RECORD LOW
Overview:
It's been a while since I made a map, my last being tactical combat simulator back in 2013 (has it really been that long?). So without further ado, I present: Record Low. A mix between Korhal wastes and Kaldir (ice world), or as some might say, Canada.
Available on North America
Dimensions: 196x140
Imgur Album: http://imgur.com/a/h5BhW
The map layout features a total of 17 bases: 14 regular bases, 2 6-mineral only bases and 1 12-mineral gold base at the center. The main and natural are connected and each have a respective ramp size at the front of the base: meaning that its the smallest ramp possible in front of the main, and a regularly sized natural ramp in front of the natural, however it is blocked by rocks to make cheeses fairer. Both ramps lead down into the third, which is tucked in and easy to secure. There are two vertical plateaus seperated by an icy-low-ground plateau in the middle. The ramps to and from the plateaus are limited and small, making it possible to secure your entire plateau. There is little air-space. The expansions are not alligned vertically, however: they are mostly horizontal. So while you can easily defend your own plateau if you expand vertically, its less ground to cover if you expand horizontally. This also gives you access to your enemy's plateau, openning more attack paths if the enemy expands horizontally aswell. The 6-mineral bases are very out-of-the-way and just a little bonus. No geysers make it not too valuable. Your expand paths can change the entire outcome of the game. The bases are fairly easy to secure and plentiful, so games might go on for a bit. The two watchtowers don't watch over very much and are fairly pointless. Prepare for a long, positional battle on a large map.
Bases:
+ Show Spoiler +
The main base
The natural, connected to the main on the same level. Note that there are two ramps: one regularly sized ramp from the main, and another natural ramp blocked off by rocks. A cooling tower can be collapsed to sever the main and natural (if you ever want to for some reason)
The third base and its openning. Very easy to secure.
The first, possible fourth. Doesn't lead into any other expansions very easily, but easy to secure.
The alternative fourth. Out in the open, but it opens up possibilites to take more expansions horizontally
The fifth. Borders the natural and fourth by air
The sixth. Open from all angles but behind, and is walled-in
A small, 6-mineral base blocked by rocks.
The gold base at the middle. Features 12 mineral patches
I kinda rushed the map in the final few hours because I really wanted to release it. I might do eye candy later if I feel like it.
Forgot to mention you can also play it as a 2v2. The spawns should be working fine for both modes, but I haven't tested. Can someone confirm?