Posted 16 September 2018 - 05:27 AM
As a watcher,
I am big on the ability to see the match evolve -- so Tourmaline, Canyon, Frozen City and Grim Plexus are good. I would add Rube, just because it is a map that requires management.
Mining Collective and Crimson are cool, but with the tunnels and "hidden spots" -- nope. Forget Arctic Highland and Polar. Caustic and Therma are good but the graphics make it hard to follow.
I like the reduction in maps idea. The two bans are good, but I can see going from 5 to 4 to 3 maps to choose -- with maps not being replayed during a set. Forces teams in mastering more maps and adapting their builds. Also, winning team loses a ban on map on the following selection. It's a balancing game mechanic which helps losing team get to what they believe are their better maps.
Finally, I applaud the thought of a new map for the final. Everyone is thrown the same bone -- and the teams that really play well together will come out ahead.