Coming straight from Bungie are the following details:
* We're releasing a total of nine new multiplayer maps.
* All nine maps will eventually be available as Live downloads and as a normal boxed game disc - available at retail for $19.99 (US).
* The release on Live will be staggered, some paid, some free!
* The first two maps are free and coming in a few short weeks. (late April)
* The same day the 2 free maps are released, 2 additional maps will be available for purchase
* The remaining 5 maps will be made available as a paid download on the same day the retail package goes on sale.
* The retail disc will contain extras, including a documentary, a cool project from our cinematic and animation team, every Halo 2 update released so far and possibly one or two other little treats.
* By late summer, ALL the maps will be available for free.
So what we have are a few maps that will be free to download straight away on Xbox Live; a few maps which will cost something to download and a stand alone expansion pack which will contain them all. The good thing is they will all eventually be released for free over Live. While Bungie have only released details on the first four new maps, Containment, Warlock, Turf and Sanctuary, details on the others will appear in coming weeks.
Bungie has commented on the retail price of the expansion pack and why they think it's worth the price.
"Nine maps are actually a lot of Halo maps, and these new ones are in many regards, more complex graphically and technically than the original batch. The disc is also a very good way to archive the content, should you ever need it again (if you replace your Xbox, for example). The disc comes with a couple of nifty extra collectibles too - a documentary about the process of mapmaking and a short piece of animated fiction - a Halo 2 sidestory. It's also a rare opportunity for offline System Link and split-screen players to access previously online-only content.
"Also, for the first time ever, non Live users will have access to game updates that were previously only available to Live subscribers. All of the prior Halo 2 updates along with the update slated for release in the near future will be included on this disc. Things like map exploit fixes, improved support for 480p, the improved split screen HUD update, and every other improvement and tweak that has been released on Live will be available to non-Live users.
"The discs and the software are tremendously expensive to program, design, manufacture, package, ship and distribute. That's what you're paying for, should you decide to buy it. Xbox Live players pay a premium to use that service, and one big benefit to them for subscribing to the service will be getting their hands on four of the maps earlier than anyone else. Another important benefit is the eventual release of these maps for free."
So how will Halo 2 matchmaking work with all these different release dates for maps and such? According to Bungie...
"We're still finalizing our plans but we can give you a general idea of what to expect. The existing core playlists will remain intact. The first two free maps, Containment and Warlock, will be integrated into the appropriate existing playlists. Since the 2 premium maps are "premium" and won't necessarily be on everyone's Xbox right away, we can't add them to the core playlists without creating all sorts of problems. Instead, we will be rolling out a special short-term playlist that will only be accessible for people who download the premium maps. Players interested in getting into matchmade games on Turf and Sanctuary will be able to do so via this special playlist. Eventually, as Turf and Sanctuary become free for everyone, they will be added back to the core playlists and the premium playlist will go away.
"When the remaining premium maps become available in June, a similar process will occur except we will have more than one premium playlist to accommodate the 5 new maps. Over time, as those maps become available for free, they will be integrated into the core playlists and the premium playlists will be phased out.
"Throughout all of this, please keep in mind that players are always able to enjoy the new maps on their own via custom games with other friends who have the maps.
"We are still working out the final details, gametype lists and dates for the life and death of each playlist. In addition, we are working on some contests to incorporate into these short-term playlists for added enjoyment. Stay tuned for more info in the weeks ahead."
Interesting news on how they choose to handle extra content for Halo 2. If you cannot wait for new maps it looks like you will have to hand over some cash to Microsoft. However if you can wait all maps will be eventually free.
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