Our illustrious overlords of Halo 2, Bungie, released 4 new maps early in the morning on Monday April 25, 2005. Two of the maps were free, brought to you by Mountain Dew. These maps were the gigantic Containment and a remake of Halo 1 Wizard, called Warlock. The two other maps, the beautiful but deadly Sanctuary and the streets of South Central where the Bloods and Crips have at it, Turf, will cost you $5.99. Sanctuary and Turf are well worth the cost of “two Frappuccino’s” as several 2o2p guys put it. So, don’t be a cheap bastard, buy the maps. If you are going to be a cheap bastard, the maps are available for free on June 28, but everyone else will know the maps inside and out and you will get pwned on a consistent basis. Shouldn’t be anything new for you cheap bastards anyway…
On to the maps…
Warlock
This map is Wizard from Halo 1 with an extreme makeover. To date, it is the least favorite of the 4 new maps. We didn’t really like Wizard and we were sure we wouldn’t like Warlock. The map is a small circle with 4 bases, 4 ramps, 2 teleporters, and a center platform. Weapon balance is even for each team. However, if you don’t act fast, you’ll be stuck with the default SMG until you can find some poor bastard that got fragged and pick up his weapon, which shouldn’t be too long. Facing the center platform from your base you’ll find a battle rifle on the platform directly in front of you, off to the right near the air lift you’ll find a shotgun, underneath the ramp/platform you’ll find a needler, and directly to the left you’ll find a plasma rifle. Plasma (very useful on this map) and frag grenades can be found between the main base and ramp/platform. There is a cammo power-up in the center platform.
The map is extremely balanced as far as weapons are concerned. However, the Blue team has a big advantage due to the fact the map is very dark in a lot of places. It is very difficult to see the Blue team on this map and they’ll usually get a few shots off before you even know where the bullets are coming from.
Suggested game types for Warlock:
4v4v4v4 Neutral Bomb with a 10 second timer – freaking insane is all we can say about this game type. It’s great to find the enemy planting the bomb in someone’s base, kill them, and then plant the bomb for your team. It’s total chaos because ¾ of the time you have no clue as to where the bomb is.
Slayer – Should be good for Rumble Pit matchmaking. Grey and Blue armored soldiers will have a big advantage over the bright colored armors.
4v4v4v4 Neutral Flag – It’s almost worth just hanging out at your base and waiting for a passing team with the flag, killing them, and capping the flag. Flag tossing is the key to this map. Don’t waste your time going up the air lift or ramp, toss it to someone waiting at the cap point.
Containment
Newly designed map shaped like a S. This map is HUGE. How many boobies could fill up containment? The world may never know. WARNING: DO NOT play this map on one of those self power generating Gamercycle that are out for the Xbox. Beating Lance Armstrong at the Tour De France would be easier. Get the idea yet? FREAKIN’ HUGE!!!
Ok, enough about how big it is ladies you can stop drooling, we’re talking about maps here… There are 2 bases at each end of this snowy map. They appear to be well fortified, but there are numerous ways into the base. Each base starts off with a Puma, Banshee, and Tank. Each base has a large door which can be opened via a button that is outside of the base in a small tower. The military genius who thought up this design is way ahead of his time. If the button was inside, who’d want to leave opening the gate to the base to the janitor when you’re retreating from the enemy? That’s right, put the button outside so everyone can open the gate, oh wait….err. There is a teleporter near the flag/bomb site point. This teleporter will take you to the tower in front of the base. There are 2 cave entrances on each side of the base which the enemy can use. You can’t drive a warthog into either of these entrances. The only way the enemy can get a tank or warthog into the base is by opening the gate. There are also large ramps in front of the base that foot soldiers can use to infiltrate your base. There are plenty of weapons to go around. There are rockets in the middle of each map off to the side with ammo near by. The sniper rifle is in front of the base underneath the ramp near the mountain side. There is a gun turret near the gate entrance and a battle rifle near by. There are three bridges in the middle of the map for vehicle crossings and underneath the middle bridge is the over shield power-up. Each base has a cammo power-up directly in front of their base between a couple of rocks. There are also these large fusion cores that act like land mines scattered throughout the middle of the map. Shoot one of these when an enemy vehicle or soldier is near by and they’ll go down.
The map plays very well and is a favorite among the 2o2p guys. In CTF games we’ve learned you really need to guard the teleporter entrance to have a healthy defense. Using a tank or warthog really helps. The flag is so close to the teleporter that if a warthog is waiting at the exit and the enemy gets the flag out there, it’s gone. So a lot of teamwork is required to make a good get away. The map is very balanced as each team has access to the same amount of weapons, including super weapons.
Suggested game types for Containment:
1 CTF – Requires a lot of team work to get a score. You can get lucky with a quick Banshee drop to grab the flag, but most people are aware of that tactic now. Defenders need to concentrate on blocking the teleporter, side entrances, and the ramps coming up from the front of the base.
MultiFlag CTF – a bit easier to score on since it is harder for a handful of people to defend such a large base Assault - The plant circle is fairly large, so you better find that bomb and keep the enemy away.
Suggested game type if you’re crazy:
KOTH – moving hill, omfg. The hill icon blends in with the snow too damn well. Half the time you’re trying to squint your eyes to figure out where the hell the hill is. You usually won’t see it until someone is occupying the hill. Still a very fun game despite the indicator blending in with the map.
Turf
I am a nightmare walkin, psychopath talkin
King of my jungle just a gangster stalkin
Livin life like a firecracker quick is my fuse
Then dead as a deathpack the colors I choose
Red or Blue, Cuz or Blood, it just don't matter
Sucka die for your life when my shotgun scatters
We gangs of L.A. will never die - just multiply
Man, you better be packing some heavy heat on the mean streets of Turf. You never know what is going to hit you when you round that corner. There could be some sucka hiding on a roof, behind a container, or waiting around the corner with the rest of his crew waiting to cap yo’ ass. This map is completely urban. If you’re a close corridors combat freak, then stick to the alley ways on this map. There is one open space, the main street where a medic tent starts at one end and the warthog spawns at the other. You can jump onto roofs, jump over allies, hide behind containers, just be a sneaky smacktard. Weapons are scattered throughout the map with the Brute plasma rifle making an appearance. You’ll find a shotgun, sniper rifle, brute shot, grenades, pistols, battle rifles, and plasma rifles scattered throughout the map.
The game pace is fast and furious. You better think 3D at all times on this map because you never know where the bullets are going to come flying from. Great map for slayer, oddball, and territories games. If you do get thirsty, there is a cockbite soda machine in the warehouse.
Suggested game types for Turf:
Slayer – Even though it’s every man for himself, this map makes it feel like everyone versus you.
Team Slayer - Better run in packs. Nothing will make you turn tail and run like rounding a corner and seeing 5 enemy soldiers rolling hard
Territories with 3 teams – Complete insanity, holding 1 territory is a nightmare, try holding 2. We saw a team with 2 seconds left to win lose while a team that was 1 minute behind got the win. That’s how tuff it can be.
Oddball – Trying to figure out where the ball is can be frustrating since there are so many routes the ball carrier could be taking
Sanctuary
This map is amazing and I’ve really enjoyed all the game types I’ve played on it so far. Bravo Bungie, Bravo. This map is set in a garden type environment with stone buildings in ruin, aqueducts, and large rocks. Each base has the flag/bomb site located in a large covered patio like area. Off to the left you’ll find the turret and sniper rifle. The shotgun is towards the back left in a small dark tunnel. Grenades are scattered throughout the map while a sword sits in the middle ruins of the map. The smart players let the sword freaks rush for it while they chunk grenades in there, which makes for some easy double, triple, or killtaculars if the other team is really that stupid. To the right of each base is a somewhat open area with large rocks scattered throughout. The enemy can use it for cover to get into your base, so have some grenades ready to flush them out. The left is a bit easier to get into so a heavier defense should be placed there. They can come at you from the middle ruin which has a wall that protects them from your fire, or they can come at you from the lower rear tunnel, or they can jump up from just to the left. If they come at you from the middle, well that’s just crazy talk because that turret, and everyone else will send them to a spawn countdown instantly.
In 1 CTF games with 16 people the flag can be a bit tough to get at. But once you get it moving it seems impossible to defend and you are assured a cap. So, use some teamwork to find the weak spot in their defense and rush ‘em. This map is really great for just about every game type Bungie has available, whether it’s a small 4v4 or large 8v8, just an excellent well rounded map. I actually can’t think of a game type that would suck on this map.
Suggest games types for Sanctuary:
1 CTF – really fun, tough to get the flag in large games, but easy to get the cap once it’s on the move
Multi-Flag CTF – lots of battles going on in the middle as each teams offense goes for the flag. A bit tougher on the defense to hold such a wide open space with 4 people. Assault – Requires a great amount of teamwork to get a plant against a solid team. The guys that don’t keep a large contingent around the plant point are doomed for failure.
Oddball – Well balanced map where it’s not hard to get some time with skull Slayer or Team Slayer – great map for these game types. Weapon balance is fair, some places to hide while waiting for a good weapon combo
7 lives – we finally have a new map to play this great game type on, no more lockout 7x marathons, we can change it up.
Overall opinion
Great Job Bungie!! The Killtacular map pack is well worth the $5.99. Turf and Sanctuary will go down as some of the best Halo 2 multiplayer maps. If you want to wait until June 28th when these maps will be free, go ahead, but you’ll be in a minority and stuck playing the same old same old for 2 months. I’ve already seen several people being kicked out of custom games. Fortunately they went and got the maps I really would've preferred a new map design over the wizard remake. Maybe a Halo PC map should've been ported, like Danger Canyon or Timberland, if there wasn't time to make a new design. Containment is the bomb though. So, 3 out of 4 ain't bad at all.
I’m also glad Bungie staggered the map release dates. 9 new maps at once would’ve been information overload. These 4 maps are great and will surely give us plenty to do until the next 5 come out. Remember folks, don’t show the new guys the ropes on these new maps. Just load up, play, and let them get pwned. That’s what they get for leaving town during the release (for Mike James of course )
- T3muJin
Warlock
This map is Wizard from Halo 1 with an extreme makeover. To date, it is the least favorite of the 4 new maps. We didn’t really like Wizard and we were sure we wouldn’t like Warlock. The map is a small circle with 4 bases, 4 ramps, 2 teleporters, and a center platform. Weapon balance is even for each team. However, if you don’t act fast, you’ll be stuck with the default SMG until you can find some poor bastard that got fragged and pick up his weapon, which shouldn’t be too long. Facing the center platform from your base you’ll find a battle rifle on the platform directly in front of you, off to the right near the air lift you’ll find a shotgun, underneath the ramp/platform you’ll find a needler, and directly to the left you’ll find a plasma rifle. Plasma (very useful on this map) and frag grenades can be found between the main base and ramp/platform. There is a cammo power-up in the center platform.
The map is extremely balanced as far as weapons are concerned. However, the Blue team has a big advantage due to the fact the map is very dark in a lot of places. It is very difficult to see the Blue team on this map and they’ll usually get a few shots off before you even know where the bullets are coming from.
Suggested game types for Warlock:
4v4v4v4 Neutral Bomb with a 10 second timer – freaking insane is all we can say about this game type. It’s great to find the enemy planting the bomb in someone’s base, kill them, and then plant the bomb for your team. It’s total chaos because ¾ of the time you have no clue as to where the bomb is.
Slayer – Should be good for Rumble Pit matchmaking. Grey and Blue armored soldiers will have a big advantage over the bright colored armors.
4v4v4v4 Neutral Flag – It’s almost worth just hanging out at your base and waiting for a passing team with the flag, killing them, and capping the flag. Flag tossing is the key to this map. Don’t waste your time going up the air lift or ramp, toss it to someone waiting at the cap point.
Containment
Newly designed map shaped like a S. This map is HUGE. How many boobies could fill up containment? The world may never know. WARNING: DO NOT play this map on one of those self power generating Gamercycle that are out for the Xbox. Beating Lance Armstrong at the Tour De France would be easier. Get the idea yet? FREAKIN’ HUGE!!!
Ok, enough about how big it is ladies you can stop drooling, we’re talking about maps here… There are 2 bases at each end of this snowy map. They appear to be well fortified, but there are numerous ways into the base. Each base starts off with a Puma, Banshee, and Tank. Each base has a large door which can be opened via a button that is outside of the base in a small tower. The military genius who thought up this design is way ahead of his time. If the button was inside, who’d want to leave opening the gate to the base to the janitor when you’re retreating from the enemy? That’s right, put the button outside so everyone can open the gate, oh wait….err. There is a teleporter near the flag/bomb site point. This teleporter will take you to the tower in front of the base. There are 2 cave entrances on each side of the base which the enemy can use. You can’t drive a warthog into either of these entrances. The only way the enemy can get a tank or warthog into the base is by opening the gate. There are also large ramps in front of the base that foot soldiers can use to infiltrate your base. There are plenty of weapons to go around. There are rockets in the middle of each map off to the side with ammo near by. The sniper rifle is in front of the base underneath the ramp near the mountain side. There is a gun turret near the gate entrance and a battle rifle near by. There are three bridges in the middle of the map for vehicle crossings and underneath the middle bridge is the over shield power-up. Each base has a cammo power-up directly in front of their base between a couple of rocks. There are also these large fusion cores that act like land mines scattered throughout the middle of the map. Shoot one of these when an enemy vehicle or soldier is near by and they’ll go down.
The map plays very well and is a favorite among the 2o2p guys. In CTF games we’ve learned you really need to guard the teleporter entrance to have a healthy defense. Using a tank or warthog really helps. The flag is so close to the teleporter that if a warthog is waiting at the exit and the enemy gets the flag out there, it’s gone. So a lot of teamwork is required to make a good get away. The map is very balanced as each team has access to the same amount of weapons, including super weapons.
Suggested game types for Containment:
1 CTF – Requires a lot of team work to get a score. You can get lucky with a quick Banshee drop to grab the flag, but most people are aware of that tactic now. Defenders need to concentrate on blocking the teleporter, side entrances, and the ramps coming up from the front of the base.
MultiFlag CTF – a bit easier to score on since it is harder for a handful of people to defend such a large base Assault - The plant circle is fairly large, so you better find that bomb and keep the enemy away.
Suggested game type if you’re crazy:
KOTH – moving hill, omfg. The hill icon blends in with the snow too damn well. Half the time you’re trying to squint your eyes to figure out where the hell the hill is. You usually won’t see it until someone is occupying the hill. Still a very fun game despite the indicator blending in with the map.
Turf
I am a nightmare walkin, psychopath talkin
King of my jungle just a gangster stalkin
Livin life like a firecracker quick is my fuse
Then dead as a deathpack the colors I choose
Red or Blue, Cuz or Blood, it just don't matter
Sucka die for your life when my shotgun scatters
We gangs of L.A. will never die - just multiply
Man, you better be packing some heavy heat on the mean streets of Turf. You never know what is going to hit you when you round that corner. There could be some sucka hiding on a roof, behind a container, or waiting around the corner with the rest of his crew waiting to cap yo’ ass. This map is completely urban. If you’re a close corridors combat freak, then stick to the alley ways on this map. There is one open space, the main street where a medic tent starts at one end and the warthog spawns at the other. You can jump onto roofs, jump over allies, hide behind containers, just be a sneaky smacktard. Weapons are scattered throughout the map with the Brute plasma rifle making an appearance. You’ll find a shotgun, sniper rifle, brute shot, grenades, pistols, battle rifles, and plasma rifles scattered throughout the map.
The game pace is fast and furious. You better think 3D at all times on this map because you never know where the bullets are going to come flying from. Great map for slayer, oddball, and territories games. If you do get thirsty, there is a cockbite soda machine in the warehouse.
Suggested game types for Turf:
Slayer – Even though it’s every man for himself, this map makes it feel like everyone versus you.
Team Slayer - Better run in packs. Nothing will make you turn tail and run like rounding a corner and seeing 5 enemy soldiers rolling hard
Territories with 3 teams – Complete insanity, holding 1 territory is a nightmare, try holding 2. We saw a team with 2 seconds left to win lose while a team that was 1 minute behind got the win. That’s how tuff it can be.
Oddball – Trying to figure out where the ball is can be frustrating since there are so many routes the ball carrier could be taking
Sanctuary
This map is amazing and I’ve really enjoyed all the game types I’ve played on it so far. Bravo Bungie, Bravo. This map is set in a garden type environment with stone buildings in ruin, aqueducts, and large rocks. Each base has the flag/bomb site located in a large covered patio like area. Off to the left you’ll find the turret and sniper rifle. The shotgun is towards the back left in a small dark tunnel. Grenades are scattered throughout the map while a sword sits in the middle ruins of the map. The smart players let the sword freaks rush for it while they chunk grenades in there, which makes for some easy double, triple, or killtaculars if the other team is really that stupid. To the right of each base is a somewhat open area with large rocks scattered throughout. The enemy can use it for cover to get into your base, so have some grenades ready to flush them out. The left is a bit easier to get into so a heavier defense should be placed there. They can come at you from the middle ruin which has a wall that protects them from your fire, or they can come at you from the lower rear tunnel, or they can jump up from just to the left. If they come at you from the middle, well that’s just crazy talk because that turret, and everyone else will send them to a spawn countdown instantly.
In 1 CTF games with 16 people the flag can be a bit tough to get at. But once you get it moving it seems impossible to defend and you are assured a cap. So, use some teamwork to find the weak spot in their defense and rush ‘em. This map is really great for just about every game type Bungie has available, whether it’s a small 4v4 or large 8v8, just an excellent well rounded map. I actually can’t think of a game type that would suck on this map.
Suggest games types for Sanctuary:
1 CTF – really fun, tough to get the flag in large games, but easy to get the cap once it’s on the move
Multi-Flag CTF – lots of battles going on in the middle as each teams offense goes for the flag. A bit tougher on the defense to hold such a wide open space with 4 people. Assault – Requires a great amount of teamwork to get a plant against a solid team. The guys that don’t keep a large contingent around the plant point are doomed for failure.
Oddball – Well balanced map where it’s not hard to get some time with skull Slayer or Team Slayer – great map for these game types. Weapon balance is fair, some places to hide while waiting for a good weapon combo
7 lives – we finally have a new map to play this great game type on, no more lockout 7x marathons, we can change it up.
Overall opinion
Great Job Bungie!! The Killtacular map pack is well worth the $5.99. Turf and Sanctuary will go down as some of the best Halo 2 multiplayer maps. If you want to wait until June 28th when these maps will be free, go ahead, but you’ll be in a minority and stuck playing the same old same old for 2 months. I’ve already seen several people being kicked out of custom games. Fortunately they went and got the maps I really would've preferred a new map design over the wizard remake. Maybe a Halo PC map should've been ported, like Danger Canyon or Timberland, if there wasn't time to make a new design. Containment is the bomb though. So, 3 out of 4 ain't bad at all.
I’m also glad Bungie staggered the map release dates. 9 new maps at once would’ve been information overload. These 4 maps are great and will surely give us plenty to do until the next 5 come out. Remember folks, don’t show the new guys the ropes on these new maps. Just load up, play, and let them get pwned. That’s what they get for leaving town during the release (for Mike James of course )
- T3muJin
