  A bunch of Halo guys doing their best to re-create Star Wars' battle on Hoth. |
Is it possible for an expansion disc to qualify as contender for Game of the Year?
If it's one expansion pack that can make us ponder this question, it's Bungie's spectacular new Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack.
For most online-focused Xbox games, the days of releasing a title and leaving it as-is are long gone. Nowadays, expansion packs are popping up left, right and centre. They basically add new content (such as maps, weapons, missions, etc.) to an existing game.
It was inevitable then that an online game as huge as Halo 2 would get a full-out expansion one day, and the folks at Bungie did one hell of a great job adding months and probably years of fun to a game that's already more popular than any online game out there and isn't losing steam.
The Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack features nine maps, four of which were made available for free in the past few months. Simple math will tell you that five brand new maps are added to the mix. The disc also includes a behind-the-scenes documentary and an animated side story. You may glance at these, but once you start playing the new maps, you'll forget these bonuses were even included.
WHAM! Gaming has broken down, reviewed and rated each individual map and given a game type suggestion for each one as well. These suggestions were based solely on our own online experiences with each map. You'll find an overall rating at the end of this review. Each map is listed alphabetically.
Backwash
Containment
Elongation
Gemini
Relic
Sanctuary
Terminal
Turf
Warlock
BACKWASH
One of the smallest Halo 2 maps, this level is shrouded in plenty of vegetation and pouring rain with a tall metal structure smack dab in the middle. This is a great map for frenzied action. Even four players will find themselves in a flurry of action with little time for an extra breath. Backwash even includes an Energy Sword - whoever holds it becomes an instant target for everyone else on the map. The second you hear the sword fire up, you know you'll need the help of others - friend or foe - to bring down whoever is carrying it. Large branches give a little reprieve if you're under intense fire and small underground areas full of grenades sit at opposite ends of the map. A simple map that works surprisingly well for Slayer, Juggernaut and Oddball matches.
Rating: 9/10
Game type suggestion: 6-8 person Ninjanaut, 25 kills, using SMGs as secondary weapon.
CONTAINMENT
Think of this map as Coagulation in the dead of winter. A large map set around snow and deep canyons, Containment is the place to go if you're looking for any variation of Capture the Flag thanks to its two massive bases set at each end. As big as this level is, there's still room for plenty of heart-pouding action thanks to a long list of vehicles - the Warthog, Banshee and Scorpion all make an appearance here, and it's definitely exhilirating yet terrifying to see all three coming at your base when you're defending on single-flag Capture the Flag. Just like in Coagulation, there are hidden tunnels to the far left and right of each base that become your best friend when carrying a flag home. The level really sets itself up for almost any game type really if you have enough people (no less than eight). Assault, King of the Hill, Slayer, CTF - every one works well if you have a large group. Take advantage of the teleporters near each base as well as the deep gulleys that contain rock formations that are perfect for cover from heavy fire.
Rating: 9/10
Game type suggestion: 8-16 person Capture the Flag, 3 scores, using Battle Rifles, Snipers and Brute Shots.
ELONGATION
A reworked version of Halo: Combat Evolved's 'Longest' map, this is another level that is great for hectic up-close battles. Elongation consists of two long hallways split up the middle, each carrying large crates on conveyer belts. There are also small rooms to the side of each hallway and ramps leading to an upper level. The upper level is wide open so don't feel too safe sitting up there. The crates make for great hiding spots and you may even be able to surprise one or two people by standing on top of one. Foes will be so busy looking around and behind the crates they may not be looking on TOP of them. A game tailer-made for Slayer.
Rating: 9/10
Game type suggestion: 4-6 person Slayer, 20 kills, using Rocket Launchers.
GEMINI
An almost exclusively indoor map with multiple levels, Gemini tends to take advantage of run-and-gun game types with large groups, though small groups should have no problem finding each other. This level has several high-powered default weapons including the Brute Shot, Shotgun and an Energy Sword. This map seems to work best with every-man-for-himself games such as Slayer, King of the Hill and Oddball (if you have enough people, try throwing in two or three balls). Overshields can be your best friend in Gemini with these game types, and make sure to take full advantage of the teleporters and anti-gravity pads to get up high.
Rating: 7/10
Game type suggestion: 4-10 person Slayer, 25-50 kills, using the map's default weapons (Brute Shot, Energy Sword, Plasma Pistol, Beam Rifle, Carbine, Shotgun, SMG, Plasma Rifle).
RELIC
A simple, fun outdoor level that works well with team-based games (you won't want to be alone too long in this level because usually a sniper or eager Warthog driver isn't too far behind). A whole lot of beach surrounds a central structure that is inevitably home to plenty of up-close battles. It's where the flag sits in single-flag CTF. Even during Slayer battles, most players tend to gravitate to this area. A gorgeous looking level, Relic has something for everyone here - wide-open spaces, close-quarter areas, prime sniping spots, fast vehicles - this map is great when a group can't decide on where to go.
Rating: 8.5/10
Game type suggestion: 6-10 person King of the Hill, two minutes to win, using Sniper Rifles, Shotguns, Battle Rifles or Plasma Pistol
SANCTUARY
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Despite its name, this map is one of the best for large (but not too large) groups of players. Sanctuary consists of two main bases on each end and a tall two-storey room in the center. Walkways stretch to the left and right of each level and large boulders litter the ground making for plenty of cover from snipers. If you're playing any type of team game, you'll inevitably find the beginning of each match the most fun, since a nice juicy Energy Sword sits right smack dab at the bottom of the aforementioned central room. It's almost always a mad dash full of gunfire and grenades as teams try to grab hold of it. Turrets and default Sniper Rifles sit along the walkways near each base but be careful because if anyone sneaks past you (and it's far from impossible) you're a goner if you aren't paying attention. A great level for objective-based team battles, especially Assault and Capture the Flag. And despite how small this level may look, don't be afraid to put a lot of people in Sanctuary. In this case the saying 'the more the merrier' really does ring true.
Rating: 9/10
Game type suggestion: 6-10 person single-flag Capture the Flag, three scores, with Sniper Rifles, Battle Rifles and Needlers
TERMINAL
Of the new maps, this is another one that is good, but not great. This large level is set in a train station in New Mombasa after the Covenant have attacked. As you have probably guessed, trains can be found hurtling across the train tracks - unfortunately a little too often. Remembering to avoid these trains adds a nice little incentive to keep extra-careful, but when they pass through so often, players tend to completely ignore any areas where they could get squashed by one and whole sections of the level go largely ignored. Terminal plays out very similarly to Turf, featuring alleys and other enclosed areas, but adding more wide-open "no-man's-land" type sections. Also, there is an abundance of vehicles in this level including Wraiths, Warthogs and Ghosts. You may find yourself hitting dead ends though, making this level a little frustrating. Best played with large groups.
Rating: 6.5/10
Game type suggestion: 10-16 person Capture the Flag (1 flag), three scores, with Sniper Rifles, Rocket Launchers and SMGs.
TURF
Possibly the best map of the nine. Though Turf is a completely outdoor map, it's set around city streets and buildings so there's still plenty of places to hide and sneak up on your foes. The level isn't huge and firefights are aplenty, but if you're a top marksman you'll be able to find a spot or two to snipe away. You won't have much time to regroup and reload on Turf, but that's a good thing. No matter what game you're playing the action is very fast-paced and in-your-face. Turf includes a Warthog that isn't all that handy, especially if you're using rockets. It's tough to get around the narrow streets and alleys, though you may be able to get a few kills in with someone handling the chain gun. You'll have a big advantage if you stay up high, on the ledges of the buildings. Make sure to take corners carefully here! This is an absolutely superb level for Team Slayer.
Rating: 9.5/10
Game type suggestion: 6-10 person Team Slayer, 25-50 kills, using Battle Rifles and SMGs.
WARLOCK
A very small level set completely indoors, this is one level that suffers a bit because of its simplicity. This room (which is all it is really) consists of some ramps, teleporters and air stream vents leading to upper levels. No matter where you are in this level you're open to being shot at or hit with a grenade so try not to stay idle for too long. There are a few areas with large rocks that can be used to hide behind, but anyone can get to you thanks to a nearby air stream vent or central platform that allows players to jump to any other section in Warlock. This map is best used in moderation for Slayer games or Oddball with short lengths (one minute max).
Rating: 6/10
Game type suggestion: 4-6 person Oddball, one minute to win, with Energy Swords and Battle Rifles.
