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We love a good surprise. That's why hearing that 343 Industries was going to be releasing all ten multiplayer maps launching with Halo 4 was a bit of a disappointment. But with every new bit of information we've received, it seems a few insider tips and developer advice won't go amiss.

The next walkthrough video puts Complex under the microscope, blending medium-range combat with vehicular creativity. Check out the video now, assuming you hope to develop a strategy more nuanced than simply: 'get in a Ghost, and hit everyone.' Although that might work too.

The gameplay seen in the walkthrough video (courtesy of IGN) proves that medium-range Halo 4 maps really do engender a very different kind of skirmish than larger or smaller spaces. From what we've seen of Longbow and Exile, maps built on a similar scale, the gameplay looks to favor both the cunning close-quarters operatives and players who can handle a DMR or BR from range. Vehicles can counter each of those strategies nicely all on their own, so it will be interesting to see how different maps lead to distinctly inspired overlaps of Armor Abilities in more cohesive teams.

In keeping with the greater Halo fiction, Complex is built around Galileo Base, constructed by the UNSC on the surface of Requiem - the Forefunner Shield World on which Halo 4 is set. Since that means plenty of flat, cubic structures separated by open spaces, Complex offers both objective-based choke points, combat-inducing low points, and exposed rooftops for skilled (and daring) snipers to enjoy their fill of headshots.

Halo 4 Complex Map

Out of all the maps we've seen so far, Complex seems to best represent the evolution of multiplayer that 343 is working toward, introducing greater strategy and depth than the casual Halo fan has previously been encouraged to learn. That's a double-edged sword, since Complex already seems to be the map that will reward the more experienced, but be hell for newcomers. Then again, entrants into Halo multiplayer do tend to sink or swim, so what's to be gained from being subtle?

But before we care any beginners off from the location, lead multiplayer level designer Kynan Pearson demonstrates how the Covenant Ghost is able to navigate many of the tighter spaces and walkways, so those fans of absurd combat as opposed to headshot-buffets are also in luck. Similarly, Pearson names the new Flood Mode and tried-and-true Slayer as his preferred game types on Complex, so stressful competition is not a prerequisite.

We'll wait to see if the rest of the multiplayer maps get smaller or larger by comparison, since Complex and Meltdown have us seriously contemplating a strategy guide purchase just to keep from getting lost. Halo players tend not to be the 'ask for directions' type.

In case you missed them, be sure to check out the series of video walkthroughs previously released:

Halo 4 will be released on November 6, 2012, exclusively for the Xbox 360.

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Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce.

Source: IGN