|
1.5 final(Public release 8)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/gVvTs.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler [Overview] +
+ Show Spoiler [Dusk style lighting example] +
+ Show Spoiler [Analyzer] +
The name was originally to be "Expedition" however that had already been taken. Instead I chose "Acadia" The name of the original french colony in what is now Quebec.
Cliffs of Acadia is my fourth released map. It is a far more conservative map than my last three however I feel I still managed to maintain many unique and interesting features. It is also easily my most polished map. The map contains a moderately open centre portion but also provides branching side routes through expansions.
There is a survey below so that I can gain some feedback from lurkers. Don't let answering survey questions stop you from posting a comment though. I'd prefer a comment to poll statistics even if you are just stating one of the poll options. It's always helpful to me if you elaborate.
+ Show Spoiler [survey] +Poll: Which race does this map favour?Zerg (2) 67% Terran (1) 33% Protoss (0) 0% T-P (0) 0% T-Z (0) 0% P-Z (0) 0% 3 total votes Your vote: Which race does this map favour? (Vote): Terran
(Vote): Protoss
(Vote): Zerg
(Vote): T-P
(Vote): T-Z
(Vote): P-Z
Poll: The layout...Is good as it is. (3) 60% Needs tweaking. (2) 40% Needs serious renovations. (0) 0% Is just plain awful. (0) 0% 5 total votes Your vote: The layout... (Vote): Is good as it is.
(Vote): Needs tweaking.
(Vote): Needs serious renovations.
(Vote): Is just plain awful.
Poll: Overall this map is...Great, keep it as it is. (2) 67% Not bad, you need to tweak it. (1) 33% Okay, but there are some glaring issues. (0) 0% Not very good, but it can be a learning experience. (0) 0% Scrap it. (0) 0% 3 total votes Your vote: Overall this map is... (Vote): Great, keep it as it is.
(Vote): Not bad, you need to tweak it.
(Vote): Okay, but there are some glaring issues.
(Vote): Not very good, but it can be a learning experience.
(Vote): Scrap it.
Poll: The biggest issue is the...Expansion layout. (2) 50% Size. (1) 25% Aesthetics. (1) 25% Layout. (0) 0% Other (Please specify with comment). (0) 0% 4 total votes Your vote: The biggest issue is the... (Vote): Layout.
(Vote): Expansion layout.
(Vote): Size.
(Vote): Aesthetics.
(Vote): Other (Please specify with comment).
Mineral Patches: 8 blue, 2 gold.
Playable: 126x132
Published: NA
File Size: 1.79 Mb
To Do:
-Improve aesthetics.
As always: Be brutally honest with your criticism.
+ Show Spoiler [Old Versions] +
A big thank you to everyone who helped with the process by giving input, especially Monitor for all of his suggestions.
|
It's a very green map. Hopefully it's a case of looking better in-game, as it looks a bit repetitive in overview. The layout looks solid, kinda like the base layout in abyssal caverns.
A more distant 3rd can make for some volatile mid-game situations, which of course makes for interesting games. But it seems the gold is nearly as easy to take as the 3rd, so maybe, just maybe consider some rocks, at least blocking the minerals if not the expo itself? I'll just leave it at that.
|
This looks really nice! Right now my concern is that the middle is too small. The problem is the pathway leading outside of the natural- it limits map movement too much. This is because getting a surround, counter-attacking, and doing run-by harass is too difficult with such a small area for the defender to control. I also suggest adding a spot for overlords to scout the natural.
Something like this.
[edit] And definitely submit it to Map of the Month!
|
@MisfortuneS
1. Yeah, I know it looks a little boring. I'm going to focus on more polish over the next few days. I just like to get playable versions of the map out quickly.
2. I was a little concerned about the third. I was afraid the distances might be a little bit too long but I think the gold is alright. I mean, The gold on Xel Naga Caverns is also fairly easy to take as a third base. If someone shares your concern I'll definitely revisit the feature though.
edit: Also, if I change the map like how Monitor suggested (Very probable), I'm going to take your suggestion into account and change the path to the gold. I think it's okay as it is now, but if the path was shorter I'd agree with you.
@Monitor
Coincidentally, I actually experimented with that layout but I figured I'd submit it as it is and read the feedback. I think I am going to change it to how you suggested. Also, I'm definitely going to submit it to MotM. I'm going to wait until the last day though so I can continue to tweak it. (Or is it within the rules to tweak the map after you've submitted it?)
P.S. Thanks for your feedback, guys!
|
On August 02 2011 13:54 Phried wrote:
@MisfortuneS
1. Yeah, I know it looks a little boring. I'm going to focus on more polish over the next few days. I just like to get playable versions of the map out quickly.
2. I was a little concerned about the third. I was afraid the distances might be a little bit too long but I think the gold is alright. I mean, The gold on Xel Naga Caverns is also fairly easy to take as a third base. If someone shares your concern I'll definitely revisit the feature though.
edit: Also, if I change the map like how Monitor suggested (Very probable), I'm going to take your suggestion into account and change the path to the gold. I think it's okay as it is now, but if the path was shorter I'd agree with you.
@Monitor
Coincidentally, I actually experimented with that layout but I figured I'd submit it as it is and read the feedback. I think I am going to change it to how you suggested. Also, I'm definitely going to submit it to MotM. I'm going to wait until the last day though so I can continue to tweak it. (Or is it within the rules to tweak the map after you've submitted it?)
P.S. Thanks for your feedback, guys!
Excellent! I think those would be good changes  Just to clarify- you cannot change a map once you've submitted in to Map of the Month, so definitely make all the revisions you want before you submit it.
[edit] You might want to add another base against the main, to allow the map to be split both ways and make it more macro oriented. Something like this. (there's an added cliff behind the new gold- it would have to be less awkward than I drew it)
|
On August 02 2011 13:59 monitor wrote:Show nested quote +On August 02 2011 13:54 Phried wrote:
@MisfortuneS
1. Yeah, I know it looks a little boring. I'm going to focus on more polish over the next few days. I just like to get playable versions of the map out quickly.
2. I was a little concerned about the third. I was afraid the distances might be a little bit too long but I think the gold is alright. I mean, The gold on Xel Naga Caverns is also fairly easy to take as a third base. If someone shares your concern I'll definitely revisit the feature though.
edit: Also, if I change the map like how Monitor suggested (Very probable), I'm going to take your suggestion into account and change the path to the gold. I think it's okay as it is now, but if the path was shorter I'd agree with you.
@Monitor
Coincidentally, I actually experimented with that layout but I figured I'd submit it as it is and read the feedback. I think I am going to change it to how you suggested. Also, I'm definitely going to submit it to MotM. I'm going to wait until the last day though so I can continue to tweak it. (Or is it within the rules to tweak the map after you've submitted it?)
P.S. Thanks for your feedback, guys! Excellent! I think those would be good changes Just to clarify- you cannot change a map once you've submitted in to Map of the Month, so definitely make all the revisions you want before you submit it. [edit] You might want to add another base against the main, to allow the map to be split both ways and make it more macro oriented. Something like this. (there's an added cliff behind the new gold- it would have to be less awkward than I drew it)
I agree that fitting another base in there would make the map better, however I'm not sure I'd be able to fit it in there without changing that area around quite a bit. I think I'd have to move the gold out quite a bit to accommodate.
Also, I'm not sure I like the move for the gold. It puts it far further away from the other player so I think it would be too safe.
I'll try and work something in to further the goal of your suggestions though. I agree that expanding towards the gold in the current version splits the map rather awkwardly.
edit: The update will most likely come tomorrow in the afternoon. (MDT).
|
On August 02 2011 14:42 Phried wrote:Show nested quote +On August 02 2011 13:59 monitor wrote:On August 02 2011 13:54 Phried wrote:
@MisfortuneS
1. Yeah, I know it looks a little boring. I'm going to focus on more polish over the next few days. I just like to get playable versions of the map out quickly.
2. I was a little concerned about the third. I was afraid the distances might be a little bit too long but I think the gold is alright. I mean, The gold on Xel Naga Caverns is also fairly easy to take as a third base. If someone shares your concern I'll definitely revisit the feature though.
edit: Also, if I change the map like how Monitor suggested (Very probable), I'm going to take your suggestion into account and change the path to the gold. I think it's okay as it is now, but if the path was shorter I'd agree with you.
@Monitor
Coincidentally, I actually experimented with that layout but I figured I'd submit it as it is and read the feedback. I think I am going to change it to how you suggested. Also, I'm definitely going to submit it to MotM. I'm going to wait until the last day though so I can continue to tweak it. (Or is it within the rules to tweak the map after you've submitted it?)
P.S. Thanks for your feedback, guys! Excellent! I think those would be good changes Just to clarify- you cannot change a map once you've submitted in to Map of the Month, so definitely make all the revisions you want before you submit it. [edit] You might want to add another base against the main, to allow the map to be split both ways and make it more macro oriented. Something like this. (there's an added cliff behind the new gold- it would have to be less awkward than I drew it) I agree that fitting another base in there would make the map better, however I'm not sure I'd be able to fit it in there without changing that area around quite a bit. I think I'd have to move the gold out quite a bit to accommodate. Also, I'm not sure I like the move for the gold. It puts it far further away from the other player so I think it would be too safe. I'll try and work something in to further the goal of your suggestions though. I agree that expanding towards the gold in the current version splits the map rather awkwardly. edit: The update will most likely come tomorrow in the afternoon. (MDT).
I see... I just mean a single-gas expansion, with 7-8 minerals (your choice). I think you could probably fit it in if you just make the main slightly smaller.
|
On August 03 2011 00:11 monitor wrote:Show nested quote +On August 02 2011 14:42 Phried wrote:On August 02 2011 13:59 monitor wrote:On August 02 2011 13:54 Phried wrote:
@MisfortuneS
1. Yeah, I know it looks a little boring. I'm going to focus on more polish over the next few days. I just like to get playable versions of the map out quickly.
2. I was a little concerned about the third. I was afraid the distances might be a little bit too long but I think the gold is alright. I mean, The gold on Xel Naga Caverns is also fairly easy to take as a third base. If someone shares your concern I'll definitely revisit the feature though.
edit: Also, if I change the map like how Monitor suggested (Very probable), I'm going to take your suggestion into account and change the path to the gold. I think it's okay as it is now, but if the path was shorter I'd agree with you.
@Monitor
Coincidentally, I actually experimented with that layout but I figured I'd submit it as it is and read the feedback. I think I am going to change it to how you suggested. Also, I'm definitely going to submit it to MotM. I'm going to wait until the last day though so I can continue to tweak it. (Or is it within the rules to tweak the map after you've submitted it?)
P.S. Thanks for your feedback, guys! Excellent! I think those would be good changes Just to clarify- you cannot change a map once you've submitted in to Map of the Month, so definitely make all the revisions you want before you submit it. [edit] You might want to add another base against the main, to allow the map to be split both ways and make it more macro oriented. Something like this. (there's an added cliff behind the new gold- it would have to be less awkward than I drew it) I agree that fitting another base in there would make the map better, however I'm not sure I'd be able to fit it in there without changing that area around quite a bit. I think I'd have to move the gold out quite a bit to accommodate. Also, I'm not sure I like the move for the gold. It puts it far further away from the other player so I think it would be too safe. I'll try and work something in to further the goal of your suggestions though. I agree that expanding towards the gold in the current version splits the map rather awkwardly. edit: The update will most likely come tomorrow in the afternoon. (MDT). I see... I just mean a single-gas expansion, with 7-8 minerals (your choice). I think you could probably fit it in if you just make the main slightly smaller.
Yeah, the main is pretty big and I think that you might be right and I could fit it there if I shrunk it. I'll give it a shot but I'm going to upload overview pictures of both modified versions (with and without new expo) and see what people like better before I release 0.3. I'm just a little nervous about that area getting too crowded.
edit: Also, something I noticed, this map doesn't look too much like TPW Odyssey does it? The layout looks very similar to me unfortunately. Lefix, if you're reading this, I didn't mean to lift so many aspects of your map! :\
|
your Country52797 Posts
I like it.
And it's a good size for 126x132.
|
I feel like the path out of the natural is too long, and becomes easy to push through, if you would widen it around the main base that would help, i like monitor's suggestion!
|
Hey Monitor, I have an idea: What do you think of this?
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/JxO1V.png)
In case you couldn't tell, I suggested replacing the two ramps at the gold with one, far wider ramp. The blue spots represent bases with gas, not just the mineral patches. Obviously I will tweak it more to make this new layout work. (I'm not at home right now so this mock-up will have to do until then.)
|
0.5
Change log:
-Added a new third standard base above gold base.
-changed path into natural as a result.
-shrunk main as a result.
-Gold plateau ramp has been changed significantly.
-Improved aesthetics.
Considerations:
-Make new third base into a 1 gas expansion.
-Tone back some of the changes (make new path to natural narrower, remove/move new third.)
-Centre is now too open.
Summary:
The new changes make the map more macro oriented as pointed out earlier by Monitor. A problem I see now is that the centre might be too open. leading to Zerg imbalance. I feel this might be balanced by the fact that the closest third expansion is towards the opponent not to mention the multilevel design of the map itself. I'm also a little afraid that if I make the third area any narrower it would make it too easy for Terran and Protoss players to sit on three bases which has been a recurring theme in my past maps. Overall, I'm anxious to hear your comments.
edit: Just noticed there's a patch of random water on the side of the map, I'm going to have to re-upload... 0.5 it is!
0.6
(Minor)
Change log:
-Should be published publicly now (doh!).
0.7
(minor)
Change log:
-More aesthetics tweaks.
|
0.8
This is going to be the final beta version of the map if nobody brings of any complaints.
change log:
-tweaked gold area.
-major aesthetics update.
-minimap should work now.
Final possible changes(in order of likelyness):
Move rock at gold expo to third.
LOS blockers? I was thinking of adding them around the XWT but I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that idea. I'd like some outside opinions.
Centre pool - Is the pool a bad idea? I figured it wouldn't be imba because tanks/whatever would need to get vision but it would add some variety to the centre.
1.0
change log:
-Removed rock blocking gold expansion.
-Third expansion has only one gas geyser now.
edit: I'm beginning to think that taking the rocks out was a bad idea.
1.1
change log:
Re-added rocks.
August 4th edit: Okay, well the last thing I need to do is to tighten up the aesthetics (Grass is too bluish I think) before submitting it to MOTM. Thanks for all your feedback!
1.2
change log:
-Opened natural choke by a few squares.
-Now has sunset-style lighting.
1.5
change log:
-Made natural larger.
-Third base now only has six patches.
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPT![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/jEAEN.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/RNBiM.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/wAGo2.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/jERnG.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ckj7B.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/du917.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/XPj1Z.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/enbTd.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/oGn0q.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/0VmcU.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/yPBHy.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/NJ8ZQ.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/8nWzv.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/WzpJa.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/T6dj2.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/F4k6v.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/iiWV9.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/c4DvS.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/2qfp6.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/sLnbF.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/9VYyi.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/2tENC.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/pPEMW.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/HYnkg.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/f6Yd5.jpg)
