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A Halo Fan’s Love-Letter to Blood Gulch!

A Halo Fan’s Love-Letter to Blood Gulch!

Is it possible to become blood-brothers with an inanimate virtual object? Just wondering.

The early to mid-2,000s marks a time when the Halo franchise was truly in its prime. While other franchises (such as Battlefield and Call of Duty began their ascension during this era), this was without a doubt a golden age for the Master Chief. With both Halo and Halo 2 available for the PC and Xbox alike, many a night were lost to a Slayer or Capture the Flag lobby. I know from personal experience, as firing up my copy of Halo CE on Windows XP was the moment I remembered just how much I loved playing shooters with my mouse and keyboard!

As the years came and went, the series evolved. However, one constant remains splintered in the hearts and minds of many gamers. A map, so iconic and unique, it would keep making appearances in multiplayer playlists for years to come. Of course I’m referring to everyone’s favorite battleground Blood Gulch! This little slice of heaven garnered so much love from fans, it has appeared and reappeared countless times since it debuted (popping up in Halo 2, Halo Wars, Halo Anniversary, Halo Reach, I could go on and on). Now with it getting yet another make-over (this time utilizing the power of the next-gen One), Halo: The Master Chief Collection could very well give us the ultimate iteration we’ve seen to date!

But what makes this map so different than others that have come before and since? Why is it so special and what’s the appeal? Oh I’m SO glad you asked my fellow fraggers, I’m so glad you asked!

These Dusty Dunes Provide an Outlet For Every Play-Style Imaginable!

When dropping into any version of Blood Gulch, Coagulation or whatever you want to call it, you’ll notice one thing immediately: things tend to get bat-shit crazy real fast! The map’s cavernous opening allows enough elbow room for multiple battles to be taking place all at once. So while some are shooting it out with rocket launchers over in one corner, two Ghosts might be locked in a heated exchanged in another. While a full-on run ‘n gun approach might be your preferred method of attack, others may choose the ninja tactic of stealthily sneaking around the back entrance to steal the flag completely unnoticed. It’s a melting pot of fun and strategy that can only be found in the Gulch!

Suck It Battlefield 4…Halo Did It First!

One of the big staples of modern FPS games (especially ones that incorporate heavy-vehicles into their current mechanics) is to allow players to turn their one v. one confrontations into mechanized death battles at a moment’s notice. Blood Gulch has always been a tank lover’s dream, as one of most entertaining variants found online are servers running nothing but 24/7 Scorpion wars. However, if ground assault isn’t your thing, take to the air in a Banshee and reign sweet Covenant death down from above. Also, lest we forget just how awesome (and might I add innovative) the Warthog became because of maps like this? Credit where credit is due people!

A Halo Fan’s Love-Letter to Blood Gulch!

It’s Like a Giant Sandbox of Mischief!

Halo has always provided a robust set of user-created content options for setting up unique multiplayer matches. Even now, if you were to fire up some of the older servers still hanging on via life support, you’ll likely find Blood Gulch among the top most hosted/played. It’s just most people’s go-to choice, as its versatility provides a playfield like no other in the series. Whether its invisible snipers, Wraith CTF or just good-ole’ zombies; 9 times out of 10 you’ll see Blood Gulch enjoying the lion’s share of attention (and rightfully so…being the king of the Halo jungle and all).

From what we’ve seen of Bloodline (Blood Gulch’s current form in Halo: MCC ), players will find even more nooks and crannies to explore. In addition to the familiar red/blue bases located at each end of the canyon, a smaller third base has been added to the center portion of the map (which contains vehicles and weapons to help players control the field). Combine that with elements such as EMPs and revamped power-up placement and you’ve got a great reason to call in sick to work on November 11 th .

So here’s to my first love that was Blood Gulch. May you continue to rise from the ashes, bringing with you copious amounts of hemoglobin-filled adventures for all to enjoy!

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