Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the upcoming release of two new, eagerly awaited downloadable maps for “Halo® 2.� The maps will be available as premium downloadable content for Xbox® and Xbox 360™ on April 17.

Fans of the original “Halo� have long requested the addition of some of their favorite maps to the critically acclaimed multiplayer experience of “Halo 2.� These re-creations, developed by Bungie and Certain Affinity Inc., are a perfect way to thank fans for their support as they surpass 800 million hours of “Halo 2� gaming on Xbox LIVE®.

The two maps will bring new life to ancient battlefields and legendary skirmishes, as both are new, improved and redesigned remakes of fan favorites from the original “Halo: Combat Evolved.� For the price of $4 for the pair, these maps bring a fresh burst of action to the seminal “Halo 2� online multiplayer experience. Both of the maps will be available through the “Halo 2� in-game content downloader for both Xbox and Xbox 360.*

The king of “Halo� maps has returned at last. Hang ’Em High, arguably the most popular multiplayer map for the original title, has been reimagined for “Halo 2� as Tombstone, with all-new graphics, features and a few hidden surprises. Now fans will enjoy the dangerous catwalks and trenches that made this the most requested “Halo� multiplayer map ever, with a modernized “Halo 2� flavor.

The second map, Desolation, is a symmetrical, Deathmatch-oriented map and a beautiful remake of the original Derelict. With new graphics and effects and a massive gameplay overhaul, the old favorite is now faster-paced and more balanced than ever — perfect for intense “Halo 2� combat.

“Halo 2� is the sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed “Halo: Combat Evolved� and represents the second chapter in the epic “Halo� trilogy. Since its launch in fall 2004, “Halo 2� has maintained its place as the most popular Xbox LIVE title ever. To date, gamers have logged more than 800 million hours of “Halo� multiplayer action on Xbox LIVE, and they are eagerly awaiting “Halo 3,� slated for release this fall. The “Halo� franchise is among the biggest worldwide entertainment properties in history and continues to change the way people think about interactive entertainment.