Classic Halo 2 map Lockout is the latest to be totally remastered for this year’s Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which hits Xbox One on 11th November. Gamespot’s published a few before and after screenshots for the map, which has been updated in subtle ways by Max Hoberman and the veteran Slayers at Certain Affinity.
“Lockout was hands-down the most popular small arena-style map in Halo 2,” Hoberman notes in the piece. "We’re thrilled to be bringing this fan-favorite back, and are paying close attention to the details and subtleties that made the original great while also making a couple of very careful, very calculated enhancements.
“Most prominent among these are a bit of cover added to the ‘Elbow,’ the long walkway connecting the grav lift to the sniper tower, and a dynamic element that should help counter an entrenched group of enemies. Of course this can be disabled in Forge for players who want a near-match of the original experience.”
Lockout is one of six Halo 2 maps - including Sanctuary, Ascension, Zanzibar and Coagulation - that have received a full-blown overhaul; the rest of the Collection’s maps run on their original engines, albeit at an unprecedented 1080p and 60 frames a second. Here are my hands-on impressions for Sanctuary, notable for its exquisitely dilapidated religious architecture and unexpected shotguns.