Halo 3: ODST Mythic Maps Hands-On Preview We play the all-new mythic maps from the upcoming Halo 3: ODST.
Nearly two years after its release, Halo 3's stream of new multiplayer content is nearing an end. The Halo 3 Mythic disc, which will be included as part of standalone expansion Halo 3: ODST's retail package, will have all 21 released Halo 3 multiplayer maps, as well as three new Mythic maps.
During my recent hands-on session with the three maps, Bungie developer Lars Bakken made mention that the final three (Heretic, Citadel, and Longshore) help round out Halo 3's multiplayer playlist by filling gaps in map types. Heretic and Citadel provide midsized arena maps for close-quarters and frenetic combat, while Longshore offers a large-scale asymmetrical area for chaotic objective matches.
Heretic
Fans of Midship (a Halo 2 favorite) rejoice. The good people at Bungie have heard your lamentations and responded with a satisfying re-creation of that fabled map. I don't believe I've ever been so happy to see so much purple on one map.
Bungie community guru Brian Jarrard wouldn't say definitively whether the map is a pixel-for-pixel perfect replica, but I didn't notice any dramatic changes to the way it plays. Aesthetically there haven't been many changes, either. The most significant difference I saw was the updated skybox; instead of the starfield from Halo 2, a Covenant armada now hangs in the cosmos overhead. And as with its predecessor, Heretic is at its best when matches are 4-on-4. The confined spaces quickly lead to chaotic matches when player counts ramp up.
Citadel
Citadel is a symmetrical environment stylistically patterned after the Forerunner facilities from the Halo 3 single-player campaign. A central multi-level platform reminiscent of Halo: CE's map Hang 'Em High is bracketed on all sides by walkways on two levels. Each surrounding platform has distinct lighting, with one side bathed in sunlight from the outside while the other is awash in the sterile lighting of the facility.
Unlike Heretic, Citadel seems perfectly suited for 10+ player matches. The walkways and nooks provide a variety of hiding spots and give a marked advantage to players who use their motion detector effectively. Oddball proved to be particularly satisfying as the top five finishers were within six seconds of the winner.
Longshore
Set on the outskirts of New Mombasa, Longshore's an asymmetrical map particularly suited for large-scale Slayer and objective matches. Judging from the various advertisements featuring smiling fish scattered throughout the level, Longshore appears to be the remains of some sort of seafood packing and shipping warehouse.
Longshore is closest in style to High Ground due to its layout. In the matches I played, this level was host to epic back and forth flag matches reminiscent of battles on Avalanche. A freezer located in the lower region of the level has a rocket launcher that was the focus of many firefights during my playtime. The attacking team spawns near the water on a rundown, rusted shack, and has a variety of avenues for advancement. And attackers who infiltrate the enemy base can extend a bridge on the upper level that allows players to drop onto the flag spawn for a quick exfiltration.
With the release of ODST (and the final Mythic maps) Bungie will finally allow anyone in the community to earn their very own set of Recon armor by completing a series of challenges titled the "Road to Recon." Through a combination of achievements in Halo 3 multiplayer (including achievements on these final three Mythic maps), and ODST's single-player campaign and Firefight modes, any geek off the street who's crazy enough to complete all these challenges will be able to log onto Bungie.net and unlock a shiny new set of Recon armor to show off. The other kids will have to settle for sending insulting text messages out of jealousy. After several hours of playtime, it's clear that after two years of iteration on Halo 3 multiplayer, the level designers at Bungie are some of the best in the business at creating unique environments that fit specific roles within the greater multiplayer environment. VIBE ON!
