So.... I thought I had reviewed all map from the recent contest, but apparently I missed this one. Sorry.
For reference, the judges were split on this map:
>> Download All Entries!
www.hiveworkshop.com
Looking at the current version, it has been improved after the contest. The original map was not bad by any means, and in previous contests it might have made the top 7, but in this recent contest, the overall level was really high, so a few map had to be unlucky.
I do not see any outright gamebreaking bugs. In fact, the map is overall quite streamlined now. My main issue with the map atm is that most objectives are located near the edges of the map, and there isnt too much to fight in the center (relative to most other 1v1 maps). But it might lead to passive gameplay where both players creep on one side of the map. So in some way, the map is similar to AZ, but I have to say that if I was given the option to replace AZ with this map 2-3 years ago, I would have done it without any hesitation. Sadly this isnt how map pool changes are made
Looking at more details:
1. There are many unusual creeps, and imo the camps are overall quite balanced.
2. Some of the itemdrop are still a bit off: The lvl 2 charged from the lvl 15 camp at the shops is too weak, while the natural expansions and merc camps could have done with just a lvl 1 powerup.
3. There are some minor custom changes (including to unused Dalaran mutant?), which at first glance seem reasonable to, but ofc constitute some kind of usually controversial custom balance.
4. There are some locations were pathing isnt 100% perfect yet, such as with the corpses near the skeleton archer/mamoth camps, and on the edges of various forests.
5. The random buildings are fine, though it wont matter which building spawns where.
So overall, not everything is completely polished yet, and to be eligible for the competitive mappool, this probably would need to be the case. Still as it is, the map is alright.
Approved.