mini-normals are townsided and (2) as a sampler for interest for those who would be interested in playing in mini-normals that abide by all the rules of normalcy but may not be approved for balance (due to the bias towards townsided setups).

In the case that (1) is true, I think the NRG needs to take that feedback on board and work towards countering the townsided bias present. In the case that (2) has significant or moderate interest, I may run a game/a series of games in the mini theme queue that will be normal for all intents and purposes, but will be balanced by my standards rather than the current NRG standards for balance.

I almost exclusively play normals on this site so far and I agree with this, there are a lot of really townsided setups in normal queue

I'll be interested in mini themes that are normal but more scumsided than the current normal site meta

[shellyc]

If you consider that example game emblematic it sounds like your problem may be more to do with swinginess of power roles instead of balance. It's not how much town is winning but how town is winning that feels bad to you.

I played in that game and imo, the vengeful/vig gave town win on the brink of defeat

scum not knowing that they were in a bad position doesn't make for great gameplay
the setup had a load of PRs vig/vengefulBP/doctor/role watcher/Vanilla Cop had the potential of multiple clears/town killing power which together could result in town stomp