Nowadays, it seems like video games put multiplayer first, followed by DLC. The first thing we do after we learn our way around a certain game is look ahead to DLC that will offer more, like new maps for example. The newest to join this DLC bandwagon is Halo 4's Champions Bundle pack, which offers further value for fans missing out on previous packs such as Steel Skin, Infinity Armor, and Bullseye.
First off, let's look at the contents of the Champions Bundle pack, which is easy to sum up in just a few words. While the Infinity Pack offers new armor and the Steel Skin Pack offers new weapon skins, the Bullseye Pack, on the other hand, offers two new maps and a fresh game type, which make Bullseye the most substance-heavy pack in the entire bundle. The two maps in the pack include Pitfall and Vertigo, of which Vertigo will easily grab most of the attention.
As the name alludes, Vertigo features a Cliffside setting with two central bases. The surrounding environment also comes in handy during combat. The most interesting thing about this map is that each base has a certain button which, when triggered, will overload electric current that will help drain enemy shields.
However, what really makes this map one of the most challenging aspects of the pack and more dynamic is the fact that no two teams can continue camping in their respective bases. If you overload a base, it will enemies out in the open for a fire fight. This makes the game even more challenging, and players need to keep in mind how not to get killed in the process of overloading a base.
The next in line is Pitfall, which many will recognize as just a rehash of The Pit from Halo 3. As expected, not much is new when compared to the original Pit from Halo 3. It still offers a host of different ways to approach the enemy, making use of its long hallways, open areas, and high vantage points. Apart from that, Pitfall sees the addition of grav lift.
While we all enjoyed the original Halo 3 Pit, and Pitfall seems to hold up, especially with Halo 4's matchmaking feature, it's just not enough. We don't see the need of a bundle if half of the space on it is taken by just a rehash, no matter how enjoyable it is.
The next in line in Bullseye Pack is the new game mode, "Ricochet," which seems like a cross between the regular Halo-ish objective mode and American Football (more like handball).
The objective is to grab the ball that will spawn in the center of a map, and run it into the opponent's base by whatever means necessary. While it's okay to throw the ball into the opponent's base to get the job done, players can also run into the base with the ball to earn extra points. To be honest, Ricochet is fun for a while, but you might not feel like going the entire distance with it. A time will come when you will want to get back to normal Halo gameplay.
Looking at the last two packs, it has to be said that the Steel Skin Pack feels like a waste of both time and money. The steam-punk skins feel like a last minute addition that was thrown in as an afterthought just to generate interest.
There's nothing steam punk-like in the add on, unless you think that adding a few colors like iron and copper to a game makes it steam punk. Even the colors are drab, and it feels like the studio felt reluctant to spend time on something you're getting for free. Naturally, money talks.
On the opposite end of the Steel Skin Pack, the Infinity Armor Pack is quite a treat, owing to the fact that it features the original Halo Mark V armor, alongside the ODST suit. Now you may ask, "what's so special about the ODST suit?" as nearly everyone who plays the game uses it for his or her characters. My counter-question to that is why do you think they so popular? Because it looks breathtaking, that's why. And for the sake of comparison, it feels like a more potent addition to the pack over the Steel Skin Pack.
To sum up the entire bundle in a few words, there is no real need to pick up the bundle unless you are a die-hard Halo fan. The only worthwhile addition is the Vertigo map.
Just because it has a Halo tag on it with a few extras thrown in here and there, doesn't mean it's essentially worth the cash, and that's the clear-cut case for Halo 4's Champion Bundle.
