It's weird reading the observations of people who haven't played Halo in a long time, they're easy to spot.
Bring back Coagulation? People must love spawn killing.
Spartan laser overpowered? Balances dominant vehicular map control.
Mechs don't belong in Halo? Master Chief
valhalla was a pretty bad map, i don't understand why everyone liked it
the only good big maps in the series are headlong and sidewinder. every other one had major problems
Valhalla is a classic example of a two base relieved symmetry map. The flow of battle is always pushed towards the center which is the known location of the weapon of control, the spartan laser. Once in control of the middle the centric flow is continued as teams can attempt flanking, sniping, or be risky and attempt to down the laser and attempt a vehicle rush. Caves and narrow canyons encrust the sides as deturant to those in control of the top. The mantis (mech) should help increase the frequency in which the middle is contested causing an increase in the pace of battle. When. Being held hostage at spawn by the enemy team, sub bases and big base help spreading the heard, no killing fields like in Coagulation.
In all honesty Valhalla isn't my personal favorite big team map, lightly touches a picture of Terminal, but it sure as hell makes BTB 2 Flag a blast to play.