Halo 2 Multi-Player Expansion Pack (XBox)

Herald rating: * * * *

Halo 2 was one of the most successful video games released and is probably still the best thing on the market exclusive to the Xbox. But as with any successful game, you can expect spin-off titles to keep the appetite sated until the next gigantic instalment. Half Life had numerous expansion packs before Half Life 2.

This one includes nine new multiplayer Halo 2 maps, all designed to create different combat experiences. They can be played offline by Xbox users in split-screen mode or using multi-link systems to connect up several Xbox consoles. The expansion pack also lets Xbox Live players enter these new worlds online.

The maps sport names like Turf, Warlock and my favourite, Containment, which is a vast, cold map best traversed in a buggy.

The maps are fantastic, beautifully made to match the style of the Halo games, with that lush, futuristic texture. This doesn't have the feel of a quick knock-off, but rather that you're actually delving back into Halo 2.

The weapons and gameplay are the same and nothing in the way of story is added. That's fine - you just want to be able to blast away without being able to predict where everyone else will be hiding.

Some animated video sequences and a making-of documentary are on the disc. Good value, given all the extras. 

* $40