SC2Toastie Profile Blog Joined October 2013 Netherlands 5721 Posts Last Edited: 2015-01-16 10:30:48 #1 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:



+ Show Spoiler [Reasoning for starting this thread] + 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 (



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.......).

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, butto 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. 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.(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.



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!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.





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.. I'll compile those into the OP.. You can also join the channel "".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



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!





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



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 ^_^!





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



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] +













Jay.727, Terran

Gwavanoob.810, Terran



Toastie.869, Random

Jay.727, Zerg

IeZaeL.684, Protoss

Velvex.882, Zerg

Ejwoda.197, Zerg



Speedy.540, Zerg

Downfall,367, Zerg, Protoss

Dynge.1135, Terran



Downfall.367, Terran

Jay.727, TerranGwavanoob.810, TerranToastie.869, RandomJay.727, ZergIeZaeL.684, ProtossVelvex.882, ZergEjwoda.197, ZergSpeedy.540, ZergDownfall,367, Zerg, ProtossDynge.1135, TerranDownfall.367, Terran

+ Show Spoiler [NA] +









GoStu.361, Protoss



TheTemplar.234, Random



Trfel.542, Protoss

BueBz.325, Zerg

Topin.523, Terran

Flume.219, Protoss

Defenestratr.483, Zerg





GoStu.361, ProtossTheTemplar.234, RandomTrfel.542, ProtossBueBz.325, ZergTopin.523, TerranFlume.219, ProtossDefenestratr.483, Zerg

+ Show Spoiler [KR] +

























+ Show Spoiler [SEA] +





























+ 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". 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 ^_^!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,Toastie3 Community Made Maps. Every 2 Weeks. Leave a post with your In Game Name, Friend Code, Server, League and Race[/b]. channel "". Mura Ma Man, Dark Da Dude, Super Shot Sos!

OtherWorld Profile Blog Joined October 2013 France 17332 Posts #2 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) Used Sigs - New Sigs - Cheap Sigs - Buy the Best Cheap Sig near You at www.cheapsigforsale.com

SC2Toastie Profile Blog Joined October 2013 Netherlands 5721 Posts #3 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 ! 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 Mura Ma Man, Dark Da Dude, Super Shot Sos!

Big J Profile Joined March 2011 Austria 16272 Posts #4

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. Sign me up!Jay.727, EUZerg ~high diamond; can offrace Terran as well, though on worse levelGonna hang out in the TLMapTest chat channel on EU for the next hour.

SC2Toastie Profile Blog Joined October 2013 Netherlands 5721 Posts #5 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. Sign me up!Jay.727, EUZerg ~high diamond; can offrace Terran as well, though on worse levelGonna hang out in the TLMapTest chat channel on EU for the next hour.

Done.



Nice ! Done.Nice Mura Ma Man, Dark Da Dude, Super Shot Sos!

OtherWorld Profile Blog Joined October 2013 France 17332 Posts #6 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 ! 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)

Will do ! Used Sigs - New Sigs - Cheap Sigs - Buy the Best Cheap Sig near You at www.cheapsigforsale.com

SC2Toastie Profile Blog Joined October 2013 Netherlands 5721 Posts #7 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 ! 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)

Will do !

No passion ;-)



Good luck my friend ! No passion ;-)Good luck my friend ! Mura Ma Man, Dark Da Dude, Super Shot Sos!

Meavis Profile Blog Joined September 2011 Netherlands 1296 Posts Last Edited: 2014-11-06 13:34:29 #8 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. Ex organizer of Starcraft Mapmaking Association, currently retired.

IeZaeL Profile Joined July 2012 Italy 967 Posts Last Edited: 2014-11-06 13:38:05 #9 Im up !

IeZaeL#684 EU Diamond protoss , though i didnt play for some time so i might be some plat/gold scrub. Author of Coda and Eastwatch.

The_Templar Profile Blog Joined January 2011 your Country 52593 Posts #10 I'll play

TheTemplar.234

North American Server

Platinum (Probably gold level)

Random/Protoss Moderator Starcraft 3 when

SC2Toastie Profile Blog Joined October 2013 Netherlands 5721 Posts #11 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! 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! Mura Ma Man, Dark Da Dude, Super Shot Sos!

Big J Profile Joined March 2011 Austria 16272 Posts #12 Really fun so far! Will be on in a few hours again, hope someone else will be there too!

-NegativeZero- Profile Joined August 2011 United States 2101 Posts #13 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. i maek map

SC2Toastie Profile Blog Joined October 2013 Netherlands 5721 Posts #14 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'). 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'). Mura Ma Man, Dark Da Dude, Super Shot Sos!

Gwavajuice Profile Joined June 2014 France 1810 Posts #15 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.



Dear INno and all the former STX boys.

SC2Toastie Profile Blog Joined October 2013 Netherlands 5721 Posts #16 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. 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. Mura Ma Man, Dark Da Dude, Super Shot Sos!

Trfel Profile Joined August 2011 6018 Posts #17 Trfel 642

NA Diamond Protoss

velvex Profile Joined March 2012 Germany 226 Posts #18 velvex.882, EU Diamond Zerg

AFSpeeDy Profile Joined June 2011 126 Posts Last Edited: 2014-11-06 18:02:27 #19

TheDwf Profile Joined November 2011 France 19747 Posts Last Edited: 2014-11-06 17:04:28 #20

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. Downfall.367Europe - can also play on NA with random surges of pingTerran ~top50 GMOffraces: 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 identityReminded 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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