Maps

Lockout

This map created by Chris Carney, is very small, tall and narrow. Lockout was created to be a ceoncrete structure built into a rock outcropping. This structure was typical of the Forerunners, the creaters of Halo. The Foreruner structure in Lockout is a central tower witha couple of satellites attached by narrow bridges. Each area of the structure features multiple levels, which can be traversed by ramps and ladders, as well as a new energy elevator contraptions. Stepping into the swirling energy beams lifts the character up like a strong air current. Not only is this a welcome change from the original Halo's ladders because it is easier to navigate, but it can also be used in combat. Unlike the ladders, which leave players vunerable to attack, firing one's weapon is possible while riding the beam between floors. When used properly, the beam becomes an interesting and deadly combat tactic. Lockout was designed as a small map for small games, such as one-on-one or two-on-two. But, an unexpected side effect of the level design is that it makes for incredibly fierce matches when more players are involved.

Burial Mounds

Burial Mounds is a medium-sized map, barren, and desert-themed which prominently features a military base and huge, twiste pieces of metal affectionely reffered to as "the ribs" because of their resemblance to the skeleton of a long-ded giant. This board stands out in the Halo universe because it could fit so well in the Star Wars universe. The sandy, junk- strewn wasteland is reminiscent of tatooine. Burial Mounds feels like it was custom designed for the game type assault. In assult, on team plays offense, the other plays defense. The offense team must carry a bomb into the defense's base to score a point. The two sides switch at regular intervals and the first team to score three points wins the match. The defenders' base has a nice little perk to dissuade attackers: two mounted turrets. Much like the guns on the back of the Warthog, those on the base can be activated by pressing the X button, and of course the gun is filled with unlimited ammo. This map is much bigger than Lockout, and because of this you will be able to notice the details that this level was designed with.

Waterworks

Waterworks is absolutely huge. It feels like its successor to the infamous Blood Gulch. Of course, the basic setup os the same: It is a large enclosed area with a base on each end. However, a couple of things set it apart from Blood Gulch. First, the entire area is inside a massive cave. Endless stone walls surrond the entire area, and the main light source is a huge hole on the celing. The second difference is the giant alien machine in the center of the level. It streches from the floor to ceiling, and is filled with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Whereas Blood Gulch tended to limit caombat to the ends of the canyon, th giant structure in the middle of Waterworks adds another combat hotspot in the middle of the map. The alien machine in the underground cavern leads to some speculation: The structure seems to be Forerunner technology, but the sheer size of the cave leads us to believe that it takes place on Earth. Does this mean that the Forerunners, creators of the Halo rings, visited our planets years ago? Maybe maybe not? With its two bases and centrally located choke point, Waterworks is the ideal map for Capture the Flag. It also is the map that features the most vehicles thus far. Warthogs, Banshees, and Ghosts (which if you haven't heard inludes a new speed burst feature, where if you press the Left Trigger you will double your speed) are all accessible.

These three maps are only a glimpse of what is to come in Halo 2. So far, from what I can tell this is going to be an incredible Multiplayer game. I can guess that if you enjoy any first person shooter, when this comes out you will not get off Xbox live for atleast a week.