The first glimpse of Bungie's highly anticipated map, Sandbox.

Bungie showed off it’s first picture of Sandbox today.  A quote from Xbox.com Newsflash reads as follows:

“Sandbox combines large-scale vehicular combat with a limitless amount of Forge customization. Boasting a tiered, open-world layout, “Halo 3” players will be able to build their own unique game experiences using the Forge map editor. Sandbox is a map unlike any Bungie has ever created.“

Sounds like Sandbox will be a great map for forging!  It looks from the screenshot that players will be able to disassemble the entire map, like Foundry, and build something of their own.

Sandbox will be included in the Mythic Map Pack, along with Assembly and Orbital.  The map pack is set for release later this Spring, but you can get it early by ordering the Halo Wars Limited Edition, which releases on March 3rd.  By getting the Halo Wars Limited Edition, you will have access to the map pack before it goes on sale in the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Double boxes are the main building block of Foundry.  Just about every custom map uses double boxes in some way.  In this section of the guide, you will learn how to improve the use of double boxes and single boxes.

A double box. ($4)

The double box may be used for just about anything.  You can use it to construct structures, perimeters around your map, towers, or whatever you can think of.  However, there are a few tips to point out when using double boxes on your maps.

Neatness

Keeping your double boxes neat can completely change the overall rating of your map.  If your double boxes are lined up in a single line, but you did not take the time to keep the line straight, it will look sloppy.  If you are trying to make a professional-looking map, then take the time to straighten out your boxes.  Use Foundry’s floor as a grid to line the boxes up.  Also, when you are stacking double boxes, it is best to keep the two boxes lined up for a professional feel.

If you are making a line of double boxes and run out of room to complete your line, you might want to use a single box, or merge the boxes.

A single box. ($4)

Gameplay

All boxes actually curve a little bit at their base.  This allows grenades to get caught underneath the boxes if thrown at their base.  If you do not want this to happen, then you will need to geo-merge the box into the map’s floor.

Appearance

If you want to make a walkway using boxes, there are a few ways to do this.

The first is to line the boxes up like normal, using the top of the boxes as your walkway.  Another way is to flip the boxes on their sides and use them as walkways, which creates a smooth surface, but it looks kind of weird walking on UNSC logos that are on their side.

The third way, which is my preferred way, is to flip the boxes upside down for walkways.  This gives you a clean walkway with no distraction toward the appearance.

Hopefully this guide helped you out when it comes to adding boxes to your map.  If you have any questions, leave a comment, or you can reach me on Bungie.net or Xbox LIVE.

Since most of the description for Zombie Fortress can be found here, I will get straight to the point and tell you what makes this gametype stand out from the built-in Infection.

Last Man Standing
- Has normal shields
- Normal Motion Sensor is added
- Has a waypoint over his/her head

Humans
- Start with pistols
- Have normal shields
- No Motion Sensor

Alpha Zombies
- 25% will be selected as an Alpha Zombie
- No shields
- Have Motion Sensor, 25 meters
- Cannot pickup weapons

Zombies
- No shields
- Have Motion Sensor, Allies only
- Cannot pickup weapons

These are the basic settings for the gametype, they have been modified many times and if there are any major problems, they will be modified again. Thanks for checking this out and don’t forget to download the map accompanied with this, The Fortress.

>> What Is It?

The Fortress is built for zombies and zombies alone (see gametype provided below). The starting humans are all that remain in this Spartan Training facility. When the New Mombasa Infection arose, survivors fled in search of places to hide and live. The training facility, disguised as a weapon manufacturing company, was hit hard, most of its inhabitants didn’t make it.

But some pulled together and constructed a temporary base in the ocean of this remote encampment. Other safe havens were also considered, and are used as fall-back points and for restocking ammunition.

>> Gameplay

When the game starts, the humans will find themselves inside the base of Last Resort. Mongooses are provided as a rapid transport to the fortress at the beach, just make sure someone is smart enough to open the gate. Although there are a few weapons in the base, it is not recommended that you stay here as cover is limited and if you hesitate to leave quickly, the zombies will be breathing down your neck. As you make your way to the beach, you will notice wreckage along the way, signs of struggle the humans have already faced.

Arriving at the fort, you will probably want to equip yourselves with suitable weaponry, the holdout can get pretty intense. If some of you are the exploring type, don’t worry. I have cleverly placed some “power” weapons that should ease that survival of yours. Zombies, don’t feel discouraged, you have a single Active Camo at your disposal. Don’t rush for it yet, though. You’ve got to let it spawn first, for balance purposes.

>> Features

+ Over 5 locations for the humans to hold including:
- The Fortress itself
- Camp Froman
- Camp Froman (lower level)
- The seawall back room
- The palm trees on the beach (opposite side of the fortress)

+ A spawn area for the zombies
No, it’s not all random

+ Two machine gun turrets. . .that don’t respawn!
Use them wisely!

+ Mongooses for rapid transportation
…and weapons too, if used properly

+ Weapons galore
Pick your survival tool….

+ Hours of entertainment
I know I was entertained, including over fifty other people who played it were entertained too

Top Tips

- Street cones mark the entrances to a safe zone. Look for them to grab some weapons or ammo.
- Zombies, you have access to an Active Camo on the seawall. Wait for it to spawn, as it will not appear at the beginning of the game.
- Get those weapons and get ‘em quick! There are a few power weapons scattered across the map. A Sniper, Splaser, Rockets, Firebombs, Shotguns, and a Brute Shot are all considered powerful in this undead showdown!
- Get to the beach as quickly as you can.
- The beach is the best position to hold, while other safe zones work well as fall-back points.
- If you’re an Alpha Zombie, find a good place to ambush the oncoming humans.

So what are you waiting for? Download The Fortress today! Don’t forget to grab the gametype made specifically for The Fortress, Zombie Fortress. A link to it can be found below.

Gametype: Zombie Fortress

Screenshots
Human Start
The Fortress
The Fortress (view two)
The Fortress (overhead view)
Bigger Guns Nearby
The Seawall Back Room
Camp Froman
The Path

I hope you enjoy the map.

Download “The Fortress”