[Snx.FigJig]

Season 8, which begins the week of June 11, will bring with it some changes to the 1v1 and 2v2 map pools. In season 7, we experimented with a larger 1v1 map pool. After reviewing player feedback, we’ll be returning to a pool of 8 maps. We will continue to maintain a heavy focus on tournament viable 1v1 maps, and that thought process has influenced our decisions regarding which maps will be removed from the ladder for Season 8.

The new maps are playable now! You can experience them via the custom game interface now, and they’ll join the ladder when the new season starts next week.

1v1 map pool

Map being added:

(4) Condemned Ridge



We’ve received feedback from our higher levels players that rotationally symmetric macro maps can be difficult to deal with for certain races when they spawn at certain points. On the other hand, non-rotationally symmetric maps are not common on the tournament circuits. To add variety, we’re introducing a new symmetric, potentially tournament viable map, suitable for macro style play.

The map hasn’t been finalized yet, and we would like to hear your opinions about how it plays before the Season 8 begins. Your feedback is appreciated!


Maps being removed:

This season, tournament viability was our primary criteria regarding whether a map remained on the ladder or not, though map balance is also always a consideration.

(4) Metalopolis
Metalopolis simply isn’t being used in tournaments anymore, and this map has some balance issues as well. (4)Metropolis LE is an improved version of this map that will see use in a future ladder season.

(4) Korhal Compound LE
This map was one of the winners of the Team Liquid Map Contest. While we were pleased to make this addition to the ladder, unfortunately, Korhal Compound hasn’t gained traction in the tournament scene. In addition, this version of Korhal Compound also has some balance issues.

We'll continue to watch Korhal Compound Tournament Edition, and if it gains traction in tournaments then that version of the map may come back to the ladder in the future.


2v2 map pool
The 2v2 map pool will continue to feature maps with close spawn positions. Main difference in this format is we’re not aiming for a 100% fortress style maps only, and including a semi fortress map also. In team games, we try to make the gameplay and layout of maps relatively simple to ease coordination between teammates. The maps should mostly be self-explanatory using the screenshots. Like Condemned Ridge these maps aren’t final, and we welcome your feedback.

Maps being added:

(4) Molten Crater



This map is a semi fortress style map.

(4) Desolate Stronghold



This map is a fortress style map lacking easy expansion within the fortress area.

Maps being removed:

(4) Discord IV

(4) High Orbit

While we did not feel that the feel that the existing 2v2 map pool suffered from any significant issues, we wanted to breathe some new life into the ladder pool. Since we wanted to stay with an 8 map pool in this bracket, it became necessary to remove a pair of the older maps.

We plan to both introduce new maps to the 2v2 pool on occasion as well as potentially cycle old map back into rotation, so even though these two maps are gone for now, they could return in future seasons.



Source: http://eu.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/505...8_06_2012#blog

[FaDeHellfyre]

wow... talk about a 2v2 map that can be exploited by terran... look at that tunnel in molten crater. Geeze tanks are going to suck on that.

[Fenner]

Originally Posted by nRvPickleWeasel

To add variety, we’re introducing a new symmetric, potentially tournament viable map, suitable for macro style play.

Are blizzard actually on crack?

Rocks on third, potentially tournament viable.

Quick Comments

	Snx.FigJig:	exactly what i was thinking
	SLCN.Kez:

[Another]

does blizzard not know what symmetric means? they are gonna have to disable spawns on this map, which is just SHIT map design to have to dsiable spawns to make it balanced.

Well actually blzizard wont disable close spawns, but any tournament to pick up this map will.

[sRFullstop]

It seems quite hard to take a fast third on Condemned Ridge, as there are rocks on the third closest to the natural and the other one is further away. There are two paths leading to the third not covered by rocks, so maybe the base there will be more easily sniped. However, once the rocks are taken out, one area guards three bases which is good.

[Peleus]

Rocks at third making ZvP impossible, ridge behind 3rd for Terran's to jizz over zerglings in runbys, I'm thinking I'm vetoing this one pretty damn quick.

[FaDeHellfyre]

tank exploit again. welcome back the ridiculous terran defense on some maps. Tanks can cover 3 bases by being placed on that ridge. easy 3 base terran = easy win. I should swap race -.-

[x5_Potter]

Wtf were Blizzard even thinking with the back bit... I'm not even terran and I think it's retarded!

[mGGDaedalus]

Condemned alright.. rocks at the 3rd and a ledge right behind. Yep that map is condemned to my veto list

[SmirkToT]

nice condemmed bridge.

Korhal Compound is quite a bad map imo.
but it got promoted

[ROOT`iaguz]

Rocks at the third.... haven't they played ZvP recently?!

[Stallion]

So condemned bridge has rocks at 3rd for no reason and a ramp behind the 3rd. hmmmmmm I feel terran will be exploiting this somehow :P

[syfPhoenix]

y does blizzard hate zerg? zvp looks impossible on that new map

EDIT: although i can see potential for some mutalisk's =D yeah

[iVnStinger]

It's obvious all blizzard staff plays Terran. Look right above third. That was made for terran siege tank drops. You could say for festors terran drops , but they would not have anywhere to run after that.

[NvRossi]

Originally Posted by iVnStinger

It's obvious all blizzard staff plays Terran. Look right above third. That was made for terran siege tank drops. You could say for festors terran drops , but they would not have anywhere to run after that.

theres a ramp to it, dont think siege tank drops will be viable at all :P dont worry.

[Peleus]

Originally Posted by NvRossi

theres a ramp to it, dont think siege tank drops will be viable at all :P dont worry.

Its a trap!!!

[FaDeHellfyre]

also exploitable by colossus and sentry drops.... one ff to block any defense up that ridge, and put a colossus down. bye bye third

[iM yang]

i know when i first look at a map i think to myself, how can i abuse colossus drops

Quick Comments

inFeZa:

archon drops yo.

[Statix]

its simple . . .you get a map like that as Z you allin that map. . good practice 10pool. roach timing, fast sling. this is what i do when i get taldarim cos getting the 3rd with the block is a right pain in the ass if ur being traded the whole game like whats currently happening

[Xenomorph]

Blizzard: "OMG WE HAVENT PUT ROCKS IN ANYWHERE, ZOMG WHAT DO WE DO???"
Dustin Browder: "Just put them at the third, zergs only do 2 base all ins anyway."

Quick Comments

Statix:

yes. even more so with rocks

[syfCrimson]

Quick Comments

	Nemo:	lol
	inFeZa:	i read this in his voice too

[Dox]

Take Entombed Valley. Lower elevation of 3rd. Add rocks. Rotate 90 degrees. Mix in a little bit of Abyssal Caverns. Voila.

Condemned Ridge.

Quick Comments

inFeZa:

map maker doxator

[asdfSchnitzel]

Yes! I now have 2 free map vetos! To now use on new map and antiga, awesome! Also, High Orbit was best 2v2 map, 3 nexus before gate op

[inFeZa]

More 2 Base roach rushes! Hooray.

Also. Wheres the new 4v4 maps? seriously needing much bigger ones.

[inFeZa]

Hey i just made you, and this is crazy, dustin called me, said add rocks maybe?

Quick Comments

	iMSystem:	Why is this a meme T_T
	FLuX:

[mGGDrGooSe]

why on earth get rid of korhal and keep both cloud and ohana?

[TADivinity]

Originally Posted by nRvPickleWeasel

suitable for macro style play.

How can they say this when they put rocks at a third base, on what appears a Medium sized map? ffs.

Also, im starting a protest. Its called the make-antiga-cross-only-already-you-*****-protest.

I mean, they even talked about symmetric issues - why not address this with what they have, rather than creating new crap?

/rant

Quick Comments

ToRDolo:

Blizz continues to herpderp when it comes to maps T.T

[eCKo`Tazerenix]

Jesus **** what is wrong with blizzard. They don't remove Tal'darim altar, and they add in some ******* terrible new map...

Quick Comments

Champi:

this map looks pretty good for toss d00d. id say play it before u judge it

[Dox]

UPDATE
June 6, 2012: We have decided to remove rocks from Condemned Ridge. Thank you for your feedback.

http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/forum/topic/5626191144

Quick Comments

	TABottles:	pre-emptive rock destruction
	FLuX:	I'm glad they killed the rocks for me. Also, I lol'd at them getting the date wrong

[QEDMazaire]

It would appear that blizzard is run by monkeys with type writers.

[Dox]

Why's that?

[DarKcS]

And on the sabath day, it was decided there should be rocks, and rocks thou shalt have.

[TABottles]

lol at the forum posters ''This change rocks!''

Quick Comments

inFeZa:

herrr i geddit

[VB_Rhuubarb]

Once the rocks get removed, I think it's going to be a great map. I like there are some expos NOT on the edge of the map, I like the sniper-ridge-esque hill between 'close spawns'. I like the ridge above the 3rd that you don't need a drop to reach.

[|Erasmus|]

Originally Posted by VB_Rhuubarb

Once the rocks get removed, I think it's going to be a great map. I like there are some expos NOT on the edge of the map, I like the sniper-ridge-esque hill between 'close spawns'. I like the ridge above the 3rd that you don't need a drop to reach.

I kind of want to scout early then proxy stuff (especially say, banshees) up on that ridge over the third...

[VB_Rhuubarb]

I never get to proxy banshees... cause I always make them part of my army :P

[Shieldz]

LOL bad map much

[SLCN.NXZ]

I've found some new vetos I guess

[Champi]

they still havnt removed close positions for entombed FUUUUUUUUUUUUU

they havnt changed spawns for antiga either, but im vetoing it now so *** them

Quick Comments

TADivinity:

Im jelly. My veto for entombed-gaylley, tel'da-gay and Gay Kingdom are still tied up :(. IM WITTY BTW.

[Pocshi]

Haha haven't yet played it

[Shieldz]

rocks are removed a lot better

[AxSGRiM]

******* D.Browder removing rocks. Didn't think it would happen. Now we gotta remove TDarim.