www.Multiplayergames.com – Multiplayer Games

Downloadable content quickly expands a video game’s universe, certainly the case for Halo 3 and its multiple map packs. Maps such as Blackout and Standoff have become favorites, enjoyable confrontation zones at the usual price of $10 for three levels.

There’s a catch though. The last set of maps, known as the Mythic Map Pack, costs the same. Halo ODST, and upcoming prequel, will not only contain the Mythic maps, but all previous maps as well.

Those who purchased the collector’s edition of RTS spin-off Halo Wars gained access to the Mythic maps early as a bonus. Everyone else had to wait until April 9th. That’s fine is someone wants them prior to the September release of Halo ODST, a full-priced prequel.

However, those who plan on buying ODST would understandably hold off. Bungie must have seen this, and have decided to cut off multiple game modes in the ranked playlists, including doubles and team slayer if you haven’t purchased the Mythic Map Pack.

It is absurd, and nearly to the point of a rip-off, to expect players to lay down the money when they’ll be paying for those same maps again in a few months. There is no excuse in this case because of the content in ODST.

Things were different with Halo 2. There were no planned spin-offs. That’s the major difference, and the one that should have the community fuming that the game they paid $60+ is no longer letting them play general ranked matches because they won’t put forth more money. There is no excuse to lock the playlists out this soon, less than two months after their full release, without the additional maps.

This is about more than the meager $10 the maps cost. This is not about paying for DLC. This is about paying for something twice, something all Halo 3 players know about, and how Bungie is taking advantage of it. This feels as if Bungie found a way to double their money, forcing players who enjoy the base playlists to purchase these maps and then again when ODST is launched.

“But, what about those people who bought the maps and want to play them?”

Yes, fine. Create a separate set of playlists then. Keep a separate section of the base Slayer modes open for those who would prefer to wait and play ODST.

If Bungie never announced ODST, this would be a different argument all together. However, they did, and forcing these maps onto players who enjoy some basic ranked matches is ridiculous. Require them after ODST for those who choose not to pick up the prequel in four months, not now. Thanks for not showing us the love you sign off with Bungie.

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