by:	July 08, 2005

Halo 2 came out on November 9th of last year and became the best selling game in the history of the industry, selling through 7 million units within the first few months, a feat that was previously unreachable in the industry. But through sheer quality, the popularity of the original Halo and a massive hype-based marketing plan, Microsoft and Bungie pulled it off like it was nothing to them. Not too much later Bungie answered the questions of the fans, announcing that they would be producing nine new maps for Halo 2, to be released in small increments at first, giving the players 2 maps for free, but charging $4.99 for the next 2 maps, then eventually making them free, only to release the other 5 maps for the price of 11.99, then making them free at the end of August, another stroke of pure genius for the guys at Bungie who has managed to make these maps irresistible for even the most jaded Halo 2 owner. Well enough chitchat, lets get to the maps then shall we?

Warlock
Warlock is the first of these new maps and is included with the bonus free map pack offered by Bungie in a promotional offer with long time Microsoft business partner Mountain Dew. It features four water based elevators which allow people on the ground to get to the top parts of the level with ease, the water effects and ambience of this level is really easy on the eyes and ears which is a relief. This map is best suited for slayer, team slayer, CTF, and Assault game modes.

Score: 8/10


Containment
This large ice covered level is often likened to the original Halo favorite Sidewinder, but it couldn’t be more different. On each end there are huge bases, which have gates to prevent or allow vehicle access, depending on which side you are on. This level is the largest of all the new maps, suited perfectly for big team matches of team slayer, CTF, Assault, Oddball, and maybe King of The Hill.

Score: 9/10


Sanctuary
Now here is a really fun map. Sanctuary has to be my favorite map out of the Killtacular map pack. This level is relatively small, but it is really complex at the same time because there are many ways to go through it. This map also has great ambience and water effects. In the center of the level there is a tower with the sword in the center, making for some frenzied and chaotic runs to get the sword for your self at the beginning. This map is best suited for team slayer, CTF, and Assault.

Score: 10/10


Turf
Turf is the most complex of all the maps, and the second map in the Killtacular map pack. This map basically is a section of a city blocked off by a fallen Scarab, there isn’t much ambience or special effects to speak of, but the sounds of the Scarab trying to move will startle you if you aren’t paying attention. The strong weapon on this map is the brute shot, which proves itself handy in long range combat and close range combat at the same time This level is best suited for Assault, Oddball, CTF, and Territories game play modes.

Score: 8/10