Personally, I like it as it is, partly because I've published my own versions including featuring them in the Piece of the Day, and partly because my own feelings on asymmetry are similar to yours. Still, what you say about it is quite valid, as well as the point about the Viper being colorbound.
I wonder if it would be possible to split the difference, and make the off-direction moves into regular moves and rifle captures? Or move-without-capture and rifle, perhaps? That would take care of the colorbinding problem, at least, while preserving these snakes' uniqueness.
Personally, I like it as it is, partly because I've published my own versions including featuring them in the Piece of the Day, and partly because my own feelings on asymmetry are similar to yours. Still, what you say about it is quite valid, as well as the point about the Viper being colorbound.
I wonder if it would be possible to split the difference, and make the off-direction moves into regular moves and rifle captures? Or move-without-capture and rifle, perhaps? That would take care of the colorbinding problem, at least, while preserving these snakes' uniqueness.