Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack
Score: 90% ESRB: Mature Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Bungie Software Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 16 (Online) Genre: First Person Shooter
Graphics & Sound: At first glance, the Halo 2 Multiplayer Pack seems like an odd release. For starters, it’s an expansion pack - something that is unheard of on consoles (at least, expansions released as a retail product). Second, most of the nine maps included on the disc are available for free over Xbox Live already, with the rest available on August 30. However, it's when you step back and realize that not everyone has Xbox Live (or broadband internet) that you realize the pack's intended audience. Halo 2 was one of the best looking games on the Xbox at release and still holds up nicely against more recent releases. Given that this is an expansion, there really aren't that many improvements present. Everything you remember from Halo 2 is intact, though some maps do show off a few new atmospheric effects. The inclusions aren't worth getting that excited over, but it's still nice to see a few things you haven't already seen. The same goes for sound and music -- everything is more or less unchanged.
Gameplay: Installation of the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack (yes, you have to install it) is very easy. The first and most obvious step is that you must first own a copy of Halo 2 and have played it at least once on that console. You then pop in the Multiplayer Pack, download the maps and patch, and never have to worry about putting it in the machine again. Simple. The Multiplayer Map Pack adds nine new maps to the Halo 2 multiplayer experience. Each brings it's own unique feel and fit better for certain game-types, but are still functional enough to be fun no matter what game type you're playing. The quality of the maps is fantastic and it's clear that a lot of thought went into their design. There are no apparent gameplay flaws present in any of the maps and they blend in seamlessly with the original set of maps. Since this is a map pack, don’t expect any type of single-player component. So, anyone who was expecting some type of resolution to Halo 2’s cop-out cliff-hanger ending can stop dreaming. You’ll only cause yourself unnecessary pain and suffering.
Difficulty: Since this is really just a pack of maps, there's really no way to gauge difficulty. Each of the maps brings something new to the table, so you're not playing through a set of rehashed maps. Some are all about navigating a narrow path with little cover while others are about making the most out of your available vehicles. Really, it's all going to come down to how quickly you adapt your tactics to the new terrain and how quickly your opponents can do the same.
Game Mechanics: Also included in the Map Pack is the 1.1 patch. This is something that any of the Live players should already have and is really meant for Live-less players (or people running Halo 2 LAN parties. The patch introduces a number of big weapons changes to help balance out gameplay and bring them more in-line with their "real world" power. Melee weapons and grenades have also been upgraded to feature a little more power. Other additions include a "Making Of..." video, the original Halo and Halo 2 trailers from E3 and a short movie depicting what happened to a group of Marines that were shot down during one of Halo 2's opening segments. The added value is nice, but when you consider what you're getting from the package, the $20 price tag does feel a little steep, which is the Pack's only noticeable problem. Maybe if a single-player campaign or something else had been added, it might be worth the price -- but if you’re not on Live and really want new Halo 2 multiplayer maps, you won't get them any other way.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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