The Combustible Map Pack unleashes three new multiplayer maps for Gears of War 2: Flood, Gold Rush and Fuel Station.  If you have 800 Microsoft Points, then head out to the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and get your download on.  The best part about these maps is that you can use them in Horde Mode!

Here are some details about the new maps.  And remember, you can queue the Combustible Map Pack up via Marketplace on the web and have them ready to download as soon as you power on your console.

• Flood is a very tight map that’s made extra snug when the environmental hazard of Imulsion begins creeping up around the edges. As the playing field closes in, the firefight will intensify as combat is forced to the center of the map. Teams skilled at flanking their opponents will have a powerful edge.

• Gold Rush takes place in an old Imulsion refinery that now serves as a hotly contested battleground. Players must survive heavy crossfire as they infiltrate the factory and navigate multiple tiers. Breakable glass allows for a clean shot at those who make a dash for the Longshot rifle while bolder players make their run for the heavy weapon. In the right hands, the Mortar can be devastating on this map, so keep those smoke grenades armed as the concussive effect comes in very handy.

• Fuel Station is situated in a desolate area marked by an abandoned fossil fuel station. The team that secures and controls the station is likely to be the side that wins the match. An especially strategic location on this map is the rooftop, as there are only two points of entry – the main elevator and a staircase on the back side of the building. Heavy weaponry is situated right in front, which presents a high risk to reward ratio in this level. Lugging the Mulcher around, deploying it and revving it up can keep an entire team at bay, and unleashing hell from the rooftops is always an excellent tactic.

The Flood map is probably going to be my favorite.  I need to add some Microsoft Points to my balance sometime soon to pick these up before the next wave of the Community Challenge series begins.  (stay tuned)