Microsoft has gone on to finally release the Halo 4 Castle Map Pack through Xbox Live, and the publisher has even announced a slew of content heading the way of fans during this week as part of the game’s Drop Shock promotional campaign. This includes promotional pricing, DLC sales as well as the launch of volume 2 of the title’s original soundtrack, all of which will be seen arriving day after day this week.
Yesterday saw the release of the much awaited map pack which contains a total of three medium-to-large maps aimed at encouraging vehicular combat and large battles. Moreover, a new 6 vs. 6 playlist is also comprised within the DLC. Season Pass owners should be able to grab it free of cost, while others will need to shell out 800 Microsoft Points.
Alongside this content, the developers are also introducing a Competitive Skill Rank system. It is actually a fresh 1-50 level ranking system that gauges players’ performance in War Games. And to celebrate this launch, a contest has already been announced. Having started yesterday, and slated to go on till April 22 at 10:00 a.m. GMT, it will ask gamers to reach CSR level 35 by engaging only in the new Castle Team DLC playlist. Those who are successful will be bestowed with exclusive Avatar tees.
Later today, we’ll be seeing the launch of volume 2 of the game’s original soundtrack which is said to have been infused with an ‘expanded landscape’ of the key musical themes from the title. Eleven among its 20 tracks have been produced by the well-known Neil Davidge, while the remaining eight have been created by Kazuma Jinnouchi of 343 Industries. This soundtrack will be doled out at the price of 9.99 USD (approx. Rs. 545).
From April 10 onwards, Extra XP challenges will be commenced. They will include 14 daily and six weekly challenges, allowing players to earn added points in War Games, Spartan Ops or even the campaign. April 11 has been declared by Microsoft as Spartan Ops Day, for it will see a special giveaway. Starting 2:00 a.m. PST on the said date and ending at at 2:00 a.m. PST of the next day, they will be needed to play and complete any 5 missions of Spartan Ops so as to get an exclusive Avatar tee.
That’s not all however; April 12 also has something more to offer. The date will see a DLC sale making its way to Xbox Live for a limited time. The Halo 4 War Games Map Pass will sell for 1600 Microsoft Points instead of 2000 Microsoft Points, while the Crimson and Majestic map packs will go for 600 Microsoft Points each, instead of their original tags of 800 Microsoft Points.