New Halo 2 Map Pack Details

Part of Microsoft's recent surge of Halo related goodness for the third iteration of their fabled franchise is the upcoming release of the "new" maps for the Xbox Live classic: Halo 2. Bungie has the scoop today on the release of two Halo: Combat Evolved classics hitting the Marketplace some time on April 17.

Coming through the tubes next month will be both "Hang 'Em High" and "Derelict"--two fan favorites from the split-screen LAN days of the first person shooter. Each will sport a new name, "Tombstone" and "Desolation," respectively. Available for only $4 USD, the maps will be enhanced with some updated graphics.

One of the downsides when originally announced though, was that the maps would be exclusive to the Xbox 360, leaving those who haven't upgraded (or those who prefer the original's controller) high and dry. They'll be happy to know that Bungie is making these maps available through both the Xbox Live Marketplace, and through Halo 2's content downloader on the original Xbox.

It's definitely cool to see Bungie still supporting the game, while we're all salivating over the thoughts of fragging our opponents in the upcoming Halo 3 Beta.

Full press release and pictures:





HALO 2 MULTIPLAYER MAPS REVEALED

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the upcoming release of two new, eagerly awaited downloadable maps for “Halo® 2.” The maps will be available as premium downloadable content for Xbox® and Xbox 360™ on April 17.

Fans of the original “Halo” have long requested the addition of some of their favorite maps to the critically acclaimed multiplayer experience of “Halo 2.” These re-creations, developed by Bungie and Certain Affinity Inc., are a perfect way to thank fans for their support as they surpass 800 million hours of “Halo 2” gaming on Xbox LIVE®.

The two maps will bring new life to ancient battlefields and legendary skirmishes, as both are new, improved and redesigned remakes of fan favorites from the original “Halo: Combat Evolved.” For the price of $4 for the pair, these maps bring a fresh burst of action to the seminal “Halo 2” online multiplayer experience. Both of the maps will be available through the “Halo 2” in-game content downloader for both Xbox and Xbox 360.*

The king of “Halo” maps has returned at last. Hang ’Em High, arguably the most popular multiplayer map for the original title, has been reimagined for “Halo 2” as Tombstone, with all-new graphics, features and a few hidden surprises. Now fans will enjoy the dangerous catwalks and trenches that made this the most requested “Halo” multiplayer map ever, with a modernized “Halo 2” flavor.

The second map, Desolation, is a symmetrical, Deathmatch-oriented map and a beautiful remake of the original Derelict. With new graphics and effects and a massive gameplay overhaul, the old favorite is now faster-paced and more balanced than ever — perfect for intense “Halo 2” combat.

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