As if there wasn’t enough fragging fun stuffed inside Halo: The Master Chief Collection already, 343 is soon to roll out yet another classic fan favorite map.
In a recent post to halowaypoint.com , the team begins by giving the technical rundown of what their new patch looks to address, including improvements to areas such as stability, matchmaking, and the party invite system. They continue, “…this content update includes fundamental changes to the aforementioned systems, and making and validating these changes requires substantial time beyond what was required for prior updates. We’re happy with the progress on the next CU, with significant progress being made on big and small issues, and we’re being diligent in gameplay and stress testing to ensure that it is a meaningful update.”
However, by far the most exciting bit of news is that Relic will be making its triumphant return from the days of Halo 2 . You can read more about its development right here , or check out some of the highlights below:
RELIC:
- Artists, developers, multiplayer testers, and more continue to hammer away on the reimagining of Relic in Halo 2: Anniversary. This week, the talented folks at Certain Affinity provide us with a bit of background on the inspiration for the remake, where it’s headed, and also a new visual sneak peek.
- The Halo 2 multiplayer map Relic is based on the concept of a lone, ancient Forerunner monolith standing amid a vast ocean on Delta Halo. While this new incarnation of Relic certainly stays true to its origins, there are several thematic updates which should provide a new experience in familiar territory.
- The mysterious weathered Forerunner architecture has been updated to reflect the aesthetic depicted in Halo 2 Anniversary.
- The mood and drama of the environment has been increased significantly; thick cloud cover dots the island terrain with dapples of cool shadow, while ominous thunderheads loom on the horizon.
- The island itself is revealed to be an underwater landmass of sand, rock, and coral that has been recently exposed by significant tidal changes.
- The UNSC have built a modular research platform atop the remains of the Forerunners’ ancient monument.
- Ultimately, as with the other multiplayer maps produced for Halo 2: Anniversary, the goal is to add yet another layer of depth and mystery to what are already memorable, fan-favorite locations.