Bungie Confirms New Halo 2 Map Details! News

True to their word after a week that has seen several sites advertising the unofficial Halo 2 downloadable content (including embarrassingly the Korean part of Xbox.com), Bungie has finally unveiled details of the much anticipated DLC.

The long awaited update will take the form of nine new maps, which will be available in US stores in June 28th 2005 for $19.99, with a staggered release for Live subscribers. The first four maps will be available for download via Xbox Live at the end of April, and whilst two of the maps will be free, the other pair will be available to download for $5.99. The remaining five maps will available in a single download for $11.99 at the same time as the retail update. Bungie has also been quick to point out that all nine maps will be available to download free-of-charge by the end of the Summer, so if you can be patient, you can experience the â??delightsâ?? of the update without spending a penny.

The retail version of the expansion pack will also include an animated short story that takes place during the battle of New Mombasa as well as a documentary that includes interviews with the map designers and fly-throughs of the new stages - the retail version will also include the patches and fixes that will be downloadable via Live before the first batch of maps become available.

Bungie have released the following details about the first four maps, available to download at the end of next month:

Containment (Free) Containment is set in a snow and ice filled environment and includes Forerunner structures that double as bases for teams. Bungie has stated that this environment is very well suited to vehicles; large team matches, as well as Capture the Flag.

Warlock (Free) Set in a ruinous Forerunner temple, Warlock is said to be aimed at a wide range of game types including Slayer and Territories.

Sanctuary A medium-sized map, Sanctuaryâ??s key features include a walled grotto that obscures the line of sight (tough luck all you snipers) between the two â??bases.â?? According to Bungie the soundscape of this map includes birds chirping and the sound of moving waterâ?¦which is nice.

Turf Finally urban warfare comes to Old Mombasa in Turf, which includes many alleyways and alcoves to hide in, which is perfect if youâ??re a sneaky Halo 2 player.

Bungie will release more information on the remaining five maps at a later date, although with names like Terminal, Relic, Elongation, Gemini and Backwash weâ??re quite intrigued by what the environments hidden behind them are like â?“ though the omission of any vehicle updates still niggles us.

Weâ??ll have more shortly...