Multiplayer Map Pack – Goodness Comes in Four Flavors
By Chris Rayn

Just when it looked like Halo 2 evolved into the ultimate experience of lead-pumping ecstasy with the release of the Auto Update, Bungie is setting out to out-do itself already. A mere week following the release of tougher grenades and melees, and what many argue to be the re-release of skill into Halo 2, comes four new maps. On Monday, April 25, Bungie’s recently-announced release date, literally thousands upon thousands of people will be pounding XBLive trying to be the first to pay $5.99 for Turf and Sanctuary in addition to the glorious and free Containment and Warlock. Recently, videos of all of the new maps for the 25th were released, displaying quite a bit of game play and running around to the joy of the Halo 2 enthusiast. Disregarding the disgusting, aimless SMG warfare included within the videos, they all seemed to have a lot to offer:

Containment



Containment looks to be a frozen tundra equaling anywhere from 3/4 to 7/8 the size of Coagulation. Though it is extremely large, it seems to be comprised of many different valleys and defined areas rather than of one long stretch like Coagulation. Trench warfare is what Bungie emphasizes to be the main activity in this level, though it seems as though sniping may still be as prevalent as ever with the size of the map. The map will boast the addition of the Scorpion tank to the arsenal of vehicles, though due to the size and shape of Containment, it appears to be a good decision because of the tank’s lack of maneuverability, rendering it unable to control the entire map. This map seems as though it will be good for some Big Team Battle (for those that may be heading back to matchmaking), especially in the area of Multi-Flag and Neutral Bomb. The roughly-symmetrical quality of the map may also lend to its playability in Multi-Flag and Neutral situations, allowing an even match for both teams. Big, open maps will also be more playable in general now, due to the less-god-like nature of vehicles due to the auto updates grenade magic.



Warlock



Warlock seems like it may be one of the best maps of the bunch, including the ones we’ve yet to see glimpses of. Obviously a reconsideration of Wizard from Halo CE, the map boasts a multi-layered medley of high-paced action. The multiple levels, teleporters, and small-size make it the perfect ideal for Oddball, and perhaps some 1 Flag or Assault. And, because of the small-size, 1 Flag or Assault games will become crazy because of quicker spawn response due to the ability to get from one place to another quickly through the use of teleporters. The full dimensions of game play on this map were hard to discern from just forty-nine seconds of unskilled Oddball, but it does appear as though Warlock will be as hectic and crazy as Wizard, if not a hundred times more, because not to move is to die – and no one wants to die. Look to Warlock to possibly become the new Midship as a favorite for adrenaline-rush action.



Turf



This map may be the most elusive of the bunch, considering that it is hard to tell exactly how the map will play from its video. An Earth-bound urban setting deep in the heart of Old Mombasa, Turf offers a lot of close-quarter battle possibility, yet is not without long-range battle on the main road. Though it appears cramped in some ways, its multiple levels and rooms will make for interesting battles with melees and grenades, and that open main road seems to be the perfect battleground for Battle Rifle aficionados. Turf seems rather well suited for King of the Hill and other territory battles, owing mainly to its asymmetrical, constricted form with multiple levels to worry about. Look to this map also to be highly dependent on map control, and as a go-to map for unidirectional objective games like 1 Flag and Assault. The map may also be suited for games like Team Oddball if it has any sort of circular quality, though it is impossible to tell yet from just a few seconds of video and an overhead shot.



Sanctuary



As the name suggests, Sanctuary is a temple located around multiple aqueducts on Delta Halo, and presents incredible audio complete with rushing waterfall and chirping birds. This is also the perfect battle ground for Slayer matches and Neutral Bomb/CTF Classic because of its near-perfect symmetry and medium size. With both bases being obscured from each other’s view and a large, central structure in the middle, Sanctuary looks as though every moment will run rampant with shocking discoveries and frantic battles. The open area and bright sunlight will make hiding difficult for campers, forcing everyone to fight hard and fast, but it will also make use of the large clutter of boulders littering the field. However, never expect to hide to long behind boulder-litter, as the new auto update will guarantee you’ll be blown into tiny, cybernetic chunks by the much-empowered grenades. Also, do not forget the lone sniper on this map, as the large, central structure will provide the perfect vantage point for sniping MCs and Elite on either side of the map.

All images courtesy of Bungie.net