Bungie has clarified some of the grey areas surrounding the new Halo 3 DLC, specifically relating to the new Halo 3: ODST standalone expansion pack. Halo 3: ODST will come with ALL of the Halo 3 DLC – Heroic, Legendary and the upcoming Mythic map packs – when it launches this autumn.
The new Mythic Map Pack for Halo 3 has caused a bit of confusion over exactly how you get hold of it, and – more importantly – how you avoid paying for it twice. If you’re really desperate to get your mitts on it early, then you need to pick up the special Halo Wars Collector’s Edition, due for release on February 27th. That will net you access to the three new levels (Sandbox, Assembly and Orbital), but due to the limited player base, there won’t be ranked matches available from the outset.
Later on, the map pack will become available as a standalone download from Xbox LIVE, costing 800 points. However, if you’re prepared to wait, and especially if you haven’t shelled out 600 points for the Legendary Map Pack, then you’ll get all of the Halo 3 DLC packaged with Halo 3: ODST when it launches. All clear now? Good.
Although Bungie has also promised that Halo 3: ODST will come with tons of other exclusive content (not least the whole new single player campaign), it still feels a little bit mercenary – serious Halo fans are basically being sold the same content they’ve already bought on Xbox LIVE.
If you’re really eager to get into the Mythic Map Pack without waiting for Halo 3: ODST, our advice would be to skip the Halo Wars Collector’s Edition and wait a short spell for the Xbox LIVE download. The price difference between Halo Wars and Halo Wars CE is £8 (prices from Play.com), while the download costs £6.80.
Halo 3: ODST, however, sounds like it’s shaping up to be a superb deal for anyone who hasn’t yet paid for any of the Halo 3 DLC.
Out Q4 2009 | £TBA | Halo 3: ODST (via Joystiq)
