Better than Blizzard Map Challenge - Page 4

After tinkering with the idea to use Strangewood-symmetry i decided to have no golds, extra bases and keep rotational symmetry. Also I wanted to do a map that is as solid as Whirlwind, but allows more aggressive and creative plays - it should be a remake of Backwater Gulch basically so it really needs that aspect. No gimmicks, straight forward but more than macro only.

One of the main issues with Backwater's design is the overall size combined with a central forward choke/nat ramp - which decreases the actual rush distance. I decided to keep the nat and ramp setup, but took away the rocks (which are there for close distances basically) - this was possible by my design for the double thirds which do not connect directly, but via the highround. If you look at frost you understand the concept easily: make all paths go through center to increase rush distance. Yet i do not like the idea of outside routes too detached from other paths, so i came up with that idea of highround pods that should create some interesting decision making and possibly army splitting.

I was not interested to create a specific design or add all kind of tech details to enhance blizzards visual design. On the contrary I tried to make it super simple and took a graphical approach by switching a few textures to make levels stand out more and increase contrast.

If I had more time i would add some yellow cranes.