Another first was also happening in a virtual world. Master Chief will be glad to see the first Halo 3 downloadable content arrive in the form of the Heroic Map Pack for Xbox 360.

The download is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace for 800 Microsoft Points – which buys you three new maps.
 
“After launching to incredible acclaim and fanaticism, more than five million Halo 3 players worldwide can now enjoy a package of three all new multiplayer maps,” Microsoft said.

Microsoft said it is the first in a series of downloadable content from Bungie Studios.

Each map, according to the press info, offers a unique experience.

“Standoff’s symmetrical valley, with its entrenched bases and fields of boulders is ideal for mid-sized objective and Slayer game types, while Rat’s Nest’s vast, labyrinthine passages bring something new to the “Halo” multiplayer experience: an indoor vehicle paradise, strongly influenced by the Campaign mode, ideal for big team battles,” Microsoft said.

“Finally, Foundry is the ultimate Forge map – players can edit every single object in this voluminous industrial warehouse, place stairways, walls, bridges and tunnels to create an entirely new play space and build almost any kind of map they can think of.”

Halo 3’s Forge system also allows players to edit and customise all of the maps.

All three maps will become available as a free download via Xbox Live Marketplace in Spring 2008, just prior to the next wave of all new Halo 3 multiplayer maps.