The Halo 2 Map Pack bills itself as the first true expansion pack for a video
game and that’s pretty much the case here. It is not a stand alone game, but
rather installs new maps and a game update to your Xbox’s hard disk. If you
don’t have Halo 2, it won’t do you much good. Don’t expect any new levels or an
extension to the single player campaign, though. Although it does contain a few
bonus extras, this expansion is all about multiplayer.
The first thing that you need to know is that the maps included in the
expansion can all be downloaded from Xbox Live. If you’re a subscriber then you
need to base your decision of whether or not to get the Map Pack on how
important the extras are to you. If you don’t have Xbox Live but play System
Link or splitscreen games, then the Map Pack is a fantastic way to enhance your
multiplayer gaming. There are a variety of settings and each map lends itself to
a range of game types, so there’s a lot of play to the maps. As a bonus to those
who purchase the expansion rather than download the maps, the game comes with a
manual that provides a detailed look at each map. You get a map of each map with
key spots such as weapon and flag locations marked. There are also descriptions
for each map which provide additional insight into their design and layout, as
well as recommendations as to the best games to play on each map. And now
without any further ado here are the nine maps that come with the Map Pack:
- Backwash: adds a new type of terrain in a fog-shrouded marsh
- Containment: a massive winter map perfect for large-scale games.
- Elongation: a factory filled with corridors and conveyer belts.
- Gemini: an indoor map set on the Covenant homeworld.
- Relic: a fortress by a beach map that is reminiscent of the original
game’s X map
- Sanctuary: an ancient temple grounds perfect for capture the flag play.
- Terminal: this map features high-speed trains that rush through its
center.
- Turf: a war-torn city that provides for plenty of close quarter fighting.
- Warlock: another ancient ruin, but this time an indoor map.
These maps cover the spectrum from large-scale battlefields to smaller, “more
personal” maps, so you’ve got some new options no matter which type of
multiplayer game you prefer.
Page 2 of 2 »
