Work In Progress Melee Maps - Page 171

+ Show Spoiler +
I'm a Zerg player! :D

In my opinion, the third base is quite difficult to secure for a few reasons. Firstly, even if the queen at the natural works on the rocks non-stop (even with lings), you can't really defend the third whilst it is being constructed and the lings aren't being used for scouting, securing watchtowers, getting in the main to see what your opponent is doing, etc - which is what we build our 4 - 6 early zerglings for. Also, with the rocks where they are, the fairly standard (but already risky) 3 hatch before pool build order is virtually impossible because you cannot defend the third adequately when it is so far away before the rocks are destroyed (especially with the high ground cliff that allows early reapers to attack virtually non-stop).

It could work the way it is, but it would change Zerg play a lot I think, like when the third base on a map is really open, Protoss will almost always do some sort of 2 base timing. If Zerg can't get one more base than it's opponent, we have to do some serious damage to them (and then behind that we can break the rocks, so that would work).

I would suggest blocking (either with rocks or by removing the ramps) all of the other entrances to the third and then removing the rocks from the natural to the third (maybe widen that ramp that goes from the natural to the third too). That way, you get a feasible third that the other races can take easily too because it is an "in-natural" third, and it makes the high ground cliff make more sense. However, later in the game, it can be opened up to the way it is now allowing for massive attacks on both the natural and third. That would create some interesting play around those bases, though then you might need to open the high ground up a bit - think of a Protoss deathball there

About the low ground expansions, I do not think that they are pointless, but they seem very chokey, and I do not really think I can see and Zerg player securing them properly until the base above them is protected. But that's just really my opinion

Btw: I am only Platinum league but I consistently beat diamond/masters players when I do go and "ladder" (i prefer mapping now)

Hope I helped! And well done with such a unique design!

Edit: I really think that the bases above and below the mains (like plausible fourths) are really cool because if you do not spread yourself very thin, that base is available for your opponent (and vice versa).