Halo: Reach hits stores on September 14th, and in addition to a new campaign and more of the frantic multiplayer action we’ve come to expect, Bungie is also building on the Forge map editor that they introduced in Halo 3. We here at O514 haven’t done much Forging, but we might just have to give it a try now that there are improved controls and better tools.
The new Forge isn’t just easier to use; it also includes an expanded palette of parts and pieces for map builders to play with.
In classic Halo style, there will be a few remakes of old favourites, and Bungie knew just where to start:
But what do they mean, “outside the canyon”? It turns out that in addition to all the multiplayer maps that will be available for editing, Bungie has also created a truly massive sandbox area for people to build and play in. The canyon represents about 20% of this ForgeWorld.
The big reveal was at SDCC:
ForgeWorld started out as several distinct and separate areas that were eventually put together to create a single enormous world for people to build and play in. The five original maps have become marquee areas of ForgeWorld, such as the Rock (the island in the background is another marquee area, big enough for “Sidewinder” or “Avalanche”-type maps):
It may not look like much right now, but with a bit of plywood and a fresh coat of paint, I bet we could turn it into something great.
Look familiar?
Of course, you won’t be limited to only building in the marquee spots. You’ll be able to create maps anywhere you like. Thanks to new tools, you can fix objects in space or ‘phase’ them into each other. Want to channel Tribes and make all your structures float 500 feet in the air? No problem. Would you prefer a series of platforms jutting out of a cliff face? You can do that, too. And unlike “Foundry” and “Sandbox” (the current ‘blank slate’ maps) it’s no longer necessary to carefully box in your play area to keep people from getting to places they shouldn’t be: ForgeWorld allows you to define the boundaries of your map; players that wander out of bounds can either be given 10 seconds to get back to the play area, or be killed outright.
One of the Bungie guys is trying his hand at ForgeWorld and is chronicling his progress. Check out the evolution of his map, “Riptide” over several days:
The glowing red dudes are spawn points and demonstrate the size of a Spartan on the map.
Maybe this is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for to finally recreate some maps of ages past: “Prisoner”, “Boarding Action”, “Hang ‘Em High”?
Filed under: Games Tagged: | Bungie, Forge, ForgeWorld, Halo: Reach, Incompetent Cartographer, map editor, Riptide, SDCC
This is something I’d love to do from here – lag won’t be an issue, and we can create something together!
Like a baby.
Only it will be a level.
I’m going to be using the free two-day Gold pass that came with Reach to set up my account soon(TM). You, Dak and I should roll some multi, and then maybe try massing out a map.
I’ve played some Reach with the Halo team at the office, and it looks well cool. I’m really pleased that they’ve brought back some of the old Halo maps in new incarnations. Invisibility armour plus power sword = teh win, I think.
[...] if none of those appeal to you, there’s Forge World itself. As I suggested a couple of weeks ago, there’s basically no limit to what can be created in Forge World. Need [...]
Tripp, bear in mind that the sword is still visble when drawn, even if you aren’t – just like in previous games. Also, the more you move, the more visible you become. If you stay still, you’re practically impossible to see.
Personally, I’m much more terrified of Sprint + Sword. You can close with people in a flash, and they can’t outrun you!
Protip: in forge mode, get someone to sticky you. Now switch to monitor mode, and marvel at how you do not die. Fly over to Tanith.
“Hey, Tanith,” you say, “I have a suggestion for your rad forge map, stand next to me in spartan mode!”
“Sure,” will say the loving and creative trooper, and stand in front of you.
Now, switch back to spartan yourself. BOOOOOOOOOM!