Prisoner

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Prisoner is a multiplayer map in Halo: Combat Evolved.

Summary

This map takes place in some sort of Forerunner holding facility for the Flood. It is symmetrical on exactly thirteen axes, making it a very tight map. The most interesting aspect about this map is the bridges, which are very useful for opening fire on opponents below but very vulnerable to snipers. Because of its tight space, it is best for shotguns.

The most vulnerable spot on the map is the center; however, there is an Active Camouflage under the central pillar and a rocket launcher above it. The long hallways, walls and ramps resemble the inside structures of the level The Silent Cartographer. It also has a very "cramped" feel to it and rockets and Grenades are not recommended while going up or down one of the hallways. Some players make a 16 person CTF servers with only Rocket Launcher, Fuel Rod Cannon and the Flamethrower. This creates a fast paced, chaotic but balanced game where players never stay alive for more than a minute or two.

Strategies

This map is a very bad idea for game types or weapon sets that involve the Rocket Launcher. Capture the Flag games are extremely challenging, as the two flags are positioned in small alcoves that are easy to miss. Slayer games are okay, but one of the best game-types to use here is Stalker. The Stalker can hide in one of the alcoves with a Shotgun or Sniper Rifle (even though sniper rifle tend to be quite useless in this map) and watch the other players fall in line from below.

Another good strategy is Team Slayer game when you send a man out with a Sniper Rifle, and others with the Assault Rifle, and some with Shotguns. The sniper should position himself across from a major weapon spawn, such as the Rocket Launcher in the middle tower of the map. The player with the Shotgun should patrol the Sniper Rifle spawn point, gunning down would-be enemy snipers. Lastly, position two players with Assault Rifles and Magnums near the sniper mentioned above, just in case the attack force of the other team overpowers.

Capture the Flag

• If you’re playing as a blue, the red flag is directly opposite on the map. To get there, first walk straight, and you should reach a platform, which is forward from the platform below the flag. Don’t jump, as you will lose shielding to splash damage. To the right, there is a ladder that leads down; don’t jump down that. You want to remain as high as possible to evade too much enemy attention.

Rather, turn to the right, and jump to the next platform in front of you. If you wish to make a detour, right below you is the platform hosting the rocket launcher. Continue walking until you reach a small platform leading towards the left and, in front of that, a ramp with a red key on the wall on the right of the ramp. Go for the smaller platform on the immediate front and continue along it. See image. When the path is about to terminate, turn to the right, climb the ladder, and you’re at the enemy base.

For reds, just do the reverse of the above.

• Each base, due to the relative safety of having the most allies and highest place, is the best sniping spot. Paradoxically, the ‘’enemy base’’ is actually a superior sniping location due to the fact that they will not be expecting it there (and consequently make easy pickings), and you can steal the flag immediately (it also boosts morale) once it has been returned.
• If an ally has the enemy flag and you’re at a sniper location, offer cover fire on his pursuers to at least slow them down. The seconds you have shaved off are worth their weight in gold when it comes to scoring.

Weapon Locations

• Rocket Launcher– It’s located in the big platform in the middle of the map at the second/first level. You can’t miss it. Simply jump and correctly calculate that you’re going to land on it, and you’re there!
• Flamethrower – There should be a big platform with a red floor right in front or behind the platform holding the rocket., depending on your orientation. On the right (assuming you have just jumped off the Rocket platform), the Flamethrower should lie.

Alternatively, assuming you’re on the ground floor facing the rocket platform against the wall behind you. Then, walk through towards the room directly opposite to you (snagging the Active Camouflage while you’re at it). Then, climb the ladder, and the Flamethrower will be located on the right.

• Active Camouflage - This item is located just below the Rocket platform, between the two pillars, as shown in the image.
• Overshield – Go to the ground level , and directly face the pillars of the Rocket platform. There will be two of the upgrades, on right behind you, while the other is in front of you across the map.

Trivia

• The red holopads encountered throughout the level may be based off of the ones seen in the Halo E3 2000 trailer since they are not encountered anywhere else in the game.