IGN just updated with a large amount of new Halo 3 multiplayer information. The update includes new information and pictures of the Brute Chopper. Also more information on the armor type variations and how they may be unlocked (ign's speculation). The majority of the details revealed are related to the three new maps.

The three maps discussed are Epitah, Last Resort, and Shrine. Epitah is a tight corridor style map designed for close combat. The structure is confirmed to be Forerunner based, and is textured appropiately. Points of interest include a top section that plays home to an energy sword that requires a grav lift and man cannon to access.

Last Resort is a remake of the now classic Zanzibar map. The map has been given a graphical face lift as well as some redesign. The beachfront is virtually the same architectually speaking, however it is somewhat larger. Main changes to the map can be found inside the base, which is substantually bigger than before and includes catwalks that wrap around the base itself.

Most interesting of the new maps though is perhaps Shrine. Taking place in a large scale desert with Forerunner spires extruding from the sand. According to IGN the map is around the same lenght as Valhalla, but is roughly 4 times as wide. Vehicles are seen in the released pictures, which is a good thing because they might be nearly required to trek this immense map.

Also of interest is the information regarding the community. Essentially Halo 3 is a testing ground for user generated content. IGN writes about "Bungie Recommends" a feature the team hopes to implement on their site or through the game itself where the developer will highlight the best user generated content.

Click here to read the full IGN article