We first came to know 'Blood Gulch' in Halo: Combat Evolved, then saw it reimagined as 'Coagulation' in Halo 2 and 'Valhalla' in Halo 3. Now, we'll see the map reborn as 'Bloodline' in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
As a mainstay of the series' hugely popular and much-praised multiplayer, the iconic map has seen considerable changes since its first appearance in 2001. 'Coagulation' was a clear evolution from 'Blood Gulch', adding in trenches and more cover options, while Valhalla swapped the harsh desert for lush greenery and putting the previously flat map on a tilt.
'Bloodline', as the name suggests, seeks to represent the entire lineage of the Halo series' most iconic map — and as such it's something of a grab-bag of elements from throughout its history. The new version will be familiar to anyone who played Halo 2, as it most closely resembles 'Coagulation' — but like the other updated maps new to the collection, there are a few new twists to keep veteran players on their toes.
Hornets from Halo 3 have been added in to add an extra wrinkle to the vehicular combat that the map is so well-suited to. EMPs have also been placed in the bases as a counter to motorized assaults, something that will certainly come in handy when you see a fully-manned Warthog on approach.
Perhaps the biggest change to the classic formula is a third base in the middle of the map, sporting its own Banshee and Warthog. This simple addition puts even more onus on teams to control the middle ground, and could really change up the flow of a objective-based gametypes like Capture the Flag.
However, if you're simply wanting to go back to the classic maps you know and love, don't fret — 'Blood Gulch', 'Coagulation' and 'Valhalla' will all be included in their original form, along with every other multiplayer map from the mainline series. The package looks like a must-have for any Halo fan, and if its playlist can make the most of the huge amount of content on offer, it'll surely be an amazing multiplayer experience.
Extra content like 'Bloodline' might not lend Halo: The Master Chief Collection the freshness that a completely new title like Destiny can offer, but the idea of a well-populated, remastered version of Halo multiplayer with all the maps you could ever hope for will be a very exciting prospect for many Xbox gamers. And, since it's been stated that the game won't be released on Xbox 360 or PC, it wouldn't be surprising if it's a major factor in many fans of the series purchasing an Xbox One.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is set for release on November 11 for Xbox One.
Source: Xbox Wire