Two new multiplayer maps for Halo Anniversary

Three more classic maps have been revealed to feature in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Timberland and Prisoner were shown off as part of Microsoft’s Halofest celebrations this weekend.

• Timberland: Halo: Anniversary’s beautifully re imagined multiplayer map from Halo PC, set in the classically alpine environment so familiar to Halo. Timberland is a tree-covered valley, sporting undulating hills, surging rivers, and a terrain perfect for large-scale vehicle mayhem (8-16 players)
• Prisoner: The return of Halo: Combat Evolved’s Prisoner delivers a claustrophobic and frenetic multiplayer experience now elaborately recreated for Halo: Anniversary. Prison is a multi-level facility, with tightly-woven corridors and many bridges and ramps, perfect for the chaos of close-range combat (2-8 players)

Each competitive multiplayer map in Anniversary will include two variants which let players experience maps in both their classic layout as well as a modified, re-imagined version with changes that account for Halo: Reach’s armour abilities.

In addition a Halo: Reach title update will be released in October brining the Halo: Combat Evolved Magnum to Reach multiplayer. The classic weapon will be included only in special ‘classic’ playlists.

The update also promises to fix some aspects of Halo: Reach. Armour Lock now absorbs a level of damage based on the amount of remaining energy a player has, which makes it less powerful. Active Camo’s duration has been reduced, and the ability to block sword attacks using any weapon other than another sword has been disabled. Reticule ‘bloom’ is now configurable, too, which should help accuracy when firing in rapid succession.

Microsoft has also revealed that Halo Anniversary will be playable in 3D and detailed two additional classic maps getting the remake treatment.

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary will be released November 15 for Xbox 360.