Pay for More Halo 2 - or Don't
Microsoft rolls out the first batch of new Halo 2 maps. You'll hvae to pay for some of them, but only if you don't have patience.
If the existing multiplayer maps in Halo 2 just aren't cutting it for you anymore, you'll be pleased to hear that Microsoft has released the first of the new levels for its record-breaking shooter.
The four maps - Containment, Warlock, Sanctuary and Turf - together cater to the many gameplay types available in Halo 2 and are available over Xbox Live. You can get the first two for free, but a £2.99 fee is payable for the latter pair.
This first set of levels is part of a cheeky move on Microsoft's part to get as much mileage out of its new maps as possible. In addition to releasing two batches of new levels through Xbox Live over the next couple months, Microsoft will release all nine maps as part of the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack on 1 July.
The boxed expansion pack will set you back £14.99 and comes with bonus content, including a 'Making Of' featurette and an animated side-story movie. And if that seems like too little for too much, you can just wait until the end of August, when all nine maps will be available for download for free.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare