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Mythic Map Pack Sneak Peek
The release of the latest (and possibly last) trio of multiplayer maps for Halo 3 is imminent. The Mythic Map Pack is set to debut exclusively in the collector’s edition of Halo Wars this March — and we’ve got the gory details. Both “Assembly” and “Orbital” look like murderous mid-size battlegrounds, while all we have to go on for the third (so far) is a name: “Sandbox.” Bungie’s usual pattern is to have one of the three maps in a pack be an update to a classic, but that moniker certainly suggests a “Forge-ier” approach, doesn’t it?
We dive into the details with Halo 3 multiplayer design lead Lars Bakken to find out exactly what the “Assembly” and “Orbital” maps are all about.
Assembly
“Set in the heart of a Covenant Scarab manufacturing facility, this map is really what Halo 3 multiplayer fans have been asking for in terms of size and gameplay. It’s set up to take advantage of 4-on-4 gametypes. Straightup Slayer is excellent, but it also works very well for team games like CTF and Assault due to the two integrated bases. The bases are symmetrical, but the level actually has two distinct sides, with a lift on one side and what we refer to as the ‘dugout’ on the other, making side differentiation that much better. Just don’t get caught up staring at the Scarab being assembled in the sky, or you’ll find yourself waiting to respawn.”
Orbital
“This map is set in a human environment that fans will recognize: the Quito Space Tether. You’re actually playing inside the docking station, and if you look out the windows, you’ll see the Earth down below. This is our answer to the fans’ call for smaller, asymmetrical maps, so it works very well for one-sided games. It’s essentially two overlapping hallways, so each team can see the other one spawn, but they are separated by some well-placed windows. Two devastating chokepoints intensify the action. One Flag, One Bomb, and Territories fill out the roster of better-fitting gametypes, and naturally, Team Slayer is a blast.”
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Mox Born Again
February 06, 2009 at 11:20am
Maybe you should read a little better he said "debut exclusively" on the halo wars LE...you focus too much on the exclusively word and complete jumped over the debut... that's ok noobs will be noobs.
burningfalcon
February 04, 2009 at 1:11pm
first of all, this article was in the magazine may before they posted it here, like most of the other articles posted on the website. when the article was written, bungie had not given any information about sandbox. secondly, don't be such a snob to the writers of these articles. they try there best, and they always comment on something when they mess up.
BeLikeJoker
February 04, 2009 at 12:50pm
Okay for one thing it is not just coming out with Halo Wars, and Bungie just showed pictures and links to interviews about sandbox on bungie.net so get your facts straight
NuAngel
February 04, 2009 at 10:05am
Oops, link was supposed to be http://winbreak.com/2009/01/29/halo-wars-vidoc-mythic-screens-and-more/ - ignore the "%22" on the end - I was editing to hastily!NuAngel
WinBreak.com - Xbox 360 Fanblogging
Xbox Ambassador and 2009 Xbox MVP
NuAngel
February 04, 2009 at 9:40am
All we have is a name? At least one image has been officially released to the press - one Australian website site somewhere even scooped some details. I don't have the details, but I have a super-high-res image on my website.NuAngel
WinBreak.com - Xbox 360 Fanblogging
Xbox Ambassador and 2009 Xbox MVP
RK1 BulletBait
February 03, 2009 at 7:22pm
I think Bungie said that they will release this pack on Marketplace eventually. Maybe a couple months after Halo Wars comes out... But personally I don't think they look all that great. Especially Sandbox, if you have seen it. A bit disappointing, IMO.
Sgt Major Me
February 03, 2009 at 7:19pm
halo was a good game intill halo 3 the story sucked and the muitplayer isnt neer as good the maps suck, i would like to see brand new games instead of games renewed ya know
GOG TOXIC
February 03, 2009 at 4:44pm
As long as it's coming I'm happy. I'm a huge fan of FPS's and RTS's. I was going to by Halo wars any way(If I do I have every halo game made except for halo 2 on VIsta). So if I have to Pop a few extra bucks to get these maps I'll do it. They'd be 10$ on marketplace any way.
GOG TOXIC
February 03, 2009 at 4:44pm
As long as it's coming I'm happy. I'm a huge fan of FPS's and RTS's. I was going to by Halo wars any way(If I do I have every halo game made except for halo 2 on VIsta). So if I have to Pop a few extra bucks to get these maps I'll do it. They'd be 10$ on marketplace any way.
Kekkimaru
February 03, 2009 at 3:47pm
Ugh, the fact that it's exclusive to the collectors edition of Halo Wars alone is why I'm not getting it. I hate the idea of "We're going to put extra content in your game, but only if you pre-order or buy the collectors edition." This is even worse, since the content is for a different game. I just hope they don't make it a mandatory map pack like the others, say if you wanted to go into a normal matchmaking playlist rather than DLC playlists or double exp playlists.
xpects the xpctd
February 03, 2009 at 1:43pm
These look great, but with all these great games released since Halo 3 came out, my play time has dropped dramatically. Looks good, but I'll leave it alone.
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