The final piece of weekly content that will be brought to you via the Halo Community section is “Jordan’s Top 5.” In case you didn’t know, I’m Jordan, and thus, this section will be focusing on my top 5 something or another within the Halo universe. This could be a serious list featuring my top 5 melee weapons in the Halo universe, or a not so serious list featuring the top 5 ways to get splattered by your own team.
Although I’m sure many may not agree with the order of the list, or my reasons, I will always try and provide, in detail, the reasons my list is how it is, and why number 1 is number 1. Right, let’s get this started then. As you can tell my the title, this weeks focus is my top 5 Halo 3 maps, just because Halo 3 had some awesome maps, so I thought i’d start with something easy.
NUMBER 5
A Halo 3 map that is among some of the best designed is High Ground. As it’s name implies, the map features a range of heights that allows for a good mix of game types and options. Capture the Flag and Assault are of course the obvious choices, but other game types such as Infection and Oddball work wonders on this map too. There are multiple entrances to the main base, and the beach area allows for open BR battles, and sniper spots. I had plenty of fun on this map, and unlike many maps on Halo 3, High Ground allowed me to enjoy all types of game modes. This map I found works well with a large amount of players. I’d probably say at least 6 is a good bet, but 10 is usually a good number for chaos on this map.
NUMBER 4
Similar to the previous map, Narrows is a map that works best for objective game modes, at least that’s what I personally found. However, it also works extremely well for team based Slayer game types. The map features two identical bases, connected to each other by a long bridge, which is the middle section of the map. This map only has two levels, but those levels mixed with the addition of the two gravity lifts can bring a whole new level of skilled gameplay. Featuring many power weapons and powerups (Depending on the version and gametype), this map really does bring out the skilled Halo players, and allows you to see who has been practicing and who hasn’t. The battle between the snipers at the beginning of the match is always a vital decider on which team has the heads start, because usually, killing the enemy sniper means getting all of the ammo on the map. Regardless of your skill, I found this map to be extremely enjoyable to play with a team, whether it be ranked or unranked. I certainly would recommend playing a few friendly custom games on this map.
NUMBER 3
Blackout, of course, being a remake of Halo 2’s Lockout, meant that it had a lot to live up to. Everything it could of improved on, it did with tremendous fashion, and is a common fan favourite in the Halo 3 community. Blackout features 4 levels for a range of gameplay options. The bottom level mainly focusing on close range combat, the ground floor focusing on both long range BR fights, and close range battles, the mid floor, with it’s large open area focuses heavily on BR fights and outskilling your opponent, and the top floor being used mainly for sniper and BR battles. In short, the lower levels focused more on close range combat and the high levels on long range battles. It was an excellent map that really catered to all types of players. Blackout had many skill jumps and hiding places too, for those who wanted to be extra efficient when playing a serious game of slayer. This map comes in at number 3 to me, personally, just because of how well made it is for an asymmetric map. Pulling off such a large range of possibilities for gameplay while also keeping the game flowing is not an easy thing to accomplish, but Bungie really did a brilliant job with this remake and it continues to be one of the best made Halo maps to date.
NUMBER 2
Now, I know what many Halo 3 fanboys will be saying. “HOW DARE YOU NOT PUT GUARDIAN AS NUMBER 1 IT IS DAH BEST!” Well, to be fairly honest, it barely made it to number 2. The only reason it isn’t number 3 is purely due to the amount it is loved by the community, and the impact it had. Lets actually look at the map though, and see why it didn’t make number 1. First of all, it’s extremely basic in its design (The layout.) Long corridors followed by small rooms. That’s pretty much it. The top open space is similar to that of many Halo maps, and in all honestly the map isn’t very unique at all. That’s why it’s number 2. The positive points however are still there. It’s a multi-level map, that features equipment, power weapons, and power ups, all within a very short reach of each other. This small map, unlike the others, works extremely well for FFA and small teams, and thus, was most likely the best for playing split screen against your friends. The environment is spectacular, and the atmosphere that is given off really keeps you amazed. Gotta love shooting those birds am I right? Anyways, regardless of how popular the map was, it isn’t the best, and while I’m sure most of you would disagree, when it comes to map design and competitiveness, there really is one Halo 3 map that tops Guardian in every way.
NUMBER 1
At last we have arrived. My number 1 Halo 3 map. For those who are still reading despite Guardian not winning, The Pit has and will always be the best competitive map in Halo 3 for me. Although it hasn’t got the most exciting environment and looks, and it’s symmetrical, it manages to be excellent for nearly every game type available. From Slayer to Objective, with teams or no teams, this map provides both fun and competitive environments for all players. Snipers that have long and open areas to fight off. Buildings for those who prefer the Shotguns and Swords. BR’s and Overshield for those who want to try and take everyone on at once, and even Rockets with the Active Camo for those who want to sneak and surprise. This map caters to every single player, new or old, and allows everyone to have an enjoyable experience in multiple ways. Ranked games on this map were truly unfrigginbelievable, but custom games with friends had just as much appeal. This map without a doubt was one of my favourites, and the best map in my opinion when it comes to Halo fans being able to play, regardless of their gameplay preference or skill.
That concludes the first top 5, and please remember, all the above, and future articles in the Top 5 are my opinion. Nothing is fact, and nothing should be taken as such. Please respect everyone has different views, and I welcome hearing other peoples in the comments.
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