Well here is the link for those who want to start downloading the Crysis maps although I think you can get them off of the Crysis Servers when you log on also: 

http://www6.incrysis.com/Crysis_Tournament_Map_Pack.zip

For those interested in the TF2 info check here:

http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2007/12/14/new-maps-and-an-update-inbound-for-team-fortress-2 

 

With the links done I want to say I am glad they are keeping these free.  To be clear this isn't meant as a shot at Halo 3 but rather at MS.  I understand that they have their business model in mind where consumers get nickel and dimed to death but I still think they would fair better with a model that tried to include more people and provide unquestionably great value for their consumers.  Or in short, take a few lessons from Crytek and Valve.  

On the patching side of things, Davis spoke of fixes for "several game-play exploits, improving bandwidth usage, improving stats reporting, and fixing some menu bugs." Davis added, "Most of the fixes that are in this update are in response to forum posts from both the PC and 360, and from direct in-game feedback from players." As Shamrock identified himself as a 360 gamer, it is unclear if that update is headed for the PC as well or if it's a 360 update only.

Uhh...well the PC doesn't really need that update, as it's been getting updates every so often as problems occur.  I can't think of anything right now that needs fixing.  There was that awesome medic needle gun glitch which, when shot straight up, would boost any player on your team far up like a rocketjump.  The glitch was there for a couple weeks, but it got fixed on the 31st.

Anyway, new official maps for TF2, sweet!  Some of the custom maps are pretty good, but you can always trust Valve to make the best.  I'm not holding out for anytime soon though.  Besides, those TF2 people should be helping the guys at Left 4 Dead!  Get it done!

That's nice. Some of the custom tf2 maps are fun, but the always seem to have balancing issues (i.e., too difficult to complete or too easy....I'm looking at you, cp_orange_x). I can't wait for more official ones :)

Awesome, more official maps for Team Fortress 2 will be great. Some of the custom ones are really good but others just seem rushed and unbalanced.

no more well/granary type maps please. Those are flawed from design.

ihira said: no more well/granary type maps please. Those are flawed from design.

 Have you played the lazytown map yet?  Not sure if it is an official map but its good enough to be one...probably my second favorite map next to cp_420_orange.

I gotta start playing more customs. A custom starts loading, and I typically say "eh, I'd rather play Gravelpit"...because it's the truth...I love Gravelpit so much hehe.

Apparently the other new map besides the reworked Badlands is called Goldrush. You have to escort a gold-laden minecart through enemy territory. More details on that and the Medic's class upgrade here: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=180237

Oh noes - IGN is reporting that there will be new weapons/class modifications coming up for TF2.
http://pc.ign.com/articles/847/847435p1.html -and here's the link to PCGamer - http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=180201&site=pcg
I sense a great disturbance in the force...

Heavies running around with 600 health? lol.... 

I like it, I welcome official changes. Just because the first release of TF2 is great fun doesn't mean a modification makes it worse.