It looks like you are going to have to dig just a little bit deeper into those shallow pockets of yours, if Bungie has anything to do with it. Not only were online ranked matches reset, but something a bit more sinister came to light. Without repurchasing the new maps, don’t expect to access all the great playlists that you were able to usebeforethe update. So saysBungie:
As a result of this map “repair”, everyone who purchased the maps prior to Monday 5/7 will need to download them again. Thisis required if you want to play the maps online – only the new versions will work in Matchmaking and they are not compatiblewith the older versions for custom games or offilne play.
You will not, I repeat, you will NOT be billed a second time if youalready purchased the maps. However, do keep in mind that each purchase is tied to a single Xbox console.If you downloaded iton your Xbox 1 the first time and attempt to download it again on your Xbox 360, you will be charged again.Or, if you were one ofthe few who found the billing loop-hole the first time and weren’t charged, you will be charged this time.
More after the jump.Did you catch that last part? Yes, they said billed again.
Tonight’s update means that both new maps will be REQUIRED in order to participate in some of our matchmaking playlists. However, we are keeping several playlists in their oldschool state so if you don’t have the new maps you will still have some options. Here’s the breakdown of what will be available after this update:
Rumble Pit – Unranked – New Maps RequiredDouble Team – RankedTeam Slayer – Ranked – New Maps RequiredTeam Skirmish – Ranked – New Maps RequiredTeam Training – UnrankedTeam Snipers – Ranked – New Maps RequiredTeam Hardcore – RankedTeam SWAT – Unranked – New Maps RequiredBig Team Battle – Unranked
I thinkNamelessTedfrom the Destructoid forums said it best:
“I am sure there are plenty of people that payed $50 for Halo2, maybe $60 for the special edition. Maybe they bought previous map packs, maybe they waited for them to become free. And I am sure a lot of them played in ranked matches. And now they are being forced to pay $4 if they want to continue to play the same game they have been playing for 2 years. I don’t even play Halo2 but this has bullshit written all over it”
So there you have it. While we may be patiently waiting to finish the story inHalo 3, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to head to the local Pharmacy and pick up a case of analsalvefor our brutalized backsides. Thanks, Bungie!
[Thanks Namelessted/PacoDG]
