The first time you look at this map you think, this is simple. Then you look at it again, and you still think it’s simple. It’s most likely because it is. But it’s also incredible fun and even, though it doesn’t look like it, takes well to strategy play and teamwork – in face it emphasises these traits. I guess I built this map because, while I’m a huge fan of strategic gametypes I loathe the time each one takes to play out when your team refuses to work with you, so here’s a small team game that doesn’t last long.

So what’s it all about? Gauntlet focuses on two teams of three defending their own base from assault from the apposing team. Both teams are armed with a warthog and a round of plasma pistols each. Both basses are connected via a long bridge spanning across the vast wasteland hundreds of feet below. And in the enlarged centre of the bridge lies a bomb. It’s up to each team to mobilise their team and head to the middle of the map, grab the bomb and head towards the other base. How you do this is really up to you, your three team members can deploy on different ways, either firing up the warthog and heading to the middle for an all out assault, on foot or even splitting up.

In essence you can break your team down into three members:

Driver: As you’re basically downed without your warthog, you’re going to need a driver who can make it across the bridge in one piece and then do battle with the other warthog in the centre podium; whether it’s ramming them off the edge or avoiding gunfire, they’ll need to be reasonably good.

Gunner:
In charge of picking of ground-troupes, they serve to hinder the condition of the other warthog and force your enemy to think about their strategy.

Bomber/Immobiliser:
Job involves running through fire to grab highly explosive canister, standing in front of oncoming vehicles to stop them in their tracks with your plasma pistol and going it alone. You knew the risks when you joined up.

The middle is where most of the action takes place, expect burning warthogs and punch ups with plasma pistols to claim the bomb.

As your primary (and only) weapon is the plasma pistol you’ll have to rethink your strategy to a direct assault; taking down your opponents over-shields before they take yours is a difficult challenge, there’s strength in numbers. Upon death you will have to wait thirty seconds before re-entering the action, this is because I wanted to emphasise the impact your strategy, if you’re foolish, run in and die, you will lose because they will make it to your base and blow it. And with two minutes per round, don’t expect to do much once you die, it’s either take it all quickly or die trying.

The Red Base

The Blue Base

Down and Out

Red Detonation

Plant and run

It’s a simple game type but there’s a lot of fun to be had here. The map is meant for a quick laugh with friends or competitive play and development of teamwork skills. And hey, what’s not fun about ploughing two warthogs into one another at high speed? Nothing, that’s what. Thanks for taking the time to read this, hope you enjoy the map.

Map: Bungie.net : Halo 3 File Details
Varient: Bungie.net : Halo 3 File Details