Halo 2 update and maps
I finally got a few minutes last night to explore 2 out of the 4 new Halo 2 maps that Bungie release this last Monday. If you haven’t logged into Halo 2 on Xbox Live in the last 2 weeks or so, you have missed 2 milestones in the saga that is Halo 2.
Halo 2.1 (err 1.1)
Did anyone else find the fact that they called the point release for Halo 2 1.1? I mean, I get it - but using 2.1 would have seemed much more fitting. Oh well.
First, on the 18th of April was a point-release update to the core of Halo 2. This update contained some major changes in the weaponry. No, there are no new weapons, but many of the weapons have been tweaked to perform more like their real world counterparts. For instance, the guns which you may have thought were too powerful, have now been throttled back slightly. Some of the guns, like the Battlerifle, were not powerful enough - so they got a much needed boost in power.
Melee attacks also were restructured, in that it now only takes a few well placed blows to kill your opponent. Further tweaking for melees can be seen by the weapon that you hold while striking your opponent. For instance, if you are wielding a Brute shot, a melee means almost certain death for your opponent - do to the size of the “butt” of the gun.
On April 25th, 4 maps were released - 2 of which being free. The cheap skate that I am, I only downloaded 2 out of the 4 maps. The 2 free maps are called Containment and Warlock.
Containment
Containment is a rather large map. If I’m not mistaken, its the biggest Halo 2 map yet (please consider the fact that I have no seen the 2 pay-maps). This level is great for capture the flag, assault, juggernaut and snipers.
I had only played this map for about 30 minutes when one of the guys I was playing with figured out how to get “on top” of the level. Bungie still making the same “mistakes” it appears.
Warlock
Warlock is extremely small, but dark. This can be compared to Midship. Great for Fast Assault and Multi-flag CTF. I have yet to play this map in a matchmaking game though - for some reason the new maps do not seem to come up in rotation too much yet.
Overall, the update and maps are a welcomed upgrade from the original Halo 2 released in November 2004. Can you believe that Halo 2 was released in November of last year?
The 2 maps, which are now $5.99 to download - will be available for free starting June 28th 2005. I’ll wait till then to get them.
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