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{{era|X|H3}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Disambig header|the Halo 3 multiplayer map|the AI group|the Assembly}}
{{New Content}}
{{Title|Assembly}}
{{Multiplayer Map Infobox
{{Multiplayer map infobox
|pagegamelabel=H3
|name=Assembly
|name=Assembly
|image=[[Image:News H3 MP AssemblyEnv01.jpg|300px]]  
|image=[[File:H3 MP Assembly ENV-02-1-.jpg|300px]]
|game=''[[Halo 3]]''
|game=''[[Halo 3]]''
|location= Covenant Structure
|devname=<code>descent</code>{{Ref/File|Id=H3EK|H3EK|H3EK\tags\levels\dlc\descent\descent.scenario}}
|terrain= Artificial Platform, Covenant assembly line
|map=
|weapons=*[[Battle Rifle]]
|location= [[Assembly Forges]], [[High Charity]]<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''p. 163''</ref>
*[[Carbine]]
|terrain= Artificial platform, Covenant assembly line
*[[Gravity Hammer]]
|symmetry=Symmetrical
*[[Mauler]]
|playernumber=2-8
*[[Needler]]
|gametypes=*[[Slayer]]  
*[[Plasma Pistol]]
*[[Team Slayer]]  
*[[Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Oddball]]  
*[[Rocket Launcher]]
*[[King of the Hill]]
|vehicles=
*[[Capture the Flag|Multi-Flag CTF]]
|equipment=*[[Bubble Shield]]  
*[[Assault]]
*[[Regenerator]]
|power-ups=*[[Active Camouflage]]
|gametypes=[[Slayer]], [[Team Slayer]], [[King of the Hill]], [[Oddball]]
|playernumber=
}}
}}
'''Assembly''' is the official name for the map that was announced in the [[Bungie Weekly Update]] (8/22/2008) <ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=15268</ref>. It was originally planned to be in the [[Legendary Map Pack]], but was replaced by [[Blackout]] due to the fear that it wouldn't be finished on time. At the current time there is no known release date for this map.


This Covenant themed map is a symmetrical battleground, not too unlike [[Midship]] but a bit larger. With the middle of the map being lower than the rest<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12930</ref>. It is supposed to be full of mid to long range weapons, and it appears there will be multiple floors. This map is most likely based within a [[Covenant]]  factory, or some other structure.
{{Article quote|The Covenant war machine continues its march to conquest; even with its head severed it is still dangerous.}}
'''Assembly''' is a ''[[Halo 3]]'' multiplayer map which is part of the [[Mythic Map Pack]], which additionally includes [[Orbital]], and [[Sandbox]]. It was originally planned to be in the [[Legendary Map Pack]] under the name ''Purple Reign'', but was cut out due to the fear that it wouldn't be finished on time. This map, along with Sandbox and Orbital was released February 26- March 3, 2009, depending on world region, with ''[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition|Halo Wars Limited Edition]]'' and was released to the Xbox Live Marketplace on April 9, 2009.
 
==Setting==
Assembly is set within the [[Assembly Forges]], a Covenant manufacturing plant on [[High Charity]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} The map in particular is set inside a {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}} manufacturing plant, in the midst of a gargantuan "lake" of [[Lekgolo]] worms. Above the map, a massive energy conveyor belt can be seen, with the level itself an "island" in the lake featuring machinery designed to decontaminate the Scarab shells in preparation for the city-sized Lekgolo colonies that will breathe life into the massive metal husks.<ref>'''[[Mythic Map Pack]]''' - ''description''</ref> The Scarabs appear as just torsos, without inner workings, legs, or armaments. The husks still appear energized.
[[File:H3 Assembly Panorama.png|thumb||250px|A vertical panorama of the map, showing the assembly line.]]
The husks come out of a large orange hole of some kind on one end of the map, with the movement of machinery and releasing of steam. The device halts above the facility the players play upon, which has a large energy beam that leads up to a large ring around the husk. The beam then decontaminates the husk so Lekgolo worms can be inserted later on. The device gives off a large electric field and the husk shakes wildly. The husks then continue along their way in the same manner as they came into vision, exiting through a blue hole, once again with the movement of machinery and releases of steam.


==Design==
==Design==
[[Image:News H3 MP AssemblyEnv03.jpg|200px|right|thumb|A view of Assembly's giant structure.]]
Assembly is located on an "island" of machinery in a sea of glowing green coolant. Overhead, legless Scarabs can be seen moving via an automated gravity beam. Assembly appears to be a structural support for the gravity beam.
Due to the name, possible origin, and structure of the level, some fans have speculated that this map will be set on a structure of [[Covenant]] origins, with the map possibly taking place on a space station like the ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'' or ship like the ''[[Pious Inquisitor]]''. According to the Bungie Weekly Update<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13931</ref>, this is going to be a brand-new map, squashing rumors that ''Purple Reign'' (the map's original name) might be a remake of ''Halo 2's'' multi-player map, [[Midship]].  
The facility is located within the [[Assembly Forges]], a facility located aboard High Charity (prior to its destruction).


It is said to be nearly perfectly symmetrical, with the mid section being higher than the rest of the map. It is also said that it based outside with "some excellent line of sight and well thought-out vertical problems and opportunities<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13174</ref>".  
The map itself is bowl shaped, sloping toward the center. This bottom floor is dotted with pillars and walls for cover. It has an outer rim with four bridges, that connect to the two-story center structure, and has small structures on the rim intended as high ground. The bases are symmetrical, but the level actually has two distinct sides, with a lift on one side and what is referred to as the "''dugout''" on the other, making side differentiation better. Line of sight is generally open, with mid-range combat being optimal when on the second level. However, within the center structure and around the pillars that dot the bottom level, close combat is possible.


The map is focused on competitive playing, as it is a multi-story arena-style map. It features two "somewhat enclosed" bases, with one-way mirrors on the second floor (like those in interrogation rooms), where players are able to look out, but players outside are unable to see in.<ref name="bwu 180108">[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13174 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update 18/01/08'']</ref>


The map is focused on competitive playing, as it is multi-story arena-style map. It features two "somewhat enclosed" bases, with one-way mirrors on the second floor (like those in interrogation rooms), where players will be able to look out, but players outside will be unable to see in<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13174</ref>.
==Skull==
{{Main|Assembly Skull}}
The crest of the hidden Skull on this map appears to be what looks like that of the Lekgolo worms, referring to the Scarab assembly line in the distance.


The arena is designed like a bowl, with the floor slightly concave and dotted with columns for cover. Four elevated walkways converge in a small bi-level center structure that sports a cache of important items.
==Production notes==
Assembly was being worked on as early as January 2008.{{Ref/Reuse|bwu 180108}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13160 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update 01/11/08''] -  ''Q: Are the orange worm-type thingies in the back of the Scarab the same things as the worms in Hunters, or is it just superficial resemblance? A: The resemblance is not just superficial. A future DLC map might expand upon that mystery.''</ref> The map was later talked about extensively as intended to be part of the [[Legendary Map Pack]] alongside "[[Avalanche|Cottonball]]" and "[[Ghost Town|OK Corrall]]", given the working name "Purple Reign" - a reference to the [[Wikipedia:Purple Rain|Prince song]] of the same name.{{Ref/Reuse|bwu 180108}} Following its removal from the Legendary Map Pack, the map would later have more details revealed alongside "[[Orbital|Moonbase Alpha]]" and "[[Cold Storage|Smuggler]]", in which it was stated the map would reveal more about the "Scarab-Hunter mystery".<ref name="bwu 230508">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13824 '''Bungie.net''': ''Weekly Update 5/23/08'']</ref> A digital sketch would later be released in July 2008.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=14920 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 7/25/08'']</ref>


===Mystery===
Adding to this mystery, [[Luke Smith]] posted on a thread on the [[Bungie]] forums that "the name Assembly is ''extremely'' appropriate."<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=25304372 '''Bungie.net forums'''] (dead link)</ref> It would be found that this comment, came after the release of the name of the map in the Weekly Update on the same day alongside screenshots.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=15366 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update 08/29/08'']</ref> His comment would refer the fact that Scarabs are assembled within the facility. The Scarabs are carried along an assembly line, with the playable area of the map being one of the machines that constructs the Scarabs.
Before Assembly was removed from the Legendary Map pack, it was stated that one of the maps would expand upon the Scarab-Hunter mystery. In a recent Weekly Update<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13824</ref>, it was stated that, "One base of this open-air arena could end up getting called 'Energy side' and another call-out could end up 'Hunter side'", so it's possible that this was the map they were referring to.
Adding to this mystery, Luke Smith stated on a thread on the Bungie forums that "the name Assembly is ''extremely'' appropriate."<ref>http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=25304372</ref> This could possibly mean the map takes place on a Covenant factory where [[Scarabs]] are assembled or maybe just a reference to the Hunters' scientific name. Of course no one knows for sure.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[Image:News H3 MP Assembly-3p03.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The [[Mauler]] may make its appearances in '''Assembly''' as seen in this image.]]
*You can get the [[Hammer Time]] Achievement for getting 5 [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]] kills on this map (during matchmaking).
*In the images, fog can be seen in the distance if your far enough away from a structure. Similar fog can be seen on the [[Halo 2]] level [[High Charity]] near in the parts with Flood.
*The blue lines beneath where the Gravity Hammer spawns appear to make up the [[Marathon]] symbol. Also, another Marathon symbol appears in the blue lines inside the tubes at the top floor of either base and the "slopes" around it also make up the marathon symbol.
*The former name of the map, ''Purple Reign'', could of been a homonym with the TNT firework ''"purple rain"'', it could also be linked as a tongue in cheek reference to the song ''"Purple Rain"'' from the artist Prince, but it is most likely referring to the dominance of the color purple on the map.
*If you overload this map, the skull will disappear and the [[gravity lift]]s will stop working, but the animation for the rocket tower's lift is still there.
*A [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/06/technology/06game.html?_r=3&scp=1&sq=Bungie&st=nyt&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin screenshot] has been found in a NY Times blog that some thought was a Bungie employee working on a 3D model of Purple Reign. However, the structure is, in fact, a structure from [[High Charity]] and can be found on the Halo 2 levels [[Gravemind (Level)|Gravemind]] and [[High Charity (Level)|High Charity]]. This would also fall into the scheme of the in-production name resembling the look of the level, while as the real name represents gameplay.
*An eagle-eyed player can notice a blinking light that, when translated with Morse Code, says, "THANKS FOR PLAYING".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S11rMOv5vQI '''YouTube''' - ''Halo 3 Assembly easter egg'']</ref>
*Assembly was first announced to be part of the [[Heroic Map Pack]] (while at that time it was called Purple Reign instead), which was soon replaced by [[Foundry (Level)|Foundry]], and then announced to be part of the [[Legendary Map Pack]], but replaced by [[Blackout (Level)|Blackout]], which shows that this map project has been going on for quite a while in Bungie. This long delay of release may possibly mean that the map has a very complex design layout for gameplay.
*[[Seven]] different sets of glyphs appear, changing throughout playtime.
*Although not a true screenshot, a pen rendering of the map was featured in the [[Bungie]] Weekly Update on July 25, 2008.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=14920</ref>
 
*This map may be released with [http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/Space_Camp_%28Level%29 Space Camp] in the next [[Map_pack#Third_Unnamed_Map_Pack|map pack]].
==Gallery==
*In the rendering there appears to be a [[Teleporter]] or a Grav Lift, suggesting that this map may have Teleporters or/and Grav Lifts to get around the map.
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
*Assembly will be shown and playable for the first time at the Penny Arcade Expo.{{fact}}
<gallery>
*Due to its name "Assembly" and its possible connections to the Scarab-Hunter mystery, this map may publish Scarabs being built on an assembly line.
File:HMCC H3 Assembly Map.png|Assembly Map.
*The map was originally intended for Slayer based games, but objective games are described as playable and frantic.
File:reign.png|An overview of the map, made by [http://blog.ascendantjustice.com AscendantJustice.com]. It's titled both as its old name, Purple Reign, and its official name, Assembly.
*Assembly is the second Covenant-themed map in ''[[Halo 3]]'', the other being [[Snowbound (Level)|Snowbound]].
File:AssemblyHeatMap.jpg|The Assembly heatmap.
*If one manages to make it to the PAX gamers convention in Seattle WA, he/she will be able to play Assembly before it comes out as DLC on Xbox Live.
File:H3_Assembly_Sketch.jpg|A sketch up of Assembly by Lukems.
*A recent Bungie Weekly Update has released several Screenshots for those who are unable to reach PAX.
File:Assembly 2.jpg|Assembly in a full view.
*Due to the meaning of the word ''Assembly'', it is possible that it could be another Foundry, perhaps linked to the grid-like room seen at the end of the recent Bungie videos, speculated to be a map editor.
File:Assembly Scarab.jpg|Another look at the Scarab.
File:Halo3-LekgoloDetail.jpg| Lekgolo as seen on Assembly.
File:Assembly.jpg| An outside view of Assembly.
File:News H3 MP Assembly-3p03.jpg|The [[Type-52 Mauler|Mauler]] and [[M41 SPNKR|rocket launcher]] make appearances in Assembly, as seen in this image.
File:Out_of_Assembly.jpg|Screen showing the massive size of Assembly. Assembly is in the middle of the purple circle on the lower right.
File:Assembly glyphs.png|The seven sets of [[Sangheili]] symbols.
</gallery>


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


==Images==
==External links==
<gallery>
*[http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-halo-3-assembly-hands-on/ '''Joystiq''': ''PAX '08 Gameplay Footage on Assembly'']
Image:News H3 MP Assembly-3p01.jpg
Image:News H3 MP Assembly-1p02.jpg
Image:News H3 MP Assembly-3p02.jpg
Image:News H3 MP Assembly-1p01.jpg
Image:News H3 MP AssemblyEnv02.jpg
Image:Purple reign teleporter2.jpg
</gallery>


{{Level}}
{{Levels|H3|mode=yes}}
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Mythic Map Pack]]
[[Category:Multiplayer Maps]]

Latest revision as of 02:03, October 26, 2024

This article is about the Halo 3 multiplayer map. For the AI group, see the Assembly.
Assembly
H3 MP Assembly ENV-02-1-.jpg
Map overview

Game:

Halo 3

Map file name (?):

descent[1]

Lore information

Location:

Assembly Forges, High Charity[2]

Gameplay overview

Terrain:

Artificial platform, Covenant assembly line

Map layout:

Symmetrical

Recommended number of players:

2-8

Recommended gametype(s):

 
The Covenant war machine continues its march to conquest; even with its head severed it is still dangerous.

Assembly is a Halo 3 multiplayer map which is part of the Mythic Map Pack, which additionally includes Orbital, and Sandbox. It was originally planned to be in the Legendary Map Pack under the name Purple Reign, but was cut out due to the fear that it wouldn't be finished on time. This map, along with Sandbox and Orbital was released February 26- March 3, 2009, depending on world region, with Halo Wars Limited Edition and was released to the Xbox Live Marketplace on April 9, 2009.

Setting[edit]

Assembly is set within the Assembly Forges, a Covenant manufacturing plant on High Charity.[2] The map in particular is set inside a Deutoros-pattern Scarab manufacturing plant, in the midst of a gargantuan "lake" of Lekgolo worms. Above the map, a massive energy conveyor belt can be seen, with the level itself an "island" in the lake featuring machinery designed to decontaminate the Scarab shells in preparation for the city-sized Lekgolo colonies that will breathe life into the massive metal husks.[3] The Scarabs appear as just torsos, without inner workings, legs, or armaments. The husks still appear energized.

A vertical panorama of the map, showing the assembly line.

The husks come out of a large orange hole of some kind on one end of the map, with the movement of machinery and releasing of steam. The device halts above the facility the players play upon, which has a large energy beam that leads up to a large ring around the husk. The beam then decontaminates the husk so Lekgolo worms can be inserted later on. The device gives off a large electric field and the husk shakes wildly. The husks then continue along their way in the same manner as they came into vision, exiting through a blue hole, once again with the movement of machinery and releases of steam.

Design[edit]

Assembly is located on an "island" of machinery in a sea of glowing green coolant. Overhead, legless Scarabs can be seen moving via an automated gravity beam. Assembly appears to be a structural support for the gravity beam. The facility is located within the Assembly Forges, a facility located aboard High Charity (prior to its destruction).

The map itself is bowl shaped, sloping toward the center. This bottom floor is dotted with pillars and walls for cover. It has an outer rim with four bridges, that connect to the two-story center structure, and has small structures on the rim intended as high ground. The bases are symmetrical, but the level actually has two distinct sides, with a lift on one side and what is referred to as the "dugout" on the other, making side differentiation better. Line of sight is generally open, with mid-range combat being optimal when on the second level. However, within the center structure and around the pillars that dot the bottom level, close combat is possible.

The map is focused on competitive playing, as it is a multi-story arena-style map. It features two "somewhat enclosed" bases, with one-way mirrors on the second floor (like those in interrogation rooms), where players are able to look out, but players outside are unable to see in.[4]

Skull[edit]

Main article: Assembly Skull

The crest of the hidden Skull on this map appears to be what looks like that of the Lekgolo worms, referring to the Scarab assembly line in the distance.

Production notes[edit]

Assembly was being worked on as early as January 2008.[4][5] The map was later talked about extensively as intended to be part of the Legendary Map Pack alongside "Cottonball" and "OK Corrall", given the working name "Purple Reign" - a reference to the Prince song of the same name.[4] Following its removal from the Legendary Map Pack, the map would later have more details revealed alongside "Moonbase Alpha" and "Smuggler", in which it was stated the map would reveal more about the "Scarab-Hunter mystery".[6] A digital sketch would later be released in July 2008.[7]

Adding to this mystery, Luke Smith posted on a thread on the Bungie forums that "the name Assembly is extremely appropriate."[8] It would be found that this comment, came after the release of the name of the map in the Weekly Update on the same day alongside screenshots.[9] His comment would refer the fact that Scarabs are assembled within the facility. The Scarabs are carried along an assembly line, with the playable area of the map being one of the machines that constructs the Scarabs.

Trivia[edit]

  • You can get the Hammer Time Achievement for getting 5 gravity hammer kills on this map (during matchmaking).
  • The blue lines beneath where the Gravity Hammer spawns appear to make up the Marathon symbol. Also, another Marathon symbol appears in the blue lines inside the tubes at the top floor of either base and the "slopes" around it also make up the marathon symbol.
  • If you overload this map, the skull will disappear and the gravity lifts will stop working, but the animation for the rocket tower's lift is still there.
  • An eagle-eyed player can notice a blinking light that, when translated with Morse Code, says, "THANKS FOR PLAYING".[10]
  • Seven different sets of glyphs appear, changing throughout playtime.

Gallery[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo 3 Editing Kit, game file H3EK\tags\levels\dlc\descent\descent.scenario
  2. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, p. 163
  3. ^ Mythic Map Pack - description
  4. ^ a b c Bungie.net: Bungie Weekly Update 18/01/08
  5. ^ Bungie.net: Bungie Weekly Update 01/11/08 - Q: Are the orange worm-type thingies in the back of the Scarab the same things as the worms in Hunters, or is it just superficial resemblance? A: The resemblance is not just superficial. A future DLC map might expand upon that mystery.
  6. ^ Bungie.net: Weekly Update 5/23/08
  7. ^ Bungie.net: Bungie Weekly Update: 7/25/08
  8. ^ Bungie.net forums (dead link)
  9. ^ Bungie.net: Bungie Weekly Update 08/29/08
  10. ^ YouTube - Halo 3 Assembly easter egg

External links[edit]