I must say I really dislike when people use filters to modify images of their maps for posts like these. It is much more useful to see how it actually looks in game. Also you say "[span]Matches could take a long time on this map", is that because of size/slow gameplay? Because i don't think thats what a lot of people are looking for in a 1v1.[/U]
Nice looking map buddy, i will have to have a test on it sometime with you! keep up the good forging.
There were/are 2 main issues I have with Magma. First, large open maps work decently for 1v1. Small segmented maps work decently for 1v1. Magma is a bit too large and too segmented. This makes the duration between battles longer than I prefer. Second, the upper level is too flat. 75% of the upper level is at one elevation, and the other 25% of the upper level is at a higher elevation. The vast majority of the time, when two people engage in battle on the upper level they're at the same elevation. The map needs more height variation within that upper level. The lower level is much more interesting, mostly because the terrain adds a lot of depth. The only other suggestion I'd make is to replace the Sentinel Beam with something else. With the inability to adjust the battery, it seems to be a bit too dominant in 1v1 play. Love the Speed Boost. It could probably spawn even quicker than it does (that would help speed up the gameplay a bit too). Aesthetically, Magma is top notch. I have no complaints whatsoever. All around this is a really solid effort for your first competitive map.