Halo 2 - New Map Updates

In what is sure to be a part of Bungie's hype marketing plans for the lead up to Halo 3's release later this year, they've released two shiny new Halo 2 maps a few days ago. (17/04/07)

The maps are called Desolation and Tombstone, and you can download them as a pack together from ingame for £2 ($4 in the US).

Desolation and Tombstone are remakes of the original Halo 1 multiplayer maps Derelict and Hang 'em High, and I have to say they seem pretty decent.
I haven't played any real matches on either of them as they haven't been integrated into matchmaking yet, but they look to be solid improvements over the originals.
If you haven't played the original versions, Desolation is a small circular arena with 2 floors, and the more powerful weapons located in the center, with air vents and jump pads galore. Reminds me of Unreal Tournament for some reason.
Tombstone is a moderate sized 2 base asymmetrical map which might take some getting used to because of all the possible routes. The score points in the bases are at the top level, and long range weapons have a large advantage on this map.

A quick wander around shows they didn't just toss in the old maps after renaming them, they really are remade from scratch. Sometimes you have to wonder whether the sparse similarities in the maps really make them worthy of being called remakes at all.

Desolation


Tombstone


Are they that different? Well download them and decide for yourselves, cause I sure as hell ain't doing it for you.

Also, not remotely related, the Spring '07 Anime First Impressions post has been updated here.