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Cut Halo 4 levels: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|RW}}
{{Title|Cut ''Halo 4'' levels}}
During the development of ''[[Halo 4]]'', company [https://www.digitalextremes.com/ Digital Extremes] was contracted by [[343 Industries]] to help with the production of the game's [[Downloadable content|DLC]] map packs. A number of map ideas and concepts were pitched to 343 but went unused, and have since been released online.
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Series/Cut/H4}}
During the development of ''[[Halo 4]]'', a number of maps were concepted and partially-developed though cut from the game for various reasons. Many of these maps were concepted by company [https://www.digitalextremes.com/ Digital Extremes], contracted by [[343 Industries]] to help with the production of the game's [[Downloadable content|DLC]] map packs. A number of map ideas and concepts were pitched to 343 but went unused, and have since been released online.


==Known map concepts==
Many of these early level blockouts can be found in the ''Halo 4'' tags build - an early prototype of the game leaked online including many early ''Halo 4'' DLC and non-DLC maps, development and testing levels and even several early levels intended for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' - which can be found detailed [[Cut Halo 5: Guardians levels|here]]. The maps found in the tags build exhibit very early geometry and basic blockouts with very little art or set-dressing, and contain placeholder names and descriptive text - often comprised of jokes written by the game's developers.
 
==Multiplayer maps==
===Breaking Point===
{{Quote|100% pure adrenaline!}}
An original map by Certain Affinity known by the filename <code>CA_Breakingpoint</code>.
 
===Deadlock===
{{Quote|Formerly Blood Bath!!!}}
An original map by Certain Affinity known by the filename <code>CA_Blood_Bath</code>.
 
===Blood Pit===
{{Quote|BLOOOOOOD!!!}}
An original map by Certain Affinity known by the filename <code>CA_Blood_Pit</code>.
 
===CA Ching===
{{Quote|CA Ching Description}}
An original map by Certain Affinity known by the filename <code>CA_Ching</code>, featuring a placeholder map name and descriptive text.
 
===Forerunner City===
{{Quote|Enter description here.}}
An original map design developed by Certain Affinity and given the filename <code>CA_City</code>, was presumably intended to resemble a [[Forerunner]] city. Interestingly, the top-down layouts of this map heavily resemble the [[Castle Map Pack]] map [[Perdition]] in layout.
 
===Dish===
{{Quote|Dish... dish is pretty cool!}}
An original map design developed by Certain Affinity, given the map filename <code>CA_Dish</code>, can be found in the tags build. The map takes the form of a long canyon, with multiple levels. The map is complete with vehicle and turret spawns, alongside respawn points for players - though appears not to have progressed beyond the early blockout stages. Interestingly, this map contains spawn points for the [[Cut Halo 4 vehicles#Revenant|Revenant]] design which was intended to appear in the game.{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1433227327622860805|Galaxy|Here's a look at a cut MP map by Certain Affinity simply called "Dish". This map is one of my favorite cut MP maps. It's complete with full vehicle spawns and turret placements, etc. The map is in a rough block out state, which suggests it was cut early on in development.|D=04|M=9|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1433227748705771526|Galaxy|Interestingly, the Revenant (A cut returning vehicle from Halo 4) has spawn points for the map, suggesting that the map was made before the Revenant was scrapped from the game.|D=04|M=9|Y=2021}} The relatively late cutting of the Revenant from the game indicates that Dish may have been in development relatively late in ''Halo 4''{{'}}s [[Development of Halo 4|development cycle]].
<gallery>
File:H4 Dish Overview.jpg|A top-down look at the layout of Dish.
File:H4 Dish Screenshot 1.jpg|A screenshot of the map - note the presence of the Revenant at the bottom.
File:H4 Dish Screenshot 2.jpg|A screenshot of the map.
File:H4 Dish Screenshot 3.jpg|A screenshot of the map.
File:H4 Dish Revenant.jpg|The Revenant on Dish.
</gallery>
 
===Escalation===
{{Quote|No, this is not the [[Wikipedia:Call of Duty: Black Ops|BlackOps]] map pack!}}
An original map by Certain Affinity and given the filename <code>CA_Escalation</code>.
 
===CA_Gorge===
This Certain Affinity-designed map is given no map name or description in the files, simply the filename <code>CA_Gorge</code>. The map consists of an empty box, indicating it never received major development by the time of the builds leaked and available to the public.
<gallery>
File:H4 CA Gorge Screenshot 1.png|A look at CA_Gorge.
File:H4 CA Gorge Screenshot 2.png|Spartan for scale.
</gallery>
 
===Remnant===
 
===Station===
{{Quote|Station... station is hell!}}
An original map by Certain Affinity, known in the files as <code>CA_Station</code>.
 
===Fortress===
{{Quote|Bow to your Master; You are Little}}
Known only in the files of the ''Halo 4'' tags build as <code>Z01_Fortress</code>, this map appears to have a layout similar to that of [[Sandtrap]] - featuring the same [[Shrine defender]] towers as Sandtrap and [[Sandbox]]. The map has spawns laid out for vehicles including the ''Halo 4'' cut iteration of the [[Cut Halo 4 vehicles#Revenant|Revenant]], though the map as a whole has no textures.{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1435249729915572224|Galaxy|Quote=Here's a look at another cut MP map from Halo 4 called "Z01_Fortress". There are a total of 6 maps with "Z0" as there name (Not counting test chamber) and only 2 of them made it into the final game. That being "Z11_Valhalla" and "Z05_Cliffside".|D=7|M=9|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1435250145407471623|Galaxy|Quote=This map also has proper vehicle spawns. The Revenant being one of the vehicles used in this map. Again, this implies the map was made before they scrapped the Revenant. The map appears to be a sandtrap inspired map.|D=7|M=9|Y=2021}}
<gallery>
File:H4 Z01Fortress Screenshot 1.jpg|A screenshot of Z01_Fortress.
File:H4 Z01Fortress Screenshot 2.jpg|A screenshot of Z01_Fortress, showcasing a crashed [[D79-TC Pelican]].
File:H4 Z01Fortress Screenshot 3.jpg|A screenshot of Z01_Fortress.
File:H4 Z01Fortress Screenshot 4.jpg|A screenshot of Z01_Fortress.
</gallery>
 
===NoLoad Tower===
{{Quote|Do Not Load; Coming Soon}}
Known in the files as <code>Z04_Tower</code>.
 
===Pillars===
{{Quote|Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls}}
Known in the files as <code>Z06_Pillars</code>.
 
===Island===
{{Quote|Warthog Crossing; Keep Your Head Down}}
Known in the files as <code>Z07_Island</code>.
 
===Sinkhole===
{{Quote|Watch your step; You might could Die}}
Known in the files as <code>Z08_Experimental</code>.
 
===Extinct===
{{Quote|Current path equals Death}}
Known in the files as <code>ZD_01_Extinct</code>.
 
===Other cut levels===
Other cut levels present in the tags build of the game include <code>Z06_pillars</code>, <code>Z07_island</code>, <code>Z08_experimental</code> alongside maps <code>Z02</code>, <code>Z03</code> and <code>Z04</code>.{{Ref/Twitter|Id=CutMapsList|___Gal4xy___|1435250749093646336|Galaxy|Quote=This is a list of all "Z0" labeled maps in the debug menu. Valhalla interestingly enough is number 11. This implies that there are 2 more unknown cut maps we haven't seen before as number 9 and 10 are missing. FYI test chamber is literally a small box test map|D=7|M=9|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1435271191254773764|Galaxy|Quote=I almost forgot, there are also 3 more missing maps in the list. Z02, Z03, and Z04.|D=7|M=9|Y=2021}}
 
==DLC maps==
===CA_Constant_Strife===
{{Quote|A deadly battle on the UNSC Constant Strife}}
A space-based map, intended to be set on a [[UNSC starship]] known by the name UNSC ''Constant Strife'' - which would have served as the map's namesake. The blockout geometry found in the map's early revisions bear no resemblance to any canonical UNSC spacecraft, and the skybox is reused from the map [[Impact]]. The interior layout slightly resembles [[Rat's Nest]] from ''[[Halo 3]]''{{'}}s [[Heroic Map Pack]], with either side consisting of a [[hangar bay]] containing an [[F-41 Broadsword]] strike fighter similar in design to that featured on [[Ivanoff Station]] in the opening cutscene of the level [[Midnight]].
<gallery>
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 1.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 2.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 3.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 4.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 5.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 6.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 7.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 8.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 9.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 10.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 11.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 12.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 13.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 14.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 ConstantStrife Screenshot 15.png|A screenshot of the level.
</gallery>
 
===CA_Peanut===
{{Quote|Spartans are nuts for this level.}}
<gallery>
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 1.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 2.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 3.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 4.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 5.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 6.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 7.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 8.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 9.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 10.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 11.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 12.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 13.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 14.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 15.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 16.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 17.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 18.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 19.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 20.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 21.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Peanut Screenshot 22.png|A screenshot of the level.
</gallery>
 
===CA_Shipyard===
<gallery>
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 1.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 2.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 3.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 4.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 5.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 6.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 7.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 8.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 9.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 10.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 11.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 12.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 13.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 14.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 15.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 16.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 17.png|A screenshot of the level.
File:H4 Shipyard Screenshot 18.png|A screenshot of the level.
</gallery>
 
===CA_Standoff===
{{Quote|Standoff}}
Present in the ''Halo 4'' tags build, this map was in development by Certain Affinity. The map was a remake of ''Halo 3''{{'}}s [[Heroic Map Pack|Heroic]] map [[Standoff]].{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1430591723789508609|Galaxy|Quote=Fun Fact: The map Standoff from Halo 3 was going to be a DLC map for Halo 4 by Certain Affinity, but it was cut for currently unknown reasons|D=25|M=8|Y=2021}}
<gallery>
File:H4 Standoff Remake 1.jpg|A screenshot of the Standoff remake.
File:H4 Standoff Remake 2.jpg|A screenshot of the Standoff remake.
File:H4 Standoff Remake 3.jpg|A screenshot of the Standoff remake.
File:H4 Standoff Remake 4.jpg|A screenshot of the Standoff remake.
</gallery>
 
===DLC_Junkyard_Craneswing===
{{Quote|UNKNOWN}}
 
==Unused DLC map concepts==
===Arrowhead===
===Arrowhead===
"Arrowhead" was one map concepted, and evidently would have taken place in or around a [[UNSC]] facility embedded in a cliffside, though no other details are known.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/0aO1Y|SiteName=Artstation|PageName=HALO - Arrowhead}}
"Arrowhead" was one potential DLC map concepted, and evidently would have taken place in or around a [[UNSC]] facility embedded in a cliffside, though no other details are known.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/0aO1Y|Site=Artstation|Page=HALO - Arrowhead}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H4 Arrowhead Concept 1.jpg|Concept art of Arrowhead.
File:H4 Arrowhead Concept 1.jpg|Concept art of Arrowhead.
Line 11: Line 181:


===Covenant underwater technology===
===Covenant underwater technology===
This map was designed to focus on underwater [[Covenant]] technology.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/nQ0YdX|SiteName=Artstation|PageName=Halo 4 - Aquatic Covenant|Quote=Random vis dev experiments for potential Halo 4 DLC environments. Toyed around with some ideas for undersea Covenant vessels. Ultimately unused, but sure was fun!}}
This potential DLC map was designed to focus on underwater [[Covenant]] technology.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/nQ0YdX|Site=Artstation|Page=Halo 4 - Aquatic Covenant|Quote=Random vis dev experiments for potential Halo 4 DLC environments. Toyed around with some ideas for undersea Covenant vessels. Ultimately unused, but sure was fun!}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 1.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology.
File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 1.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology.
File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 2.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology.
File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 2.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology.
File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 3.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology.
File:H4 CutDLC UnderWaterCovenant Concept 3.jpg|Visual exploration for DLC, focusing on an underwater map with Covenant technology.
File:H4 Concept CovenantOcean.jpg|Concept art of the map showing a portion of the structure above water.
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Genessis===
===Genesis===
Identified in a series of concept art uploads all titled <code>genessis</code>, this map has a similar theme to the release map [[Vortex]], set in a crashed Forerunner ship in a desert wasteland, turned into a makeshift base by the UNSC. In the distance, a Forerunner [[Keyship]] can be seen.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/YDPGP|SiteName=Artstation|PageName=Halo 4}} It is unknown if this pitch has any relation to the planet [[Genesis]] featured in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
Identified in a series of concept art uploads all titled <code>genesis</code>, this map has a similar theme to the release map [[Vortex]], set in a crashed Forerunner ship in a desert wasteland, turned into a makeshift base by the UNSC. In the distance, a Forerunner [[Keyship]] can be seen.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/YDPGP|Site=Artstation|Page=Halo 4}} It is unknown if this pitch has any relation to the planet [[Genesis]] featured in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H4 MapKeyship Concept.jpg|Concept art for this map featuring a Keyship.
File:H4 MapKeyship Concept.jpg|Concept art for this map featuring a Keyship.
File:H4 MapKeyship Concept 2.jpg|An alternate take on the prior image, labelled in the original ArtStation upload as a "target image".
H4_GenessisMap_Concept_1.jpg
H4_GenessisMap_Concept_1.jpg
H4_GenessisMap_Concept_2.jpg
H4_GenessisMap_Concept_2.jpg
Line 32: Line 204:
===Last Resort remake===
===Last Resort remake===
{{Main|Last Resort}}
{{Main|Last Resort}}
One map concept shown involves a paintover of the sniper tower area of the ''[[Halo 3]]'' map [[Last Resort]]. Its filename, <code>lastr-paintover</code>, suggests it was intended to be a Last Resort remake.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/ybAXNR|SiteName=Artstation|PageName=Halo 4 - DLC}} Notably, the map was later realised in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''{{'}}s multiplayer as [[Stonetown]].
One map concept shown involves a paintover of the sniper tower area of the ''[[Halo 3]]'' map [[Last Resort]]. Its filename, <code>lastr-paintover</code>, suggests it was intended to be a Last Resort remake.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/ybAXNR|Site=Artstation|Page=Halo 4 - DLC}} Notably, the map was later realised in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''{{'}}s multiplayer as [[Stonetown]].
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H4_LastResort_Remake_Concept.jpg|The only concept art released of this map.
File:H4_LastResort_Remake_Concept.jpg|The only concept art released of this map.
Line 39: Line 211:
===Narrows remake===
===Narrows remake===
{{Main|Narrows}}
{{Main|Narrows}}
One concept pitched to 343{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.deviantart.com/sbigham/art/Halo-4-DLC-Bridge-Lower-Level-Concept-410852979|SiteName=Deviant Art|PageName=Halo 4: DLC Bridge Lower Level Concept|Quote=This only went as far as a pitch to 343.}} involved a remake of the ''[[Halo 3]]'' multiplayer map [[Narrows]], redressed in a human architectural aesthetic.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/LavJK|SiteName=ArtStation|PageName=HALO - Narrows reimagined structural studies|Quote=Narrows (a HALO 3 favourite) reimagined for an unfortunately unrealized HALO 4 multiplayer DLC.}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1LYae|SiteName=ArtStation|PageName=HALO - Narrows reimagined under-pass}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/lE8ao|SiteName=ArtStation|PageName=HALO - Narrows reimagined hangar interior}}
One concept pitched to 343{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.deviantart.com/sbigham/art/Halo-4-DLC-Bridge-Lower-Level-Concept-410852979|Site=Deviant Art|Page=Halo 4: DLC Bridge Lower Level Concept|Quote=This only went as far as a pitch to 343.}} involved a remake of the ''[[Halo 3]]'' multiplayer map [[Narrows]], redressed in a human architectural aesthetic.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/LavJK|Site=ArtStation|Page=HALO - Narrows reimagined structural studies|Quote=Narrows (a HALO 3 favourite) reimagined for an unfortunately unrealized HALO 4 multiplayer DLC.}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1LYae|Site=ArtStation|Page=HALO - Narrows reimagined under-pass}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/lE8ao|Site=ArtStation|Page=HALO - Narrows reimagined hangar interior}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H4 Narrows Hangar Concept.jpg|Concept of one of the bases, reimagined as a hangar for [[Pelican]] dropships.
File:H4 Narrows Hangar Concept.jpg|Concept of one of the bases, reimagined as a hangar for [[Pelican]] dropships.
Line 53: Line 225:


===ONI Bog===
===ONI Bog===
Concept art for the map suggests it would have had a similar theme and tone to the map [[Abandon]], though it is unknown if the two maps are one and the same, or simply similar.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/lEKLG|SiteName=ArtStation|PageName=HALO 4 - Oni Bog}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/8vEOm|SiteName=ArtStation|PageName=HALO 4 - Oni Bog 02}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/dL6rQ|SiteName=ArtStation|PageName=HALO 4 - Oni Bog Structure Studies}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.videogamesartwork.com/games/halo-4/bog|SiteName=Video Games Artwork|PageName=The Bog}}
Concept art for the map suggests it would have had a similar theme and tone to the map [[Abandon]], though it is unknown if the two maps are one and the same, or simply similar.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/lEKLG|Site=ArtStation|Page=HALO 4 - Oni Bog}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/8vEOm|Site=ArtStation|Page=HALO 4 - Oni Bog 02}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/dL6rQ|Site=ArtStation|Page=HALO 4 - Oni Bog Structure Studies}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H4 Oni Bog Concept 1.jpg|Concept art.
File:H4 Oni Bog Concept 1.jpg|Concept art.
File:H4 Oni Bog Concept 2.jpg|Concept art.
File:H4 Oni Bog Concept 2.jpg|Concept art.
File:H4 Oni Bog Concept 3.jpg|Structural study for the base.
File:H4 Oni Bog Concept 3.jpg|Structural study for the base.
File:H4_Bog_Creature_Concept.jpg|Concept art for ''Halo 4'' simply titled "The Bog", possibly for this level.
File:H4_Oni_Bog_Concept_4.jpg|A fourth concept not explicitly labelled as ONI Bog in the original ArtStation upload, but seemingly matching the visual style of the other concepts.
File:H4 Enclosure Concept.jpg|Another concept piece by the same artist as the previous one. This piece corresponds with the ONI Bog concepts, though in this upload was titled "Enclosure".{{Ref/Site|D=10|M=8|Y=2023|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/KGmLB|Site=ArtStation|Page=Halo: Enclosure}}
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Other DLC map concepts==
===Oracle===
A series of concept pieces uploaded by artists [[:Category:Images by Zeljko Duvnjak|Zeljko Duvnjak]] and [[:Category:Images by Branislav Perkovic|Branislav Perkovic]], concept artists for outsource studio Digital Extremes, depict a very unique multiplayer map, named in one post description as "Oracle".{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/YgzBX|Site=ArtStation|Page=Halo 4 - Multiplayer Maps - Sketches - 01|Quote=Oracle Sketches|D=07|M=07|Y=2023}} All of the concepts depict ancient alien structures, corresponding to no known art direction for the [[Forerunner]]s, buried in the ice on an unknown world.
<gallery>
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 1.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 2.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 3.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 4.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 5.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 6.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 7.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 8.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 9.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 10.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 11.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 12.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 13.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 14.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
File:H4 OracleMap Concept 15.jpg|Concept art for Oracle.
</gallery>
 
===Other DLC map concepts===
Some callout sheets for individual map props have been posted online, of which tie to no particular known map.
Some callout sheets for individual map props have been posted online, of which tie to no particular known map.
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H4_RailgunDLC_Concept.jpg|Concept art for a map which would have had players fight beneath a large [[railgun]].
File:H4_RailgunDLC_Concept.jpg|Concept art for a map which would have had players fight beneath a large [[Railgun (fiction)|railgun]].
File:H4 PillarDLC Concept.jpg|Concept art of a pillar for a cut map.
File:H4 PillarDLC Concept.jpg|Concept art of a pillar for a cut map.
File:H4 GeneratorDLC Concept.jpg|Concept art of a generator for a cut map.
File:H4 GeneratorDLC Concept.jpg|Concept art of a generator for a cut map.
File:H4 GeneratorDLC Concept 2.jpg|Finalised concept art of a generator for a cut map.
File:H4 SentinelFactory Concept.jpg|Concept art for a map set inside a [[Sentinel factory]].
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Development and testing levels==
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKyLmFBK8qQ
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlOsq9ypPOU
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===Lighting reference test maps===
{{Expand-section}}
These maps, an interior and an exterior space, were employed by [[Bungie]] through the productions of ''Halo 3'', ''ODST'' and ''Reach'' - and were used by [[343 Industries]] in the production of ''Halo 4''.
===Sandtrap===
{{Quote|Don't eat the yellow sand}}
While never considered for official inclusion in the final game, the ''Halo 3'' multiplayer map [[Sandtrap]] was used in development for testing the vehicle sandbox of ''Halo 4''.{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1431671182772908033|Galaxy|Quote=A shame they never considered releasing Sandtrap as an official map for Halo 4, But it is neat to know that they used it to test out the vehicle sandbox during development.|D=04|M=9|Y=2021}}
<gallery>
File:H4 Sandtrap.png|Sandtrap in the ''Halo 4'' tags build.
</gallery>
==="Stripey room"===
First referred to as such in the ''[[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition]]'' developer commentary by [[Martin O'Donnell]], the so-called "Stripey Room" or <code>sound.map</code> is an audio testing level utilised by [[Bungie]] throughout the production of ''Halo 3'' through ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', and 343 Industries during the production of ''Halo 4''. The map is almost identical to its ''Reach'' incarnation, with the exception of labelled terrain types and water.{{Ref/YouTube|p5hVU0rAhw8|Galaxy|Exploring the "Stripy Room" sound & material test map (Halo: Builds & Cut Content)|D=04|M=9|Y=2021}}
<gallery>
File:H4 StripeyRoom.png|A screenshot of the level.
</gallery>
===VFX test map===
{{Expand-section}}
This map was created by 343 Industries to test out visual effects such as the disintegration on [[Promethean]] weaponry.
===Z00_testchamber===
{{Quote|Not For Play; Test Scripting File}}
<code>z00_testchamber</code> is a map present in the ''Halo 4'' tags build, used for testing. The map is described as a "small box test map".{{Ref/Reuse|CutMapsList}}
===TEST_DLCHopper01===
{{Quote|[EN] This is the Blue Level}}
This is one of three testing maps used to test the functionality of adding map packs into the game.
===TEST_DLCHopper02===
{{Quote|[EN] This is the Green Level}}
This is one of three testing maps used to test the functionality of adding map packs into the game.
===TEST_DLCHopper03===
{{Quote|[EN] This is the Red Level}}
This is one of three testing maps used to test the functionality of adding map packs into the game.
===TEST_Thepit===
{{Quote|CA Game Mode Test Map}}
===TEST_Valhalla===
{{Quote|Large CA Game Mode Test Map}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Deleted Material}}
{{Deleted Material}}
[[Category:Halo 4]]
[[Category:Halo 4 deleted material]]
[[Category:Deleted material]]

Latest revision as of 20:21, April 13, 2024

Image of a cut Revenant to use in Halopedia templates. Do not add to pages.

This article is part of a series on
Halo 4 cut content


Cut content

Development

To check out cut content for other Halo games, see here!
vde

During the development of Halo 4, a number of maps were concepted and partially-developed though cut from the game for various reasons. Many of these maps were concepted by company Digital Extremes, contracted by 343 Industries to help with the production of the game's DLC map packs. A number of map ideas and concepts were pitched to 343 but went unused, and have since been released online.

Many of these early level blockouts can be found in the Halo 4 tags build - an early prototype of the game leaked online including many early Halo 4 DLC and non-DLC maps, development and testing levels and even several early levels intended for Halo 5: Guardians - which can be found detailed here. The maps found in the tags build exhibit very early geometry and basic blockouts with very little art or set-dressing, and contain placeholder names and descriptive text - often comprised of jokes written by the game's developers.

Multiplayer maps[edit]

Breaking Point[edit]

"100% pure adrenaline!"

An original map by Certain Affinity known by the filename CA_Breakingpoint.

Deadlock[edit]

"Formerly Blood Bath!!!"

An original map by Certain Affinity known by the filename CA_Blood_Bath.

Blood Pit[edit]

"BLOOOOOOD!!!"

An original map by Certain Affinity known by the filename CA_Blood_Pit.

CA Ching[edit]

"CA Ching Description"

An original map by Certain Affinity known by the filename CA_Ching, featuring a placeholder map name and descriptive text.

Forerunner City[edit]

"Enter description here."

An original map design developed by Certain Affinity and given the filename CA_City, was presumably intended to resemble a Forerunner city. Interestingly, the top-down layouts of this map heavily resemble the Castle Map Pack map Perdition in layout.

Dish[edit]

"Dish... dish is pretty cool!"

An original map design developed by Certain Affinity, given the map filename CA_Dish, can be found in the tags build. The map takes the form of a long canyon, with multiple levels. The map is complete with vehicle and turret spawns, alongside respawn points for players - though appears not to have progressed beyond the early blockout stages. Interestingly, this map contains spawn points for the Revenant design which was intended to appear in the game.[1][2] The relatively late cutting of the Revenant from the game indicates that Dish may have been in development relatively late in Halo 4's development cycle.

Escalation[edit]

"No, this is not the BlackOps map pack!"

An original map by Certain Affinity and given the filename CA_Escalation.

CA_Gorge[edit]

This Certain Affinity-designed map is given no map name or description in the files, simply the filename CA_Gorge. The map consists of an empty box, indicating it never received major development by the time of the builds leaked and available to the public.

Remnant[edit]

Station[edit]

"Station... station is hell!"

An original map by Certain Affinity, known in the files as CA_Station.

Fortress[edit]

"Bow to your Master; You are Little"

Known only in the files of the Halo 4 tags build as Z01_Fortress, this map appears to have a layout similar to that of Sandtrap - featuring the same Shrine defender towers as Sandtrap and Sandbox. The map has spawns laid out for vehicles including the Halo 4 cut iteration of the Revenant, though the map as a whole has no textures.[3][4]

NoLoad Tower[edit]

"Do Not Load; Coming Soon"

Known in the files as Z04_Tower.

Pillars[edit]

"Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls"

Known in the files as Z06_Pillars.

Island[edit]

"Warthog Crossing; Keep Your Head Down"

Known in the files as Z07_Island.

Sinkhole[edit]

"Watch your step; You might could Die"

Known in the files as Z08_Experimental.

Extinct[edit]

"Current path equals Death"

Known in the files as ZD_01_Extinct.

Other cut levels[edit]

Other cut levels present in the tags build of the game include Z06_pillars, Z07_island, Z08_experimental alongside maps Z02, Z03 and Z04.[5][6]

DLC maps[edit]

CA_Constant_Strife[edit]

"A deadly battle on the UNSC Constant Strife"

A space-based map, intended to be set on a UNSC starship known by the name UNSC Constant Strife - which would have served as the map's namesake. The blockout geometry found in the map's early revisions bear no resemblance to any canonical UNSC spacecraft, and the skybox is reused from the map Impact. The interior layout slightly resembles Rat's Nest from Halo 3's Heroic Map Pack, with either side consisting of a hangar bay containing an F-41 Broadsword strike fighter similar in design to that featured on Ivanoff Station in the opening cutscene of the level Midnight.

CA_Peanut[edit]

"Spartans are nuts for this level."

CA_Shipyard[edit]

CA_Standoff[edit]

"Standoff"

Present in the Halo 4 tags build, this map was in development by Certain Affinity. The map was a remake of Halo 3's Heroic map Standoff.[7]

DLC_Junkyard_Craneswing[edit]

"UNKNOWN"

Unused DLC map concepts[edit]

Arrowhead[edit]

"Arrowhead" was one potential DLC map concepted, and evidently would have taken place in or around a UNSC facility embedded in a cliffside, though no other details are known.[8]

Covenant underwater technology[edit]

This potential DLC map was designed to focus on underwater Covenant technology.[9]

Genesis[edit]

Identified in a series of concept art uploads all titled genesis, this map has a similar theme to the release map Vortex, set in a crashed Forerunner ship in a desert wasteland, turned into a makeshift base by the UNSC. In the distance, a Forerunner Keyship can be seen.[10] It is unknown if this pitch has any relation to the planet Genesis featured in Halo 5: Guardians.

Last Resort remake[edit]

Main article: Last Resort

One map concept shown involves a paintover of the sniper tower area of the Halo 3 map Last Resort. Its filename, lastr-paintover, suggests it was intended to be a Last Resort remake.[11] Notably, the map was later realised in Halo 2: Anniversary's multiplayer as Stonetown.

Narrows remake[edit]

Main article: Narrows

One concept pitched to 343[12] involved a remake of the Halo 3 multiplayer map Narrows, redressed in a human architectural aesthetic.[13][14][15]

ONI Bog[edit]

Concept art for the map suggests it would have had a similar theme and tone to the map Abandon, though it is unknown if the two maps are one and the same, or simply similar.[16][17][18]

Oracle[edit]

A series of concept pieces uploaded by artists Zeljko Duvnjak and Branislav Perkovic, concept artists for outsource studio Digital Extremes, depict a very unique multiplayer map, named in one post description as "Oracle".[20] All of the concepts depict ancient alien structures, corresponding to no known art direction for the Forerunners, buried in the ice on an unknown world.

Other DLC map concepts[edit]

Some callout sheets for individual map props have been posted online, of which tie to no particular known map.

Development and testing levels[edit]

Lighting reference test maps[edit]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

These maps, an interior and an exterior space, were employed by Bungie through the productions of Halo 3, ODST and Reach - and were used by 343 Industries in the production of Halo 4.

Sandtrap[edit]

"Don't eat the yellow sand"

While never considered for official inclusion in the final game, the Halo 3 multiplayer map Sandtrap was used in development for testing the vehicle sandbox of Halo 4.[21]

"Stripey room"[edit]

First referred to as such in the Halo: Reach Legendary Edition developer commentary by Martin O'Donnell, the so-called "Stripey Room" or sound.map is an audio testing level utilised by Bungie throughout the production of Halo 3 through Halo: Reach, and 343 Industries during the production of Halo 4. The map is almost identical to its Reach incarnation, with the exception of labelled terrain types and water.[22]

VFX test map[edit]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

This map was created by 343 Industries to test out visual effects such as the disintegration on Promethean weaponry.

Z00_testchamber[edit]

"Not For Play; Test Scripting File"

z00_testchamber is a map present in the Halo 4 tags build, used for testing. The map is described as a "small box test map".[5]

TEST_DLCHopper01[edit]

"[EN] This is the Blue Level"

This is one of three testing maps used to test the functionality of adding map packs into the game.

TEST_DLCHopper02[edit]

"[EN] This is the Green Level"

This is one of three testing maps used to test the functionality of adding map packs into the game.

TEST_DLCHopper03[edit]

"[EN] This is the Red Level"

This is one of three testing maps used to test the functionality of adding map packs into the game.

TEST_Thepit[edit]

"CA Game Mode Test Map"

TEST_Valhalla[edit]

"Large CA Game Mode Test Map"

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Twitter, Galaxy (@___Gal4xy___) (Retrieved on Sep 4, 2021) [archive]
  2. ^ Twitter, Galaxy (@___Gal4xy___) (Retrieved on Sep 4, 2021) [archive]
  3. ^ Twitter, Galaxy (@___Gal4xy___): "Here's a look at another cut MP map from Halo 4 called "Z01_Fortress". There are a total of 6 maps with "Z0" as there name (Not counting test chamber) and only 2 of them made it into the final game. That being "Z11_Valhalla" and "Z05_Cliffside"." (Retrieved on Sep 7, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ Twitter, Galaxy (@___Gal4xy___): "This map also has proper vehicle spawns. The Revenant being one of the vehicles used in this map. Again, this implies the map was made before they scrapped the Revenant. The map appears to be a sandtrap inspired map." (Retrieved on Sep 7, 2021) [archive]
  5. ^ a b Twitter, Galaxy (@___Gal4xy___): "This is a list of all "Z0" labeled maps in the debug menu. Valhalla interestingly enough is number 11. This implies that there are 2 more unknown cut maps we haven't seen before as number 9 and 10 are missing. FYI test chamber is literally a small box test map" (Retrieved on Sep 7, 2021) [archive]
  6. ^ Twitter, Galaxy (@___Gal4xy___): "I almost forgot, there are also 3 more missing maps in the list. Z02, Z03, and Z04." (Retrieved on Sep 7, 2021) [archive]
  7. ^ Twitter, Galaxy (@___Gal4xy___): "Fun Fact: The map Standoff from Halo 3 was going to be a DLC map for Halo 4 by Certain Affinity, but it was cut for currently unknown reasons" (Retrieved on Aug 25, 2021) [archive]
  8. ^ Artstation, HALO - Arrowhead (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  9. ^ Artstation, Halo 4 - Aquatic Covenant: "Random vis dev experiments for potential Halo 4 DLC environments. Toyed around with some ideas for undersea Covenant vessels. Ultimately unused, but sure was fun!" (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  10. ^ Artstation, Halo 4 (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  11. ^ Artstation, Halo 4 - DLC (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  12. ^ Deviant Art, Halo 4: DLC Bridge Lower Level Concept: "This only went as far as a pitch to 343." (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  13. ^ ArtStation, HALO - Narrows reimagined structural studies: "Narrows (a HALO 3 favourite) reimagined for an unfortunately unrealized HALO 4 multiplayer DLC." (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  14. ^ ArtStation, HALO - Narrows reimagined under-pass (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  15. ^ ArtStation, HALO - Narrows reimagined hangar interior (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  16. ^ ArtStation, HALO 4 - Oni Bog (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  17. ^ ArtStation, HALO 4 - Oni Bog 02 (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  18. ^ ArtStation, HALO 4 - Oni Bog Structure Studies (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  19. ^ ArtStation, Halo: Enclosure (Retrieved on Aug 10, 2023) [archive]
  20. ^ ArtStation, Halo 4 - Multiplayer Maps - Sketches - 01: "Oracle Sketches" (Retrieved on Jul 7, 2023) [archive]
  21. ^ Twitter, Galaxy (@___Gal4xy___): "A shame they never considered releasing Sandtrap as an official map for Halo 4, But it is neat to know that they used it to test out the vehicle sandbox during development." (Retrieved on Sep 4, 2021) [archive]
  22. ^ YouTube - Galaxy, Exploring the "Stripy Room" sound & material test map (Halo: Builds & Cut Content) (Retrieved on Sep 4, 2021)