Will there be an expansion to Halo 2? Most definitely. Will the disc cost $19.99? Yep. Will it be free for Xbox Live
users to download? Well, kind of…
In response to rumors that have been circulating
recently, Bungie has been compelled to spill its guts regarding the much-discussed expansion pack to last year's
blockbuster, Halo 2. Some things we knew, some things we guessed, and some things turned out to be way more complicated
than we could have ever suspected. First, the contents. The retail disc will include 9 new multiplayer maps, a
documentary, a new Halo cinematic, every Halo 2 update as of yet released, and "possibly one or two other little
treats." The disc itself will be in stores by June 28, over a month later than EB led us to believe.
"But Xbox Live subscribers get all those new maps for free, right?" you inevitably inquire. Impatient fool! Of course.
But you'll have to wait for it. To avoid melting the internet, Microsoft will be staggering the release of the maps on
Xbox Live. The first four maps will be available for download by late April, two months before the pack itself is
released. Two of those maps, Containment and Warlock, will be absolutely, positively, 100% free. The other two, Turf
and Sanctuary, will be available as a set for $5.99. The next five maps, Terminal, Relic, Elongation, Gemini, and
Backwash, will be available for download on June 28 for the price of $11.99. But all hope is not lost! Bungie assures
us that every single map will be available for free by "late summer." Whether this equates to July or September is
anyone's guess. So those of you with a lot of patience can take heart. The rest of you, well… better set aside $17.98
right now for good measure. Did I hear someone say
"microtransaction?"
And what about those new maps? Well, just take a look for yourself:
Containment
Warlock
Turf
Sanctuary
Containment is big, frozen, and supposedly excellent for CTF matches. Warlock is a four-way close-quarters map, the spiritual successor to Wizard. Turf is an urban-combatant’s dream, featuring wide-open streets and narrow, twisting back alleys. Sanctuary is a Forerunner habitat with a multitude of canals and pools, a tranquil setting which will help to keep your mind at ease as you snipe random n00bs through the back of the head. Bungie still hasn’t confirmed any working details on the other five maps, only that there won’t be any ports of either Hang ‘em High or Sidewinder. With that said, let the speculation begin!
