It’s been almost a year since Microsoft Game Studios released the highly anticipated and outrageously successful Xbox game “Halo 2.” Today, 6.5 million copies later, the game has received reviews and awards that would make any hardcore gamer drop everything they were doing, even work, to run out and buy one, and “Halo 2” now offers a something More to his loyal fans.
November 9, 2004 is a day that will be fondly remembered by those who battled through the midnight crowds to get their hands on what would become the most popular Microsoft Xbox game ever distributed, and a day that will be cherished by many. always for those who camped. and he left empty-handed. On this great day in gaming history, just over 6,500 major retailers opened their doors at midnight in what would become the biggest shopping spree in gaming history.
The frenzy was so great that employers reported that there were quite a few sick days on November 10. Some say it was due to the “Halo 2” flu. Well, “Halo 2” flu season is back in full swing as Microsoft recently announced the release of its highly anticipated “Halo 2” multiplayer map pack on June 28th.
The first of its kind for a console title, the multiplayer expansion pack contains nine new multiplayer maps to push players’ skills to the limit and will be available both at retail and via Xbox Live(TM). . The retail package also features two new videos: an animated short of the single-player story in New Mombasa and a mini-documentary featuring interviews with the map designers, combat strategies, and walkthroughs of the new maps. The retail pack also allows players who prefer to play offline via System Link and split screen to upgrade their Halo 2 experience with new maps.
As a special bonus and thank you, Xbox Live subscribers had the chance to check out four maps from the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack at the end of April. Mountain Dew featured two maps, Containment and Warlock, at no cost to Xbox Live subscribers. Two additional maps, Sanctuary and Turf, were available for purchase through Xbox Live. The last five maps became available on June 28.
Set in a Forerunner environment in Delta Halo, Containment is a huge, icy, open-air environment suitable for vehicular combat and large-team objective games like Capture the Flag. A small to medium-sized indoor arena located in the ancient Forerunner ruins, Warlock offers ample opportunities for a variety of game types such as Territories, Slayer, Team Slayer, and more.
Set on the streets of Old Mombasa, near the wreckage of a downed Covenant Scarab, Turf is a medium-sized, asymmetrical urban combat environment with narrow streets, dark alleys, and easily defendable buildings. The sunlit remains of an ancient Forerunner temple, Sanctuary is a medium-sized, symmetrical setting excellent for Capture the Flag, Assault, Territories, and Slayer games.
As you can see, if you’re not one of the many who have been infected with the “Halo 2” flu, you may be missing out on a great deal of gaming fun. Is it possible that you could see a sick day in your immediate future while you make up for lost time?