Yesterday, Microsoft and 343 Industries revealed the final map that will be remade in Halo 2 Anniversary, Warlock.
Known originally as Wizard in Halo: Combat Evolved, the map was remade in Halo 2 as Warlock, and again as Magus in Halo: Reach. Now, it's returning in Halo: The Master Chief Collection as Warlord — the last of six classic Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer maps re-imagined for the game. It'll join Ascension, Coagulation, Zanzibar, Sanctuary, and Lockout.
For those unfamiliar with Warlock — or now known as Warlord — it's set amid ruins of an ancient Forerunner dungeon on Delta Halo. It's known for its close-quarters combat, stony ramps and platforms, and teleporters that allow you to instantly wrap across the map.
Of course, there will be a few updates to the map. It'll still feel familiar to the original, but 343 Industries has made some "fun tweaks," including additional cover, new skill jumps, and a new weapon in the center.
"Warlock was my pet project due to fond memories of internal Bungie playtests where we had intense, epic shotgun CTF matches,” said Max Hoberman, president of Certain Affinity and the multiplayer lead designer on the original Halo 2. “There’s really nothing else quite like this map in the Halo sandbox – a small arena 4-way symmetric base map – and we felt that it would be a great complement to the other re-imagined maps.”
Halo 2: Anniversary will be a part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, due out for Xbox One on November 11, 2014. The Master Chief Collection bundles the first four major Halo games, readying players for the release of Halo 5: Guardians.
