We are a little less than a month from the launch of the Halo: Reach beta and some may have been wondering about the maps that would be available during the beta. Not to worry as Bungie sat down with the gents over at
IGN to talk in depth about the maps. If you don't have time to sit through the five page piece, hang out here for a second for a quick summary.
Bungie selected four maps for the Halo: Reach beta and all four were chosen for specific testing purposes. First up is the Powerhouse map which is meant to test the four vs four Slayer gametype. It's set in a "cool nice, breezy outdoor space" with a mix of indoor and outdoor player.
Boneyard is possibly the biggest map Bungie has done yet and is meant to test the six vs six Invasion gametype. If you guessed that the setting of Boneyard would be a junkyard type of setting you would be correct as Bungie says that it's a map full of derelict space frigates that are being cut up for parts.
Overlook was pulled from the game's main campaign and is being used to test the Generator Defense gametype. It's an asymetrical map similar to High Ground from Halo 3 where the Elite attackers have to go uphill to attack the Spartan defended base. Bunge had to change the map up to give it a better flow for multiplayer by opening up new routes and closing off others.
Finally, Swordbase is set on a small asymetrical map that features "man cannons" that made their debut in Halo 3. It is best suited for the Slayer, Headhunter, and Stockpile gametypes and obviously features the Covenant energy sword.
Head over to
IGN to read the full details of the Halo: Reach beta maps from the interview. And remember, the Halo: Reach beta launches on May 3rd and you'll need a copy of Halo 3: ODST to get in.
