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EDIT 13/1/2015
As of today I'm re-starting my efforts to make this a success, hoping that more people will participate in attempt #2! Please sign up, join the channel and have fun! Give good feedback and nominate Community made maps YOU think deserve extra attention and testing!
Leave a post with your In Game Name, Friend Code, Server, League and Race. channel "TLMapTest".
Lots of love, Toastie
Community Map Testing: Official Thread
Hello TL.net!
We've got #Dreampool coming up for Season 4. If you haven't heard of it yet; this is what the Dreampool is: Thread: #Dreampool Finalised. I fear this ladder might not be the most preferred place to play for a lot of people. To take advantage of that, this is a golden opportunity to get more people into playing Custom Games and Community made maps!
+ Show Spoiler [Reasoning for starting this thread] +Some people might not be too fond of the new (old) maps we'll be presented with. It might be fun to play around for a bit for nostalgic reasons, but both balance and fun are highly concerning factors to me, and most players with me. Some maps may not be too great with certain new units, have a history of allowing absurd all ins with Ridiculous winrates to run rampant, odd designs that encourage turtling, etcetera. Because I fear a lot of people will be like, "meh", I came up with an idea with multiple benefits. I will attempt to bring the spotlight on community made maps. Big J made a post about attempting to inject maps that finished high on the Map of the Month contest into tournament play ( Thread: Tournament Mappool and Map Spotlight). WCS causes a big problem for the map making community in that it highly limits the fielded maps to the 7 Blizzard selected for the seasonal map pool. A tournament featuring different maps will not be allowed to give out WCS points and as such lack incentive for players to come to. There's a problem in being able to playtest community made maps because they are not being fielded (because they are probably slightly imbalanced because they aren't playtested well because.......).
I want to use the current 'off season' to draw attention to the people that make excellent, gorgeous maps. These people do not get the recognition they deserve for all their effort and hard work. My goal is to get people to play and enjoy the Community Made Maps. I want to give attention to these maps and the mapping scene, learn new things about maps, push boundaries, develop the game!
I want to use this thread to start a platform for players and mapmakers to communicate. I want to pick 3 maps that we can thoroughly test for 2 weeks. Next 2 weeks, different maps. We can give good feedback, provide replays and give attention and praise to those people that create maps.
Participating
It can be hard to find people of the same level and interest to play custom games with. That's why you can leave your information here. Leave a post with your In Game Name, Friend Code, Server, League and Race. I'll compile those into the OP. The information is located at the end of this post. You can also join the channel "TLMapTest".
For the first two weeks, we'll use three maps that popped up in the previously mentioned thread. For the following weeks, I'll try to make a good, diverse selection from the options that come up in this thread and in my inbox. For additional information about the maps and for their discussion threads, you can find the link beneath the overview.
Cactus Valley by Ferisii
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/NUzaUrE.jpg)
Thread: Cactus Valley
Interesting aspects of this map include the non-straight forward expanding (depending on spawns and preferance, mostly) and the very interesting center!
Scorpion 61 by Big J
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/CWNFHiA.jpg)
Thread: Scorpion 61
This is a reasonably sized 2p map with 12 bases (of which 2 are high yield). There is a wide variety of attack paths and expanding beyond a third base becomes increasingly difficult. And it has Tennis Courts ^_^!
Cassiopeia by Xenotolerance
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/jPNCExe.png)
Thread: Cassiopeia
I like the way this map looks for positional play. The first three bases are relatively easy to take, but defending the ramps might prove to be quite hard. The natural is vulnerable to aerial assaults (just like King Sejong Station) and overal, the map looks very interesting as well ^_^!
+ Show Spoiler [Signed Up Players] ++ Show Spoiler [EU] +![[image loading]](http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft/images2/c/cb/BronzeMedium.png) ![[image loading]](http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft/images2/2/22/SilverMedium.png) ![[image loading]](http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft/images2/5/55/GoldMedium.png) ![[image loading]](http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft/images2/2/2b/PlatinumMedium.png) Jay.727, Terran Gwavanoob.810, Terran ![[image loading]](http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft/images2/9/90/DiamondMedium.png) Toastie.869, Random Jay.727, Zerg IeZaeL.684, Protoss Velvex.882, Zerg Ejwoda.197, Zerg ![[image loading]](http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft/images2/2/26/MasterMedium.png) Speedy.540, Zerg Downfall,367, Zerg, Protoss Dynge.1135, Terran ![[image loading]](http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft/images2/5/5f/Grandmaster_49x48.png) Downfall.367, Terran GoStu.361, Protoss TheTemplar.234, Random Trfel.542, Protoss BueBz.325, Zerg Topin.523, Terran Flume.219, Protoss Defenestratr.483, Zerg
+ Show Spoiler [For Map Submissions] +If you wish to see your map in one of the coming weeks, please send a PM to SC2Toastie. Include the map thread, a short summary of the maps flow/creation and preferably some replays. We strife to use maps that are as balanced as possible, so make sure your map doesn't have large exploits. Thanks for your time!
Please discuss the maps, the initiative, maps you'd like to see in coming weeks, replays, fun stuff that happened, new friends you made!
Kind regards, and have fun,
Toastie
TL;DR
3 Community Made Maps. Every 2 Weeks. Leave a post with your In Game Name, Friend Code, Server, League and Race[/b]. channel "TLMapTest".
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Sadly I don't have the time to play, but this is an awesome initiative and I hope many people will jump in to test these community maps that definitely deserve some love (: (maybe someone with a Twitter could tweet this at progamers like Snute/Scarlett/Grubby/Bunny/etc? With a bit of luck some of them might be interested to try them out, especially as part of their stream)
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On November 06 2014 22:14 OtherWorld wrote:
Sadly I don't have the time to play, but this is an awesome initiative and I hope many people will jump in to test these community maps that definitely deserve some love (: (maybe someone with a Twitter could tweet this at progamers like Snute/Scarlett/Grubby/Bunny/etc? With a bit of luck some of them might be interested to try them out, especially as part of their stream)
I don't use twitter, but that is a nice idea.
Are you sure you'll not find any time to play a couple of games until Season 1 starts in january 0_0!? I'll try to cycle through maps every 3 weeks. Tough life bro...
Thanks for the kind words, please spread the thread  !
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Sign me up!
Jay.727, EU
Zerg ~high diamond; can offrace Terran as well, though on worse level
Gonna hang out in the TLMapTest chat channel on EU for the next hour.
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On November 06 2014 22:18 Big J wrote:Sign me up! Jay.727, EU Zerg ~high diamond; can offrace Terran as well, though on worse level Gonna hang out in the TLMapTest chat channel on EU for the next hour.
Done.
Nice !
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On November 06 2014 22:15 SC2Toastie wrote:Show nested quote +On November 06 2014 22:14 OtherWorld wrote:
Sadly I don't have the time to play, but this is an awesome initiative and I hope many people will jump in to test these community maps that definitely deserve some love (: (maybe someone with a Twitter could tweet this at progamers like Snute/Scarlett/Grubby/Bunny/etc? With a bit of luck some of them might be interested to try them out, especially as part of their stream) I don't use twitter, but that is a nice idea. Are you sure you'll not find any time to play a couple of games until Season 1 starts in january 0_0!? I'll try to cycle through maps every 3 weeks. Tough life bro... Thanks for the kind words, please spread the thread !
Will do !
+ Show Spoiler +
I'm studying really hard, the only times I'm not working is about 2h/week of guitar and 2h/week of running. (and when I browse TL during my breaks obviously)
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On November 06 2014 22:20 OtherWorld wrote:Show nested quote +On November 06 2014 22:15 SC2Toastie wrote:On November 06 2014 22:14 OtherWorld wrote:
Sadly I don't have the time to play, but this is an awesome initiative and I hope many people will jump in to test these community maps that definitely deserve some love (: (maybe someone with a Twitter could tweet this at progamers like Snute/Scarlett/Grubby/Bunny/etc? With a bit of luck some of them might be interested to try them out, especially as part of their stream) I don't use twitter, but that is a nice idea. Are you sure you'll not find any time to play a couple of games until Season 1 starts in january 0_0!? I'll try to cycle through maps every 3 weeks. Tough life bro... Thanks for the kind words, please spread the thread ! Will do ! + Show Spoiler +
I'm studying really hard, the only times I'm not working is about 2h/week of guitar and 2h/week of running. (and when I browse TL during my breaks obviously)
No passion ;-)
Good luck my friend !
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Good initiative, just some slight criticism, 3maps is a bit small for a pool, regardless if its a testing pool and only 2 week span.
Expedition lost has already seen testing during its run in the tournament following crux' map competition.
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Im up !
IeZaeL#684 EU Diamond protoss , though i didnt play for some time so i might be some plat/gold scrub.
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your Country52797 Posts
I'll play
TheTemplar.234
North American Server
Platinum (Probably gold level)
Random/Protoss
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On November 06 2014 22:33 Meavis wrote:
Good initiative, just some slight criticism, 3maps is a bit small for a pool, regardless if its a testing pool and only 2 week span.
Expedition lost has already seen testing during its run in the tournament following crux' map competition.
I've thought about these numbers quite a bit.
We have to keep in mind that this is not ladder. 3 maps really don't get boring in 2 weeks, if you add too many maps, the thing becomes 'too big'. I think 3 keeps the attention kinda focussed and 2 weeks is not that long. But I might adjust later on, we'll see!
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Really fun so far! Will be on in a few hours again, hope someone else will be there too!
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Even better idea than the other thread, although it would be nice if you figured out a way to allow people to select the maps democratically.
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On November 07 2014 00:39 -NegativeZero- wrote:
Even better idea than the other thread, although it would be nice if you figured out a way to allow people to select the maps democratically.
Given this is a first attempt, I've done it myself. For further sets, I want to use community input.
I don't think democratic is the way to go, as it takes attention away from what we're trying to achieve by putting too much emphasis on democratically selected maps (which, I fear, will be as close to standard as possible, as that feels 'safer').
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Hi great idea I hope it works.
I played emerald plaza V1.0 on eu server, against AI, it looks promising with lots of content to explore. A few points though :
- on naturals, there's a patch of mineral that can't be accessed directly, workers have to walk around the line to get to them, thus not mining efficiently.
- another issue (maybe) is the fact that natural entrance is far from the natural base, so zergs may be annoyed if the want a nice wall off - but I m not zerg so...
anwyay : I m on EU server, name is Gwavanoob, code is 810 I play terran and I'm in plat league.
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On November 07 2014 00:50 Gwavajuice wrote:
Hi great idea I hope it works.
I played emerald plaza V1.0 on eu server, against AI, it looks promising with lots of content to explore. A few points though :
- on naturals, there's a patch of mineral that can't be accessed directly, workers have to walk around the line to get to them, thus not mining efficiently.
- another issue (maybe) is the fact that natural entrance is far from the natural base, so zergs may be annoyed if the want a nice wall off - but I m not zerg so...
anwyay : I m on EU server, name is Gwavanoob, code is 810 I play terran and I'm in plat league.
Big J and I played some games with the creator if Emerald Plaza. We too noticed that there's a mineral off. Also, one of the gasses at the natural takes 4 workers to properly saturate.
As for the Zerg wall of, on for example Marry go Round or Overgrowth, you need a tumor to access your wall-off. That shouldn't be too big a problem.
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Trfel 642
NA Diamond Protoss
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velvex.882, EU Diamond Zerg
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Downfall.367
Europe - can also play on NA with random surges of ping
Terran ~top50 GM
Offraces: probably anywhere from Master to low GM depending on match-ups (obviously I'm better in the vT ones)
Some remarks from just looking at them against the AI:
Expedition Lost - As I said before I have concerns about the backdoor rocks, and upon closer inspection the fact you can't Reaper scout (unless I missed something the main is only accessible through the main ramp) only makes matters worse. The "backdoor + no Reaper scout + main big enough to hide stuff" combo seems too much in PvT, even if the backdoor is a very tight choke. Will see upon testing.
Scorpion 61 - Looks nice, both visually and strategically.
Emerald Plaza - nice green identity Reminded me of some War3 maps. As said above some resources in the natural are off (one geyser + one mineral block). I wonder why half of the main ledge is inaccessible for Reapers? And I also wonder if the map wouldn't be more interesting without the Xel'Naga Tower at the middle.
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Sign me up.
Dynge#1135
League: Master
Race: Terran
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This is really cool! Thanks for doing this Toastie.
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I've added the first people to the OP.
Anybody has any experiences to share on the maps :-)?
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This sounds cool.
BueBz#325
League: Diamond
Race: Zerg
NA Server
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On November 07 2014 09:03 BueBz_ wrote:
This sounds cool.
BueBz#325
League: Diamond
Race: Zerg
NA Server
Thank you :-)
I signed you up!
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Topin #523
League: Diamond
Race: Terran
NA Server
sounds cool
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Flume.219
Diamond, NA server
Protoss
I only saw this initiative after seeing your post in the season 1 map pool thread. I think it's a really great initiative and hopefully I can give some feedback.
Edit: I realized that the last post was in November, but looking at how unpopular the map pool is hopefully this can gain some traction.
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Alright, let's just try to breathe some life back into this!
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Might want to switch off expedition lost :D Also im doing an update to emerald plaza , so you should temporarily remove it too.
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Defenestratr.483
Diamond
Zerg
NA Server
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On January 14 2015 03:04 Defenestrator wrote:
Defenestratr.483
Diamond
Zerg
NA Server
Thanks for signing up!
On January 14 2015 03:04 IeZaeL wrote:
Might want to switch off expedition lost :D Also im doing an update to emerald plaza , so you should temporarily remove it too.
Will take them out as soon as I find good alternatives ^_^. As you know, I always communicate with the maps' owner first, before putting it up in here. Please let me know when you're done updating, your map had some gameplay issues but was really promising!
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Ejwoda.197
Diamond Zerg EU
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Added Cactus Valley as a featured map!
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What kind of feedback are we to give? Do we just type our thoughts on this thread? Do we post a replay?
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A replay is highly valuable, but your thoughts in what you consider to be the map features to be is nice too, any idea of how you would like the maps to be, what you think is X good for you, what is bad and why.
Thank you for keeping this up toastie, always nice to have the maps and ideas been played ^^
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heres a vod with me and Ukko (who, I might add, is a better player than me) on Cactus Valley
http://ggtracker.com/matches/5733831
Even though I lost to swarm hosts, I'm not so sure if they were really good on that map. I was just outplayed, but hopefully the vod helps. We're currently both ranked diamond players.
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Alright, as for the way you can contribute...
For map makers it is very hard to find testers, people who check and abuse the map so the map makers can make proper adjustments to make the map more balanced.
You can upload replays, give direct feedback (for example, I played a game on Cactus Valley and have to say that it must have felt quite hard for my Zerg opponent to attack into PFs) or how for example the center is a bit useless (as in, non-cross the center doesn't fill a purpose). You can also say how pretty you think the map is, Cactus Valley has some really slick aesthetical work on it !
Just play games for fun and on the side, look for small tips to give to the maps creator (preferably in this thread and his/her map thread).
I also just added a new map, giving us three maps to play on for the upcoming time. Welcome Cassiopeia!
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Czech Republic12129 Posts
deacon 630
EU only(lags to NA)
Protoss
Platinum*
Edit> I will be in SC2 most of the time from 6 to 8 PM CET
*Actually Platinum(I like the platinum logo the most, it reminds me Atreides from Dune). Though I used to be diamond most of the time(see my ladder history), consider yourself warned ,-)
(on the other side I have really bad losing streak on my account now)
I can offrace, but my zerg is maybe silver and Terran could be low gold(when I try I can split marines! And die horribly anyway). I will turn sending messages by friends only to off, select the channel now and go to bed ,-)
But feel free to PM me anytime you see me in SC2, as soon as I finish ladder game I will be free to play Also if you are in my rage ignore, I am sorry, but I am horrible person on ladder(does not apply to custom games).
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Canada60 Posts
I see you've got Bronze through Grandmaster symbols in the OP, but are results/tests from low leagues particularly useful? I'm a gold Protoss player and I question whether or not my games really mean much in terms of analysis. Nonetheless, I'll throw in for a custom game or two
GoStu #361 on NA. Gold league. Protoss player. Off races probably silver or worse.
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Having more eyes look on the map, regardless of skill level, is always good as some people might point something out that other people haven't. Some examples could be like, the map is hard to read/understand and/or there are game performance losses on the map(s). etc.
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Toastie , if you want i released the new Emerald plaza version. Might add it again ?
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Hey guys, I will be hanging out in the channel tonight on EU. Probably around 8pm CET (but depends on my workload) if anyone wants to play.
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On January 15 2015 08:08 GoStu wrote:
I see you've got Bronze through Grandmaster symbols in the OP, but are results/tests from low leagues particularly useful? I'm a gold Protoss player and I question whether or not my games really mean much in terms of analysis. Nonetheless, I'll throw in for a custom game or two
GoStu #361 on NA. Gold league. Protoss player. Off races probably silver or worse.
You can see as well as I can whether a mineral is missplaced, there's some pathing bug with collosi, whether a certain ledge is particularly abusable?
You can also give feedback on aesthetics, etcetera! As Ferisii says, every set of eyes is helpful!
On January 15 2015 22:57 Ferisii wrote:
Having more eyes look on the map, regardless of skill level, is always good as some people might point something out that other people haven't. Some examples could be like, the map is hard to read/understand and/or there are game performance losses on the map(s). etc.
Exactly.
On January 16 2015 19:11 IeZaeL wrote:
Toastie , if you want i released the new Emerald plaza version. Might add it again ?
I saw it, I may put it in later (SO PRETTY!!), but I'll stick to these three for the time coming!
On January 16 2015 19:20 Big J wrote:
Hey guys, I will be hanging out in the channel tonight on EU. Probably around 8pm CET (but depends on my workload) if anyone wants to play.
Have fun ^_^!
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Hey guys, I can't play much (work and kid) but when I'm online i'm up for some games on good maps  .
FsCrooks #648, EU Diamond Protoss, usually online in the evening (CET 20:00-21:30)
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I think you should choose finished maps. Cactus Valley by Ferisii is still subject to a lot of changes.
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On January 16 2015 21:35 algue wrote:
I think you should choose finished maps. Cactus Valley by Ferisii is still subject to a lot of changes.
I just played a game on it with Iezael, it felt very polished and certainly playable. But you do make a valid point I guess.
Although you could also say that this helps people that are in the middle of finishing their maps make design-decisions and such.
Anyway, both Cactus Valley and Emerald Plaza are 1.000.000x better than the laddermaps, even one game on each tells me that! Great initiative, I'll play as much as I can.
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Cactus Valley RE patch 1.2 has been pushed out with a new middle design. Might want to update the main post image not to confuse people. :b
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I updated Cassiopeia based on advice from the map thread - who's got feedback and/or replays? :D
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Ok so I am away from my laptop for a little while and OP editing on phone is pretty impossible, will do so soon! You guys still having fun ^^?
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EPT
