A Look At The Map: The Lost Temple

In this new feature we've decided to take a closer look at some of the StarCraft II maps. Nothing too fancy, just the good old "pin the new map details on the donkey" sort of thing. We are starting, of course, with Lost Temple, a map that's been with us since the beginning of time.

Interesting fact: Did you know that Christopher Columbus missed India and went on to discover America because his naval map was in fact a the Lost Temple map?

Here it is (click to enlarge):

All numeration is done counter-clockwise (yeah, we are that hardcore).

1-4: Starting locations

Didn't really change, the original layout for Lost Temple in your "ladder" folder is quite different, but as the map was modified countless times later on the layout became about the same as on the new LT. All Starting locations now come with double gas.

5-8: Natural expansions

Once again, very similar to the original. Conveniently located next to relevant ramps, still have the cliff over them, only difference - two gas geysers as well.

9-10: High yield expansions

Now it gets really interesting. Instead of four mineral only expansions located next to natural ones Blizzard decided to insert their new feature - Yellow minerals. As you can see those "high yield" fields only contain 6 batches instead of the usual 8, the building point is blocked by a destroyable rock, the entrance is a bit narrowed and, as usual we have double gas again.

11-12: Island expansions

The only difference i can spot, except for double geyser, is that there is no dual layer terrain level on the islands. Every island is a single piece, a bit smaller and if you ask me kind of pointless now that yellow minerals are present.

13-16: "The bushes"

Also new features, basically vegetation blocking the line of sigh i.e. hiding units in those little sectors of the map. Could theoretically prove to be very useful for early zealot/marine/zergling pushes and so on so forth.

17-18: Watch Towers

Another new feature (Command and Conquer, anyone?) A tower, that, when activated by placing a unit near it, reveals a circle of fog of war around it. Also there are the four "Lost Temple" buildings, not sure whether you can siege a tank up on them.

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There you have it, folks. Please feel free to comment on the new feature, perhaps there's something you'd like to see in the map overview or you may even want a giant neon statue of Freddie Mercury placed in the middle of the map, all contributions are welcome.