Halo 4: Majestic Map Pack Strategic Preview (Xbox 360)

Unless you’re a fan of another first-person shooter series – or you’re living under a rock – chances are you picked up the new Majestic Map Pack for Halo 4 when it released on the Xbox Live Marketplace yesterday.  This trio of new maps will really test your playing skills, keeping you on your toes as you battle online opponents in all new terrain.

For those of you who haven’t made the jump quite yet, or at the very least want a better idea of what you’re getting into, we here at Prima Games have a breakdown of each of the maps, giving you an idea of what to expect – and where you’ll best fare, depending on your skill set.

Lock and load, soldier.  We’re going in!

Monolith

If you’re a fan of the “old-school” style of Halo maps, then Monolith is a wonderful place to start with this new DLC.  In it, you’ll find that this isn’t really one of those spacious maps, as it makes you go right into the heat of combat against opponents.  The short corridors probably won’t do long distance shooters any favors, though those that prefer up-front combat will be delighted with the design.  You’ll also find some central man-cannons smack dab in the middle of everything, and with barely any cover to speak of, you’ll need to fight fire with fire quickly, or suffer a frag as a result.  The preferred game types for this map are Capture the Flag (which is pretty cut and dry compared to larger, object-laden maps) and Infinity Slayer.

Landfall

At one point, the world of Tribute was a towering city, one filled with promise and ideas.  But since the galaxy was torn apart, it’s become abandoned – and the perfect battleground for you and your friends.  It’s a small to midsized map, one that offers the best of both worlds for various types of players.

Those who prefer taking out foes on a long-ranged basis can stick to the exterior of the map, where there are plenty of spots to take pot shots while keeping a close eye on your surroundings.  (The jump routes will help you get around very quickly as well.)  Meanwhile, those who prefer up-close combat can stay inside for their killing pleasure, utilizing weapons however they see fit – the Shotgun and SAW are definitely preferred here.  Infinity Slayer is your best bet when it comes to action in Landfall – and for good reason.

Skyline

Probably the most exciting – and unpredictable – maps in the pack, Skyline offers death in various ways, instead of just taking people out in close-range combat.  Fighting on the rooftop of this darkly lit city building, in the capital city of Cascade, gives you perfect opportunity to brush up on your killing techniques and firepower.  It’s small and ideal for matches like Regicide and Infinity Slayer, with some good cover opportunities.

However, this is one map where hiding can really cost you, mainly because of the explosive cells scattered throughout.  Sitting besides one of these is a pure death wish, and all it takes is a well-timed shot from a sniper to send you reeling to your death.  For that matter, the map also has some huge drops, so if you take a wrong step, well, you’ll be credited for the self-kill.  Watch where you leap.

The New Achievements

Indeed.  There are ten new Achievements in all to pick up over the course of the matches, though you’ll need to meet certain conditions in order to score them all.  But for those who thrive on competing with others for hours at a time, most of these should come in no time flat.  They are as follows, and can be earned via matchmaking unless otherwise indicated.

Callin’ In the Big Guns (40 points) – Call in three ordinance drops during the same game.

I Thrust At Thee (20 points) – Perform a melee kill right after using Thrust pack.

Didn’t See It Comin’ (10 points) – Assassinate an enemy who’s in zoom mode.

Bird of Prey (50 points) – Perform 5 “airsassinations”.

Bullet Sponge (30 points) – Get the “Close Call” medal twice during one match.

I See You! (10 points) – Kill 5 enemies while Promethean Vision is active.

Clever Girl (10 points) – Kill 5 enemies while Active Camo is active.

Flash of Light (30 points) – Get a Double Kill or higher with one Pulse Grenade.

Last Man Grinning (20 points) – Get 4 kills using the SAW without dying.

Pigs Can Fly (30 points) – Kill 3 enemies while they are using Jet Packs.

Overall, this Map Pack has something for everyone, whether you prefer the “classic” style of Halo, enjoy close-quarters combat or just want to see how effective a long-range shooter you can be.  It’s got Man-Cannons for those who prefer true firepower, as well as plenty of risk – especially in the Skyline map – if you feel like taking a chance.  You’ll definitely get your money’s worth out of this one.

The Halo 4 Majestic Map Pack is available now on Xbox Live Marketplace for 800 Microsoft points ($9.99).  You can also purchase a Season Pass for 2400 Microsoft points ($29.99) if you want to get all the DLC in one convenient package.

Get the official Prima Halo 4 eGuide here.

Halo 4 is available now for Xbox 360.