Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack

Nearly 8 months after being released, Halo 2 is still running strong. Not just running strong, but growing. With various auto-updates, play list updates, and new maps that have and are soon to be released the number of people playing Halo 2 is sure to gradually increase throughout the rest of the year. Of course you can’t forget the fact that the game simply kicks ass (despite its obvious flaws), and now with 21 maps, most of which are excellent, the game is bigger and better then ever. Its easy to tell with the additional 9 maps featured in the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack (five new to the disc, four previously only downloadable)that Bungie has learned from their mistakes (and even the things they did right) and developed some of the most fun maps in Halo history (though they’re not all total winners).

Backwash:

Backwash, loosely based off of the single-player swamp levels in the original Halo, is easily the most intriguing of the new maps. Backwash, which is a small symmetrical map, has very dark and misty appearance that causes a swampy atmosphere. Because of this, your visibility is definitely at a minimum and you always have to keep your eyes out for oncoming attack. It also means that it won’t be to difficult to crouch and sneak up on an opposing player and take him out.

There are to bases on either side of the map. Each team’s base holds a Plasma Pistol and a Sentinel Beam (yep, a Sentinel Beam, the only Halo map to ever have it as a default weapon). Since the map is circular you have the choice of going around the map, which is filled with dozens of large trees that contain twisted, sprawling roots that wind along the ground, as well as a terrain that is full of small hills and valleys. This is definitely the longest route, but it is also sometimes the smartest, considering you can catch players off-guard.

If you want a faster, more obvious route to the enemy base, you can go through the center (going base-to-bases going through the middle takes roughly 15-20 seconds) where you will find a giant base-like structure. On the inside, this structure is very small and linear. there are 3 stories which you can access by climbing various objects on the outside, or you can go up lifts located on the insides. On the outside of the structure there are various branching platforms that you can reach, or you can just go around in a circle on the outside ring killing anyone who comes in contact with you.

Backwash features a good variety in weapons available, and this level seems to be very well balanced. From the Sentinel Beam to the Energy Sword (which is located at the end of an off-branching tree limb) you will find most of the weapons available in Halo 2 on this map. The Rocket Launcher, however, will not be found on this map. I could be wrong, but I’ve looked around the entire level and have yet to find a sniper rifle, which is a shame considering there are different platforms that could make for some great sniping-points. At least we have the Battle Rifle and Covenant Carbine.

Backwash is unlike any Halo map before it.

As I mentioned, the level is greatly balanced. Each side gets the same set of weapons. The only weapon on the map that there is just one of is the sword, and, unlike in some levels, having it doesn’t cause a huge shift in balance.

I was only able to play with 6 players, but it seemed the perfect number. 4 or 8 players would also work greatly, but any more than 8 would probably cause the map to start to feel clustered and over-crowded. The map works best when playing team slayer. Team slayer matches are intense, exciting, and most importantly, incredibly fun. Some may be turned off by the fact that you can’t see to far ahead of you, but personally I believe it to cause for some intense battles that are completely unpredictable.

Another favorite of mine for Backwash would be oddball. CTF and Assault are definitely fun, but its not hard to tell that this map wasn’t made for those game types. This level also lends itself to some highly interesting and often entertaining double-team battles that require a lot of team work and strategy. I tried out head-to-head as well, and while it can be really fun if you’re playing with a decent gamer, it seems way too easy to get a kill and then hide. Now if your opponent were to go ahead 3-4 points in a timed match and then decide to hide, then you’re pretty much screwed.

In the end Backwash is a fantastic map and a very unique and welcomed addition to the 20 other Halo 2 maps. This is definitely going to be an incredible team slayer map (though not too much more).

Relic:

Relic is another outstanding map. Relic is a medium-sized, asymmetrical island in the middle of a huge ocean. The whole map is littered with a number of huge metal shields and other objects that cause many to speculate that there was once a huge battle fought there. In addition there are large hovering platforms, which are great for sniping, (considering the wide open areas in Relic, sniping is a big deal) and there are downed Pelican dropships that act as bases.

Relic has a lot of open areas that have little-to-no cover. The only thing you could possible hide behind in these areas would be some not-so-helpful boulders. Near the center of the map is a huge man-made structure. One end of the structure is low to the ground and can be easily accessed by anyone on foot. Walking the length of the ramp-like building past a number of cover points brings you the highest point that’s sporting an extremely tall tower. This is also where the flag is located. The best and most simple strategy is to grab the flag and throw it off of the ledge.

There is also a “basement” to the structure which can easily be reached by dropping threw a whole around the top. Under here you will find a switch that activates a teleporter that makes it much easier to get across the level.

Traditionally, the game features a Warthog and a Ghost. Each team starts with a Sniper Rifle, and at the edge of the island there’s a Rocket Launcher that is located right between the two teams meaning that they have to battle it out for it, and whoever gets it has a huge advantage.

Slayer matches general work very well for this map, but it’s generally best for objective-based games such as 1-flag CTF and Assault. Once again we have a definite winner on our hands. The map is perfectly sized and perfectly setup for both the offense and defense. An amazing map.

Gemini

Now, I’m not saying that it’s a bad map, but Gemini was definitely the most disappointing of the 5 new maps. Gemini is set inside of a Covenant space ship and seems like a greatly expanded version of Midship. That being said, the map features a small and circular design.

The level features a large amount of sliding doors, air lifts, and teleporters that will take you to other parts of the level. All of these, especially the sliding doors cause for a lot of surprise encounters that will be fatal to you or your unlucky enemies.

There are 2 levels in Gemini, the second level is reached by a series of ramps. The centerpiece of the whole map (which is actually located on the second level) is a giant tree with wide limbs that players can rest on and plan even more surprise attacks. Around the tree is an open (despite various Covenant “mounds”) area that holds most of the games battles.

The weapon-set is fairly standard, giving you the traditional Plasma Pistol, Plasma Rifle, Shotgun, SMG start, etc. There is however an Energy Sword found on the map. This gives the player (or even the team) a huge advantage considering the small size of the map and the somewhat cramped areas.

Gemini, like Backwash, is best played in Team Slayer. Though Team Slayer on this map can cause for some exciting battles between teams, the map just seems borderline boring and even sometimes uninspired (though the art style is superb). Oddball also works great, but other game types don’t work quite as well.

What we have here is a decent map, and nothing more. I probably would have enjoyed it more but I was spoiled by the greatness of the others. This map is sure to get some attention from a lot of people, and even a little from me, but with the other fantastic maps I think a lot of people will look past it.

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Turf:

Turf is one of the few Earth-based maps on Halo 2, and it’s easily the best of the bunch. Turf is also one of the most well-designed maps available for either Halo games. The sheer amount of climbable roofs and various other “hiding spots”, along with a good amount of oddly-placed weapons, make this a fantastic and exciting map for nearly every game played on it, even if you’re just exploring the map.

Turf is definitely smaller and more cramped than I expected it to be when I first saw the pictures for it. This is far from a bad thing, however. The short narrow alleyways (which all intertwine flawlessly throughout the map) cause for some frantic and exciting firefights, while the available roof-tops and overall size of the map make it so a sniper or battle rifle in medium-range works perfectly as well.

A Warthog is placed at the top right of the map (though it isn’t nearly as useful as you may think, considering how cramped the alleys are). Around the bottom left is a medic camp which is where one territory is located in 3-plots, and is traditionally a popular respawn. Around the bottom right is a broken down monorail, and what possibly seems to be a ship-wrecked covenant ship. The top right (and in case you didn’t know I am using on these pictures in relation to a top-down style view), there is a small base filled with a various amount of boxes and a thirst-quenching soda machine (Which, oddly enough, has a pair of teeth on it, while the other soda machine in the map has a rooster; meaning together they make Rooster Teeth. Just go put two and two together.) In this area there is actually two huge doors that can be shoved open, but close back up quickly.

Turf was built with 3-Plots in mind, and really gives reason to dig deep into it.

In 3-plots, around each of the 3 territories you can easily find places to hide- this way, when an enemy comes to take over an area, you can pop out and easily attack (using a Brute Shot in these types of situations is perfect).

As I stated before, the weapons are very oddly placed (Often on roofs on which you would never expect to see a weapon located). However, the weapons in the map are perfectly balanced, leading to consistently fair play. Turf doesn’t seem like some maps where everyone is rushing to grab all of the power weapons, and this is because, besides the sniper rifle(which is easy to get from an enemy), there really aren’t any power weapons. As you run around the map you should always find some weapon to use, and you nearly always have a fighting chance when being attacked by an enemy.

Turf allows for great flexibility in terms of how many players should be played on this map. The map is incredibly fun when playing with 8 or 6 people, but can still be enjoyed with a paltry 2-4 players. If the map is played with too many players (over a dozen), then it may defeat the purpose of the map and become too cramped. As Bungie has stated, Turf was made specifically for 3-plots or territories. Turf is also great for many other game modes as well, specifically team slayer.

In-conclusion, Turf is a brilliantly designed map. It’s balanced, flexible, and extensively enjoyable.

Terminal:

Terminal, which is another Earth-based level set in New Mombasa, is a simply outstanding and brilliantly designed level that is the perfect definition of an incredible Halo map. Terminal is a long and fairly big map that I would describe as a mixture of Headlong, Turf, and a traditional terminal.

As stated, Terminal is based on New Mombasa and revolves around a train station and its surrounding city block. There is a huge amount of places to hide with plenty of open space, but lots of cover as well. There are a lot of higher elevation points available for snipers as well, but lots of different approaches for enemies to reach them, so it will be difficult to camp.

In addition to a lot of non-drivable civilian vehicles, you will find vehicles you can use such as the Ghost, Warthog, and Wraith, as well as turrets located around the bases.

It’s really hard to describe Terminal in words. there are a lot of different buildings and garages you can enter. Many of these go as high as 3 or 4 stories. There are a lot of roadways that help for a smooth ride in vehicles. Most buildings have ramps going up to the next level, and some even resemble a shopping mall. There is also a large parking garage.

Terminal is easily one of the better Halo 2 maps.

On games such as CTF and Assault, the offense starts with a Gauss Warthog as their primary vehicle. The defense is armed with the all-powerful Wraith. To counter-attack this the offense also gets first dibs on the Rocket Launcher.

Ultimately, the key element of the entire map is the “runaway MagLev commuter train that streaks through the map at regular intervals.” The train comes through every 20-30 seconds and never misses a beat. This isn’t just a gimmick either- it can become a huge part of the gameplay. First off, it is the most direct shot to the opposing base using the Warthog. If you happen to time your jump wrong, and the train hits you, your dead, gone and destroyed, no questions asked.

There are also a lot of extremely helpful items located on the tracks such as the Rocket Launcher, Energy Sword, and Overshield, which almost force you to eventually go on the tracks, staring death straight in the eye.

Terminal is a very well-balanced map as well, giving each team advantages and disadvantages. Most available weapons can be found in this map. The best time I had (And hot diggety damn, is it fun!) was playing one flag CTF or Assault. These game types are especially fun, considering the tactics needed and just the overall amazing design. Some other interesting game types to play on this map are King of the Hill (which becomes insanely intense when the hill is located on the train tracks), and Territories. Team Slayer can also be really fun, but the map was built for objective games, and it shows.

Playing with 8 players works (I wouldn’t recommend any less, that’s for sure.), but I would suggest playing with at least 12-14 players. Its easy to tell that this map will breathe new life into Big Team Battles.

Terminal, as I’ve said throughout, is an outstandingly brilliant map. It is not too big, yet not too small, balanced with a large amount of cover, and just fantastically designed in the end. In short, it’s astonishing in how fun it can actually be.

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Elongation:

Although Elongation is a remake of the original Halo‘s Longest, and it remains very similar to it, the overall feel and look of the map is a lot different. The core layout hasn’t changed a whole lot- the map is still defined by two long parallel hallways with a base at either end. However, the game now takes place on a ship. This is easily known considering there are windows found throughout that show outer space, and Earth itself.

Some minor changes by Bungie were the addition of boxes in areas where they weren’t found before, as well as ramps in the place of ladders, which provides a much smoother gameplay experience.

As known by most, the biggest additions are the conveyor belts that span either hallway. These conveyor belts continuously carry boxes from one end of the level to the next. The conveyor belts add a whole new element to the gameplay. For example, a player can get on one of the belts, crouch and stay still, and go to the opposing side without ever showing up on the enemy radar, meaning they can do a complete surprise attack on the enemy team.

Elongation, no matter the game type, always supplies some extremely frantic and exciting gameplay. There is some strategy involved with the conveyor belts and crates, but when playing with 6 or more players (which I recommend considering the game will become cramped and cause for even funner fire-fights) running-and-gunning is the best way to go.

Cover is as just as important now as it was in the original Halo.

CTF Classic is a blast to play, especially when doing a 2v2 or even 3v3. Oddball and Slayer are also highly enjoyable. Basically, almost any game type, with almost any number of players (though 8v8 or even 7v7 may be a little to much) work flawlessly with this map, and that is one of the greatest things about it. GCA Editor-in-Chief Phillip Levin said it perfectly: “The action is always fast paced, and the layout of the map made for a lot of cover – a good thing, considering the cramped confines made for a high degree of cross fire.”

Sanctuary:

Sanctuary is the definition of a beautiful and absolutely amazing Halo map. Though I stated earlier that Turf is one of the most well-designed maps in Halo 2, I have to say that Sanctuary is among the greatest maps in the Halo series.

Sanctuary has little depth to it (in terms of topography, not gameplay). Besides a small tunnel here or there it’s a very straightforward and simple map, but that’s one of the things that’s so great about it. On each side of the map lies a well-protected, yet somewhat open base. Around each base you will find dozens of perfectly placed rocks that supply more then adequate protection to an opposing sniper, or even just an up-close attacker. In the middle you will find a multi-level, roofless “base”, that has a sword right smack in the middle of it. You can go up multiple ramps that lead out to bridges that go throughout the map.

This is a truly gorgeous map. The beautiful maps and sweetly placed waterfalls make this a map that will bring gasps to the mouths of thousands. I can’t exactly place what it is, but I just can’t help but absolutely adore this map as a whole. It just a fun map, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing.

No screen shot can do justice to how beautiful this map is.

Each base has a turret (which can conveniently turn quite a bit to the right making it easy to guard the flag with it), and a smartly located Sniper Rifle. You will also find Plasma Rifles, Battle Rifles, etc found throughout the map. As with Turf, the map is extremely balanced in terms of weapon placements (you can really tell that Bungie has learned from most of their mistakes). Considering that the sword is located in the middle, you will almost always see a large group of people from each side rush for it, and this causes for an early on war, but considering all of the rocks, snipers, Battle Rifles, and the overall openness of the map, the sword fortunately doesn’t overpower. It does however give you a slight advantage, which is much deserved considering you more-than-likely had to fight off other players to obtain it.

This is definitely a CTF specific map, and man, is it fun to play. Since the bases and middle section are set up so fantastically, it causes for some real fun back-and-forth fighting. This map is also well-fit for Team Slayer (I especially recommend SWAT and snipers on this map. Both of these become very frantic, very quickly.) The map works well with Oddball, which is located in the middle where the sword traditionally is. as well as assault. I’d recommend around 8 players, but you can swing it with less. Putting more then 10 players on this map would be pushing it.

Warlock:
It seems like a lot of people on Xbox Live, a couple friends of mine, and a few people on the forums here all wanted a redone version of a map from Halo:Custom Edition (the PC port of the original) on Halo 2. The most popular responses were usually Hang ’em High or Sidewinder. Well, Bungie did a remake of a classic map, though it’s probably the one that everybody least expected (No, not Longest, but we got that one too.): Wizard. While the choice of bringing Wizard back to life as Warlock may seem stupid at first, the moment you step onto the map and begin playing, everything will feel natural.

Warlock is set in a jungle upon a Halo ringworld, and is believed to be a Forerunner construct. Resembling ancient ruins, the steps are made of rock and appear dilapidated. Thankfully, they won’t instantly crumble underneath your great Spartan (or Elite) weight.

Warlock (a redesign of Wizard) is one of the most improved maps.

Much like Foundation in a way, Warlock is exceptionally basic and retro in level design. This does not, however, make it a bad map. In fact, it makes for some of the most fast-paced action you’ll have in Halo 2. if you loved Midship or Foundation, you’ll be sure to enjoy Warlock. This one should become a favorite in the Rumble Pit matchmaking playlist. Slayer and Team Slayer are both a joy upon Warlock, and matches of King of the Hill and Oddball are exceptionally furious, especially when the map is well populated. There are four different “bases”, if you will, topping the level’s upper ridge. While these upper ledges often were home to power-ups in Wizard, they are now gone in Warlock. The only power-up you’ll find is in the center construct, which houses an Active Camo for the taking. On the bottom floor are four teleporters which will take you to the teleporter directly across from it. Be advised that the spaces on the side are the only spots on the map where you’ll be able to pick up frag grenades, so be sure to stock up.

In Warlock, you should either go for a Battle Rifle and Shotgun combo, or dual wield a pair of Needlers. Needlers you say? Yes, Needlers. Given how Wizard was the only map in Halo:CE that actually made the Needler useful it stands only fit to say that Warlock validates their existence perfectly, especially once you start double fisting a pair of the pink machines (reading that made me feel dirty- ed.). You can also snag a Plasma Rifle to go with your starting SMG as well. Warlock allows you be creative with your weapon selections and still have a fighting chance.

Warlock is a fast-paced and undoubtedly fun Halo 2 map. The only problem I can muster is the fact that it is played FAR to much in matchmaking. That is far from being a fault of the map of course.

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Review of Containment written by Ken Nelson

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Containment:
Containment is set on Delta Halo, a fairly snowy and icy area next to a wall containing the flood themself. Upon first spawning on the map, the first words likely to come out of your mouth will be “Whoa.”. Whoa, indeed. Containment is the largest map made available in this map pack. This map, in essence, is everything that Waterworks should have been: a true successor to Blood Gulch, the best large map available in the game. Containment takes this crown.

The map is much like Waterworks and Coagulation, in that the two bases are identical to each other. These bases both house a Banshee, Gauss Warthog, and a turret. Inside the base you can arm yourself with a miriad of weapons. Needlers, Plasma Rifles, Battle Rifles, Shotguns, a Sniper Rifle, and a Brute Shot. Outside of either base, you can pick up an active camo and take a side route that will eventually lead you to a rocket launcher and a pack of rocket ammo. There is one of these upper ledges surrounding each base. In the middle of the field lies a trench that is home to some Grenades, a Covenant Carbine, and an Overshield. Also, mere yards away from each base is a small, open construct that houses controls to the gate keeping your base invader free. You’d do well to make sure the opposing team doesnt open this and attempt to steal your flag or plant their bomb.

Containment, like Terminal, breathes new life and breeds excitement in Big Team Battles.

As far as offense is concerned, the best weapon combo would be the Battle Rifle mixed with the Shotgun. While on approach to the base, you can merely down opponents you meet in the field with the rifle, while the shotgun can be used to clear the opposing base out so you may snag their flag or get started on arming your bomb uninterrupted for a small amount of time. For defense, it depends wholly on where you will be on the map. If you will be inside the base, the Brute Shot (which is now more effective, thanks to the auto update released a week ago) and Shotgun are the ways to go, but positioning yourself on the turret is pretty useful as well. If you will be out on the battlefield, by all means, pick up the Sniper Rifle and Rocket Launcher. And given the multiple high ledges found on Containment, you can fly a Banshee up to an unscaleable cliff, and laugh as the feeble peons below you attempt to take you out with Battle Rifles while you rain fiery death down upon them, or pick off the mindless foes who simply run blindly towards your base. With the Rocket Launcher equipped, you can take down packed Warthogs driving off towards your base, Banshees making life miserable for your enemies, and game type editing pending, you’ll be able to stop Scorpions and Wraiths in their tracks. Feel free to mix and match however you see fit.

When all is said and done, expect Containment to become everyone’s favorite or second favorite map for Big Team Battle games on Xbox Live (Zanzibar is a tough act to follow, after all).

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Etc:

Although I’ve mentioned it before, I really have to stress how beautiful these new maps are. I suppose due to their comfortability with theHalo 2 engine, Bungie has made these new maps look gorgeous and collectively better than the previous maps. The great art style only helps this.

On-top of these 9 maps the disk comes with several bonus features such as a new cinematic video and a mini-documentary of the map making. Both of these are interesting to watch and are a nice little addition to the package. In short, the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack is WELL worth the 20 dollars. I applaud you, Bungie.