[M] (2) TPW Cascade

The map offers several options of possible expansions on cascading cliff levels. The circular positioned bases surrounding a central area with a single XWT are connected with multiple paths.

From the main and natural base the map allows two directions to expand: A third base separated from the natural base with a small lowground leads into a fourth base on highround, while a backdoor that is easy to control allows to take a 1gas + 7mineral base early or as third base that is savely situated in front of the main and connects to a close alternative fourth that is tucked back between main and the highround fourth. Depending on who has control of which of the high-ground expos and based on the expansion patterns chosen by the players, different interesting map splits will emerge.

This provides varying game situations and descision making depending on the players' expansions to provide entertaing matches.

While the map uses many level changes, ramps and chokes, several areas are very wide and connected by multiple paths to create a balanced playground for all three races, e.g. Protoss can be strong in the low ground area between natural and third expansion, but the third can also be attacked through two much wider paths.

The bases are distributed in very similar distances all over the map in order not to promote two or three base play, but continous expanding. While the map is small enough to allow quick micro oriented games, it is big enough to support intersting macro games with big battles in different areas. With the different options for expansions players can try to push and force the opponent into a specific direction or also try to maintain a passive stance while taking an unsuspected base at the other end of the map.

A map should play well and also look good, but the aesthetics should never overwhelm gameplay. Following this dictum I decided to use a custom tileset utilizing various textures within a small color range of greens, browns and greys based on the Monlyth tileset.

The map's visual design is strongly inspired by the landscape of Siberian Tundra, the Norwegian Fjell, Ireland, the game Ico and the landscape of Rohan like it is pictured in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Conscious that each area should look distinctivly different, I tried to texture each base individually. As a result the overview looked a bit cluttered and I opted for a rather uniform all-over texturing that looks very sharp and clean, but still natural and nice. The design mainly uses grass, stone and flagstone all over the map while utilizing the fog to allow better distinction between the differnet cliff level.

In SC2 there are many maps that are really dark and others that are much to saturated in colors. Therefore I made a map that is light and rather monotone, but still full of well dsigned details.

The map's name CASCADE is true to the fact of many ramp of differnet size running up and down all over the map, but it is the waterfalls and multiple water levels that are eponymous for this map.

The areas:


main


nat and backdoor with destructable rocks


1gas-7min secure alt-third in front of main


third with highground and LoSBs to allow easier access and hide stuff


the other third also has some beautifull waterfalls in close proximity


highround fourth


alt-fourth tucked in between highround fourth and main

Specials interest like wall-ins, creepspread, etc.:


a nice observation spot for overlords


one creep to connect main, nat and alt-third


one creep to connect nat and third


ForgeFE complete wall-in with 2pylon, gate and forge


walling of the regular access towards nat