[CSL] Community Map-Making Contest - Page 6

This was originally supposed to be a small map inspired by Scrap Station and Jungle Basin, but I experimented with the main/nat/third layout a lot until I found something that worked, and then I had to enlarge the map because while small maps can be fun, this led to some problems with the in-base natural. Here's an image of a very early version that had many obvious problems; as you can see it's quite different now.

Apart from the lack of watchtowers (which I feel really aren't needed on this map) the most notable features are the in-base expansions with 6 minerals and 1 gas (like Crevasse) and the rocks with 1000 hp and 1 armor (also like Crevasse). This setup looks like it might handicap Z, but holding off 1.5-base pressure on 2.5 bases is easier than holding off 2-base pressure on 3 bases, so it somewhat cancels out. If you play Z, you should have a good plan before going into a game on this map, though, because standard play might not get you very far. Creep spread is paramount.

An idea that I try to implement in all my maps is the lack of a clear expansion pattern. Here, this even extends to the natural, as in some cases it might be well worth to prolong expanding until you see your opponent expand to the in-base natural, then take the third instead straight away. You can even try to then expand to the bottom of the map and stay half a base ahead.

(Additional information: You can't target the in-base natural from the low ground with tanks, but you can target the geyser. You can't warp in across the rocks. Blinking across the gaps in front of the third is possible but requires precision. The narrow lanes can be walled off with a single 3x3 building at their diagonal sections. The bastions aren't cliffable, in case it wasn't obvious. Also, there's a rare (and old) SC2 bug where units don't always take the shortest route; on this map it can happen that when you send a scout to the opponent's main, it may travel through the small ramps in the middle of the map instead of following the pink line. Won't waste more than one or two seconds, just don't be surprised if it happens.)

I chose to display the pathing mesh instead of doodads for the overview image as it might be slightly confusing from a top-down perspective. The yellow squares are LOS blockers.

The map was inspired by Blue Storm, or rather by the idea behind it. The most notable feature of course is the narrow path through the middle that in the beginning can only be avoided by taking much longer routes, so you can spot pushes early. Later on, most of the action will happen along the somewhat more open side paths, so choose your third carefully.

The watchtowers provide full air coverage, it is impossible to squeeze units between their vision and the border. Take advantage of an opponent that neglects them, but don't over prioritize them when your forces are spread thin.

I'm not sure I'm entirely happy with the dimensions of the paths along the middle lane, but we'll see.

(Also the map was supposed to be called Fault Line, but the name was unavailable.)