First impressions of Map Pack 2: Awesome. I played each of the three new MP maps (didn’t get time for Japanese Zombies) and I have to say, each has a different feel, and is very well thought out and developed. Banzai is essentially Bridge on the River Kwai with perks. Lots of routes back and forth, lush jungle scenery, and just big enough to feel big without being huge (I’m looking at you, Airfield.) This map seems to cater to rifles and machine guns.
Corrosion is a smaller, industrial map with lots of sniping spots and ambush locations. Definitely more submachine gun and shotty action here. Being a smaller map, it’s also a lot faster paced.
Rounding out the package is Sub Pens, an almost claustrophobically small map which is also a shotgun and SMG lover’s heaven. Lots of good choke points lead to some pretty pitched fighting. Snipers are not left out here though, as the main sub-bay is wide enough for some serious control room to control room sniper matches. I used an SVT-40 with an aperture sight and cleaned up with it.
Listening to the Xbox Live chatter, the reaction was very much positive, and I have to second the opinion. These well-designed maps definitely breathe some new life into the World at War gameplay.
Pair that with double XP from now through Tuesday the 16th, and it’s a knockout combination.
Verdict: 5/5 Treyarch knocked this one out of the ballpark, and I haven’t even checked out the new zombie mode.
