- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
My favorites:
* BloodIslands: This map is composed of two major islands separated by shallow water and a series of smaller chain islands. There's plenty of ways to approach each base, the weapon placement is perfect, and I never get tired of playing it. Even though I tend to avoid them at all costs, Banshees are popular on this map and should be guarded against. Just be sure to avoid the infamous BloodIslands bug (getting the Banshees stuck in the bases). Users with poor systems might experience low framerates here, as this was one of the first good maps released for CE and its portals are a bit inefficient. But I still enjoy it nevertheless. :)
* Camtrack Arena: The textures are reminscent of Blood Gulch and the lighting is beautiful, but the gameplay is much different. There are several approaches to your opponent's base and there are plenty of fun battles that take place on this map. The only problem with Camtrack is that it's hard to get around without vehicles and each team only starts with a couple. Each base starts out within view of each other, so the direct way isn't alway the best way. Players can go up and around via a land bridge, or take the back road around everything.
* CasualtyGorge: This was the first real map for Halo CE as far as I'm concerned. All that existed before this map were stupid "tutorial" clones that were nigh unplayable due to framerate problems and the alpha for Wartorn Cove (which was also unplayable imo). Casualty Gorge is unique, even to this day. It is a small outdoor map with dark bases that will sometimes force you to blow your stealth and use your flashlight. In the center is a small lake that spartans can sneak through, as well as a land bridge up above. This map will appeal to the team players out there, due to the structure of the map and location of flags during CTF.
* Claustrophobia: An excellent indoor CTF map set on a nameless spaceship/station. Players start out right next to each other, separated only by a piece of unbreakable glass. You then have the option of dropping down a level through a crawlspace or navigating the blind corridors in an attempt to reach the other base. If you don't use grenades on a regular basis, this level will force you to become a pro with them. Also, the shotty is your friend on this level. Listen for the clanging of other players' footsteps on the hard metal floors.
* Cliffhanger: As the name suggests, this map takes place on the side of a mountain, with plenty of exposed ledges. The textures are wonderful and the structure of the bases makes for some interesting flag chases. This CTF map forces you to guard your base, due to the many ways in which someone can infiltrate the immediate area around your compound and escape. However, this same trait allows you to more easily track down and kill flag carriers. Cliffhanger is another map where team-oriented players will excel, as flag carriers often need backup to complete a run or to track down someone who has stolen your flag.
* CoverCanyon2: It has a "2" in its name because it is the second version of this map. The first was craptacular, to say the least. It had to be the biggest open stretch of land there ever was in Halol-land. But the second version more than made up for the shortcomings of the first. Unlike other popular CTF maps, this one is asymetrical, which appoints different gameplay to the different teams. There are plenty of sniping opportunities in this map, so watch out. Also, don't be caught without a vehicle. If you don't have one around, stay and defend the base, as it will take you years to cross this map on foot. I also tend to enjoy KotH games on this map with infinite nades. :)
* Decoy: An interesting map with a built-in mod. The assault rifle has been modded to include a crystal-clear x2 zoom, a heavier machine-gun sound, greater accuracy, and some awesome damage capability. There are plenty of portals in this map to help you get around and you can easily get disoriented exploring them. The basic shape of the map is fairly straightforward and easy to navigate with a hog or ghost. This map is even sometimes fun with a sniper game-type when players spawn in the middle.
* Fissurefall: This is hands down one of the greatest maps to date. It accomodates all kinds of game types and lends itself well to CTF and KOTH. There are many, many ways to reach your opponent's base, which is separated from you by a seemingly bottomless fissure, complete with waterfall and a series of tunnels and bridges. Not many maps have achieved this level of design, strategy, playability, and looks. This is probably my favorite map of all time.
* Frost: A well-designed wintery map. Each base leads to a tower that holds each team's flag. the tower is accessed through a portal at the bottom of the base. The rest of this map is composed of snowy paths that weave between tall cliffs and snow-covered trees. There is a central tower between the two team towers that provides an opportunity for sniping. Also, there is a roadway leading up to high platforms that will also eventually lead you to heavy weapons and the other base. This map can suffer from bad framerates on occasion, but it's nothing that prevents you from playing a good game.
* HighLow: This one reminds me of Camtrack Arena, only better. The bases are separated by a steep hill, with an option to go through the hill (in a tunnel) or over the hill (on a bridge). There are portals that lead you to sniping locations and the bases are fairly easy to defend. A nice medium-sized outdoor map.
* New_Mombasa_Classic: I'm sure this map needs no introduction. It was easily the most hyped map to date. If you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for? It is a huge map based on Halo 2. A second version of this map, complete with Halo 2 mods, is in the works.
* Nightcamp_CE: The bases in this map are located in a shallow U-shaped canyon with a base at each end. Players can choose to take a shortcut through or around the cliffs or even take an alternate dimmly-lit cavernous route on a hog. This is a revision of the original Nightcamp map that adds a path up on the cliffs and another "neutral" base near the horseshoe bend where all the heavy weapons are located. Gameplay occurs during the night. This is a wonderful CTF map that provides plenty of opportunities for a stealthy player. Beware of the open roofs on the bases. ;)
* Quagmire: Probably one of the most demanding maps in terms of system resources, but extremely well done. It is reminiscent of the swamps from the campaign mode in Halo. I keep expecting a Flood to jump out at me at any moment. :) This is a map similar in size to Blood Gulch, but visibility is severely limited, so it seems much bigger. Learn to find your way around on this map and you'll automatically have a step up against most other players. The bases are open and exposed on this map, so defending can be challenging.
* WartornCove: I'm personally not a big fan of this map, but it's so popular amongst other players that I've included it here, because you'll see it more than other custom maps. It can be fun, but there are bottlenecks in the map design that make a CTF game into more of a team slayer game. It's easy to forget your goal is capturing the flag on this map, especially with the high number of portal campers that like to play here.
I've probably missed several other great maps, but I'll probably come back with an update at a later date. :)
[Edited on 8/16/2004 10:49:50 PM]