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New maps? Bring it on

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 69 / 72
Date: July 06, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I've been anticipating this for awhile. There's not a lot to it so I'll jump right into the juicy bits - first, it's nice they put the auto-update in the package for those who don't have Live, as the gameplay tweaks have a pretty noticable impact. But it's the maps we're really interested in, right?

CONTAINMENT - This map essentially plays like Coagulation; the big differences are the larger bases and the series of tunnels and ditches. The opening and closing base doors breed interesting strategies, and you've gotta love a map that has the Scorpion tank as a default vehicle. The explosives on this map only serve as a hazard for the vehicles, as they are too spread apart to be used as a defensive weapon against intruders on foot. The bright white snow makes active camo VERY effective on this map. It's a great 2 flag CTF map and will probably work just fine for other large team objective games.

WARLOCK - an INTENSE slayer map and average lifespans tend to be on the short side because of the small space and lack of things to hide behind. This sucks if you're a camper but I like maps and scenarios that force me to get comfortable with new strategies. There are no "power" weapons save for four shotguns, if they count, forcing you to use strategy to gun down your opponent on a level playing field as opposed to blowing them away with a bazooka from a distance. Visually superior to the sterile scenery of the original it was built from (Wizard in Halo 1.)

TURF - I've only played Turf in 1 flag CTF but it was pretty fun. The tight spaces are great for sneaking up on the opposition's base, and equally handy for staging ambushes. My only reservation about objective games on this map is that it is so small - with such short distances to run with the flag or bomb, a single slip up on the part of the defensive team will most likely cost them the round... games like this will probably be pretty short. However, that same small size will make it a fantastic slayer map. Sadly, there is no sword - perhaps Bungie knew I'd "pwn" this map into the ground if they included it [/joke].

SANCTUARY - A circular arena, and a fairly large one at that. This is probably best suited for 4 on 4 team objective or slayer games, leaning more towards assault variants. A visually and atmospherically pleasing map, especially on blue team's side where there is flowing water and a humongous tree. There is a sword but wide open spaces limit its usefulness. Again, a map more situated for medium sized objective or team slayer games, although I wouldn't recommend it for free-for-all slayer.

ELONGATION - A remake of Halo 1 map Longest. It is asthetically far superior to its predecessor, being based on the space station level of Halo 2's campaign with dials and knobs and lights and various things I will never, ever understand. Great lighting effects on the steel plated walls and a brilliant window view of the Earth and its moon. Removing the ladders was a smart move on Bungie's part - not only does it make climbing to the second level much less risky and awkward (and more realistic looking,) but it offers another tight space for close encounter skirmishes. The crates can be an asset as well as a liability as they offer cover and serve as stepping stones, but also make it more difficult to retreat. Great small team 2 flag CTF/assault and small or medium sized slayer map.

BACKWASH - Fantastic atmospheric effects on this one, which is based on the 343 Guilty Spark level of Halo 1. The fog is a tremendously significant element to this map as it hides the location of weapons and breaks up the outline of your opponents (which can also work to your advantage.) The soundtrack is very "lush" sounding, complimented by the amusing if also distracting hum of 2401 Penitent Tangent as it occasionally passes overhead. It's set up with two bases for objective games but lends itself the most to slayer varients, with the hunt-or-be-hunted vibe created by the vision obscurring fog and many trees.

GEMINI - Visually one of my favorite new maps, designed after the High Charity level on Halo 2's campaign mode. All the futuristic sliding doors and random noises are there, and the view of High Charity's core from the "back porch" area is some of the best scenery in all of Halo 2's multiplayer maps. Due to the small nature of the map, it probably won't make a great map for assault or CTF variants, but it's perfectly fine for slayer variants as well as oddball, juggernaut, et cetera.

RELIC - sort of a "storming the beach" style map designed for single flag CTF and assault. Unlike Zanzibar, the water is actually a hazard as you will 'fall to your death' if you swim out too far (something to think about when screeching around haphazardly in your warthog.) This is a very unique map with a very specific setup - the defensive structure is extremely difficult to gain access to as you must travel all the way to the back of it, on the opposite side of the island, to find a ramp, with lots of open space and few obstacles to hide behind inbetween. Also, there is a two way teleporter that can be activated from inside the base (a double-edged sword, as you can imagine.)

TERMINAL - Probably the busiest/most complicated map in the pack, it can be very disorienting before you learn where everything is. It is based on a train terminal somewhere in New Mombasa and the bullet train itself is a very important aspect of this map. No attack can be launched on the defensive base without taking the train into consideration, which deals out sudden death indescriminately. Your vehicle will not save you. After getting your bearings straight, this is a pretty fun map and a flexible one at that. It's complexity lends itself to large slayer games (at least 8 people because of its size) and the bases are designed in a lopsided fashion that encourages single flag CTF in specific.

And now the bonus content - I would not recommend buying this pack based purely on the bonus content. First, the cinematic is novel, and relatively well done, but ultimately isn't about anything. And it's only about 2 or 3 minutes long. The documentary is a lot better and covers each map individually, but in the end it is still too short for comfort - I'm sure there is a lot more to tell us and most of this information is available in the booklet as well, if you're patient enough to read it. Overall, the incentive to buy it comes down to permanence of ownership, since now that you have the disc in your hands, you can reload the maps onto your Xbox no matter how many Xboxes you go through or if your Live service goes kaput. A second, morally questionable, incentive is that I'm pretty sure you can use this to load the maps and game upgrades onto friends' Xboxes if you're having a LAN party and discover that one of the rotten b*stards doesn't have any of the new maps you want to play on (I'm pretty sure Microsoft installed a sort of failsafe involving registration similar to Windows XP, so said rotten b*stard probably would not be able to take those maps online.)

Overall, great purchase, great maps - Bungie did a fantastic job with these fun, unique maps and asthetically they have outdone the old maps by a LOT. One can only hope we will be blessed with another string of great map add-ons some day in the future, but with the immenant release of the Xbox 360, I'm not holding my breath. Soak 'em in.

A Halo Multiplayer Fan without x box live's Higly detailed review

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 11
Date: July 10, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I can not get over how much this disk kicks ass,1st of all you get 9. count em 9 new multiplayer maps, sure we all love zanzibar,coagualtion,ascension...etc, but those maps do tend to get old after many months of playing. luckily bungie has saved us all from becoming bored with halo 2 especially us who are live less.Although their were alot of small to medium maps they were awesome, i love the bonus movies that come with it as well the day at the beach was a great short story about the marines who were shot down in new mombosa.The killtacular video was great as well showing each of the new maps in their prime as well as giving their feelings about them.Although it dosent say it on the package their is actually 2 MORE bonus movies the original halo trailer from 2000 and the 1st halo 2 trailer ever shown from 2002.Now on to my reviews of each of the maps

1.Containment-Oh my God this map is HUGE it is set in the quarintine zone, their are 2 symmetrical bases on each side which each contain a gauss hog and a banshee and on your outside wall you get a scorpion tank blah,blah,blah thats all old newsright? well littered through out this huge map are fusion cores which create mass damage when hit, and out side each of the bases their's a little switch tower which opens the door to the base which allows vehicles in although it closes shortly after.Over all i give this map a (5/5)

2.Warlock-A small map set somewhere on delta halo this map is reminiscent of the halo 1 map wizard it was actually the basis for this map it is totally symmetrical so its fair the only noticable things on this map are the warps on each side, the grav lifts, and the active camo in the center. i give it a (3/5)

3.Turf-Ah Turf the map that had everyone hopes up for big rooftop battles and climbing atop the fallen scarab well give up those dreams because you can't there is VERY few rooftops you can get on this map, it is a lot smaller than i thought it would be this is a medium to small map depends on your view point.although this map really disappointed me it's still really good not as good as i hoped it would be but it is still a great map which was designed for the game territories great for 2 player skirmishes or even more any way i give this map a (4/5)

4.Elongation-A very small map set on a cargo ship,its not hard to see the base of this map it is none other than longest from halo 1, if you are familiar with this map you should be happy to know that the annoying holes and ladders are gone and have been replaced with ramps and slopes, but the greatest feature of this map would have to be the moving crates that go through the level believe it or not these are actually key to getting to the 2nd floor quicker.this is a really nice remake of longest i give it a (3/5)

5.Relic-Relic now this is an awesome level,set on an island in the middle of the sea of delta halo the greatest aspect of this map is the big tower in the center of the map.This map was designed for 1 flag ctf matches this map is more of a snipers haven than turf is supposedly the only complaint i have with this map is that it dosent support tanks it is definately large enough for it over all this is an awesome map a (5/5)

6.Backwash-The suprise map for me i expected this to be another run of the mill slayer map right? WRONG this map is great its set on a swamp on delta halo similar to 343 guilty spark on the halo 1 single player level i personally love this map its so foggy and strange for ONCE having the sword is a disadvantage because players can see you on the whole map normally you can't see anyone less than say 3-10 feet from you theres a tower in the center which contains a active camo and a bruteshot which is great but the center is very well lit and thats not a good thing everyone will come after you one of the greatest aspects of this level is that it actually supports 1 vehicle although the book that comes with the disk says other wise.this is one of the greatest maps in the whole map pack a (5/5)

7.Gemini-ah yes another remade level although not from halo 1 this time you have to go back to bungies early days to find this ones base it is a remake of the marathon map duality.this map was great a lot greater than i expected it would be theres warps everywhere a nice sniping perch a huge statue of a prophet in the center which is good for camping over all a great map i give it a (4/5)

8.Sanctuary-A great medium to small level this map was made for multi flag ctf, set in an outside environment theres a large temple in the center which holds an energy sword and bases on opposite ends of the maps another symmetrical map it has a nice atmosphere water falls everywhere aquaducts its a nice calming invironment to bad you have to fill it with blood and bullet holes a nice map (3/5)

9.Terminal-ah at last we reach terminal my favorite out of the whole map pack 1st of all the greatest feature is the trains which run through the center every 15-30 seconds anhilating anything in its path this is a large map set in new mombosa theres parking garages tons of sniping spots this is the best map for 1 flag ctf its awesome not so good for multiflag though the sides are very assymetrical, i love the fact that they put the sword in the center of the tracks so now its a challenge to get i love this map i give it a (5/5)

Well theres my review of the halo 2 multiplayer map pack a steal at $20.00 i definately recommend it.Especially if your x box live less like me.

Note:Also included in the map pack is an autoupdate for halo 2 that you MUST download it makes melee and grenades stronger along with the brute shot it also fixes a lot of the gliches that a lot of people were abusing.

Excellent new multiplayer maps to energize Halo 2

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 9
Date: August 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I've been playing Halo 2 for quite a while now, and most of the time I play split screen with my brothers. We had gotten bored of the old maps, although many were really cool (Zanzibar, Ascension, Lockout). We had simply played them too much. So when I heard about this new multiplayer map pack I knew I had to get it, to have some fresh new maps to try and experiment with.

This map pack has 9 new maps, which are all unique and suitable for different game types (capture the flag, team slayer, oddball, territories, etc.). Some of them are really huge, the largest being Containment, Terminal, and Relic. Containment is a huge, snow-covered map with huge fortified bases that look awesome, good for 8-on-8 or 4-on-4 team CTF or slayer. This map has new interactive objects on them that blow up if you run them over or shoot them, which can be moved around and used like a mine (watch the mini-documentary called "Killtacular" that comes with the CD you'll laugh at what one guy at Bungie coins these explosive devices). The other gigantic map is Relic, which is a really cool and awesome-looking map. It's a huge island with lots of new scenery and it's also great for big CTF or slayer matches. Terminal is another large level that looks really cool and futuristic, and features a fast train that runs through the middle. If you get hit by the train you die (apparently killed by the Guardians, whoever they are), and there's an energy sword on the train tracks. Since I usually play split screen 2-on-2 team slayer with my brothers these huge maps aren't really suitable, because you get bored if you run around for five minutes before you see someone.

My favorite maps are Sanctuary, Backwash, Turf, and Elongation (in order of descending size). Sanctuary looks beautiful, with waterfalls and really cool tunnels and bridges. It has two distinct bases and some really clever sniping spots. Elongation is an interesting level, because it has two conveyor belts that move in opposite directions. It also has big blocks on these belts which are great for hiding spots. Turf is in a urban street environment, and has alot of hiding spots and tight alleys. This level definitely has the most detail in it. Backwash is a humid and spooky-looking level that's pretty cool and weird looking. It's like a swamp and you can't see far because of the green fog. It's pretty good for close battles with energy swords and shotguns.

The last two maps I didn't mention are Warlock and Gemini. Warlock is an interesting map because it is perfectly symmetrical. This map is dark and has a great environment, and features shotguns, battle rifles, SMGs, plasma rifles, and magnums. This makes it a close-combat type level. Gemini is a very cool and surreal looking level that is supposed to be a holy shrine for the covenants (see the video "Killtacular" for more information about the maps) I really like this map also, although it's a bit too dark.

Overall, these maps are a great addition to the Halo 2 multiplayer maps. My only gripe is that most of the maps are really huge, and the games I play are usually 2-on-2 split screen. I gave this map pack 5 stars because these maps have really been produced excellently, the detail is great, and the originality of the maps is definitely evident. In my opinion Sanctuary and Turf are the best additions. However, you'll probably have different favorites. Basically, the best way to know about these new maps is to play them and see them for yourself, because as they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words." There is definitely a great variety of maps, and these are original maps that are very different from the ones that came with Halo 2. So I think all that's left is for you to purchase this map pack, which I believe is a good deal at $20, considering that you get 9 maps and some neat movies on the disc. Granted, the map pack disc will probably not be touched after downloading the maps and seeing the movies, since the maps will be on the X-Box's hard drive and you'll just play Halo 2 regularly. So if you're a Halo 2 multiplayer fan who either plays on Live or has big multiplayer parties, and you're tired of playing Zanzibar or Ascension for the umpteenth time (like I was), then go ahead and get this Halo 2 Map Pack. The guys at Bungie worked hard to make fresh, new maps so that all of us Halo fans can still have fun playing awesome multiplayer games into the wee hours of the morning.

Swish! Bungie does it again!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 10
Date: October 06, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Yeah, when my brother bought it for his birthday like four days ago, we thought we had to return it. But all there was a disc. What a rip-off. But the extras were cool. The Halo demo at E3 from 2000 was cool. My favorite map in the game is the Terminal. Everytime when the train comes by, I always put a vechile there and watch it fly. Try putting a wraith there and see what happens. It's really funny. But it's crap when you die by the train. Overall, this was a pretty good game. Can't wait for Halo 3: Multiplayer Map Pack for the Xbox 360.

A must have for Halo addicts

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: September 16, 2005
Author: Amazon User

The map pack is a must have for Halo addicts. The new maps are creative, complete and offer new variations within a game that is already incredible.

No Dissapointments

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: July 06, 2005
Author: Amazon User

If you were at all skeptical about these maps, you no longer have to worry. They are great. I like these maps even more than the original ones that came with halo 2. My personal favorites are relic and terminal. Terminal is great, because there is the infamous train of death, and the sword is in the middle of the tracks, amongst other things. This provides entertainment because you get to see people trying to get the sword, and then being smacked halfway through the level. These maps are all very good for different reasons. There are some larger levels (terminal, relic , containment,and gemini) and some medium sized maps (turf and sanctuary),and finally two smaller ones (warlock and elongation). All of which were worth the wait, as long as you play the right gametype on the right map, (snipers on relic). I enjoy these maps a lot, and it is about time those without xbox live got a taste of the cool new content. And dont forget the price, you get what you paid for, and then some.

More Brilliance from the Halo Gods

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: July 08, 2005
Author: Amazon User

There's no real point to this review, because any Halo devotee has already rushed out and bought this. But as expected, these new Halo 2 maps are well worth the $20 or so they cost. In fact, Terminal alone might be worth the money, especially for the train hurtling through the middle of it plastering anyone who dares to go for the energy sword. All the other maps are fun in their own unique ways. Now the countdown to Halo 3 can begin...

Halo 2 just got better.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 7
Date: July 09, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This is so cool. If you have halo 2 and if you play with your friends you must get this! Its only 20 bucks at toysrus its 19.99 every where. All you do is down load it and it just adds graet maps to your Halo 2 game. The maps are so cool and better and so much fun. If you have halo 2 and dont have this get it. It even has a bunch of halo 2 extras on the disk to. Get this!

Great

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 9
Date: July 06, 2005
Author: Amazon User

These new maps are great. As good or better than the originals. But Warlock SUCKS, and the chance that i may get it in matchmaking online almost makes me not want to play....almost

An amazing Halo 2 pack for a low price

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 6
Date: August 01, 2005
Author: Amazon User

It is pretty much a good thing they came out with this pack. Really i've been getting tired of the old maps myself. This extensive pack brings nine new maps, each one XBox Live playable. Not only that, but they give you a day at the beach which is an amazing Halo 2 side story, a map documentary of all the maps, the first anoccment trailer as seen on the original Halo, and the first E3 Halo 2000 year trailer. Can you beleive they were going to make the Master Cheif sound like a robot. The maps are amazing as well. Each one with something great in it. For one there is one called BackWash. This map is a remake of Halo's 343 Guilty Spark and has lighting bugs flying about and the Moniter hovering above. This pack also includes update HDTV support and more upgrades to your gameplay. It really is a good deal for $20.00. You and your friends only need one copy because you can share it with your friends. But in able to use it you must have at least played Halo 2 once on your hard disk. You also don't need XBox Live to play these. As I said before this is an amazing deal for nine maps and loads of bonus features.

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