lefix Profile Joined February 2011 Germany 1081 Posts Last Edited: 2014-06-01 08:29:16 #1



May 2014 is slowly coming to an end, and we are getting closer to finding out who will claim the first place! And for the first time, the winner will be picked by the community instead of a judge panel! Because this was the first MotM competition in a long time, we are made an exception - considering maps from not just this month, but the last 3 months.

That meant we had alot of maps to consider, making it a difficult task picking the maps to vote on. Rarely have I seen that much quality in the MotM submissions, which really shows how much mapmakers has improved over the years.

I have consulted with some veteran mapmakers and people close to the mapmaking community in order to make the decision. Here are the maps we have agreed on, in no particular order. Make sure you also visit the map threads for more information and discussion about these maps!









Coriolis by -NegativeZero-

+ Show Spoiler +

Coriolis was already one of the crowd favorites in last TLMC. Unfortunately it did not make it into the finalists then, but it did this time.

Map Thread



Sol Dios by NewSunshine

+ Show Spoiler +

As usual, Sol Dios is another very well made map by NewSunshine. The proportions are spot on, the details are beautiful. Overall great work that paid off once again.

Map Thread



Nimbus by Icetoad

+ Show Spoiler +

Nimbus has been around for a while. Alot of work has been put into this map, in collaboration with several other mapmakers. After feedback received from the last TLMC, the map underwent some changes again to make it even better.

Map Thread



Silt by Samro225am

+ Show Spoiler +

Noone has ever made as many finalist maps as Samro225am. With every competition, he pumps out a new beauty. Silt is no exception!

Map Thread



Samsara RE by eTcetRa

+ Show Spoiler +

Like Coriolis, Samsara RE impresses with a simplistic, brilliant concept and design.

Like Nimbus, the map has been further improved Since the last TLMC.

Map Thread



May the best map win!







Voting has closed!

Results will be posted soon.



is slowly coming to an end, and we are getting closer to finding out who will claim the first place! And for the first time, the winner will be picked by the community instead of a judge panel! Because this was the first MotM competition in a long time, we are made an exception - considering maps from not just this month, but the last 3 months.That meant we had alot of maps to consider, making it a difficult task picking the maps to vote on. Rarely have I seen that much quality in the MotM submissions, which really shows how much mapmakers has improved over the years.I have consulted with some veteran mapmakers and people close to the mapmaking community in order to make the decision. Here are the maps we have agreed on, in no particular order. Make sure you also visit the map threads for more information and discussion about these maps!by -NegativeZero-Coriolis was already one of the crowd favorites in last TLMC. Unfortunately it did not make it into the finalists then, but it did this time.by NewSunshineAs usual, Sol Dios is another very well made map by NewSunshine. The proportions are spot on, the details are beautiful. Overall great work that paid off once again.by IcetoadNimbus has been around for a while. Alot of work has been put into this map, in collaboration with several other mapmakers. After feedback received from the last TLMC, the map underwent some changes again to make it even better.by Samro225amNoone has ever made as many finalist maps as Samro225am. With every competition, he pumps out a new beauty. Silt is no exception!by eTcetRaLike Coriolis, Samsara RE impresses with a simplistic, brilliant concept and design.Like Nimbus, the map has been further improved Since the last TLMC.May the best map win!Voting has closed!Results will be posted soon. Map of the Month | The Planetary Workshop | SC2Melee.net

Plexa Profile Blog Joined October 2005 Aotearoa 38208 Posts #2 For me this is hard choice between Samsara and Nimbus t_t all five are of a high quality though! Administrator ~ Spirit will set you free ~

algue Profile Joined July 2011 France 1394 Posts Last Edited: 2014-05-28 13:59:18 #3



For example :

It would be better if you gave us more details about your reasons to choose the map. Share the knowledge guys, I want to improve my maps !For example : Noone has ever made as many finalist maps as Samro225am. With every competition, he pumps out a new beauty. Silt is no exception!



The map is beautiful but i'd like to know why it's better than many other maps. The map is beautiful but i'd like to know why it's better than many other maps. rly ?

Fearlezz Profile Joined April 2010 Croatia 176 Posts #4 Voted for Nimbus, although I secretly hoped that Foxtrot Labs makes it through

Phaenoman Profile Joined February 2013 568 Posts Last Edited: 2014-05-28 15:11:09 #5 Yea, I would also like to know why u picked these Top 5. If u could explain ur thoughts a little instead of wasting words on praising how good the maps are without any argumentation. I am sure algue and me are not the only ones that want to know: why? Random is hard work dude...

And G Profile Joined May 2012 Germany 491 Posts #6 On May 23 2014 07:02 Samro225am wrote:

btw: if i'd win, i would refund completely motm needs to be stronger than ever btw: if i'd win, i would refund completelymotm needs to be stronger than ever

I'm not particularly crazy about any of the shortlisted maps. So... dear mapmakers, why should I vote for your map? What would you do with the prize money?



Or, if you feel I should simply vote for the best map: What makes your map stand out from the rest? What sort of ingenuity is hidden that is not immediately obvious from the overview? Why is your map more racially and positionally balanced than the other maps and will also lead to more exciting games?



Why should my only vote go to you?



(Feel free to also explain why all other maps except yours are terrible.) I'm not particularly crazy about any of the shortlisted maps. So... dear mapmakers, why should I vote for your map? What would you do with the prize money?Or, if you feel I should simply vote for the best map: What makes your map stand out from the rest? What sort of ingenuity is hidden that is not immediately obvious from the overview? Why is your map more racially and positionally balanced than the other maps and will also lead to more exciting games?Why should my only vote go to(Feel free to also explain why all other maps except yours are terrible.) not a community mapmaker

eTcetRa Profile Joined November 2010 Australia 819 Posts #7 Each mapmaker could sell their own map to you but that is not really the point here. I'm not going to tell anyone what to vote for.



Figure out what you think is the best, and vote. Retired Mapmaker™

algue Profile Joined July 2011 France 1394 Posts #8 On May 29 2014 00:39 eTcetRa wrote:

Each mapmaker could sell their own map to you but that is not really the point here. I'm not going to tell anyone what to vote for.



Figure out what you think is the best, and vote.

It's always good to have a debate before voting for something. I'm just a diamond player and I can't say if any of these maps would be suitable for a bronze or a GM player. I'd like to hear the judges point of view since they are the ones who chose the maps among the others. It's always good to have a debate before voting for something. I'm just a diamond player and I can't say if any of these maps would be suitable for a bronze or a GM player. I'd like to hear the judges point of view since they are the ones who chose the maps among the others. rly ?

Existor Profile Joined July 2010 Russian Federation 4282 Posts #9







http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/444950-4-esv-burnt-ice



Also there are so many other nice maps



http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451198-2-ktv-xelnaga-ashes

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451113-2-leviathan-hive

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451218-4-ktv-foxtrot-labs-se

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/413715-8-crux-breeze

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451207-4-dual-darkness

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451171-4-frozen-dreams

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451153-4-aem-sun-and-mirror

Why there is no this map with ice and lava?Also there are so many other nice maps

moskonia Profile Joined January 2011 Israel 1448 Posts #10 Is there going to be a tournament with the finalists? Would love to play in one.

And G Profile Joined May 2012 Germany 491 Posts Last Edited: 2014-05-28 18:38:59 #11 On May 29 2014 02:10 algue wrote:

It's always good to have a debate before voting for something.

Mmmh... I was going to post a short paragraph on each map outlining what I consider its strong and weak points, but I think it's better if I don't. ^^ Mmmh... I was going to post a short paragraph on each map outlining what I consider its strong and weak points, but I think it's better if I don't. ^^ not a community mapmaker

algue Profile Joined July 2011 France 1394 Posts #12 On May 29 2014 03:38 And G wrote:

Show nested quote +

On May 29 2014 02:10 algue wrote:

It's always good to have a debate before voting for something.

Mmmh... I was going to post a short paragraph on each map outlining what I consider its strong and weak points, but I think it's better if I don't. ^^ Mmmh... I was going to post a short paragraph on each map outlining what I consider its strong and weak points, but I think it's better if I don't. ^^



Let me rephrase then, the word "debate" is too strong. Let's say :

"It's always good to have some food for thought before voting for something"



Go ahead Let me rephrase then, the word "debate" is too strong. Let's say :"It's always good to have some food for thought before voting for something"Go ahead rly ?

Knatterking Profile Joined April 2014 Germany 405 Posts #13 I voted for Silt. Looks alright, not the most beautiful map around, but I really like the layout.

Big J Profile Joined March 2011 Austria 16272 Posts #14 Coriolis for me. It takes risks in design but they look possible to pull off. That's what Im looking for in maps.

Tuczniak Profile Joined September 2010 1560 Posts #15 Nimbus for me. Others have problems considering 3rd distance and chokiness. Sol Dios could be good too. Coriolis is interesting, but probably not for tournament and even serious ladder play.

EatThePath Profile Blog Joined September 2009 United States 3939 Posts Last Edited: 2014-05-28 22:45:13 #16



No offense at negzero, but I wish people would get off it about Coriolis already. I don't think it does what you think it does. It forces a degenerate metagame (not ideal imo) and presents no expansion pattern options unless you count antics in cross spawns, so it will be running in the same wagon rut every time it's played, i.e. fight over the middle unless someone wants to try and turtle or all in. I know that sounds open ended, but given the middle and route design there just aren't many options. Overall it just feels like it shunts the gameplay into a fairly tight spectrum. While it might provide action, or even "back and forth" dynamics, that will all be within a preconceived funnel, so it doesn't appeal much to me. It's too bad and really I would like the map idea to work but I don't think it does quite like we want it to with SC2. This is, of course, just my view -- but I'd be interested in hearing the opposing side.



Sol Dios will be great for the first 15-20 minutes and then it will have a dirty crunchy desperate lategame with all the close-to-enemy 5th+ base options. I feel like this a lot lately about some of the maps the "veterans" make... they would be perfect if they were just a little bigger and spacier.



Nimbus is definitely the best it's ever been, really reminds of a good SC2 analogue for some of the BW maps with the highgrounds-around-the-center style. Might be the healthiest in-base nat design I've seen.



Again samro tickles me with his style. There are so many things I like about Silt but I think a lot of them are just my personal design taste. However I think most would agree objectively that the pieces fit together very nicely on this map and it should get a lot of credit for that, even though I think that sort of synergy is due to "luck" or "finding" it rather than "creating" it, but that is why we make lots of things -- to discover the good ones. I think there is a lot of space on this map for strategic development if it had a 2-3 season lifetime in competitive use. It's nice to see a design that leverages a compensatory gimmick (mineral blocks) in order to do something that wouldn't work otherwise (too short nat2nat) without having the gimmick stand out awkwardly.



If you insist on having a Metropolis style map in SC2, then Samsara is a good choice, a very very good choice. That's about all I can say.



In the spirit of the poll style I will not say my vote until after the results are visible, but I will say that each except Coriolis really was in contention for me, and even including it they all have good reasons they could "win". Going to post thoughts as they come and edit them in.No offense at negzero, but I wish people would get off it aboutalready. I don't think it does what you think it does.It forces a degenerate metagame (not ideal imo) and presents no expansion pattern options unless you count antics in cross spawns, so it will be running in the same wagon rut every time it's played, i.e. fight over the middle unless someone wants to try and turtle or all in. I know that sounds open ended, but given the middle and route design there just aren't many options. Overall it just feels like it shunts the gameplay into a fairly tight spectrum. While it might provide action, or even "back and forth" dynamics, that will all be within a preconceived funnel, so it doesn't appeal much to me. It's too bad and really I would like the map idea to work but I don't think it does quite like we want it to with SC2. This is, of course, just my view -- but I'd be interested in hearing the opposing side.will be great for the first 15-20 minutes and then it will have a dirty crunchy desperate lategame with all the close-to-enemy 5th+ base options. I feel like this a lot lately about some of the maps the "veterans" make... they would be perfect if they were just abigger and spacier.is definitely the best it's ever been, really reminds of a good SC2 analogue for some of the BW maps with the highgrounds-around-the-center style. Might be the healthiest in-base nat design I've seen.Again samro tickles me with his style. There are so many things I like aboutbut I think a lot of them are just my personal design taste. However I think most would agree objectively that the pieces fit together very nicely on this map and it should get a lot of credit for that, even though I think that sort of synergy is due to "luck" or "finding" it rather than "creating" it, but that is why we make lots of things -- to discover the good ones. I think there is a lot of space on this map for strategic development if it had a 2-3 season lifetime in competitive use. It's nice to see a design that leverages a compensatory gimmick (mineral blocks) in order to do something that wouldn't work otherwise (too short nat2nat) without having the gimmick stand out awkwardly.If you insist on having a Metropolis style map in SC2, thenis a good choice, a very very good choice. That's about all I can say.In the spirit of the poll style I will not say my vote until after the results are visible, but I will say that each except Coriolis really was in contention for me, and even including it they all have good reasons they could "win". Comprehensive strategic intention: DNE

Samro225am Profile Joined August 2010 Germany 982 Posts Last Edited: 2014-05-28 22:38:33 #17 On May 28 2014 22:55 algue wrote:

It would be better if you gave us more details about your reasons to choose the map. Share the knowledge guys, I want to improve my maps !



For example :

Show nested quote +

Noone has ever made as many finalist maps as Samro225am. With every competition, he pumps out a new beauty. Silt is no exception!



The map is beautiful but i'd like to know why it's better than many other maps. It would be better if you gave us more details about your reasons to choose the map. Share the knowledge guys, I want to improve my maps !For example :The map is beautiful but i'd like to know why it's better than many other maps.



I cannot speak for or against other maps, but as you picked my map as an example i can explain what i tried to achieve with the map's design for Silt. It is up to you to decide if you think these ideas are interesting and executed well, yet i am happy if this helps you decide on what map to vote for.



layout

is a bit bigger than whirlwind.



provides two positionally quite balanced thirds to expand away to.



has a bit longer distances which also counter balances the a bit further away thirds.



gold bases in central positions, tempting - and entertaining - enough, but not as much a 'forced' base as on antiga shipyard or xel naga caverns.



provides multiple paths to position, flank and outmaneuver the opponent or do multi pronged attacks.



has an open plateau between each base.



provides chokes in the very centre to create more separation between the golds - chokes far away from home work differently than on your thirds



mixes open plateaus, logical rhythm of ramps and tighter chokes in the very centre to cut the map into various areas of control.



adds a gold-blocked secret passage between the third and third/fourth base.





visuals

designed as a wasteland - an underused environment in HotS



provide an easy to look at texture work yet well executed details



give different areas a distinctive look and feel



clearly separate high- and low grounds



presents a unique and balanced custom tile set (details, structures, colors)







before you decide on what map to vote for, check out the map threads and the discussions there and go and play the maps! enjoy!



edit: i might note a few thoughts on the other maps tomorrow, obviously i do not know or understand them as well as my own. I cannot speak for or against other maps, but as you picked my map as an example i can explainwith the map's design for. It is up to you to decide if you think these ideas are interesting and executed well, yet i am happy if this helps you decide on what map to vote for.before you decide on what map to vote for, check out the map threads and the discussions there and go and play the maps! enjoy!edit: i might note a few thoughts on the other maps tomorrow, obviously i do not know or understand them as well as my own.

FrostedMiniWheats Profile Joined August 2010 United States 30729 Posts Last Edited: 2014-05-29 00:46:27 #18 I like Nimbus



Not terribly huge, but still seems more like a macro-oriented map with many harassment options. It's not on the innovative side, nor very pretty, but still strikes me as a solid map overall. NesTea | Mvp | MC | Leenock | Losira | Gumiho | DRG | Taeja | Jinro | Stephano | Thorzain | Sen | Idra |Polt | Bomber | Symbol | Squirtle | Fantasy | Jaedong | Maru | sOs | Seed | ByuN | ByuL | Neeb| Scarlett | Rogue | IM forever

wrl Profile Joined April 2011 United States 209 Posts #19 On May 29 2014 09:41 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

nor very pretty



No love for minimalism? No love for minimalism? It's funny; I dream a lot, but I'm not a very good sleeper.

The_Templar Profile Blog Joined January 2011 your Country 52593 Posts #20 On May 29 2014 02:47 Existor wrote:

Why there is no this map with ice and lava?



http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/444950-4-esv-burnt-ice



Also there are so many other nice maps



http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451198-2-ktv-xelnaga-ashes

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451113-2-leviathan-hive

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451218-4-ktv-foxtrot-labs-se

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/413715-8-crux-breeze

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451207-4-dual-darkness

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451171-4-frozen-dreams

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/451153-4-aem-sun-and-mirror

Why there is no this map with ice and lava?Also there are so many other nice maps

Are my maps really that invisible/bad?

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/sc2-maps/450261-2-shadows-of-eternity

This is better than some of the maps on your list and you don't even mention it T_T Are my maps really that invisible/bad?This is better than some of the maps on your list and you don't even mention it T_T Moderator Starcraft 3 when

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