Competitive Map Pack

While I do feel Halo Reach provides a decent amount of maps to enjoy, there is a lack of what much of the competitive scene enjoyed within the first three Halo titles. Smaller, more competitive maps unique in their own right. I've analyzed hundreds of maps, including both official and non-official and tried to build upon ideas and go a little further. This is a last final effort of mine for the Halo Reach community. Through out forging, I've created roughly thirty maps. Though I'm not in it for the fame or kudos, I'm in it for helping the community. With that said, I'm only releasing four of the bunch. I want to help benefit the Reach community, not hurt it. Through vigorous testing, these were the four maps that people never stopped playing, months in and out. So these are the maps I'd like to share with the rest of the community.

Please watch the videos below for an in depth walkthrough, later halves have voice explaining the mindset in each.



Whirlwind (Download Now)

Made for: MLG style 2v2, 1v1, FFA(2-4)

Whirlwind Video















Refinery (Download Now)

Made for: MLG style 3v3, 2v2, FFA(2-8)

Refinery Video















Whirlpool (Download Now)

Made for: MLG style 1v1, 2v2, FFA (2-4)

Whirlpool Video











Lockout (Download Now)

Made for: MLG style 4v4, 3v3, 2v2, 1v1, FFA(2-8)

Lockout Video

Oh my goodness, you made this? What did you use?

Halo:Reach?

The Forge creation tool in Halo Reach. Let me know if anyone wants to play some games, setting up some times with other communities as well. Also please click recommend on the maps if and when you get the chance.

I have no idea why, but after looking at those videos and listening to your explanation, I went out and bought all the Halo games lol. I paid like $5 for them . Used some of my Best Buy rewards certificates.

I had played the original on the computer years ago, but I just never really got into it. Figured I'd give it another shot and if your looking for a tester I can help you out with that. You'll have to be a little patient with me for a bit because I have to get used to the control scheme etc, but I'm a quick learner. I like the CoD series and all, I just can't tolerate some people that frequent it sometimes. It would be a huge step for them if they allowed their userbase to do something similar to this.

Fun games, you guys are getting the hang of it. LastxMaster knows Halo, just hasn't played Reach.

Do me a favor and download the Noble Map Pack so we can play Whirlwind, the absolute best map of the bunch.

Yessir, fun was had. I did download both packs last night before I started playing. I think your maps are very well done and balanced as far as play value, lockout was hella fun. I really liked the spaceship map as well.

I wish I had recorded that game, the MvC smackdown was easily the funniest thing I've seen in a MP in a very long time. I look forward to playing and learning more as I go.

You can just hit start and go to temporary files, all of your latest games will be there and you can record them in full or segments.

Also great to hear, we'll play some Whirlwind the next time you are on. I'm going to play some in a few actually.

Showing off a near final build of a new map that is likely to make the cut as far as being part of the pack, will be playing it likely late night tonight and through out the later half of the day/night tomorrow. Come on and play a few games.

New map!



"Serenity meets slaughter. Once known for it's tropic pools and lush waterfalls."

Serenity is a departure from my previous maps in just about every way. It retains the focus on competitive gameplay, but goes about it in a completely different manner.

To start, I'd just like to say that I've retained my standards as far as play testing. Though this is my first and final release here on Forge Hub, the map has been play tested for roughly one month now by dozens of players and has underwent four to five minor to major revisions. Now, on to the map.

Like I stated in the intro, Serenity goes about competitiveness in a different manner than my previous series of competitive maps. The size is roughly medium, though any player can travel through it's entirety quickly if they are comfortable with it's fluidity. Different from my other maps, Serenity is multi tiered housing roughly four layers. Again, traveling from the fourth floor to the bottom is effortless with any knowledge on the map, thus making for some great set ups and even well timed assassinations.

The point of Serenity is to keep everyone on the run, without being a cluster. What this means is you aren't left for dead out in the open, but instead have options to get away or peruse. This to me is what makes maps like Derelict and Lockout great, options. All of my maps, mainly Serenity, are centered around options. These are the factors that assist set ups and trickery, but do away with over control. Players are able to hold down an area during battle, but have to keep on their feet after killing as they'll easily be overtaken if a statue. Without cluttering the map (within its intended play size), players are able to trick, set up and even escape easily and stylishly if familiar with all the map has to offer.

I'm going to use an example, though not in the literal form. Serenity is somewhat comparable to Lockout, not in any way how it's set up (completely different) but in the way that it takes some time to get used to. Once the player does understand the maps jumps, tricks, angles and overall set up, it becomes fluid and enables a ton of fancy high level play. It is created with high level play in mind, but goes about it in a different manner than the typical arena standard stuff.

Also, from when I first posted here, a members Eightball complimented my maps (thank you) but pointed out he'd love to see aesthetically pleasing atmospheres to go along with the complexities. That stuck in my head and is admittedly one of the focal points of Serenity, to be as pleasing on the eyes as it plays. Thanks for all the support, as it continues to assist me in topping my previous endeavors. I hope you all enjoy it as much as our group of testers has.

* Also, please note that the default download is for MLG properties which supports the MLG physics. The lift properties will only work correctly for MLG settings. For default physics and properties, I have included an alternate download: Bungie.net : Halo Reach : File Details

(Please recommend and rate the main one however, or both. Thanks!)

Images and video explanation:















[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy-tnmMWCjY[/youtube]