ic-games Review - Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack - Reviews, Previews and Interviews for PC, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and Wii

ic-games Review - Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack - Reviews, Previews and Interviews for PC, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and Wii ic-games Review - Home - Review, Preview and Interview for PC, Xbox,Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and Wii

Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack

Information
Reviewer: James Collins
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Reviewed: Xbox
Genre: Mutiplayer
UK Release: 08th Jul 2005
Article Date: 04th Jul 2005
Difficulty: Easy
Retail Price: £14.99
Price Comparison:
0

Score Breakdown

Experience:
Game Play:
Graphics:
Sound:
Overall Score: 87%

Discuss this review in the Forums

Pros

First look at future maps

Some interesting Videos

Cutting edge idea

Cons

Maps free via Xbox Live later?

Screenshots

13 of 16

One reason given for the popularity of PC games over their console brethren is that once a console game has been released there is little to no chance of seeing any updates or additions until the sequel arrives, whereas PC games have multiple examples of additions, patches and expansion packs. Well not only did Halo 2 push the Xbox Console to new heights but now, courtesy of the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack. Halo 2 has now changed how we look at all our Xbox games in general. At last console owners can apparently update and add to a previously released game.

The trick is of course the internal Hard Drive of the Xbox, as long as you have previously played Halo 2 at some point, the update is as easy as popping in the Map Pack and installing the updates via the menu. Not only does the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack contain exclusive maps but it also updates your copy of Halo 2 fixing obscure problems and adding extra functionality for both online and offline multiplayer maps.

The Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack features 9 multiplayer levels of which 4 maps should be available now for free via Xbox Live, with the remaining five multiplayer maps being released later this year as part of the ‘Maptacular’ map set for online purchase. Eventually its more than likely all of these nine maps will be available for free via Xbox Live but anyone addicted to the online side of Xbox Live will instantly know the appeal of getting that early sneak peak that this retail map pack undoubtedly offers.

The ‘Maptacular’ map pack that is currently only available for anyone with this expansion pack contains some pretty impressive maps. Relic, Terminal, Backwash, Elongation and Gemini alone are easily worth the asking price. Since Bungie are more than aware that this edition will be snapped up by collectors and hardcore multiplayer fans alike they also include a few extra treats exclusive to the retail Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack

The only thing required to run and install the updates and maps is that you have previously played Halo 2 and created a profile, after that pop the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack into the Xbox and things are pretty self explanatory from therein. There is a short Halo 2 update to install before you can enable the new maps but it’s a relatively quick affair. After that you are free to install the Bonus Map Pack (Containment and Warlock) and Killtacular Map Pack (Turf and Sanctuary) if you haven’t already. Finally, the meat of the expansion pack of course lies in the Maptacular Pack which contains the five brand new maps currently unavailable anywhere else.

Also included on the Retail Map Pack are some exclusive videos and treats. The Halo 2 Killtacular video allows you to watch some behind the scenes interviews with the actual designers of the maps, they also reveal some tactics and secrets from the newly released maps that will delight anyone looking for the edge online. Another Day at the breach is also exclusive to the Halo 2 experience, and without spoiling the short cinematic movie, it reveals what really happened to the lost ODST team in Old Mombasa, it’s a welcome missing scene from the Single player portion. The Extras menu also features a DVD Audio test, Halo 2 trailer and original Halo E3 2000 trailer.

RELIC

Surrounded by dangerous waters this beach map makes a formidable CTF or Assault team based game although it can be home to all game types. The beauty of this particular map against regular maps is that the actual geometry of this map changes depending on what type of game is being played on it. In all game modes except CTF and assault games, handy ramps allow access to the central structure, whereas in CTF and assault games, tactical use of the two way teleporter is the key to success. Obviously with the key structure in the middle of the map this particular Relic makes attacking the map exceptionally difficult, but equally pleasurable when achieved. 4/5

BACKWASH

This one, if anything, has to go down as one of the spookiest multiplayer maps ever devised. With a constantly chilling soundtrack and deep fog, this one is best played at night for the ultimate atmosphere. Backwash makes an excellent ‘Slayer’ map due to its high vantage platforms and fog. Even though the weather makes for difficult playing conditions, anyone high enough up will still be able make out gunfights and will be able to drop down in to the action to clean up. A fallen tree is home to the single Energy Sword and the towering centre structure on Delta Halo offers a platform to the highest peak although you can expect this structure to be swarming with other players. 4/5

ELONGACTION

This map is set on a space cruiser currently supplying weapons to the military across the globe. Even though the corridors are small and hiding places few and far between the mere fact that this ship holds the best weapons should be reason enough for a visit. Short, but still challenging, this small map makes good use of the original Halo map 'Longest'. Featuring colour coordinated visual clues 'Elongaction' makes for a fast CTF game, or two on two Objective games. 3.5/5

GEMINI

This indoors symmetrical map is best played with the Slayer, King of the Hill and Oddball game modes. The map is actually a re-imagined version of the original Duality map only available with the Marathon Infinity Pack. The default weapons are the Brute shot, Carbine, Energy Sword, Plasma Pistol, Beam Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shotgun and SMG. And although the map is based upon a meditation sanctuary for the senior prelates, war has seen this once peaceful structure overcome with death and pain. 4/5

TERMINAL

The terminal used to be a high commerce area with citizens shopping, relaxing and eating out. War has now seen this area turn into a battle zone due to its excellence vantage points. However the strategic advantages come at a price for anyone fighting on the terrain. That’s because this is another map thwart with danger due to the scenery. The areas to avoid is the high speed train that regularly passes and can cause instant death to anyone close enough to the tracks.5/5

DETAILED GAME INFORMATION

Version Reviewed: Xbox Retail
Other Versions: No
Muliplayer: Yes + Preferred
Xbox Version Price: £14.99 (Halo 2 required)
Age: 12

'Terminal' Map Trailer - DOWNLOAD HERE
'Warlock' Map Trailer - DOWNLOAD HERE

MAPTACULAR PACK (Retail Map Pack/Xbox Live purchase later)
KILLTACULAR PACK (FREE 6326 BLOCKS)
BONUS MAP PACK (FREE 5787 BLOCKS)

USA Release date - Out Now!
UK Release date - 08th Jul 2005

Discuss the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack review in the Forums

IC-Games RSS Feed

IC-Games Reviews and Previews (c) 2002-2007

Designed by James Collins

To have your product featured contact The Editor
Found some news? contact The News Desk
PR Dept - Andrew St.Denis
Additional Coding by James Collins and Phil Douglas
Get credited, submit breaking news at The News Desk
Want to hire one of our journalists? Enquire here
Want to see your advert on site? Enquire here

Ic-games.co.uk banner Ciao.co.uk

Find the best console offers for the video game lover like Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii and all types of PC games.

Xbox 360 Games

Internet bingo is played by large and a vast amount of gamers, so you’re sure to make a network and friends. Whatever age or gender.