Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack
by Microsoft
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List Price: Category: Video Games See more product details |
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Video Game Reviews of Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack
Customer Review: Excellent new multiplayer maps to energize Halo 2
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Customer Review: Duh! Rent this game.
Summary: 4 Stars
This expansion pack contains an upgrade to tweak grenade and melee attacks. If you have x-box live, you've already downloaded this upgrade.
The disc also contains seven new maps for multiplayer. Four of them are already avalible for free on x-box live. The remaining three will be free in late August. For all you folks that don't have x-box live, but you do play multiplayer with your friends - this expansion pack is well worth while.
The disc also contains a developer interview from the people that made the new maps. It also has an animated video which tells a parallel storyline from Halo 2. It's short, but very well done.
Finally, this disc contains a sound-test for your surround sound system. It's a bit unnecessary, but it's funny as the sounds are tested by a little grunt alien.
If you already have x-box live - you'll be able to get all this stuff (excluding the videos and sound test) in late august for free. If you can't wait, or if you don't have x-box live, I strongly recommend renting this game. You can save all the date on your harddrive, and return the disc - you won't need it after you save the updates and new maps to your harddrive.
Customer Review: An amazing Halo 2 pack for a low price
Summary: 5 Stars
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.Customer Review: It is worth $20!
Summary: 3 Stars
When i first heard that Bungie was making an expansion pack for Halo 2, i was in awe because not only would it be the first expansion pack for an xbox game, secondly its Halo 2 and thats awesome. Ok as far as gameplay bungie again delivers a masterpiece, it enhances a great multiplayer game. It adds more options in multiplayer as well as more game variants in each of the new 9 stages of play. You get to experice the thrill of trashtalking your opponent in a whole new way online. The things that made Halo 2 a great game to play are that the first player shooter is amazing and secondly that the multiplayer is what brought people together to play a game many people call Halo 2. The new stages are to much to explain in full detail and besides someone already did it in these reviews. Take my word of advice or dont take it, this game is worth $20 because it adds on to a great game experience. Customer Review: Waste of Money
Summary: 1 Stars
You are nuts if you spend $20 for nine measly MP maps. Console gamers are getting ripped off if they put up with this. On the PC this map pack would have been a free download, along with countless other fan-made mods. That's all I got to say on this matter.