Gameplay

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Era|H2}}
{{Multiplayer map infobox
{{Multiplayer Map Infobox
|name=Tombstone
|name=Tombstone
|image=[[Image:Tombstone1.jpeg|300px]]
|image=[[File:H2 Tombstone 1.jpg|300px]]
|game=''[[Halo 2]]''
|game=''[[Halo 2]]''
|location=[[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]]
|devname=<code>highplains</code>{{Ref/File|Id=H2EK|H2EK|H2EK\tags\scenarios\multi\halo\highplains\highplains.scenario}}
|terrain= Decommissioned [[UNSC]] Munitions Facility
|map=
|weapons=*[[BR55 Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]]
|location=[[Unnamed UNSC munitions testing complex|UNSC munitions testing complex]], [[New Mombasa]]<ref name="bnetart">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12358 '''Bungie.net''': An Affinity for Art] - ''The moody lighting is dictated by the idea of an industrial waste on the outskirts of a ruined New Mombasa.''</ref>
*[[Brute Shot]]
|terrain= Decommissioned [[UNSC]] munitions facility
*[[Energy Sword]]
|symmetry=Asymmetrical
*[[M6C|Magnum]]
|playernumber=4-16
*[[Needler]]
*[[Plasma Pistol]]
*[[Plasma Rifle]]
*[[M19 SSM|Rocket Launcher]]
*[[Shotgun]]
*[[SMG]]
*[[SRS99C-S2 AM|Sniper Rifle]]
*[[Fragmentation Grenade]]s
*[[Plasma Grenade]]s
|vehicles=None
|power-ups=*[[Overshield]]
|gametypes=*[[Slayer]]
|gametypes=*[[Slayer]]
*[[Team Slayer]]
*[[Team Slayer]]
*[[Rockets]]
*[[Rockets]]
*[[Oddball]]
*[[Oddball]]
*[[1 Flag CTF]]<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=certainaffinityinterview Bungie Top Story - Certain Affinity Interview]</ref>
*[[CTF]]
|playernumber=
*[[Assault]]<ref name="bnetCA">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12337 '''Bungie.net''': A Certain Affinity: Mapmakers to the Stars]</ref>
*4-16
|pagegamelabel=H2
}}
}}
<center>{{Article Quote|The [[UNSC]] decommissioned this munitions testing complex after safety concerns came to light.}}</center>
The map was designed by video game company [[Certain Affinity]].


'''Tombstone''' is a remake of the map [[Hang 'Em High (Level)|Hang 'Em High]] from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
{{Center|{{Article quote|The [[UNSC]] decommissioned this munitions testing complex after safety concerns came to light.}}}}


==Background==
'''Tombstone''' is a multiplayer map in ''[[Halo 2]]''. It is a remake of the map ''[[Hang 'Em High]]'' from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. The map was created by video game company [[Certain Affinity]] alongside [[Desolation]] for the [[Blastacular Pack]].
Tombstone has numerous significant discrepancies between itself and the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' [[Multiplayer]] map, Hang 'Em High.Differences would include [[Fusion Coils]], the inclusion of background objects such as street lamps and soda machines, certain tweaks to account for [[Halo 2]]'s jump height, and of course a major graphical and aesthetic overhaul.


==Gameplay==
==Universe and lore==
Tombstone features a similar weapon set as Hang 'Em High. Tombstone spawning [[weapons]] are unique in two ways; It is the only map where the primary spawning weapon is the [[BR55 Battle Rifle]], and it is the only map to have two starting weapons, the Battle Rifle and the [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]]. The map features two [[Overshields]], both of which are located on adjacent locales on the map, one in the canal at the bottom of the map, and the other across the map from the first, inside the control room. A [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher]] lies in the canal, opposite of the Overshield.
{{Main|Unnamed UNSC munitions testing complex}}
Tombstone is set in a decommissioned munitions testing complex in the middle of an industrial wasteland, on the outskirts of a now-[[Battle of Mombasa|ruined]] [[New Mombasa]].{{Ref/Reuse|bnetart}} The city's skyline can be seen in the background of the map.  


An [[Energy Sword]] spawns on a platform at the top of the map, and the only way to reach it is by running across a long bridge that is completely exposed to sniper fire from almost anywhere on the map. Despite its power, the sword often spends entire matches untouched simply because it is too risky to retrieve.
==Overview==
As a remake of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''{{'}}s [[Hang 'Em High]], Tombstone has several slight tweaks to the original game's layout to suit the updated gameplay of ''Halo 2''. Differences include [[Fusion Coils]], the inclusion of background objects such as street lamps and soda machines, a human aesthetic style, certain tweaks to account for ''Halo 2''{{'}}s jump height, and of course a major graphical overhaul.


The large crane in the middle and centre of the map sports a [[SRS99C-S2 AM Sniper Rifle]] on top of it, savvy, adept and capable players can get up there quickly, grab the sniper, and rush to one of the neighbouring platforms and camp there. Also, very clever players will get the [[Sniper Rifle]] and the [[Energy Sword]], making them even tougher. There are also far more [[Shotguns]] scattered across the map than there are in [[Hang 'Em High]].
Tombstone features a similar weapon set as ''Hang 'Em High''. Tombstone spawning [[weapons]] are unique in two ways; It is the only map where the primary spawning weapon is the [[BR55 battle rifle]], and it is the only map to have two starting weapons, the battle rifle and the [[M7 SMG]]. The map features two [[overshield]]s, both of which are located on adjacent locales on the map, one in the canal at the bottom of the map, and the other across the map from the first, inside the control room. An [[M41 SPNKR]] lies in the canal, opposite of the overshield.
 
An [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]] spawns on a platform at the top of the map, and the only way to reach it is by running across a long bridge that is completely exposed to sniper fire from almost anywhere on the map. Despite its power, the sword often spends entire matches untouched simply because it is too risky to retrieve.
 
The large crane in the middle and center of the map sports an [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle]] on top of it. Also, very clever players will get the sniper rifle and the energy sword, making them even tougher. There are also far more [[M90 shotgun|shotguns]] scattered across the map than there are in ''Hang 'Em High''.
 
==Production notes==
Hang 'Em High was chosen to be remade in ''Halo 2'' due to its fan-favourite status in the original game. It was originally planned to be remade for the base game, alongside maps like [[Blood Gulch]] and [[Battle Creek]], but the changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2'' such as the removal of fall damage, changed weapon sandbox and bizarre geometry from an art perspective, alongside fan demand and expectations made working on the map a "minefield". The map was experimented with in early ''Halo 2'' development but didn't feel good to play, and the relatively tiny multiplayer development team ultimately scrapped it to work on other maps. It was later considered for the map packs, but the art team had just finished working on the hellish development of the ''Halo 2'' campaign, and nobody volunteered to work on it.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet3}}
 
Development on the map started after Max Hoberman moved to Austin, and began blocking out a version of the map while experimenting with the vertical scale. Following the startup of Certain Affinity, the map was chosen as one of 5-6 maps to remake for ''Halo 2'', and given the codename "High Plains". At this point, it was still too literal a port of the original Hang 'Em High, and thus designer Peter Marks - responsible for the original map - was brought on board to start over from scratch, changing the layout where needed to create the final product.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetCA}} Later on, the map was described as "90% Hang 'em High".<ref name="bnet3">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12324 '''Bungie.net''': Bungie Weekly Update 30/03/2007]</ref>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*There is a soda machine that has [[BLAST]] soda inside on this map.
===Easter eggs===
*A picture of the original [[Hang 'Em High]] is on the main screen in the control room.
*There is a soda machine that has [[BLAST]] soda inside.
*A box with a picture of the [[M6D Pistol]] can be seen on a crate that's behind the right side of the fence that is stretched over the water trench in the middle of the map, there is also an M6D pistol out of the box, but it is unknown if there's a way to get to it.
*A picture of the original ''Hang 'Em High'' is seen on the main screen in the control room.
*The destroyed city of [[Mombasa]] can be seen in the distance, and the map itself feels similar to the area of [[Voi]].
*A box with a picture of the [[M6D magnum]] can be seen on a crate that's behind the right side of the fence, stretched over the water trench in the middle of the map. There is also an M6D pistol out of the box, but it cannot be used as it is out of the playable area and it is a model without proper weapon settings.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6o2Q9bx7BY Youtube - Halo 1 M6D Pistol in Tombstone halo 2]</ref>
*Tombstone is the only map in ''Halo 2'' to have 8 territories, the games limit. This includes Sword spawn, blue base, red base, red bunker, blue bunker, centre, command centre and the section of blue base where a ramp with a large piece of sheet metal covering it.
 
*Tombstone was added to ''[[Halo 2]]'' in the [[Blastacular Pack]].
===Miscellaneous===
*Tombstone is exclusive to the [[Xbox]] version of ''Halo 2'' which is backwards compatible on [[Xbox 360]]. It is not available for the [[Halo 2 Windows Vista]].
*''Tombstone'' is the only map in ''Halo 2'' to have 8 territories, which is the game's limit. This includes Sword spawn, blue base, red base, red bunker, blue bunker, center, command center and the section of blue base that includes a ramp with a large piece of sheet metal covering it.
*This map was used to represent [[Caboose]]'s mind in episode 100 of the popular machinima series, [[Red vs. Blue]], [[Church]] commented that "Man, this place has REALLY gone to hell..."
*''Tombstone'' is exclusive to the [[Xbox]] version of ''Halo 2'' which is backwards compatible on [[Xbox 360]]. It was not officially available for [[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista]], but modders were able to port [http://www.monstrmoose.com/maps/Released/Tombstone_V2_(Dec_18_2011).exe Tombstone] to Halo 2 Vista. The map, like all ''Halo 2'' maps, is included in the port for ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.
*The facility was most likely destroyed during the events of ''[[Halo 3]]''.
*''Hang 'Em High'' was originally a [[Forerunner]] burial site, which matches up with the name ''Tombstone'', which also references ''Hang 'Em High''{{'}}s description "Tombstones For Everybody". Like ''Hang 'em High'', which was the name of [[Wikipedia:Hang 'Em High|a Western film]], Tombstone is named after [[Wikipedia:Tombstone (film)|a Western film]].
*As seen in the first picture the buildings in the background seem a lot more different than the ones seen in [[New Mombasa]]. They have antennas and shapes sticking out everywhere.
*Subtle hints of the howling ambient sound effects from ''Hang 'em High'' can be heard on this map, alongside the creaking of the cranes.
*Hang 'Em High was an abandoned [[Forerunner]] burial site, which matches up with why Tombstone was named Tombstone, and why in [[Hang 'Em High]]'s description it is stated "Tombstones For Everyone"
*Originally, attempting to Superbounce out of the map worked, but [[Bungie]] has created a death barrier to prevent wanderers.
*This is the only map to date to show a close-up of the ruins of New Mombasa.


==Images==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:H2_Tombstone02sm.jpg|Tombstone
File:H2 Tombstone City MattePainting.jpg|Concept art and the matte painting used for the map's skybox.
Image:CTFTombstone.jpg|A CTF game on Tombstone.
File:H2 Tombstone Architecture Concept.jpg|Concept art for the bottom area of the map, used for showing how to convert Hang 'Em High's Forerunner geometry to more human-styled architecture.
Image:Slayertombstone.PNG|A Slayer game on Tombstone.
File:H2_Tombstone_Base_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the level.
File:H2 Tombstone Crane Concept.jpg|Crane concept art.
File:HMCC Tombstone.PNG|Map of the map in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.
File:H2 Tombstone_2.jpg|A view of Tombstone with the destroyed city in the background.
File:H2_Tombstone_CTF.jpg|A CTF game on Tombstone.
File:H2 Tombstone Slayer.jpg|A Slayer game on Tombstone.
File:H2_Tombstone_M6D.png|The M6D Easter egg on this map.
File:H2_Tombstone_M6DCrate.png|The M6D storage crate.
File:H2 Tombstone Skybox.png|The destroyed city in the map's skybox.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{level}}


[[Category:Halo 2]]
{{Levels|H2|mode=yes}}
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Blastacular Pack]]

Latest revision as of 02:01, October 27, 2024

Tombstone
Promotional image for Halo 2 Blastacular Pack featuring the multiplayer map Tombstone. Screenshot from the Halo 2 press kit.
Map overview

Game:

Halo 2

Map file name (?):

highplains[1]

Lore information

Location:

UNSC munitions testing complex, New Mombasa[2]

Gameplay overview

Terrain:

Decommissioned UNSC munitions facility

Map layout:

Asymmetrical

Recommended number of players:

4-16

Recommended gametype(s):

 
The UNSC decommissioned this munitions testing complex after safety concerns came to light.

Tombstone is a multiplayer map in Halo 2. It is a remake of the map Hang 'Em High from Halo: Combat Evolved. The map was created by video game company Certain Affinity alongside Desolation for the Blastacular Pack.

Universe and lore[edit]

Main article: Unnamed UNSC munitions testing complex

Tombstone is set in a decommissioned munitions testing complex in the middle of an industrial wasteland, on the outskirts of a now-ruined New Mombasa.[2] The city's skyline can be seen in the background of the map.

Overview[edit]

As a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved's Hang 'Em High, Tombstone has several slight tweaks to the original game's layout to suit the updated gameplay of Halo 2. Differences include Fusion Coils, the inclusion of background objects such as street lamps and soda machines, a human aesthetic style, certain tweaks to account for Halo 2's jump height, and of course a major graphical overhaul.

Tombstone features a similar weapon set as Hang 'Em High. Tombstone spawning weapons are unique in two ways; It is the only map where the primary spawning weapon is the BR55 battle rifle, and it is the only map to have two starting weapons, the battle rifle and the M7 SMG. The map features two overshields, both of which are located on adjacent locales on the map, one in the canal at the bottom of the map, and the other across the map from the first, inside the control room. An M41 SPNKR lies in the canal, opposite of the overshield.

An energy sword spawns on a platform at the top of the map, and the only way to reach it is by running across a long bridge that is completely exposed to sniper fire from almost anywhere on the map. Despite its power, the sword often spends entire matches untouched simply because it is too risky to retrieve.

The large crane in the middle and center of the map sports an SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle on top of it. Also, very clever players will get the sniper rifle and the energy sword, making them even tougher. There are also far more shotguns scattered across the map than there are in Hang 'Em High.

Production notes[edit]

Hang 'Em High was chosen to be remade in Halo 2 due to its fan-favourite status in the original game. It was originally planned to be remade for the base game, alongside maps like Blood Gulch and Battle Creek, but the changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2 such as the removal of fall damage, changed weapon sandbox and bizarre geometry from an art perspective, alongside fan demand and expectations made working on the map a "minefield". The map was experimented with in early Halo 2 development but didn't feel good to play, and the relatively tiny multiplayer development team ultimately scrapped it to work on other maps. It was later considered for the map packs, but the art team had just finished working on the hellish development of the Halo 2 campaign, and nobody volunteered to work on it.[4]

Development on the map started after Max Hoberman moved to Austin, and began blocking out a version of the map while experimenting with the vertical scale. Following the startup of Certain Affinity, the map was chosen as one of 5-6 maps to remake for Halo 2, and given the codename "High Plains". At this point, it was still too literal a port of the original Hang 'Em High, and thus designer Peter Marks - responsible for the original map - was brought on board to start over from scratch, changing the layout where needed to create the final product.[3] Later on, the map was described as "90% Hang 'em High".[4]

Trivia[edit]

Easter eggs[edit]

  • There is a soda machine that has BLAST soda inside.
  • A picture of the original Hang 'Em High is seen on the main screen in the control room.
  • A box with a picture of the M6D magnum can be seen on a crate that's behind the right side of the fence, stretched over the water trench in the middle of the map. There is also an M6D pistol out of the box, but it cannot be used as it is out of the playable area and it is a model without proper weapon settings.[5]

Miscellaneous[edit]

  • Tombstone is the only map in Halo 2 to have 8 territories, which is the game's limit. This includes Sword spawn, blue base, red base, red bunker, blue bunker, center, command center and the section of blue base that includes a ramp with a large piece of sheet metal covering it.
  • Tombstone is exclusive to the Xbox version of Halo 2 which is backwards compatible on Xbox 360. It was not officially available for Halo 2 for Windows Vista, but modders were able to port Tombstone to Halo 2 Vista. The map, like all Halo 2 maps, is included in the port for Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
  • Hang 'Em High was originally a Forerunner burial site, which matches up with the name Tombstone, which also references Hang 'Em High's description "Tombstones For Everybody". Like Hang 'em High, which was the name of a Western film, Tombstone is named after a Western film.
  • Subtle hints of the howling ambient sound effects from Hang 'em High can be heard on this map, alongside the creaking of the cranes.

Gallery[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo 2 Editing Kit, game file H2EK\tags\scenarios\multi\halo\highplains\highplains.scenario
  2. ^ a b Bungie.net: An Affinity for Art - The moody lighting is dictated by the idea of an industrial waste on the outskirts of a ruined New Mombasa.
  3. ^ a b Bungie.net: A Certain Affinity: Mapmakers to the Stars
  4. ^ a b Bungie.net: Bungie Weekly Update 30/03/2007
  5. ^ Youtube - Halo 1 M6D Pistol in Tombstone halo 2