new Halo 2 maps

Downloaded the new maps for Halo 2 last night. Both are nice adds to the mix, but Tombstone is by far the superior map.

Tombstone makes incredible use of the three dimensional space. There is hardly a cubic foot of space on the map that isn't used. Much in same the way that Turf and Terminal have a gazillion ways to get from one end of the map to the other. Except that the middle of the map is a killing floor, whether your on the ground or on the catwalks. At least the floor has some cover. Weapon placement is genius too. The rocket launcher spawns with LOS on the overshield spawn. The energy sword spawns just a lunge away from the sniper rifle. And the ambient sounds and secondary visual effects are most choice.

Desolation on the other hand already feels a little old. It's a symmetrical map, great for objective games, as I can attest after a 20 minute game of Classic CTF. Also makes decent use of the space, but not with creativity of Tombstone. But then I guess symmetrical objective based maps are generally kind of simple. It is essentially an over-sized Warlock, but with a fully connected upper level. And I think it's even bigger than Foundation, but with two bases instead of four. That's the real let down. Four-way Assault on Foundation is absolute chaos, but it won't be balanced on Desolation.

A downside to both maps is that they don't support vehicles at all. Both are smallish enclosed places, very much the "arena" feel from Unreal Tournament. But I think you could make a Warthog work in both maps. Ghosts would be fun too. Just looking for mays to keep the maps fresh. Warthogs on Foundation are ridiculous, but sometimes you want ridiculous every once in a while.

Tombstone is right up there with Turf, Terminal, and Ivory Tower on my list of medium to large maps. Desolation is just a super-sized version of smaller maps. I'm not that bigger is better in this case. All told, it's definitely worth the $4 for the pair.

See you online.