Halo Reach Noble Map Pack (DLC) – Review – Xbox 360

The Halo series has been known for its awesome single player stories as well as having a phenomenal multiplayer. With each Xbox Live enabled Halo game there have been maps in which people can download to expand the library of maps available in multiplayer. With Halo Reach’s release everyone who plays has been asking for new maps and the Noble Map Pack is the first of many to be released.

Anchor 9

There are three maps in which people can now play on they are Tempest, Anchor 9, and Breakpoint. These maps share some visual similarities with locations already in the game but are completely new. They feel much different than the maps already included in the game and do not have the gray look of any of the forge world maps. I haven’t had a chance to play any Multiplayer on them but I have spent some time walking around and introducing myself to the layout and I can tell you they will be fun. I am looking forward to laying it down with some of my friends and the Xbox Live community.

Breakpoint

Anchor 9 is a symmetrical map which has two levels. The majority of the battles take place inside a hanger bay where ships are being prepped for launch and being equipped with weapons. On one side of the map you can venture out into space and experience micro gravity and have your own space fights. Tempest reminds me of Relic which can be found in Halo 2 but the layout is completely different and looks amazing. The map is butted against a cliff face that faces the sea littered with forerunner structures. There are many man cannons. I am looking forward to playing some CTF. Breakpoint is a new invasion map that feels like almost like Waterworks. There are two sides separated by a ridge located in the middle of the map. There is a tunnel on one side and bridges on another that connect the two sides. The map is great for tank combat as well as arial dog fights.

Tempest

The maps a really fun to play and should add a new life to the game. At 800 MS Points I think this might be a value for those who love Halo Reach and for those looking to add more life to the game. The description of the Maps can be found below.

Score: 8 out of 10

• Tempest – “Though we may never fully understand these devices, it is not our nature to leave ancient stones unturned.” This abandoned shoreline facility bends both sea and sky to an unnatural purpose, but the ground itself has quickly become another all too familiar battlefield. Though the two opposing symmetrical bases may never reveal their ancient purpose, both now offer makeshift shelter and access to strategic routes perfectly suited for small and large scale skirmishes alike. Tempest supports 8 – 16 players and offers a variety of modes including Free for All, Team Slayer, Team Objective and Big Team Battle. Tempest also provides players with a huge Forge palette, allowing them to create new custom map variants that can be shared with the community-at-large.
• Anchor 9 – “Orbital dockyards provide rapid refueling and repairs for a variety of UNSC vessels.” Within the confines of this low orbit dry-dock, UNSC craft undergo rapid repair and rearmament in support of the enduring war effort.  But for the small squads of infantry who now fight over the mirrored interior hallways and open central hangar bay, this platform no longer provides any safe harbor – whether the close quarters combat is occurring inside or out of its artificial gravitational field. Anchor 9 allows 2-8 players to face off in game variants including Free for All, Team Slayer and Team Objective.
• Breakpoint – “ONI officials believe the data buried within this artifact is key to our survival.” Atop this icy precipice, the Invasion continues. These modular archaeological labs were never intended to withstand such a large scale onslaught of Covenant military power, but the information being extracted here may prove vital to humanity’s survival. In response to the imminent Covenant threat, UNSC ground and air assets have been deployed to bolster entrenched Spartan countermeasures. This dig site must yield salvation, or it will become a grave. Breakpoint offers multiplayer mayhem for 8-16 players, and supports the Invasion and Big Team Battle game variants.

A DLC code was provided to the reviewer from the publisher for reviewing purposes.

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