Starcraft II Custom Maps Showcase

 

DF Desolation v1.0

starcraft: //map/1/202861
Creator: NewSunshine

This map I chose for one major reason: the massive gap in the center of the map. DF Desolation on the outside features many cliffs and expansion spots that make it feel cluttered and increase the need for flying and other tactical units. That is, until you reach the middle. This massive low altitude plain combined with the large amounts of possible early expansions could amount to some ridiculously large armies going head to head. I imagine 1v1 match-ups will last longer than normal and FFA games would become very competitive and be great fun.

The largest drawback to the map that I found was the obvious lack of Xel’Naga Towers. The lack of vision for anyone may add to the excitement for some people, but ultimately removes a major strategic aspect of a larger map. I also feel like the four expansions in the middle of the map could be rich minerals, which would increase the amount of conflicts in that lower plain. Overall the map could easily make some very interesting games due to the map’s lack of vision, not only through the lack of towers, but also through the large amount of bushes on the map.

 

Blazing Dunes v1.1

starcraft://map/1/202948
Creator: ImOnFiRe

This is definitely my favorite map of the three I picked. This massive 1v1 only map takes the cake on unique uses of land and expansions to create an environment for the creation of some insane plays. The large thin strips of land in the middle increase the difficulty of pushing in on the enemy.

The islands off to the side with their own and expansions could provide for some very interesting base race games. The furthest expansions besides the islands also contain their own Zel’Naga Towers. Including the towers in the middle and the small movement spaces between the bases, keeping vision on the map would be absolutely necessary. 

The biggest draw-back I see is the large space between the first three expansions and the center of the map. I feel like this area could be filled with a rich mineral expansion or at least some bushes. Just seems like a lot of empty space on a map that is otherwise very well constructed. Hopefully with some more plays and reviews the creator will update the map with some more content there. It has a little bit to grow, but it looks to have the most potential for some great games.

 

[Official] KeSPA Neo Planet S v1.0

starcraft://map/1/203184
Creator: KeSPA

This map is by far the most polished of the maps I played. This is a redone version of the original Planet S. The top, bottom and sides of the map were expanded and the terrain was updated. This map is very simple in nature, but very well put together. To rich mineral expansions sitting in the dead center of the map facing each other seems like a good way to create some mid-late game conflict. The very steep and thin cliffs create a very interesting environment where most of the map is on the same level and yet vision would be extremely important. I feel like this map could easily make large Reaper builds more viable strategies.

This map contains the same drawback as the first: no Xel’Naga towers. However, it could be seen that the towers would take away from the large amount of fog of war that the maps cliffs would create. Overall I find it hard to criticize much of this map. It in many ways seems like it could be Blizzard official. The changes from the first version show how much effort the creator has put into the map and how much attention he shows to detail.

 

Hey everyone! Thanks for reading. Hopefully these articles provide a little more coverage to the custom maps and their creators. If I get some good feedback on this I may play to do it a weekly thing. Make sure to check out the maps as well as their creators.