Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack
- April 19, 2005 14:20 PM PST
- Email this!
More is better, especially for the most intense shooter on Xbox Live.
Ain't Bungie generous? Not only are they giving us an awesome Halo 2 Auto-Update, they're releasing a flurry of bonus content that would make any FPS nut drool. On June 28th, Bungie will release a DVD version of the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack, a $19.99 enhancement for Halo 2. You don't need to have Xbox Live to benefit from the DVD, but it would certainly help.The DVD will contain all nine maps, the 1.1 Auto Update, a new cinematic depicting the fate of a certain group of characters, and a mini-documentary showing the making of the Multiplayer Map pack. The content will also be available as an Xbox Live download, with an exact price point and release date soon to come. Warlock and Containment will come first, as free downloads. Sanctuary and Turf will come shortly after, for roughly three dollars each. The final five maps are currently slated for a package price of $11.99, and will arrive last. The DVD version will hit June 28th and will contain all the content, but Bungie will release everything for free By late summer or early fall. So it's either pay or wait--either way, it's shaping up to be a win/win situation.
Warlock: This dim, spooky level was adapted from the original Halo map Wizard. Warlock is set in arcane Forerunner ruins, and its immersed in atmospheric lighting and an arena-style honeycombed layout. It's a smaller map that's best suited for Slayer and Team Slayer, but seemed destined to be the Oddball stadium of choice. The teleporter provided a strategic twist, but this dark, cramped level is clearly targeted at split-screen players. As such, it's best to keep parties within four to eight players, or gameplay will become too chaotic.
Containment: One of the largest maps in the map pack, Containment's icy battlefield was perfect for larger Capture the Flag and 1-Flag CTF variants. It's big enough that you'll definitely want at least 12 players, but it's actually designed to carry 16. The battlefield design is symmetrical, which means that each side is on relatively equal footing in terms of terrain. There's also the strategic element of the massive gates; if you can reach the control panel, you can open the gates and waltz right into the stronghold (with a Scorpion tank, if you're lucky). This map was a sure hit at Bungie's headquarters, and Scorpion skirmishes were quite frequent. The map boasted tons of cover, side passages and alternate routes, so it's certainly no re-hash of the relatively flat and featureless Coagulation (aka Blood Gulch). As a neat bonus, the landscape was littered with large "bouncy mines which served as a major hazard for Warthog traffic. You could shoot them with a Gauss cannon to destroy them, or propel them at an enemy vehicle.
Sanctuary: This Aztec-inspired level was covered in moss and vines. It had some of the nicest water effects on display, and the layout was simple and smooth. Sanctuary's furious playing rhythm was even more arresting, especially when played with over eight people. The symmetrical layout was best suited for fast-paced CTF games (and turning on "Touch Return" could be handy), this medium-sized level is another fine Territories map.
Turf: One of the best maps on display, this urban-themed map (which depicts city landmarks from New Mombasa) should help satisfy those players who were upset that Earth-based levels didn't figure more prominently into Halo 2's single-player mode. This cluster of bombed-out buildings features plenty of nooks and crannies for players to hide in, and there are plenty of close-quarter possibilities. It's perfect for larger Team Slayer games, but it was specifically designed for Territories. In fact, it stands as probably the best, most well-rounded Territories map in all of Halo 2. It's also excellent for Oddball.
