[EDIT]Scroll down for summary -------------------------- I, for one, am upset at Bungie's decision to not import, re-texture and release remakes of obviously superior maps (i.e. Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 Maps). This is obviously an exception for Black Out and Cold Storage, as they are ACTUAL remakes of beloved maps. Before jumping down my throat, I would like to state, for the record, that I am a die-hard Bungie fan. Far before the Halo series, I played Oni and Marathon avidly. That being said, I believe Bungie also made grave errors in the way they handled Halo 3 overall. Putting aside (for now) my complaints on not nailing the story 100%, the focus will be on the multi-player aspect and its maps. Many players, as well as Bungie, have stated that Halo 3 is not the same game as Halo 1 and Halo 2. They would be right, on the surface. But fundamentally, what are the three things that made Halo great to begin with? It is what Bungie has referred to as the Golden Triangle of Halo: Weapons, Grenades and Melee. These are the strongest aspects of the Halo Trilogy. However, Halo 3 tried to include another point on the already perfect formula in the form of equipment. While I believe the inclusion of these rather mundane objects was necessary to a certain extent, the purpose was defeated when Bungie chose to remove three equipment items from regular match-making games (flare, deployable and radar jammer) and left four, thus limiting the appeal of equipment; to use something to your advantage by causing an instant of confusion in your opponent. After seeing countless bubble shields, regenerators and shield drainers used under orthodox circumstances it really brings about questions as to whether or not equipment has a place in this game at all now. The only real piece of equipment left that brings about unorthodox means of using it, is the the grav lift that can be used to launch an unsuspecting opponent into the air where they will be disoriented and confused for a few milliseconds. Grav lifts are generally only used as a means of getting to a place in a new way, so when used offensively it is quite thrilling. Also, having played the same maps for nearly a year now with barely any new content, I must say that I am extremely disappointed by the lack of memorable maps. The remake of Zanzibar was fraught with several bad decisions, such as up scaling the map, adding multiple ways into the base, scaffolding around the outside between the sniper tower and the base and by changing the configuration of the ground floor of the base. But Bungie showed that Halo 1 and Halo 2 maps could work in Halo 3, quite well even. But no matter how many times you play, Cold Storage and Black Out never seem to show up on the random map generator in Match-Making. It seems as Bungie decided to make maps be assigned at a uneven ratio, putting Cold Storage and Black Out at a 1% probability of being chosen. In Halo 2, there were maps that everyone enjoyed playing on. And perhaps the reason why Halo 2 was so beloved and so long running is because there were enough maps to rotate around so not everyone became bored and picked up another game to play. The problem with Halo 3 is that with a new system and a graphical overhaul, Bungie lost sight of what true gameplay was about. It became, "what can we do to make this game look awesome visually," instead of, "what will the players connect with and feel for?" When playing Black Out and Cold Storage, I get the sense of nostalgia and familiarity. It's the feeling you get when you've seen greatness, then relived it again. Ivory Tower, Coagulation, Midship, Waterworks, Ascension and Sanctuary to name a few, were excellent maps that played well and had a lasting impact on others. Problems People See With Bringing Re-Makes Back: 1. Equipment - The inclusion of equipment does affect the outcome of gameplay as a whole. By giving the player equipment, you give them more freedom. For example, a player in Halo 2 would not normally take an open route with limited cover when in Halo 3 you may do so without fear, albeit with your thumb hovering above the "X" button to deploy a bubble shield if you get ambushed. What makes Halo 1 & 2 maps memorable, is what their "flow" consists of (i.e. what are high traffic areas of the map). 2. More Weapons - More weapons to put on a map, with different effects and more choices for the player. Again, affects the flow of the map and how it is utilized. 3. Starting Weapons - The MA5C is the starting weapons apposed to the MA5B and Sub-Machine Gun. Both the MA5B and Sub-Machine Gun have a 60 round clip, with similar damage specs. The Sub-Machine Gun is a part of what Bungie saw as a problem in Halo 2, called the Dual-Wielding rush which took emphasis off of two-handed weapons. How To Avoid These Supposed Problems: 1. Minimize or Even Remove Equipment From Re-Makes - Do some research. Play Halo 2 again and analyze various routes. Black Out and Cold Storage proves that it's possible to include equipment and still remain faithful to the flow of the map. The shield drainer does very little to the flow of the game, it is the regenerator and bubble shield that change the pace of the game as the shield drainer is more of an offensive tool. Compare to a plasma pistol overcharged. 2. Don't Change The Formula - Weapon spawns in maps before Halo 3 were perfect. Don't change them. You can occasionally throw a Spiker where an SMG would originally spawn, but just find a clever new place to put the new weapons. Most weapons that were seen in Halo 2 are fundamentally the same with a few minor tweaks. 3. They're All Fundamentally the Same - The title says it. They're STARTING weapons; something that is good to start out with, that can hold it's own against other weapons but is easy to part with when a better opportunity comes along. And as far as Bungie regarding the Dual-Wielding Rush a problem, I find it absurd. The two MAJOR features of Halo 2 from Halo 1 was the ability to board enemy vehicles and DUAL-WIELD. I would still ditch an SMG and Plasma Rifle for a Battle Rifle and a free arm for a grenade throw any day. It was relatively balanced as is. Having played the MLG playlists, I can honestly say that I enjoy them. The choice to remove equipment, increase weapon damage and speed slightly and decrease shield recovery to 90% of normal was a good idea. There currently fans on the sidelines; people who still play Halo 2, those that play Halo 3 but never really enjoy it and those that wish for the old days but play other games. Halo has a distinctive style and no matter how well Gears of War 2 or CoD 4 plays, people will remember Halo more than those games. If there are any out there who agree, please post here. If you need more clarification, please ask. And if you disagree or think you have a counter to my argument, feel free to leave a comment that will promptly be put to rest through insanely brilliant logic and cunning.. When I check this post again. ------------------------------ Note: This post is merely an attempt to do Halo right again. I have no involvement with Bungie, though I do wish it. I happen to voice an opinion shared by a sect of people who wish Halo would return to it's rightful throne of multiplayer awesomeness. I happen to have a vision for the series, one that seemed to have been in sync with Bungie during Halo 1 and 2, but I feel the series has fallen upon it's own sword by several missteps. ------------------------------ [EDIT]Summary: Short and Sweet: Bringing back old multiplayer maps will bring back the feel of nostalgia and greatness. There are ways to modify and make these maps great without changing their flow like people seem to think will happen when importing to Halo 3. Read entire article for clarification and enlightenment before posting uninformed arguments. [Edited on 11.28.2008 9:40 AM PST]